The Information
by Beck
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 112 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 95 out of 112
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 112
  3. Negative: 9 out of 112

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  1. ReubenF
    Dec 18, 2006
    6
    Beck is the sort of artist who is always a bit patchy - he is experimental, so he is allowed to be. At his best in the 90's, such as on the 'Odelay' LP (1996), he could justly be said to be one of the greatest artists of that decade. Since then he has written some good songs, such as 'Nobody's Fault But My Own' (1998), and 'Lost Cause' and Beck is the sort of artist who is always a bit patchy - he is experimental, so he is allowed to be. At his best in the 90's, such as on the 'Odelay' LP (1996), he could justly be said to be one of the greatest artists of that decade. Since then he has written some good songs, such as 'Nobody's Fault But My Own' (1998), and 'Lost Cause' and 'It's All In Your Mind' on the 'Sea Change' LP (2002). However, these highlights are quiet, mellow songs, which don't quite recapture his best moments. Likewise with this album. A little disappointed, but still hopeful he can regain his funk.… Expand
  2. benp
    Oct 8, 2006
    6
    Why someone would give this a 10 and then proceed to say it's an allright album is beyond me. With that being said I think it's an OK album for Beck. I can count the great tracks on one hand while the rest fall far far away. I have spent much time in the past week listening to this album in the car and while I like it I definately do not think it's one of his top albums.
  3. Armington
    Nov 28, 2010
    6
    His most inconsistent effort in my opinion. Still many standout tracks of course, notably Nausea, No Complaints and Think I'm In Love, but a few dud experiments too (Strange Apparition and 1000 BPM). I appreciate this album is an attempt to go back to the eclectic nature of his early albums, with an obviously more electro leaning, but it I think he was just that little bit more interestingHis most inconsistent effort in my opinion. Still many standout tracks of course, notably Nausea, No Complaints and Think I'm In Love, but a few dud experiments too (Strange Apparition and 1000 BPM). I appreciate this album is an attempt to go back to the eclectic nature of his early albums, with an obviously more electro leaning, but it I think he was just that little bit more interesting and that little bit more mental on the likes of 'Mellow Gold' and 'Odelay'. Brilliant in parts, less so in others.… Expand
  4. ToddW
    Oct 4, 2006
    5
    Beck is the living embodiment of the saying, "You can fool some of the people all of the time." This was a hold-my-nose, blindly hit any number key ranking. I'm really trying to understand and appreciate this guy, I really am. However, after getting my hopes wildly up following Odelay, everything that's followed has been sort of, well, ugh. Even enlisting uber producer Nigel Beck is the living embodiment of the saying, "You can fool some of the people all of the time." This was a hold-my-nose, blindly hit any number key ranking. I'm really trying to understand and appreciate this guy, I really am. However, after getting my hopes wildly up following Odelay, everything that's followed has been sort of, well, ugh. Even enlisting uber producer Nigel Godrich on his recent works has helped little to make his sound palatable. This guy may either be too talented for his own good, or he is a one-note wonder who sucks and is taking all of us along for a ride with his latest rehashing of the same three chords. Next...… Expand
  5. mikes.
    Oct 5, 2006
    5
    Beck has gotten into a comfortable groove as of late and I believe AMG overrated this album. Yes Nigel Godrich is a great producer and does a good job in giving Beck focus. In theory, this album should be good enough to be considered one of his best. It will satisfy hardcore Beck fans. But Beck's original albums had an inviting vibe that helped him break into mainstream pop culture, Beck has gotten into a comfortable groove as of late and I believe AMG overrated this album. Yes Nigel Godrich is a great producer and does a good job in giving Beck focus. In theory, this album should be good enough to be considered one of his best. It will satisfy hardcore Beck fans. But Beck's original albums had an inviting vibe that helped him break into mainstream pop culture, this new release lacks that energy. This is largely due to the fact that Beck hasn't modernized his production. If Beck grabbed Scott Storch, Timbaland, Max Martin: he could of made something special and refreshing. Don't get me wrong Godrich does a good job, lots of depth and consistency in production and in Beck's songwriting. However, he seems to be retracing his earlier artistic career and trying to recreate what he did with his earlier albums. If this album came out 10 years ago it would be a masterpiece. Now he sounds comfortable, not lazy, but also not quite inspiring. What disappoints me the most is that he continues to remain in the same genre of funk,rap,pop,folk, indie and throws them all into a melting pot. For an artist that has previously displayed creativity and variety with Sea Changes, Odelay, and his earlier more experimental work, it seems Beck is now repeating himself, musically and with the retro production by Godrich as well. Overall the album is average, and not that fun or entertaining.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Most Discussed Album of 2006
66
#66 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Los Angeles Times
    100
    This is their third collaboration, but neither the casual, light-bodied "Mutations" nor the intimate "Sea Change" anticipated this kind of flowering. [24 Sep 2006]
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    If Beck gets better as he gets madder, this is definitely his best since 'Midnite Vultures' - maybe even since 'Odelay'.
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  3. NOW Magazine
    60
    Without the bizarre lyrical invention and fuck-shit-up whimsy of his earlier work, Beck's attempts at party jams come off woefully overwrought and flat, making the darker bits interspersed throughout seem intriguing by default.
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