Talk Memory
by BadBadNotGood
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. The Wire
    Dec 20, 2021
    80
    There’s a heavy Eddie Henderson vibe here, propulsive, warm and engaging, and by the time the album closes on the jagged street vignette of its title track, it’s evident that BBNG have gone back to find a new future, a new lease of life. [Nov 2021, p.48]
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  2. RapReviews.com
    Dec 1, 2021
    80
    BBNG have been doing this since 2010 and over a decade+ they’ve gotten really good at what they do.
  3. Under The Radar
    Nov 9, 2021
    80
    Talk Memory is their most compositionally refined album yet, an ode to their maturity as songwriters and their abilities as conceptualists; a form of anti-bombast; a subtle listen that soothes just as often as it surprises; that not only wears its influences on its sleeves but invites them to the recording studio. Don’t miss it.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 11, 2021
    80
    The album is meandering in places, evoking a sense of the unknown that’s become so familiar in 2021, but there’s a sense that the trio want to bring their growing fanbase with them into a new dimension. It will reward those who come along for the ride.
  6. Pitchfork
    Oct 11, 2021
    80
    BADBADNOTGOOD are known for turning tradition inside out, but Talk Memory is not just their finest album—it’s evidence of the historic appreciation that roots their reverence.
  7. Clash Music
    Oct 8, 2021
    80
    A nine-track opus of gorgeous musical exploration on their own terms.
  8. PopMatters
    Oct 8, 2021
    80
    Watching them reach towards a different goal is hugely exciting, and the layered compositions, spiritual flourishes, and stellar guest features of Talk Memory point towards an exciting new future for BadBadNotGood.
  9. Beats Per Minute
    Oct 8, 2021
    80
    One thing that can’t be denied is that it opens up more with each listen, and if this isn’t a reason to keep returning to it again and again, then I don’t know what would be.
  10. AllMusic
    Oct 7, 2021
    80
    Throughout the album, BadBadNotGood and their guest collaborators flesh out the sonic canvas without taking away from the raw energy of the performances.
  11. Mojo
    Oct 6, 2021
    80
    Their most forward-facing jazz album yet, packed with complex, multi-storied compositions you can still dance to. [Nov 2021, p.89]
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  12. Uncut
    Oct 6, 2021
    80
    An all-instrumental set of improvised studio performances as lyrical and soulful as they are virtuosic and energised. [Nov 2021, p.25]
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  13. Exclaim
    Oct 6, 2021
    80
    On Talk Memory, BADBADNOTGOOD find likeminded collaborators ready to challenge and compliment them at every turn, resulting in a new evolution for the trio.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. kelliemarie89
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    The most beautiful album! It is so thoughtful, artistic, and I can't stop listening to it!
  2. EmperorGlorpius
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Greetings all, it is your humble emperor Glorpius. We are all equal, it's just a title!

    Where do I start with this album... I usually don't    Greetings all, it is your humble emperor Glorpius. We are all equal, it's just a title!

    Where do I start with this album... I usually don't review albums on a song-by-song basis so if you're looking for that, you are free to look elsewhere. Nay, as a complete package, this album is virtually perfect. Perfect is a lofty label for sure, but if BBNG doesn't deserve such a title to be even thrown around their work then I don't know who does on this decade. Talk Memory is a wonderful ode to old jazz greats while slapping you in the face with modern, exciting composition ONLY... to let you down gently when you need it. With instrumentation as IMMOVABLY solid as King Crimson's seminal "In the Court of the Crimson King," I couldn't help but simply be swept away with full trust for wherever they're taking me. Not one time did I stop the album. It's one of those you have to listen through completely every time; not because it requires it, but because your brain will DEMAND it (of course, only if you're not opposed to this genre).

    Though I said I don't review songs on a singular basis, the opening track, "Signal From The Noise," is just such a wonderful, glowing entryway to what you're in for. If you're wont to test albums before devoting time for a whole listen, look no further than the opener.

    Speaking of the opener, it's one of two songs on the whole album that DOESN'T feature other artists. Arthur Verocai (legend), Terrace Martin, Laraaji, Karriem Riggins (such awesome drumming, damn), Brandee Younger. They all come together to make something truly special. Something good enough to consider a being, a person, telling you a wonderful story.

    "Talk Memory" by BADBADNOTGOOD 9. 5/10    … Full Review »
  3. andrilitvynchuk
    Aug 12, 2023
    10
    For me, it is a summit of BBNG at this moment. It is perfect and I keep listening to it. If not for **** russians, I would be enjoying thisFor me, it is a summit of BBNG at this moment. It is perfect and I keep listening to it. If not for **** russians, I would be enjoying this album in Kyiv on the BBNG concert… Full Review »
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