The Rip Tide - Beirut
The Rip Tide Image
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Summary: The New Mexico-based band releases its newest album of indie rock, fusing world music with pop to develop a unique sound all of its own.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Beats Per Minute (formerly One Thirty BPM)
    Aug 12, 2011
    90
    The Rip Tide, though, never bursts at the seams, and never feels too slight. Each number in the collection packs weight, and repeat listenings allow all nine to unfold their unique beauty.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 1, 2011
    80
    These ideas of acceptance, hope and personal reflection make The Rip Tide an accomplished, restrained record, which sees Condon forgetting his travels, and forging his own native sound.
  3. All Music Guide
    Dec 6, 2011
    80
    Condon spends much of Rip Tide writing in first person, and it lends an air of much needed intimacy to the always gorgeous, yet historically elusive Beirut sound.
  4. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 26, 2011
    60
    The engaging mood is further enhanced by Condon's baffling but beautiful lyrics.

See all 34 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. lilkillpappy
    10
    A great consistent album. Original, dynamic, and honest. Great lyrics, great vocals, soulful music. Don't know what to say other than that. It's the kind of music that takes you somewhere far away.… Expand
  2. Texas_Dawg
    10
    Best album of 2011 so far. Beautiful music. "Santa Fe," "East Harlem," "Vagabond" are the best efforts, but the album is enjoyable from start to finish with no misses.… Expand
  3. Landerski
    10
    Great album! If you like indie rock, you will probably enjoy it too. My favorite songs are: East Harlem, Santa Fe, Rip Tide. This is the first Beirut's album I have ever listened to, I never heard of him before. That's a shame, because he turned out to be a great musician.… Expand
  4. eastside
    8
    Another enjoyable effort from Beirut. Creative instrumentation, well-constructed songs and some wonderful warbling/crooning from Zach Condon. Looking through the credits, nary a guitar is listed. This is a good thing! Lovely horns and interesting percussion color this strong set throughout. Definitely a nice follow-up to the last album. Good starting point for the curious--if you enjoy this record, be sure to check out the others.… Expand

See all 5 User Reviews

Current Music Releases

Full List »
  1. The Complete Columbia Album Collection - Johnny Cash
    Metascore: 99
  2. Rumours [35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition] - Fleetwood Mac
    Metascore: 99
  3. Live in Europe 1969: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 2 - Miles Davis Quintet
    Metascore: 92
  4. Jama Ko - Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
    Metascore: 91
  5. Like a Rose - Ashley Monroe
    Metascore: 89
  6. Same Trailer Different Park - Kacey Musgraves
    Metascore: 89
  7. Your Turn - Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog
    Metascore: 88
  8. The Graceless Age - John Murry
    Metascore: 88
  9. Minute by Minute - The James Hunter Six
    Metascore: 88
  10. Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness [Deluxe Edition] - Smashing Pumpkins
    Metascore: 88
  11. Music For the Quiet Hour/The Drawbar Organ EPs - Shackleton
    Metascore: 87
  12. M B V - My Bloody Valentine
    Metascore: 87
  13. Beautiful Africa - Rokia Traoré
    Metascore: 87
  14. LSXX [Last Splash: 20th Anniversary Edition] - The Breeders
    Metascore: 87
  15. Annie Up - Pistol Annies
    Metascore: 87
  16. Random Access Memories - Daft Punk
    Metascore: 87
  17. Rage Against the Machine XX [20th Anniversary Edition] - Rage Against the Machine
    Metascore: 87
  18. Without a Net - Wayne Shorter
    Metascore: 86
  19. In Time - The Mavericks
    Metascore: 86
All Current Music »