The Rip Tide
by Beirut
  • Record Label: Pompeii
  • Release Date: Aug 30, 2011
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
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  1. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 26, 2011
    60
    The engaging mood is further enhanced by Condon's baffling but beautiful lyrics.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 22, 2011
    60
    Fans of long standing might actually find The Rip Tide a bit too restrained now that Beirut sound more assured and less like a tipsy string quartet stumbling around an accordion factory, egged on by a hopeless romantic in his lowest register.
  3. Dusted Magazine
    Aug 12, 2011
    60
    It's the same songwriter we've seen in snapshots from various foreign lands, this time in front of buildings that may as well be down the road: same Seine-side accordion we heard on The Flying Club Cup, same mournfully stately horns he picked up in the Balkans for Gulag Orkestar.
  5. NOW Magazine
    Aug 12, 2011
    60
    It's a solid album, but too conservative to make many converts.
  6. PopMatters
    Sep 2, 2011
    50
    I have to think that as an EP, The Rip Tide would be a rousing success. But as it is, there are just too many bland, uninspiring tracks that drag down the whole experience.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. Texas_Dawg
    Sep 28, 2011
    10
    Best album of 2011 so far. Beautiful music. "Santa Fe," "East Harlem," "Vagabond" are the best efforts, but the album is enjoyable fromBest album of 2011 so far. Beautiful music. "Santa Fe," "East Harlem," "Vagabond" are the best efforts, but the album is enjoyable from start to finish with no misses.… Full Review »
  2. eastside
    Aug 31, 2011
    8
    Another enjoyable effort from Beirut. Creative instrumentation, well-constructed songs and some wonderful warbling/crooning from Zach Condon.Another enjoyable effort from Beirut. Creative instrumentation, well-constructed songs and some wonderful warbling/crooning from Zach Condon. Looking through the credits, nary a guitar is listed. This is a good thing! Lovely horns and interesting percussion color this strong set throughout. Definitely a nice follow-up to the last album. Good starting point for the curious--if you enjoy this record, be sure to check out the others.… Full Review »
  3. jotaeseche
    Aug 2, 2014
    9
    Here we found a more sophisticated and elaborated process of writing from Zach Condon, while persisting in the same (beautiful) instrumentsHere we found a more sophisticated and elaborated process of writing from Zach Condon, while persisting in the same (beautiful) instruments and continuing with that precious melancholy in all the songs. Sounding more pop than folk, the work (eventually) clearly shows a direction change that has to be celebrated. It's like the same marvelous flower just seen through a different perspective.… Full Review »
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