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Beyond the Pale
by
Beyond the Pale Image
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut full-length release for the band that includes Pulp's Jarvis Cocker, Serafina Steer, Emma Smith, Andrew McKinney, Jason Buckle and Adam Betts.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jul 16, 2020
    100
    A resounding comeback. ... The best thing Cocker has done since Pulp, and that is very good indeed.
  2. Q Magazine
    Jul 15, 2020
    100
    The work of a man kitted out with a full array of emotional surveillance equipment, its expansive space-rock and cosmic lyrics zooming in and out on humanity in all its rich chaos. [Jun 2020, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. DIY Magazine
    Jul 16, 2020
    90
    Pushing nearly 30 years in the game, JARV IS... still an absolute one-of-a-kind.
  4. Mojo
    Jul 15, 2020
    80
    An attractive ad hoc vibe pervades these seven longish songs, partially recorded live: a DIY futurism, all tinfoil and stick-backed plastic, that harks back to Pulp's early '90s. [Jun 2020, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. musicOMH.com
    Jul 17, 2020
    80
    his is a mid-career highlight from one of the finest lyricists and sonic set-dressers this country has produced. It’s a little bit silly, a little bit raunchy and a whole lot of fun. ... Simply put, JARV IS… a winner.
  6. Clash Music
    Jul 16, 2020
    80
    JARV… IS grapple with fresh possibilities in a wry, recognisable, but incredibly fresh way.
  7. Pitchfork
    Jul 17, 2020
    67
    Beyond the Pale contains plenty of sharp songwriting, but despite the intrigue of its premise, it may have benefitted from a more thorough commitment to making a proper album.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. NormanAlee
    Jul 23, 2020
    10
    Cant understand so low ratings from users. Melodies distinctly differs from 98% mainstream albums, reminds me a lot of 80s songwriting andCant understand so low ratings from users. Melodies distinctly differs from 98% mainstream albums, reminds me a lot of 80s songwriting and east European folk… Expand
  2. IgorSiberia
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First, and this is without a doubt, a first-class album with amazing melodic patterns.
    Secondly, it was reminiscent of the best examples of Gavin Friday art. For example, his album "Shag Tobacco". An incredible pleasure.    … Expand
  4. Ricko
    Jan 7, 2021
    9
    I have to say I loved Jarvis Cocker's first 2 solo albums. For me they confirmed him as one of the great British songwriters of the last 30I have to say I loved Jarvis Cocker's first 2 solo albums. For me they confirmed him as one of the great British songwriters of the last 30 years or so and I still think they are underrated albums. The Pulp reunion interrupted his run of solo material and I didn't listen to the "Room 29" collaboration (yet). Here we are in 2020 and here comes the Jarv with cracking new material and more importantly, a new band of collaborators. As much as I liked "The Jarvis Cocker Record" and "Further Complications", "Beyond the Pale" is the closest he has come to his halycon Pulp days. As a lyricist Jarvis Cocker is out on his own in terms of style, humour and intelligence. He's always had good melodies backing his humourous social commentaries but this album is a glorious 40 minute art pop romp. It has twists and turns throughout, has the experimental feel of an art house jamming session and has all the quirks of Pulp at their finest. In "House Music All Night Long", the album contains an unintentional anthem for the year 2020. Different Class, as always.… Expand
  5. JLuis_001
    Jul 25, 2020
    7
    Although I have always considered Jarvis Cocker to be overrated, this album is slow but solid.
    Nothing exceptional but I reiterate; solid.

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Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best Album of 2020

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