Purple Noon
by Washed Out
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Aug 7, 2020
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 10, 2020
    60
    Several songs see Greene stranded near crisis, not quite broken up nor ready to make a romantic move, and the music is similarly timorous. You’re left willing him to change gears, to abandon these elegant sighs for something more full-throated.
  2. AllMusic
    Aug 7, 2020
    60
    After releasing a couple albums that showed the Washed Out sound could be altered in interesting ways, coming back with something that's textbook chillwave can't help but be a letdown, no matter how pretty and soothing it can be.
  3. Mojo
    Aug 7, 2020
    60
    Strong mastery of mood and era, but the overcast ennui palls before the album's close. [Aug 2020, p.94]
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  5. The Line of Best Fit
    Aug 7, 2020
    60
    While Purple Noon is likely Greene’s most lackluster output, it’s not a total bust. He does manage to squeeze in a few noteworthy moments that briefly highlight his songwriting.
  6. Pitchfork
    Aug 10, 2020
    58
    Over a decade into his career, Greene is more than capable of producing technically interesting music that comes across as deceptively simple. Unfortunately, Purple Noon falters and feels too safe and lacking in substance.
  7. Paste Magazine
    Aug 13, 2020
    55
    The chillwave movement has always channeled nostalgia—warm echoes of a distant past, faded and warped into a new aesthetic. Purple Noon, though, mostly just elicits nostalgia for the glory days of chillwave itself.
  8. No Ripcord
    Oct 23, 2020
    50
    Even if the album's sonic template doesn't stray too far from his 2011 breakthrough debut LP Within You Without You, Greene chooses to keep the mood so light that it's practically inert.
  9. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 7, 2020
    40
    It quickly grows dreary when there’s not a knowing smirk to match the intensity.

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Most Discussed Album of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. ScottWeaver
    Aug 10, 2020
    10
    Washed out fans will love this album. There are a couple of tracks that don’t hit as hard as others, but overall I really am feeling this. IWashed out fans will love this album. There are a couple of tracks that don’t hit as hard as others, but overall I really am feeling this. I don’t understand all of the negative reviews, but such is life.… Full Review »
  2. aaronjtait
    Aug 8, 2020
    10
    To reach a state of bliss on holidays I get a drink, lay in the sun, looking over the ocean and play Within and Without in my headphones. ITo reach a state of bliss on holidays I get a drink, lay in the sun, looking over the ocean and play Within and Without in my headphones. I have this album the same treatment and it had the same effect. Love it.… Full Review »
  3. yanni3003
    Dec 22, 2020
    10
    Crazily underrated album. Best of the year. It transplants you and nothing could be more desirable during 2020.
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