A New Tide
by Gomez
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Mar 31, 2009
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. No Ripcord
    60
    There is some nice arrangements here, even if too many of the tracks sound like they belong on some type of chillout/easy listening compilation.
  2. Spin
    60
    A New Tide also contains some of the band's most straightforward material yet.
  3. Mojo
    60
    Mostly A New Tide is high on big tunes and low on character. [May 2009, p.108]
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  5. Uncut
    60
    Hints of "The Basement Tapes" glimmer through pieces like 'Win Park Slope' or 'Airstream Driver,' while John Martyn and Nick Drake ride again in the mystic folkery of 'Little Pieces.' [May 2009, p.86]
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  6. Prefix Magazine
    55
    It may be the weakest album in their catalog.
  7. Pitchfork
    54
    It's a showy album with very little to show.
  8. Slant Magazine
    50
    New Tide continues Gomez's struggle to accurately identify its sound after the initial boon of 1998's Mercury Prize, further wedging them into a narrow void between two unbecoming styles.
  9. musicOMH.com
    50
    Be that as it may, it is the band's recent failure to effectively collaborate, and for these 11 tracks to properly mesh, that has fostered the mediocrity inherent in A New Tide.
  10. Austin Chronicle
    40
    The kinder, gentler, safe-for-consumption-by-sorority-girls version is fine, but it's merely entertaining where it used to be enchanting.
  11. Observer Music Monthly
    40
    A New Tide is a respectable affair reminiscent of the Beta Band at best (Airstream Driver) and David Gray at its coffee-table worst, courtesy of vocalist Ian Ball's folksy bleat.
  12. Q Magazine
    40
    The likes of 'Win Park Slope' are pleasant, but also disappontingly unremarkable. [May 2009, p.112]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. RayB
    Apr 9, 2009
    10
    I only ever vote when i hate an album or I love it. Love it gets a 10, hate it might get a dont care to a 1. This album is great. I play it I only ever vote when i hate an album or I love it. Love it gets a 10, hate it might get a dont care to a 1. This album is great. I play it all the time in the car and I play it loudly. Thank you GOMEZ. They are, in my opinion the new Beatles. I can't ever wait for a new album. The reviewer who rate this less than 9 are probably tone deaf and quite possibly insensitive. Only listen to Gomez if you like music. Otherwise, stick to watching football. Yes, I said the new Beatles. Every song is a hit, every song will be a classic, every song is an inspiration. Only the lyrics are uniformly great. Oh, I like the album.… Full Review »
  2. MeanMrMonkey
    Apr 18, 2009
    5
    Their least interesting album. It is straightforward to the point of being bland in some spots. Seems destined for background music on Their least interesting album. It is straightforward to the point of being bland in some spots. Seems destined for background music on network dramas. They are so much better than this.… Full Review »
  3. sorenk
    Apr 17, 2009
    3
    What happened? These guys used to be interesting. It sounds as if they've decided their drug of choice is a cocktail of prozac and What happened? These guys used to be interesting. It sounds as if they've decided their drug of choice is a cocktail of prozac and valium with this latest offering. The only exception is Airstream Driver. The only way this album may be worth the money is as background music to help you fall asleep.… Full Review »
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