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The BQE
by
The BQE Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

  • Summary: The Detroit artist wrote the music for the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), to be performed in the Howard Gilman Opera House at the Next Wave Festival in October of 2007.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Paste Magazine
    92
    It’s his most ambitious undertaking to date, and while it presents no obvious singles or easy entry points, he pulls it off without it feeling pretentious or ponderous.
  2. PopMatters
    90
    It is at times derivative, but it is overall a transcendent work by one of the most promising musician-artists in the contemporary scene.
  3. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    It’s a compliment to Stevens when one notices that listening to the music alone is rewarding and yet, the shots from the documentary are what run vivid in your head.
  4. musicOMH.com
    70
    The BQE is a lushly extravagant score that merges quite easily into Sufjan's grand catalogue. All who lend an ear to his opus will look upon the titular thoroughfare with a kinder eye, even if that view does not have the benefit of reminiscence.
  5. Slant Magazine
    70
    His ideas are realized with the confidence of a seasoned composer, comfortable with implementing all corners of the orchestra to wondrous effect.
  6. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    The gear changes on this particular autobahn are swift and sometimes a little clunky.
  7. Uncut
    40
    It's occasionally very beautiful, but this is so far removed from values of immediacy and accessibility that Stevens' core audience are likely to be left non-plussed. [Dec 2009, p. 113]
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See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 3 out of 4
  1. tmaxwell
    Feb 23, 2017
    10
    The fact that this article doesn't have a user review tells me that people have given up on music. There isn't the ability to make aThe fact that this article doesn't have a user review tells me that people have given up on music. There isn't the ability to make a relatable relationship with what you expect, then it's not worth the time. However, if you have not heard this album when you are on the brink of original thought, you are not living. This is quite possibly the most brilliant piece of art I have ever heard, and no one even noticed. Do yourself a favor and live, give this album a try and you will see why I say that.… Expand
  2. cyncalis
    Oct 31, 2018
    0
    This is quite overrated and I find the musical presence behind this is quite lacking. Disappointing
  4. thegoat112
    Oct 31, 2018
    0
    I still remember the morning I was disappointed by this album. I woke up and checked, my feed, absolutely HYPED for this new album. I listenedI still remember the morning I was disappointed by this album. I woke up and checked, my feed, absolutely HYPED for this new album. I listened and spat out my cereal. Sufjan, you dissapointed me greatly.
    -Sincerely, a fan.    … Expand
  5. dabartist
    Oct 31, 2018
    0
    Not going to lie. I expected more from this. However there are some good parts - like when it ended. At least I gave it a go, I'll tell myself.