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IV Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 36 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the Canadian jazz group features guest appearances from Future Islands' Samuel T. Herring, Mick Jenkins, Kaytranada, Colin Stetson, and Charlotte Day Wilson.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Jul 5, 2016
    100
    Fiery hip-hop instrumentals, creamy rhythm and blues balladry and classic lounge vibes are explored with equal excitement--and pulled off with equal panache.
  2. 85
    There’s a richness to IV which was not present on their last record, and it revolutionises their appeal.
  3. Jul 5, 2016
    80
    They blend numerous influences and don't conform to any traditions. More than anything, their music is exuberant and immensely enjoyable.
  4. Jul 18, 2016
    70
    IV marks a refinement of the BADBADNOTGOOD sound and as ever is filled to the brim with gorgeous melodies and impressive digressions.
  5. Aug 10, 2016
    70
    BBNG have always been fluent and sonically articulate, but enlisting the talents of suitable vocalists to thicken their smokescreen strengthens their suit.
  6. Jul 8, 2016
    65
    IV is perhaps a little too ambitious for its own good. Grandiose aims are never to be scoffed at, but considering that IV's highs are so remarkably high and its lows are so forgettable, one cannot help but wish that BBNG had smoothed out the product.
  7. 58
    IV feels subdued and professional, something you would never expect to associate with the quartet.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Aug 12, 2023
    9
    I am listening Cashmere right now and literally want to cry for how beautiful it is. Great album
  2. Aug 2, 2020
    8
    BADBADNOTGOOD pursue their amazing work with 'IV'. Excepted for their last album 'Sour Sour', BBNG include for the first time some incredibleBADBADNOTGOOD pursue their amazing work with 'IV'. Excepted for their last album 'Sour Sour', BBNG include for the first time some incredible vocalists on their work. Songs made with these are way different than those we are used to encounter from the talented canadian quadriplet. It is impossible, even after three projects to their credit and carried out by them, to acclimatize to their style, their heady or haunted tunes or their ability to constantly surprise us by combining electro and jazz in the smartest way. We can clearly feel the amazing work of production made upstream.
    In 'IV' there is a time for anything to make a great album: there is silence, contemplating and interrogative moments of breathing and moments of impressive storms of instruments (and sometimes voice). Each instrument has is own place and BBNG always achieve to arrange them in a moving way. 'IV' will stay for me an pleasant album to listen to when cooking, reading or even walking in the forest during the winter.
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  3. Jul 19, 2016
    8
    IV is a much less focus, and much more experimental, take on their style. Jazz elements are brought to the forefront, as are electronic ones.IV is a much less focus, and much more experimental, take on their style. Jazz elements are brought to the forefront, as are electronic ones. The songs with guests vocalists were a nice change of pace. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but don't expect the same dark, brooding album as III. Expand
  4. Jul 8, 2016
    4
    As a fan of BBNG since their first EP I'm kind of disappointed by this album. It's really by the books and is overproduced, and not somethingAs a fan of BBNG since their first EP I'm kind of disappointed by this album. It's really by the books and is overproduced, and not something that I expected from BBNG. If this is the new direction they are going then I don't know if I can be bothered following their music. Expand