Beck – Morning Phase

Beck’s first release in five years was well worth the wait. If you’re hoping to hear something similar to “Loser” or “E-pro” I hate to disappoint you, but you won’t find it here. Beck explains that Morning Phase is a “companion piece” to 2002’s Sea Change, widely praised for its sincere and thoughtful songwriting. After suffering a spinal cord injury in 2008, Beck was limited in his vocal abilities on Modern Guilt. Since recovering he explains “Some of the songs on the new record – I get to shout and yell. I had a lot of ideas and things I’d been wanting to do. This last year and a half, I feel like I can really do them.” With his newfound vocal abilities he focuses more so on singing and songwriting with an assortment of acoustic guitars, piano, violin, and even some banjo. Here are my five favorite from the album.

Heart Is a Drum– Opening with plucking acoustic guitar, followed by thumping drums, “Heart is a Drum” is Beck at his strongest. You can really hear the Sea Change influence here.

Blue Moon– After reading Elvis’s biography, Beck was inspired to write Blue Moon, borrowing the title name from an old Elvis track. Here he discusses loneliness, which is a major theme throughout the album.

Morning– Here Beck confronts his loneliness and despair and is optimistic about the new morning he’s been given, “Woke up this morning, found a love light in the storm”.

Say Goodbye– Beck once again displays excellent vocals and flawless guitar on this heartfelt song about ending a relationship, and wondering if there is anything left down the road. (strange YouTube picture to go along with this one, I know)

Turn Away– Beck addresses pain and loneliness once again advises to “turn away from the weight of your own past” and “hold the light that fixes you in time”.

*Honorable Mention – Waking Light

Morning Phase is an incredible record, front to back. Beck will most certainly be one of the highlights from Coachella, and I’m looking forward to hearing his new material live.