Masterpiece
by Big Thief
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 39
  3. Negative: 1 out of 39
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  1. drusslaw
    Mar 17, 2023
    10
    This is a phenomenal debut album. They still haven't topped it in my humble opinion. It's better than most bands entire catalogue. Without exaggeration this is one of the greatest verses every composed:

    "You whisper to a restless ear "Can you get me out of here? This place smells like piss and beer Can you get me out?" You were asking me How to get you free I only know the    This is a phenomenal debut album. They still haven't topped it in my humble opinion. It's better than most bands entire catalogue. Without exaggeration this is one of the greatest verses every composed:

    "You whisper to a restless ear
    "Can you get me out of here?
    This place smells like piss and beer
    Can you get me out?"
    You were asking me
    How to get you free
    I only know the recipe to roam"    … Expand
  2. Ricko
    Nov 2, 2019
    8
    I came to "Big Thief" in early 2019 when they bought out "U.F.O.F.". I loved it and so it was a treat for me to have two previous albums already waiting to be listened to. "Masterpiece" starts with a home recording quality short track "Little Arrow" before breaking into the relatively polished title track which introduces the listener to what Big Thief are all about. Indie guitars withI came to "Big Thief" in early 2019 when they bought out "U.F.O.F.". I loved it and so it was a treat for me to have two previous albums already waiting to be listened to. "Masterpiece" starts with a home recording quality short track "Little Arrow" before breaking into the relatively polished title track which introduces the listener to what Big Thief are all about. Indie guitars with foundations in folk. Dirty guitars and harmonies in the vocals. The songs come in two styles. Singer songwriter style numbers with Adrianne Lenker's melodic voice accompanied by sparse acoustic or electric guitars is the formula for about a quarter of the songs. The rest are full band efforts. The songwriting is top end and there are half a dozen standout tracks. You would think it's all been done in this genre but every few years some outfit comes along and brings fresh ears to it. Once you get started with Big Thief you'll be addicted. "Interstate", "Masterpiece", "Humans" and "Animals" are my favourite tracks but it feels unfair to pick standouts from such an accomplished album.… Expand
  3. highzachlowzach
    Jun 1, 2016
    10
    Every song with their own story, told through incredible songwriting and a poignant atmosphere. The human condition contained in a musical road trip. A moving, intimate yet sprawling, emotionally satisfying record.
  4. 8-bit-waffle
    May 30, 2016
    4
    Its okay But listening to this after radio-heads moon shaped pool I can tell how much of a difference in quality there is between these two artists and their music

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Dusted Magazine
    Jun 22, 2016
    80
    There are times when Lenker approaches Marissa Nadler’s eerie otherworldliness, though not for long. ... Couple that with a really good, dense, aggressive musical attack, led by Meek, but supported by bassist Max Oleartchik and drummer James Krivchenia, and you’ve got something special, especially in the more rock-oriented tunes like “Masterpiece,” “Humans” and, especially “Paul.”
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  2. PopMatters
    Jun 14, 2016
    70
    There are a couple of missteps here and there, but the good stuff is really accomplished. Masterpiece is full of solid, low-key indie rock with rootsy leanings and should have no trouble quickly finding an audience for Big Thief.
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  3. Rolling Stone
    Jun 13, 2016
    70
    The softer, acoustic songs recall Lenker's formative folk-singer past. But she's found the right band in Big Thief.
    Read full review
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