In 1993, Beck burst onto the popular music scene with the catchy single “Loser,” along with his lo-fi companion album Mellow Gold. Since then, Beck has been eternally shifting from the electronic wizardry of 1996’s Odelay, the Caribbean-tinged Mutations, and the down right bizarre Midnight Vultures. With his latest release, Sea Change, he seems to have quieted his eccentricities seen on his previous album to give us his most personal album to date.
Produced by Nigel Godrich, who is best known for his work with Radiohead, this album is based mainly around Beck and his acoustic guitar. Around this combo are synth effects, full orchestras and lap steels, among other instruments. Yet, these sounds stay in the background behind his acoustic guitar and his soft voice.
The song “Guess I’m Feeling Fine” is a perfect example of this. Even though electronic effects, slide guitars and glockenspiels fly around, his acoustic guitar playing is the driving force behind the song. This gives it a simple, yet lush sound that compliments Beck’s subdued vocals perfectly.
There are only a few occasions when the acoustic guitar is not audible. In the song “Lonesome Tears,” Beck is accompanied mainly by an orchestra, with drums and minor keyboards playing in the back. The orchestra flows smoothly behind Beck’s vocals, adding layers of emotion and feeling. These orchestral pieces show up quite frequently on the album. Arranged by Beck’s dad, David Campbell, they bring a full, natural sound that really hasn’t been heard on any previous album.
The pace of the album is also different than previous works. Whereas his previous albums showcase more bouncy and upbeat songs as singles to compliment his slower ones, this album almost never goes faster than perhaps mid-tempo. This is definitely not a singles-friendly album.
This creates the one problem about Sea Change. Each song, though distinct it its own small way, sounds similar to the next. Thus, it is hard to distinguish one song from another. However, since each song is a gem, it isn’t that much of a setback as it would be for other albums.
This is a must-have for any fan of Beck, or any fan of progressive music for that matter. It is different than his previous albums, but it is different because Beck is different. He has given up the two turntables and a microphone, and instead uses his heart to guide his songs. With Sea Change, Beck has truly matured into the great artist that was promised with Mellow Gold and Odelay.
