Teen Dream
by Beach House
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jan 26, 2010
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 387 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 329 out of 387
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 387
  3. Negative: 45 out of 387

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  1. robc
    Jan 30, 2010
    9
    A wonderful album that builds on their first 2 releases. Victoria Legrand has a beautifully, soulful voice that works exceptionally well with the re-verb-drenched organ and guitar.
  2. RyanD
    Jan 30, 2010
    9
    Their best and dreamiest album yet. In a world full of hype, these guys deliver. Teen Dream has fantastic string arrangements which set the mood through the dreamy haze of Beach House's stunning vocals and hazy guitar melodies.
  3. TonyN
    Jan 30, 2010
    9
    Victoria Legrand is a goddess. I think she is the best female vocalist out there right now. The album isn't quite as good as Devotion, but it's still an amazing record. "10 Mile Stereo" is the best song on the album hands down. The angelic string synth will make you melt.
  4. LeahT.
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    Way more accessible and well-rounded than their other two albums, brilliant as they were. This is a band that people, not just Pitchfork, can fall in love with...and that's a wonderful evolution.
  5. PaulM
    Jan 27, 2010
    10
    A superb collection of stunning songs. Silver Soul and 10 Mile Stereo are the highlights but each track is great. Seems to be a sizeable amount of people who are loving to hate this for some reason. Can't understand why- its a joy to listen to.
  6. Marc
    Jan 27, 2010
    10
    Wow....why such the low score??? This is the best thing I've heard in a loooong time. Its absolutely brilliant. Dreamy, heartfelt, charming, and immediately likeable. I expected such a cowardly review out of Rolling Stone, but am at a loss how Hot Press or the Guardian could give this a 40. They must be listening to a different record than me.
  7. JamesF.
    Jan 27, 2010
    10
    Lovely.
  8. MichaelT
    Jan 28, 2010
    9
    Beautiful, gauzy, atmospheric music. Even better than Devotion.
  9. Bjorn
    Jan 28, 2010
    10
    The allmusic review should be put in in i want to see this get a higher rating, i love this album.
  10. NicolasB.
    Jan 27, 2010
    9
    I didn't much care for their first album and their second garnered a few listens from me, but this album has completely enamored me. Legrand's wail is captivating with the sense of a mournful optimism in many of these songs. Trust me, even songs at first you don't care for become sustained in your head. This band has a great reverb heavy, pop sound that can surprisingly I didn't much care for their first album and their second garnered a few listens from me, but this album has completely enamored me. Legrand's wail is captivating with the sense of a mournful optimism in many of these songs. Trust me, even songs at first you don't care for become sustained in your head. This band has a great reverb heavy, pop sound that can surprisingly stick with you despite all the haze surrounding each song. Favorites are Walk In The Park, Zebra, Better Times & Take Care.… Expand
  11. jr
    Jan 27, 2010
    9
    Stacked with melodies, this is a superb album.
  12. FrankG
    Jan 27, 2010
    6
    It sounds like Beach House, but also more modern (like they
  13. JohnW
    Jan 27, 2010
    10
    Amazing, beautiful, dreamy, best album from Beach House yet.
  14. EdgarM.
    Jan 27, 2010
    9
    This is going to be one of the best albums this year.
  15. MannyF.
    Jan 27, 2010
    9
    Great record with great songs. Ida meets Mazzy Star meets MBV. Highly recommended!
  16. AlexL
    Jan 30, 2010
    10
    I'm confused with the low reviews. I liked the first two albums quite a bit, but felt that they were too ambient and weren't worth more than a couple listens. Teen Dream is, simply put, brilliant. I think this album achieves significantly more than the first two, specifically with the multitude of catchy rhythms. These melodies will be stuck in your head all day, and don't I'm confused with the low reviews. I liked the first two albums quite a bit, but felt that they were too ambient and weren't worth more than a couple listens. Teen Dream is, simply put, brilliant. I think this album achieves significantly more than the first two, specifically with the multitude of catchy rhythms. These melodies will be stuck in your head all day, and don't wear out. Great mood to the album too. Really felt like this was album of the year worthy; suppose the critics don't agree.… Expand
  17. Alex
    Feb 1, 2010
    10
    I'm addicted to this album. 'Zebra' and 'Silver Soul' take me to heavenly realms.
  18. MuktadaG
    Feb 2, 2010
    9
    It's a little overwrought, but Victoria's vocals take a leap forward into the soulful.
  19. KyleM
    Feb 2, 2010
    9
    the first great album of 2010 and the new decade. their previous 2 albums are very good, but this is something else altogether.
  20. AmielPro
    Feb 3, 2010
    10
    Consistent and inspiring, with different moods and wonderful melody changes.
  21. MarkO.
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    Why do the hot press and the guardian's scores even count? not to sound too pretentious, but if you're giving this album a 40/100 then maybe listening to music isn't for you.
  22. AndrewK.
    Jan 26, 2010
    9
    All the things you liked about the first two albums and more!
  23. TheSituation
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    Just glorious. Absolutely love it.
  24. RobertF
    Jan 27, 2010
    10
    Rolling Stone has no guts. This is a modern classic. I slept to it all day yesterday, I fell in love to it the day before. This is easily the best album of the year so far. Do yourself or you loved one a favor and pick this album up immediately, there won't be a better one all year. Winter's Love.
  25. HarryO.
    Jan 27, 2010
    9
    User score: 6.6? Is this a joke? I can see this topping my 2010 list, and we are in January.
  26. G
    Jan 27, 2010
    9
    Excellent album. Stunningly beautiful vocals and arrangements.
  27. KurtC.
    Jan 28, 2010
    9
    Exceptional album. Completely blindsided me. I had never thought much of Beach House before, but the songwriting and execution of these dream-pop gems are astounding. Hauntingly beautiful and catchy. I'm in love.
  28. StephenK.
    Jan 28, 2010
    10
    A great great 3rd album, everything you thought it would be and more, way more. you'll have to listen over and over as the vibes just pull you in don't buy into the comparisons or the hype, just listen and you'll hear that familiar beach house sound with a touch of evolution.
  29. VT
    Jan 28, 2010
    9
    Not perfect but mind-blowing.
  30. PaulA.
    Jan 29, 2010
    5
    Tedious, slow and plodding, this album doesn't live up to expectations.
  31. SamK.
    Jan 29, 2010
    6
    I'm a huge Beach House fan, but by leaning more towards the conventional indie rock sound (that critics LOVE), Beach house looses much of the uniqueness and intimacy present on their first two albums. Too bad...but Victoria's voice is amazing, I must say!
  32. druss
    Nov 3, 2010
    10
    I feel as if all the negative reviews are from those who haven't let the album sink in. This is probably my pick for the album of the year. Not nearly as dark as their last album, but plenty strange, catchy and original. This band is a valuable gem.
  33. Tubie
    Nov 3, 2010
    9
    It is clear this music is not for everyone, specially mainstream ears but if you can appreciate good music you won't need me to tell you this album is good, really good. Probably a contender for best of the year, at least it's in my top 10.
  34. natron3030
    Oct 21, 2010
    10
    MarkO hits the bullseye here. If the schlempkins at hot press and the guardian think Teen Dream is a 40/100 album, maybe they need to consider rating washers and dryers instead of music. This album is damn near perfect. If you like dreamy hazy pop, Teen Dream will leave you speechless. It's a Magnetic Fields meets the lighter side of Air meets Mazzy Star. Highly recommended.
  35. Vampire25
    Jul 9, 2012
    9
    I finally understand Beach House now. Having said that, Teen Dream is a beautiful album that needs to be listened too. Each track is layered with sonic melodies and sung beautifully by Victoria Legrand who has such a lush and smooth voice. All In All, Teen Dream is a grower, at least for me, but it's absolutely needs to be listened too by anyone who appreciate artistic music. A-
  36. consumer
    Dec 28, 2010
    8
    Helps when you want to have a sweet dream in your sleep on sleepless nights, calming your emotion after a hard day or just chill in a short break. "Teen Dream" is the strong legal painkiller and anesthetic which gives you pleasure all over your body without side effects. Those relaxing vocals, gentle guitar-picking and dream pop vibe are so cool. If you want a calming album to listen butHelps when you want to have a sweet dream in your sleep on sleepless nights, calming your emotion after a hard day or just chill in a short break. "Teen Dream" is the strong legal painkiller and anesthetic which gives you pleasure all over your body without side effects. Those relaxing vocals, gentle guitar-picking and dream pop vibe are so cool. If you want a calming album to listen but you don't have a Norah Jones' record, this is the one to choose.… Expand
  37. Esteban
    Apr 9, 2011
    9
    A truly wonderful album. Their best work to date and, if it weren't for a certain Arcade Fire release, would undoubtedly be the best of 2010. 10 Mile Stereo is the highlight of the album and typifies the fine balance between ethereal and subtle struck throughout the album.
  38. comed3y
    Jul 2, 2013
    10
    I listened to this album when it first came out and i loved it at the time Now ım listening it again in 2013 and my musical understanding has grown a huge amount and it made me realize that some of the music from a couple of years ago that i praised wasn't as amazing as i felt it was But this album didn't get any worse for me it actually got far more better The more i understand aboutI listened to this album when it first came out and i loved it at the time Now ım listening it again in 2013 and my musical understanding has grown a huge amount and it made me realize that some of the music from a couple of years ago that i praised wasn't as amazing as i felt it was But this album didn't get any worse for me it actually got far more better The more i understand about music the more i loved this album I can not believe that this album didn't get a universal acclaim from users it truly deserves it This is the album Beach House perfected their sound and made some of the most beautiful melodies I've ever heard One of the best albums of the century … Expand
  39. louis-wilkinson
    Jul 29, 2011
    9
    If u listen to this album more than once u will notice there tunes are so nice and all the songs are good so it is so easy to listen,it is the best album of beach house and one of the best of the year.
  40. Benjaminimal
    Sep 9, 2011
    10
    It's easy to take a quick listen and respond with the basics: yeah it's slow, syrupy and melancholic. Did you forget who you were listening to? Beach House has crafted their most emotional direct, lyrically challenging and honest record to date. It's strummy, honey like music with the force to break down walls. Genius stuff.
  41. claw01
    Sep 17, 2011
    10
    Hands down my favorite album of 2010, and one of my all time favorite albums. Teen Dream is a testament to the unique and beautiful style of Beach House. All I can say is congratulations VIctoria and Alex for creating such a passionate piece of art.
  42. hydrawithears
    Oct 3, 2011
    10
    The third LP by dream pop duo Beach House is absolutely beautiful and deserves all the attention it has gained. Show me a list of last yearâ
  43. Ricko
    Oct 27, 2011
    7
    A dreamy pop record from start to finish. The band produce some great melodies that at time remind me of a more conventional Sigur Ros. At 10 tracks it's just enough, doesn't go on to long that you'll tire of it. A couple of take them or leave them tracks but more hits than misses here. Well worth a couple of listens.
  44. sepanda
    Dec 24, 2011
    8
    Don't worry you're not the only one confused about whether the vocals are of a man or a woman. Personally, I believe the vocals provided by Victoria Legrand are expressed best in Beach house's first album. I wasn't crazy for their second album "devotion" because it just didn't grab my attention, but their debut was similar to this. If you enjoyed Their self-titled LP "Beach House", thenDon't worry you're not the only one confused about whether the vocals are of a man or a woman. Personally, I believe the vocals provided by Victoria Legrand are expressed best in Beach house's first album. I wasn't crazy for their second album "devotion" because it just didn't grab my attention, but their debut was similar to this. If you enjoyed Their self-titled LP "Beach House", then except a one-up with Teen Dream.… Expand
  45. Gimlet
    Dec 29, 2011
    9
    An absolutely stunning album. I first discovered Beach House as an opening act for another show about a year ago, and admittedly didn't really pay attention or appreciate this amazing band. After giving them another shot some months later, I'm so glad I did.

    In Teen Dream, Legrande's focuses more on human experience and the building and breaking of relationships. Her androgynous voice    An absolutely stunning album. I first discovered Beach House as an opening act for another show about a year ago, and admittedly didn't really pay attention or appreciate this amazing band. After giving them another shot some months later, I'm so glad I did.

    In Teen Dream, Legrande's focuses more on human experience and the building and breaking of relationships. Her androgynous voice still manages to captivate the listener in a wonderful, dream-esque way. Possibly one of the best albums of 2010, I'm still stunned by this album.    … Expand
  46. marxthebills
    May 5, 2012
    9
    The Baltimore duo's strongest album. Evolving but not straying too far from their signature sound. The album initially grabs you with its gorgeous melodies but make no mistake this album is much deeper than just pretty sounds. It will take others a while for it to soak in. Either way, when you finally get there it is immensely beautiful destination. When the album stops you get aThe Baltimore duo's strongest album. Evolving but not straying too far from their signature sound. The album initially grabs you with its gorgeous melodies but make no mistake this album is much deeper than just pretty sounds. It will take others a while for it to soak in. Either way, when you finally get there it is immensely beautiful destination. When the album stops you get a feeling reminiscent of waking up from a deep peaceful dream.… Expand
  47. axelkoch
    Jan 28, 2013
    5
    Beach House still aren't mainstream-suitable but they partly improved what bugged me in their previous records. One being the tedious and in parts boring tone of their music and the other being unrecognisable hooks. Teen Dream is better in that, but is still a very strange release that doesn't fit my type of music. Nevertheless, I honour their talent in composing the lyrics.
  48. charlesobrien
    Sep 9, 2012
    8
    Arguably the greatest release by Beach House. Amongst a society seemingly attached to MTV subculture, this album is unique and fresh.
  49. tricky-1
    Mar 20, 2022
    9
    This was a turning point for Beach House. After the first two albums, BH were starting to become a cult band. But Teen Dream changed everything. It attracted a wider audience, gaining a critical acclaim. Many of the critics called it their first masterpiece and I agree with them. It takes time to get used to a sound and it is rewarded after several listenings. They expanded the sound andThis was a turning point for Beach House. After the first two albums, BH were starting to become a cult band. But Teen Dream changed everything. It attracted a wider audience, gaining a critical acclaim. Many of the critics called it their first masterpiece and I agree with them. It takes time to get used to a sound and it is rewarded after several listenings. They expanded the sound and perfected it with the next album (my favorite!) ''Bloom''. Highlights: ''Zebra'', ''Silver Soul'', ''Walk in The Park'', ''Used to Be'', ''10 Mile Stereo''.… Expand
  50. carrsean
    Jun 6, 2016
    9
    So far, Teen Dream stands as the peak of Beach House's discography. Bloom stands as a refinement of many of the ideas on TD, but TD stands as a bold step forward for the band. From Zebra to Take Care, every song is a marvel in itself. It's strung out, yet it's a tight set of 10 concise tracks putting Legrand's and Scally's talents on full display. It's a brilliant showcase of everythingSo far, Teen Dream stands as the peak of Beach House's discography. Bloom stands as a refinement of many of the ideas on TD, but TD stands as a bold step forward for the band. From Zebra to Take Care, every song is a marvel in itself. It's strung out, yet it's a tight set of 10 concise tracks putting Legrand's and Scally's talents on full display. It's a brilliant showcase of everything brilliant about Beach House.… Expand
  51. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 24, 2021
    8
    Stacked with melodies, this is a superb album. The third LP by dream pop duo Beach House is absolutely beautiful and deserves all the attention it has gained. Teen Dream stands as the peak of Beach House's discography. Bloom stands as a refinement of many of the ideas on TD, but TD stands as a bold step forward for the band. From Zebra to Take Care, every song is a marvel in itself. It'sStacked with melodies, this is a superb album. The third LP by dream pop duo Beach House is absolutely beautiful and deserves all the attention it has gained. Teen Dream stands as the peak of Beach House's discography. Bloom stands as a refinement of many of the ideas on TD, but TD stands as a bold step forward for the band. From Zebra to Take Care, every song is a marvel in itself. It's strung out, yet it's a tight set of 10 concise tracks putting Legrand's and Scally's talents on full display.… Expand
  52. Shebetun
    Jan 21, 2020
    4
    Did not like this one in their discography, Hate the songs and singing, the theme, progressions. It has some vibe but 7 has been much more pleasure for me.

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Best Album of 2010
22
#22 Most Discussed Album of 2010
29
#29 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Drowned In Sound
    70
    Teen Dream is kind of MOR, it would go down a treat at a dinner party, there are boring bits and the doleful DIY magic of the debut seems to have more or less run out. But it’s shot through with more than a handful of heartstoppingly wonderful moments.
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    80
    This Baltimore dream-pop duo, whose dense-fog organs, reverb-y slide guitars, and nodding harmonies feel as lush as a midnight walk in a wet garden. On their third album, those feelings now sound like actual songs, with swelling choruses and an all-encompassing ache.
    Read full review
  3. The Boston Phoenix
    100
    Teen Dream sheds the uncertainties evident in past Beach House albums--each melodic turn (and there are many) balances the force of confidence with the momentum of curiosity.
    Read full review
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