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A Beginner's Mind
by
A Beginner's Mind Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 40 Ratings

  • Artist(s): Angelo De Augustine
  • Summary: The debut full-length release for the collaboration between Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine was inspired by such films as All About Eve, Bring It On Again, Night of the Living Dead, Mad Max, Point Break, Silence of the Lambs, and The Thing.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Consequence
    Sep 22, 2021
    91
    De Augustine is the perfect match for Sufjan’s gentle vocal style — the two have very similar voices, to the point that sometimes it’s almost hard to differentiate them, but the similarity works in the album’s favor and lends each duet a feeling of tenderness and proximity.
  2. Under The Radar
    Sep 24, 2021
    85
    As art begets art, A Beginner’s Mind is both truly inspirational and a testament to what can come out of work-shopping with A-list performers.
  3. Exclaim
    Sep 22, 2021
    80
    A Beginner's Mind will not wow you with grand theatrics but it will have you on the edge of your seat nevertheless.
  4. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 4, 2021
    80
    The result isn’t moving, per se, but it is at its best affecting and warm (Reach Out, The Pillar of Souls and Cimmerian Shade exemplify the record at its most beautiful, for my money). ... Interestingly, the duo save their best - and their most experimental - until the final two tracks.
  5. Paste Magazine
    Sep 24, 2021
    77
    With A Beginner’s Mind, Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine have stumbled upon a beautiful vocal recipe.
  6. Beats Per Minute
    Sep 24, 2021
    77
    A Beginner’s Mind proves the two are not only capable of making beautiful music as a duo, but bodes well for their solo work to come — it’s yet another captivating plot point in their overarching narratives.
  7. Pitchfork
    Sep 30, 2021
    67
    Thanks to their gently intertwined voices, most name-drops or direct references, like the shout-out to stop-motion animator Ray Harryhausen on “Olympus,” don’t feel forced.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Austinjkieler
    Sep 26, 2021
    10
    Probably my new favorite Sufjan album. Very reminiscent of his earlier works, especially Illinois and Michigan. There's even some Seven SwansProbably my new favorite Sufjan album. Very reminiscent of his earlier works, especially Illinois and Michigan. There's even some Seven Swans energy thrown in here and there. It's incredible.… Expand
  2. yosrege
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    amazing album by amazing people, so well done and this is what sasha velour meant by “art”
  4. Panchogul
    Oct 1, 2021
    10
    Sufjan siempre entregando arte de calidad, ahora en colaboración de Angelo han sobrepasado todo límite, increíble es decir demasiado poco.
  5. GunnarW
    Sep 26, 2021
    10
    I’m speechless. This might be the album of the year. I make The Irish Times’ words my own: “ This exceptional, empathic record reshapes thatI’m speechless. This might be the album of the year. I make The Irish Times’ words my own: “ This exceptional, empathic record reshapes that idea into a call to arms for the broken, and the devoured, so that a kind of purity might yet triumph over dissolution”.… Expand
  6. jayus-
    Nov 21, 2021
    9
    Beautiful and very catchy. Very accessible and easy to enjoy without repeated listens compared to Sufjan's more experimental projects
  7. udaybhanu
    Sep 24, 2021
    9
    Sufjan Stevens' classical sense of indie poetry and mysterious composition blends well with the overall themes of exploration. HisSufjan Stevens' classical sense of indie poetry and mysterious composition blends well with the overall themes of exploration. His collaboration with De Augustine is something I look forward to for more music. Back to Oz is the track that stood out for me the most. Overall, not the best Sufjan work (I haven't heard more De Augustine to compare), but certainly a brilliant album.… Expand
  8. hausoflilluis
    Oct 20, 2021
    8
    My heart is humming with happiness hearing this. I'm SO delighted with the duo. I admit I had a bad feeling; Aporia and I didn't get alongMy heart is humming with happiness hearing this. I'm SO delighted with the duo. I admit I had a bad feeling; Aporia and I didn't get along last year, but my relationship with Sufjan is much better now. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the movies that were inspired to make such a great album!

    fav tracks: "Back To Oz", "Reach Out", "(This Is) The Thing", "It's Your Own Body and Mind" & "Fictional California"
    KEY-TRACK: "Cimmerian Shade"    … Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

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