His 2008 record Modern Guilt leaves its fingerprints all over the singer’s 13th studio album Colors, yet, fans have been listening in on his return to form since about 2013.
Beck has sprinkled tracks here and there, releasing eclectic odds and ends whenever he wanted. Then, the (sort of) sequel to Sea Change, 2014’s Morning Phase once again found the singer surrounded by polished string arrangements. Fast-forward to 2015 with the release of the single ‘Dreams’, and 2016’s ‘Wow’. Something was cooking.
Beck wants to have fun too. He takes a lampshade and puts it on his head for most of this album, to some strange results. The self-titled opener is a dance-pop number that gives this reviewer a cavity. The jumpy ‘No Distraction’ reaches dangerous levels of post-2015 Coldplay grocery store rock. The punchy ‘Dreams’ is equipped with a focus group approved “oh-oh” chorus.
Too many times Beck voluntarily sheds his unique eccentricity in favour for centrist pop. Really, the cunning ‘Wow’ is the album’s crown jewel. The ominous flute looming over the great beat is true blue Beck. Overall, it’s confusing to hear Beck so comfortable with conformity.
5.5/10
