Morph The Cat
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Morph The Cat Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 45 Ratings

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  • Summary: This is the Steely Dan vocalist's first solo disc in over a dozen years.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. The Guardian
    100
    The album is imbued with a post-9/11 dread, which deters Fagen from recycling the nostalgia and Lynchian fantasy of his previous albums.
  2. AllMusic
    90
    More so than on Kamakiriad, or on the tight Everything Must Go, there is a sense of genuine band interplay on this record, which helps give it both consistency and heart -- something appropriate for an album that is Fagen's most personal song cycle since The Nightfly, and quite possibly his best album since then.
  3. Billboard
    90
    It is some of Fagen's finest work to date.
  4. PopMatters
    80
    Despite the craft in this music--no, because of the craft in this music--most younger fans will run from Morph like it carried the very plague. No question, this album sounds uniform and rather overpleasant--engineered to a sheen of perfection.
  5. Rolling Stone
    70
    Contains his catchiest, most immediate compositions in decades.
  6. Q Magazine
    70
    Smart, sophisticated, noodly--what else would you expect? [Apr 2006, p.113]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Stylus Magazine
    58
    Morph the Cat is too complacent, too enamored with its own lacquered contours.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 32
  3. Negative: 3 out of 32
  1. Vinylmasters
    Jan 2, 2012
    10
    We all should understand that music is a totally subjective experience as is a "good wine" or a great movie. That being said, I am a bitWe all should understand that music is a totally subjective experience as is a "good wine" or a great movie. That being said, I am a bit perplexed that Mack would make such bold statements and references. Steely Dan/Donald **** and Walter Becker have truly evolved. Listen to the sound changes over the years and the past three decades have been more of a polishing of a sound that is proven, secure and dynamic. I may be a huge fan but I also appreciate the depth and soul of what I consider to be one of the most important musical influences since James Brown - "on the one beat - smile! One should comment on what they understand rather than be critical of that which they do not!… Expand
  2. JohnN
    Apr 9, 2006
    10
    Simply fantastic music with great lyrics!
  4. JamesA
    Jun 29, 2006
    10
    It is what it, and it gonna do what it do, baby! Can't deny the style, virtuosity, and truth in Morph. You have no soul if you It is what it, and it gonna do what it do, baby! Can't deny the style, virtuosity, and truth in Morph. You have no soul if you can't see the light. The bullshit takes a backseat. Don has the groove hands down. He actually has a personal point of view. It ain't mainstream commercial drivel, thank god! Thanks Don.… Expand
  5. glennw
    Apr 17, 2006
    9
    Those who rated under 60, you missed this gem. Keep em' comin' Donald! Saw him perform in L.A. 4/06, still awesome after all these Those who rated under 60, you missed this gem. Keep em' comin' Donald! Saw him perform in L.A. 4/06, still awesome after all these year. Heard 2-3 of the new cuts live. Superb! "Brite Nitegown", "Mary...." rocked.… Expand
  6. stevenj
    Apr 13, 2007
    9
    ive been listening to fegan and becker for about 4 years, and ive heard just about every thing they've done, but this album shows donald ive been listening to fegan and becker for about 4 years, and ive heard just about every thing they've done, but this album shows donald fegans true talent in that it allows him to go his own way and bring in his more serious side. i feel that what he has truely wanted to do in his music has been limited by the likes of walter becker and in this album, now thats he's gone solo i think we can enjoy his superior tastes without beckers immaturity. dont get me wrong i love their duo, but that stuff has its place, i only gave this album a 90 because i didnt understand or like "mary shut the garden door", but the rest of the tracks are magnificent. I love you Donnie… Expand
  7. JohnL
    Jul 24, 2006
    8
    This isn't "The Nightfly", but it's far better than his second solo outing, and much better than the last Steely Dan This isn't "The Nightfly", but it's far better than his second solo outing, and much better than the last Steely Dan actually(though probably not up their with Two Against Nature). About half a great album, and the half that's not great, it certainly very good.… Expand
  8. RH
    Mar 17, 2006
    0
    Most of these reviews are from runofthemill publications.......hence why the rating is so high. Maybe if you are only listening to mainstream Most of these reviews are from runofthemill publications.......hence why the rating is so high. Maybe if you are only listening to mainstream filth, you'll find this refreshing. Otherwise, ignore it like you would Steely Dan.… Expand

See all 32 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best Album of 2006
97
#97 Most Discussed Album of 2006
55
#55 Most Shared Album of 2006

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