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. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 6, 2021
    60
    ‘Talk Memory’ is technically proficient but all too often the record lacks the playful spirit and brash confidence the band carried themselves with in the early days.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Oct 7, 2021
    60
    At times this [spent two years sitting with these songs] makes for a more considered output; other songs run the risk of overthinking themselves.
  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 13, 2021
    60
    Talk Memory excels as an advertisement for prodigious jazz technique, but it just doesn't excel as a BADBADNOTGOOD record.

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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