Sea Change
by Beck
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Sep 24, 2002
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. The Wire
    60
    The risky juxtapositions that mark his best work are critically missing. [#224, p.51]
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  2. Village Voice
    40
    The most disappointing aspect of this record is that Beck has fallen into the trap of confusing earnestly repeated clichés for personal lyrics.
  3. Uncut
    40
    This is pretty gloomy going, not rendered much easier by the lugubrious baritone in which Beck delivers his emotional autopsies, or the vague, amorphous melodies. [Nov 2002, p.116]
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  5. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    40
    Beck desperately aims for Johnny Cash's funereal blues, but the unremitting bleakness of Sea Change more closely resembles alternative rock's limpid whine.

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best Album of 2002
17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2002
15
#15 Most Shared Album of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 176 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 158 out of 176
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 176
  3. Negative: 10 out of 176
  1. j30
    Aug 11, 2011
    10
    This is Beck's best work since Odelay. The lyrics and the whole atmosphere of the album is kind of a "Debbie Downer", but in a good way. ThisThis is Beck's best work since Odelay. The lyrics and the whole atmosphere of the album is kind of a "Debbie Downer", but in a good way. This is the kind of album you listen to on a rainy day or when your heart get's ripped out. This album is on par with Elliot Smith's Either/Or and Nick Drake's Pink Moon… Full Review »
  2. Vampire25
    Mar 13, 2012
    9
    It took me the longest time to fully appreciate this album. This is Beck's most mature album to date. "The Golden Age" is a perfect openingIt took me the longest time to fully appreciate this album. This is Beck's most mature album to date. "The Golden Age" is a perfect opening track. All In All, might not be Beck's best work to date, but it's certainly his most mature and one if his best. A-… Full Review »
  3. WesF.
    Jun 15, 2007
    10
    Was not a huge fan of Beck until I heard this record on a long trip with my brother. Sea Change is simply one of my favorite albums of all Was not a huge fan of Beck until I heard this record on a long trip with my brother. Sea Change is simply one of my favorite albums of all time, and I still listen to it 5 years later.… Full Review »
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