Hyperspace
by Beck
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Nov 22, 2019
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 51
  3. Negative: 7 out of 51
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  1. frankrog29
    Dec 7, 2019
    8
    I would give Hyperspace an 8.5/10. On his new album, Beck takes the R&B, trap-influenced pop, and 80s pop genres, all of which he has dabbled in before, and turns them up to 10. He does cover some new ground, such as chillwave. As always, Beck’s songwriting is magnificent; the album contains some of his best songs since Morning Phase (see “See Through,” “Hyperspace,” and “Star”). TheI would give Hyperspace an 8.5/10. On his new album, Beck takes the R&B, trap-influenced pop, and 80s pop genres, all of which he has dabbled in before, and turns them up to 10. He does cover some new ground, such as chillwave. As always, Beck’s songwriting is magnificent; the album contains some of his best songs since Morning Phase (see “See Through,” “Hyperspace,” and “Star”). The sounds are ethereal and beautiful, yet melancholy. The lyrics are often quite bleak, examining the dark sides of interpersonal relationships, society, and existence. Fans will recognize this grim tone from some of the singer/songwriter’s previous albums, such as The Information and Modern Guilt. The retro, otherworldly, 80s/chillwave synthesizers create the impression of being in a dream which might turn out to be a nightmare or watching a dystopian science fiction movie. My main criticism of the album is that the first half, though good, is not as strong as the second half, which is amazing. If Beck had placed more robust songs on the first half of Hyperspace or made the album more consistent and cohesive front-to-back, then perhaps it would have been a classic, rather than just another great album from the artist.… Expand
  2. Jaqwaan
    Nov 22, 2019
    7
    "Hyperspace" is a fantastic multiplex of genres mastered to represent the best of Beck. Although Hyperspace may appeal to a niche audience, long time Beck fans are in for a special album with tones from his whole discography.
    Do not underestimate this. You might not originally like some songs, but as you listen more frequently, they will resonate with you.
  3. Gammaradiator
    Nov 24, 2019
    9
    Excellent album. Picks up where Colors left off. Nice mix of electronic and genres/themes Beck has been working in for his entire career. Lyrics are reflective, mature and emotionally resonant
  4. kodyk
    Mar 22, 2021
    10
    This is something new. I didn’t expect to get so much energy from space. With every song you plunge into this atmosphere.
    There are no songs that stand out, which speaks of the real integrity of the album. Well, the sound effects are just wow.
  5. Alex_Nevermind
    Nov 22, 2019
    6
    Produced by Beck, Pharrell Williams, and David Greenbaum, "Hyperspace" turned out to be somewhat mediocre and disappointing. For a genius musical chameleon like Hansen, he dropped the ball on this project.

    Tracks such as "Hyperlife", "Chemical", "Hyperspace", "See Through", and "Everlasting Nothing" just fall flat, uninspired, and boring. They come off like album filler. Not good when    Produced by Beck, Pharrell Williams, and David Greenbaum, "Hyperspace" turned out to be somewhat mediocre and disappointing. For a genius musical chameleon like Hansen, he dropped the ball on this project.

    Tracks such as "Hyperlife", "Chemical", "Hyperspace", "See Through", and "Everlasting Nothing" just fall flat, uninspired, and boring. They come off like album filler. Not good when you consider that
    the CD is only 11 tracks and slightly under 40 minutes.

    The highlights include "Star", "Stratosphere", "Uneventful Days"; "Saw Lightning", "Die Waiting", and "Dark Places". In essence, "Hyperspace" would have faired better as an E.P.

    My rating: 6 out of 10 stars.     … Expand
  6. a_sebastian
    Dec 20, 2019
    0
    Beck, what is the purpose of you still doing this... Music thing?
    I remember you meant stuff, but now, I don't understand where you're at.
  7. Trqkh
    Dec 5, 2019
    0
    3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10
  8. Ricko
    Mar 7, 2022
    7
    I've listened to "Hyperspace" over a dozen times now hoping to hear something. I still find it underwhelming and forgettable. Such is his style, a Beck album will often have a lull somewhere as something new is tried out but you will have moments of genius as well. On "Hyperspace" there are no standout moments, no experimentation just pleasant background music. I still reckon I'm missingI've listened to "Hyperspace" over a dozen times now hoping to hear something. I still find it underwhelming and forgettable. Such is his style, a Beck album will often have a lull somewhere as something new is tried out but you will have moments of genius as well. On "Hyperspace" there are no standout moments, no experimentation just pleasant background music. I still reckon I'm missing something though. Edit, March 2022, having revisited this recently the album has grown on me. There are definitely some tunes on here even if they are somewhat smothered by the production.… Expand
  9. Golbez
    Dec 1, 2019
    7
    There are some funky and great moments here. Others sound like highly elevated elevator music, maybe I just need a few spins around the sun on this one but it is contemporary and fresh. If you are a rock fan you will find acid phases of electric drum, guitar, synth, even stadium like anthem material but not songs. Sorry difficult to describe this one other than 80s style rhythms withThere are some funky and great moments here. Others sound like highly elevated elevator music, maybe I just need a few spins around the sun on this one but it is contemporary and fresh. If you are a rock fan you will find acid phases of electric drum, guitar, synth, even stadium like anthem material but not songs. Sorry difficult to describe this one other than 80s style rhythms with high end modern, sometimes hip-hop /country production that has caught on fire lately.… Expand
  10. matthewmirliani
    Nov 30, 2019
    7
    Beck’s Hyperspace has some great moments - moments of pure dream-pop brilliance (the wonderful “See Through” and “Die Waiting”), introspection weaved into lovely melodies (the pleasant finale “Everlasting Nothing”), and clever odes to the Vaporwave sound and aesthetic. However, the album is at times a confusing and messy listen, particularly due to breaks in sonic and thematic cohesivenessBeck’s Hyperspace has some great moments - moments of pure dream-pop brilliance (the wonderful “See Through” and “Die Waiting”), introspection weaved into lovely melodies (the pleasant finale “Everlasting Nothing”), and clever odes to the Vaporwave sound and aesthetic. However, the album is at times a confusing and messy listen, particularly due to breaks in sonic and thematic cohesiveness (i.e. the strange and clumsy Western-tinged “Saw Lightning”). All in all, however, the high points of Hyperspace outweigh the low, and make it worthy of any music lover’s attention.… Expand
  11. valrios
    Apr 16, 2020
    8
    Trippy album, with actual elements of hip hop and the recent wave of synth-pop, beautiful harmonies and melodies... Simple, but not obvious. A well constructed project.
  12. Andremax
    Dec 3, 2019
    7
    Hyperspace isn't a masterpiece, and it's fair doesn't waiting nothing like another "Mellow gold" or "Odelay", but it's a bigger step compared to Colours because Beck returns with his always bending of styles, such as soft rock, folk, vaporwave, rap, blues and a blow of trap.
  13. Spoonyon
    Feb 9, 2020
    3
    Really boring attempt to capitalize on a trendy new wave of nostalgia infused psych rock tracks. It's so blatantly trying to appeal to a very specific market of millennial listeners. It's so cheap and disingenuous, If Beck wanted to he could make an actually good album full of 80s synth wave throwbacks. But instead we get an extremely surface level take on the era it's trying to rip off,Really boring attempt to capitalize on a trendy new wave of nostalgia infused psych rock tracks. It's so blatantly trying to appeal to a very specific market of millennial listeners. It's so cheap and disingenuous, If Beck wanted to he could make an actually good album full of 80s synth wave throwbacks. But instead we get an extremely surface level take on the era it's trying to rip off, designed to rake in the most streams possible.… Expand
  14. DotKnot1
    Jun 28, 2021
    7
    idk its good enough, and uneventful days slaps. even if most of the tracks are just ok, so 7 i guess.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Dec 10, 2019
    80
    The sound of the otherworldly sci-fi R&B that's released when psych country singer-songwriter and a future-pop production legend bond at molecular level. [Jan 2019, p.86]
  2. musicOMH.com
    Dec 3, 2019
    80
    Not all of the 11 tracks here strike gold, but they glitter and glow with positivity.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    Dec 3, 2019
    65
    Sometimes he hits pure signal, and sometimes it’s just background noise as he gets to wherever he’s going next.
    Read full review
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