Yoko
by Beulah
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Dusted Magazine
    100
    Beulah have somehow blended the sounds their last three albums, each a significant achievement on its own, into one career-spanning epic, completely worthy of their reputation; any small ways in which their past work has seemed lacking, superficial, or scatterbrained is gone, and only the best points remain.
  2. Alternative Press
    90
    A melodic masterpiece of regret. [Oct 2003, p.122]
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  3. AllMusic
    90
    A switch in approach and sound definitely worked for them, and fans shouldn't be put off by Beulah's toughened confidence.
  5. Ink 19
    80
    It's the detailed complexity and playfulness of the performances that really set Yoko apart from your regular psych-pop release.
  6. Playlouder
    80
    An epic alt.rock symphony that takes the band’s trademark sun-kissed melodies and brass flourishes and melds them into something altogether darker and achingly beautiful. Unsurprisingly, it’s an approach that more than pays off.
  7. The A.V. Club
    80
    Recalls an Americanized Delgados, or Camper Van Beethoven after it made the transition from happy college-rock to the grim Americana of 1989's masterful Key Lime Pie.
  8. The Guardian
    80
    Where Kurosky's fiercely sardonic lyrics were once couched in soaring trumpet lines and glorious powerpop hooks, now they bristle against grumbling electronics, sliding discordant chords and drunken, hazy horns.
  9. PopMatters
    80
    When Yoko isn't channeling Wilco, it calls to mind another giant on the American indie rock scene: Spoon.
  10. Splendid
    70
    Yoko is a much, much darker record than anything else in Beulah's canon.
  11. Rolling Stone
    70
    The band has tossed some of the sunny pop of 2001's The Coast Is Never Clear, paring down some of the horn-happy melodies that have defined their style, but their songs are still bright and elegant.
  12. Pitchfork
    68
    Everything is intricately wrought and calculated, perhaps in an overly accommodating response to fears of linearity. This fashionable awareness lends an almost palpable weight to the sound. It succeeds in adding depth and texture to the album, but sometimes overshoots the mark.
  13. Under The Radar
    60
    Yoko isn't exactly what fans of the first three albums might be expecting, but it's still a Beulah album. [#5, p.99]
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Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 3 out of 25
  1. jjay
    Mar 7, 2005
    10
    One of my favorite albums ever. Its a modern masterpiece that I rank up there with Modest Mouse's The Moon and Antarctica. So terribly One of my favorite albums ever. Its a modern masterpiece that I rank up there with Modest Mouse's The Moon and Antarctica. So terribly overlooked, will it ever get the respect it deserves?… Full Review »
  2. KilgoreTrout
    Jan 30, 2005
    10
    A very impressive swan song for the band (no pun intended). Really hated to see these guys call it a day. So, so sad that the realities of A very impressive swan song for the band (no pun intended). Really hated to see these guys call it a day. So, so sad that the realities of modern (& NorCal) life make it so hard for anyone with true talent to make ends meet. P.S. buy the Demo of this album as well; just as awesome.… Full Review »
  3. MaryU
    Oct 12, 2004
    10
    Great lyrics, wonderful melodies, interesting instrumentation, superb album.
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