Modern Guilt
by Beck
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. PopMatters
    60
    This unpretentious attitude permeates the album’s writing and terse production whose results are self-evident: it lacks the unique resonating timbres one is accustomed to with Beck.
  2. musicOMH.com
    50
    It's hard to deny the fresh, eclectic sounds of Walls or the sheer beauty in the closing sounds of Volcano, but overall, if this is any indication, Danger Mouse's productions are losing their novelty, and Beck remains at an uneven point in his career.
  3. The Guardian
    40
    Modern Guilt feels like a vanity project: there is no attempt to reach out, none of the classic pop singles Beck has been revered for, just 10 inward-looking, unlovable tracks.
  5. NOW Magazine
    40
    Everything moves in linear fashion backwards, with only Danger Mouse’s bold battering saving Beck from a horrifying relapse into dreary Sea Change melancholia.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Discussed Album of 2008
38
#38 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 98 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 98
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 98
  3. Negative: 2 out of 98
  1. Thewretched_dm
    Jun 15, 2019
    8
    This is a solid pop record. One you can listen to from start to finish and enjoy every track. Danger Mouse’s production and Beck’s indie soulThis is a solid pop record. One you can listen to from start to finish and enjoy every track. Danger Mouse’s production and Beck’s indie soul proves to be a great paring. I wish they would do another record together.… Full Review »
  2. Ricko
    Nov 1, 2011
    7
    This is an ambitious record, not what I'd call easy listening but always interesting listening. The thing about Beck for me is - he's a greatThis is an ambitious record, not what I'd call easy listening but always interesting listening. The thing about Beck for me is - he's a great artist but quality control is often a problem on his records and they can be very self indulgent. For the most part here though he keeps that in checks… Full Review »
  3. thehamster
    Jan 18, 2009
    5
    This album was for sure a letdown after The Information....Modern Guilt has a couple of good moments but it suffers from being WAY This album was for sure a letdown after The Information....Modern Guilt has a couple of good moments but it suffers from being WAY overproduced. I sorely missed his band on these songs and would think a little more life could have went into this if they were present. Danger Mouse for sure brought some ideas, but 10 songs of them in a row sounded a lot alike. Not horrible, but not up to normal Beck standards. What made the Information so good is what is missing here.....variety. Back to the drawing board Beck.....remember to bring the band next time.… Full Review »
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