Reviews (page 12 of 13)
When I was 13 years old I heard Girl by Beck on the radio and became obsessed with it. I don't know why, such a simple tune, but I was hooked, bought this album and played the track on repeat. E-Pro is a banger. I would presume Beck's most bangliest banger. I always liked Que Onda Guero. I think it holds up pretty well. I really still love Girl. So far this album is a lot better than I thought it would be. Missing, I don't recall this track, but I like it too. Black Tambourine is the first miss for me, but I like Earthquake Weather. Hell Yes is corny, I don't like when Beck does the robot futurist thing. Broken Drum and Scarecrow are both fine but not doing much for me. Go It Alone and Last Farewell Ride are both quite enjoyable, but by this point in the album lots of tracks are suffering from being a bit too long and too repetitive. You could cram these two tracks together and make one more compelling listen. I actually love that Chiribim Chiribom sample in Rental Car - that's maybe the most surprising moment in the album. Emergency Car is bland, Send a Message to Her is just knock-off Devil's Haircut. Chain Reaction is annoying, why bother we such a closer. I like a lot of the tracks and elements here, but this album kinda wears me down with how repetitive it can be, and how many repetitions of similar themes there are. It feels in many ways less than the sum of its parts, which is a shame. Beck is a really creative songwriter, but perhaps not a great album curator. Fave Tracks: E-Pro, Que Onda Guero, Girl, Earthquake Weather, Go It Alone, Rental Car 3.4/5
OK, though Beck has never been on my favorite list
I kept starting this album, but either got distracted or having to run off to do something in “vital”. I only finally listened to it all the way through at 4 am sleep-deprived and anxious. I wanted it to be transporting and maybe sleep inducing but it was neither. it was, however, very cool and eclectic. I knew a lot of songs individually, but I’ve never listened to the whole thing. He does feel like one of a kind.
Well, I wasn't psyched to get another Beck album so close on the heels of the last one, but I liked this record better than Odelay. That said, I suppose I just have a negative predilection (not sure that's a thing) toward the dude. I kept harping on things not to like. So that's on me. Lots of cool musical and melodic passages, this one didn't sound so much like a time capsule, but I just don't jive with the guy any more. Would have gotten a 3.5 if that were an option, but it ain't getting the Christmas bump. Sorry Charlie.
I struggled to have strong feelings about this one. Seems like an easy album to cull from the list. There's nothing goundbreaking or particularly interesting happening here. At the same time, I didn't object to anything either. Girl is a good tune. Overall: meh.
Not sure if it's because we just listened to Beck's best album recently or if I just had bad timing with Guero. I wasn't moved but it is Beck and I like his vibe.
Ok so although I knew the name, I had never really listened to Beck before this. And I like it way more thank I thought I would. It's pretty varied with lots of surprising elements. Production is pretty good too
Beck is great. You can hear hints of a lot of other great artists in these songs (Weezer, Chris Cornell, Prince, and others), but it's all uniquely his. I hadn't ever listened to this album all the way through, but it didn't disappoint. I'm not sure it's his best, but it's still great. Which says something about him.
Rock alternativo. Bastante ecléctico.
The more interesting sample-driven faster songs were a highlight and I grew tired of some of the slower, softer songs, except Broken Drum and Go It Alone.The majority of songs felt distinct and unique, but other than energy/tempo differences I couldn’t explain why I liked some but not others. The rhythms were very often fun and catchy but what was built on top of it didn’t always resonate with me fully, but was usually catchy nonetheless. Reminded me of fellow LA artist Calexico from a couple months ago, and both of them grew on me stronger as I progressed through the albums. 6.5/10
This was a fun album. Very enjoyable and something I'll likely listen to again.
Alternative rock, Indie rock, Country music, Alternative hip hop, Alternative country, Sampledelia
All I can think of is the rhyming Becktionary from Futurama.
good stuff
Almost 4/5 but dragged a bit
3 stars
Few cool tracks but you can probably die peacefully without listening to this one.
3.5
Solid Beck album. I like Odelay more, but this is probably number 2
Unremarkable
This album is above average compared to some of his earlier other work, but still nothing extraordinary.
Really enjoyed this album. Low-level grooves suit my mood sometimes.
as someone who hates "Loser" and has allowed my knowledge of Beck to begin and end there, i was extremely skeptical, but let's be real: this shit goes
Mostly low key odelay with some gentle mellow gold ie slide geetar. Less interesting rapping and droney singing. Fine but nit as memorable as first two. Becks liked
Honoustly, pretty good vibes
Not my style
2.75 stars
It's pretty standard Beck; most of the songs sound the same. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it isn't notable, either.
How did this mundane piece of work get selected?
8/10. Really solid album throughout, no complaints here despite the length.
I want to like Beck’s music but it’s just so meh to me. 6/10
året er 2005 jeg er ti år matrix og edgy ting er kult ræpping er fett trommer er gøy Men som 28-åring er ikke mid-2000s cool guy converse, shades og skinny jeans indie viben like kul
#59. Beck was still making music in 2005? This first two songs were quite good. The rest of the album was good too, but the first two were gooder. 3/5: acceptable Song added to playlist: E-Pro I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
Yeah, this is my favorite Beck album. Thank you for another excuse to spin it.
I liked many songs on this album and loved many
I like how heavy some of the tracks play, I generally find the writing really catchy too. It’s quite solid.
I had a complete dissertation on how seeing Beck live in concert at an outdoor venue was easily one of the 3 or 4 greatest concerts of my young life along with how I've finally discovered how to eat popcorn with a little mother fucking purpose and it all made sense somehow but then the dog ate my homework. The whole blessed thing got erased and I realized it doesn't matter anyway because that concert Beck put on was goddamn extraordinary unlike this album, which is half hearted by Beck's standards.
9/10 Great ablum Some random hip hop/rock bangers on it
Trash - first song is ok, quite like a kasabian song. 'Hell Yes' is what made me turn off, load of shite. the rest of the songs before this were just bland. your mans voice has no interesting quality to it. started listening to the second half, 'Broken Drum' is the only song id listen to for a second time Overall they are decently written songs with an uninteresting singer. Critics of the album seem to commend its uniqueness/weirdness. i dont hear that at all
Good to put on and let fade into the background - until you start singing along at random intervals. Brought me back to the mid-aughts.
3-4
Solid!
Ok funky ok.
Heard it before?: No Enjoy it? Not really Favourite song: didn’t have one
Alltaf snilld!
It’s pretty good background music Enjoyable though
I did not have the impression that Beck could satisfy my tastes this much. I am totally surprised and pleased by this record.
No és el meu estil però m'ha encantat. No hi ha cap cançó que m'hagi fet mandra, totes m'han agradat molt i l'àlbum dura just el que ha de durar. No li poso 5 estrelles perquè no és 100% el tipus de música que m'agrada, però que l'hagi gaudit igualment diu molt de l'àlbum
E-Pro, Girl, Go It Alone, Farewell Ride. Beck all over the place on this one - some electronic songs, some dirty acoustic bangers with a harp, crunchy rock songs.
My first full album from Beck. And what I was anticipating wasn’t really what I got at all. Because what a fun, vibrant, and unique listen. He somehow managed to combine alt rock with trip hop. And it doesn’t feel tacky or gimmicky. It’s as if they played and recorded all of these snippets, and then sampled themselves. So many different sounds are used on each song, and they get chopped up and looped in such interesting ways. But there is definitely some live instrumentation on tracks as well. You even get Jack White on bass in Go It Alone. There is a lot going on here, but for some reason, Beck’s very low and monotonous style of singing/rapping is the perfect thing to tie it all together. Something about it is satisfying, because it’s like even I can sing along to it. Plus if he had a very dynamic range, I feel like it would be too much for the music. Truthfully I don’t dislike any song on here. I don’t love them all, because none of them are perfect, but some are really great examples of why Beck is such an interesting artist. The only song I have any grievances with is Broken Drum. It is a tribute to Elliott Smith, and is probably the most traditional of any song on here. It has this surprisingly heavy guitar that I like, and isn’t a bad song by any means. It’s actually a beautiful one. But it doesn’t contain the same traits that make the other songs as enjoyable. Which is probably for the better. I’m sure Beck has stronger albums, but this seemed like a strong start. This is wholly unique, and honestly not like anything I’ve ever heard before. It’s not as if he invented sampling, it’s just the way he utilizes the art form. Rating: 7/10
I was happy to see this pop up. I love Beck but haven't spent much time exploring his discography outside of Midnite Vultures. I was familiar with "E-Pro" and "Girl." I actually had no idea this was released in 2005; I thought it was from the 90s. Beck's an easy listen for me although this album wasn't as fun as Midnite Vultures. I plan to keep it on my phone and listen again as I did like it enough to warrant more listens.
Solid Beck album, revisiting to some extent the pick n mix magic of Odelay with another album that shows what a good songwriter he is, as well as sonic artist.
True fusion of virtually every genre. There’s enough pop to prevent it from being alternative, and I bet Beck would be rapping ever if rap was never introduced. He’s brilliant.
Between alternative Hip Hop and Rock IT fails Go bei exceptional.
2005 Alternative rock, Indie rock, Country music, Alternative hip hop, Alternative country, Sampledelia Unique sound & cultural adventure experience 7/10 listen again 22/10/23
I expected too much.
6/10
I love bilingual Beck but for a very white guy he leans a little too heavy into it on this one. Still love his grooves though.
Started to trail off in the second half but it’s was better than I expected. Shame he’s a Scientologist
This had more bangers than I remembered
Preferred the first half. It's good. Goes a bit weird on some tracks but not to shabby well done beck
Very cool unique rock album
I always think his albums will be too strange, and they usually are not. They always manage to straddle the line. I liked this one. 3.5/5 Would listen again
Eclectic, bold and cool, but I'm not drawn to want to listen to this again. Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: E-Pro Date listened: 17/11/23
Play that funky music white boy
So many jams. Solid, but I like Odelay more.
1) E-Pro - (#17, 6 wks) - 8,5 2) Qué Onda Guero - 8,5 3) Girl - (#25, 7 wks) - 9,0 4) Missing - 8,0 5) Black Tambourine - 8,0 6) Earthquake Weather - 8,5 7) Hell Yes - 8,0 8) Broken Drum - 8,0 9) Scarecrow - 8,0 10) Go It Alone - 8,0 11) Farewell Ride - 8,0 12) Rental Car - 8,0 13) Emergency Exit - 8,0 14) Send a Message to Her - 8,0 TOTAL: 8,18 (82/100)
Beck is such a great musician. Everything he does is at least interesting. This isn't his best album, but there's plenty of great songs on here. You have real upbeat numbers like E-Pro, which is a great kick-off for the album, via weird electronic robot songs like Hell Yes, and then a gorgeous ballad like Broken Drum. The music and instrumentation is so varied and interesting throughout. Beck transcends genres even as he re-invents them, and I for one applaud that. 4.5 rounded down.
Alt rock gem. Laidback vibe but catchy hooks. Clever subtle sampling from a lot of 70s work. Standouts are "E-Pro", "Girl", and "Go It Alone".
The man has Talent Oozing out of his Veins. A Mixture of Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, Blues & funk. Each song will have you Dancing and singing. A Great Album
Ok but not my thing
Je n'étais pas assez concentrée sur la musique pour vraiment donner un avis, mais il me semble que j'ai bien aimé son groove général :)
Je ne connaissais que Gamma Ray de Beck (à ne pas confondre avec Jeff Beck) et la reprise d'une chanson de Paul McCartney mais cet album fut une belle découverte ! J'ai bien aimé les différents styles musicaux (rap, rock, pop...) et atmosphères.
The first song was good but went down hill from there, really quite boring when kinda get into what they're going for. Listened to it through
Everything you love about Beck in one album. Which is funny because I thought I knew Beck, but now I'm not certain I ever did. This was a easy win, go-buy-the-vinyl, album. Hints of Gorillaz, Cake, Sublime. Loved the album.
I wasn't a fan going in as my only experience was E-pro from guitar hero. Pleasantly surprised. Would listen again
It’s fine, I guess. My exposure to Beck is minimal. I know Loser, I listened to Debra a couple of times after Baby Driver came out. The biggest thing I know him from is the episode of Futurama he appeared in, which brings the number of Futurama references I’ve made in these reviews up to two. Much like the Dexy’s Midnight Runners album, a lot of the songs blend together to a worrying degree. It’s not an unpleasant blend, I really enjoyed Girl and Broken Drum, but a few times I was listening, zoned out for a second and came back to a something that I thought was just a different movement of one song, only to find it was a completely separate one when I looked up the track listing. I really dunno, I’m really not feeling this, as evidenced by the fact that I’m reviewing this two days late. I suspect Beck is the US equivalent of all of those middling UK Indie albums that keep popping up on this list. He was part of a movement that made sense in it’s time, but ended up not being the predominant trend in it’s genre and so leaves modern listeners a little confused as to the level of critical acclaim that it received. I want to like it more than I do, but I just can’t bring myself to care too much about this collection of mostly middling summery Beach Pop.
My favorite Beck album, probably slightly preferred to Odelay due to the cleaner production and accessibility. It's fun and silly and representative of 2000s culture. In a lot of ways reminds me of the Gorillaz in terms of the reliance on electronica and diversity in genres. There's a different style in every song, and nearly all of them work. Tons of energy and very catchy. 2nd side slows things down, and I would argue half the songs don't leave much of an impression. For example, "Farewell Ride" and "Emergency Exit" sound far too similar, and I wasn't crazy about either, especially for long they dragged, but I think he could have combined both into one really good song. Giving it 5 stars because I really do love this album, and I was invested in it all, which is a very rare thing from me.
It wasn’t a bad album. It was just okay. I can see what Beck was trying to accomplish with this album but it ended up falling short.
Great Beck. 5/5
3 of 5
Beck is so eclectic. This a great example of that. Good songs trough out but some don’t make a lasting impression. 3 stars
I don't mind Beck when he's carving out his own mumbly piece of the "spoken word rock" corner. The sound collage usually works for me, he's good at textures and rhythms. The closer he steps toward hip hop, the less I like it and the less convincing it is. "Hell Yes" was the worst track on the album for me. Didn't hate it overall but wouldn't seek it out.
Solid, but not nearly as good as 2005 Mason thought it was
I did not enjoy this at all. Every song had me thinking "when will this song be over?" and at the end of every song, I was praying it would be the last one. At least it didn't completely offend my ears? But I would not listen again.
this is what happens in the mind of your uncle's single buddy who comes to family events bc he's got nowhere else to go but also he brings weed. i stand by go it alone but the rest is not for me. 1.5
I really hoped I would like this more
I remember the singles off this album but I don't think I ever listened to the whole thing. I liked Girl back then and I like it now. There was another song I liked and a couple I disliked, but I was listening while driving so don't recall. It's fine.
Reviewing this a day later and I have no memory of listening to this except I know I did not like it
Okay. Samey
Love beck
not terrible but wayyy too repetitive
Like the other Beck album I've gotten, this was kinda long and trails off in the second half. Pretty middle of the road.
Beck is cool
No idea what to expect from name/album/artist. Described as Alternative genre. Beck is known for experimental/lo-fi style with a wide-ranging discography. I like lo-fi/experimental so will see how it goes… It’s alright straight off the bat - some nice electric guitar and pretty upbeat. Stuck between 3/4 at the moment, not sure if it’s library worthy yet. Going with 3.
Quite funky, energetic, may be rather popular in friends groups (I guess?). But I get tired of most of the Alternative music somehow. Something about the repetitiveness of the rhythm guitar that gets on my head. At the same time, a lot of audio time is rhythm guitar-free, and are also the most enjoyable.
Wasn't bad, but not really something I'd go listen to on my own.
Good singles in E-Pro, Girl, and Hell Yes, but the deeper cuts don't do much for me. I appreciate the consistent sound throughout and most of the songs start out pretty cool, but so much of this album is repetitive to a fault, I get tired of nearly every song here by the time it's half over.
2/10
Meh. Pretty unremarkable.
Aw hell yeah! Got back into this album recently after seeing Beck live. Solid fun album.
Takes me back, but not an album I remember specifically.
Know this album well. Really enjoy it, not an absolute favorite and not sure if it'd be my top Beck choice, but it's an all around solid one.
The first half is quite an eclectic blend of rock and hip hop which fits in with the 2000s sound, yet unmistakably Beck. The second half seems a bit samey and drifts into the background.
Love this. Takes me back 👌
I was a pretty big Beck fan back in the 90s and early 2000s but by the time this album came out, I wasn't listening to a ton of new music and I just never got around to this. It feels like a synthesis of all his disparate styles into a more commercial, homogenized sound. Which isn't a bad thing at all, but I do kind of miss those rough edges.
It was pretty good i liked it but it needs a little umph to make it 5/5 idk what it is though just my opinion
Eu me surpreendi demais! Que álbum bom de ouvir
Some of this album is great, some of it's too weird for me.
8/10
Loved the album and almost all songs. The only thing is, these are not the kind of songs I would put on repeat. I would listen to them if they were in a playlist but I don't think I would willingly play the song.
It's okay I guess
Lol I hate Beck
Very catchy!
Despres del seu celebrat disc de ruptura, ‘Sea Change’, Beck va recuperar la seva passió per l’aventura experimental de discos com ‘Midnite Vultures’ i ofereix aquí una nova mostra del seu savoir faire al respecte. Un dels seus últims treballs on hi ha poc a descartar, encara un Beck en molt bona forma. Ja no és el jove tenaç d’”Odelay”, però la manca d’espontaneïtat la compensa amb una major confiança i seguretat en el que fa
"See the vegetable man in the vegetable van" has to be one of the strongest openers yet.
Beck takes a groove, makes it weird, and builds on it. Really fun and interesting.
I don’t remember all that much from Friday. I remember enjoying it. Kinda takes an almost rap influence, but with some catchy guitar and slide work. Good casual listening
interesting mix of songs
another quality album from Beck very well produced, if not over produced probably wont g back and listen again though
A lot of just wasn’t really my vibe, but there were some good songs (Girl, Go It Alone, Emergency Exit). Hell Yes sucked ass. I don’t really like the rapping parts on this album. I don’t know what else is on this list of albums, but I’ve got a hard time figuring out why this is a classic.
Reminds me of a proto-alex g I appreciate the sonic diversity and how many genres this guy blends. Not every song was a hit for me but not for any particular reason. Ultimately though i think i didnt totally connect with this album, but i appreciate it for what it is.
Amazing
So. So. Good.
I know this album! or at least, a few songs :) highlights were E-Pro and Girl, but solid listening throughout.
Great album,
I was skeptical about this album, but must confess that it changed my mind about Beck. It’s groovy, but no pretentious, infantile but not annoying. Great melodies, catchy tunes, an “la la la” choruses to sing along. Great discovery!
Just fine. Not bad at all, but not something I would listen to over and over.
Great album. So many genres and influences coming together to make some slick, fun, great music.
Chill med det her også litt mer tempo på det tgo
Beck knows how to use dynamics to enhance a song's impact. Great album! one of my favorites.
Gayero
3.5
I took a little longer with this album, as I wanted to really savor it. It is fantastic. I was not familiar with this album of Beck's or even these songs, but that made me sad I hadn't spent time with it before. I could listen to this lots and lots. So funky and fun, I want this as my life soundtrack right now.
Wow! I totally loved this one. On first listen, there was one track that I didn’t like so much, but I really didn’t want the album to end. So, I played it again and again and again and… I never again heard that track that I didn’t like though…
Oh my goodness. I love this album! So glad it's here!
I thought Odelay and Mellow Gold covered me for my Beck listening needs, but here Guero comes along and adds another unique yet unmistakably Beck album to the mix. I really enjoy this album! My biggest surprise is that I don’t know if I knew the songs off this before, and that I have never listened to this before. Fantastic!
Why is this considered a good album? This is shit. Knockoff Simon and Garfunkel.
This album is inspired. I’ve have heard quite a few of the tracks by themselves, but honestly I’m mad at myself for not listening to it in it’s entirety sooner. Very creative album, engaging from start to finish. A hard 5.
I figured getting Beck would mean getting early 90s Beck. This is 2000s Beck and just not as special. It's certainly not bad and there are some really enjoyable and creative parts. But as a whole, not his best work.
E-pro: Really like this one! Heavier than I expected from what little I know of Beck. Reminds me of Jack White's later stuff (I promise I don't mean that as an insult) Que' Onda Guero: I really like the instrumental here, but Beck's rapping is not my favorite. Song has a good energy to it. "James Joyce"? Genius claims this is in reference to the stream of consciousness style of the song. Interesting. Girl: Doesn't catch my attention mostly, really liked the slide guitar solo though. Missing: I enjoy the strings, but also doesn't catch me besides. Black Tambourine: Love the beat here, I don't know what kind of drums those are but I love them. The distortion on that guitar makes this one of my favorites in the album so far. Earthquake Weather: Strong intro, is that a harpsichord? Hell Yes: Not enjoying the hook on this song. Love the instrumental though. I'm noticing a pattern with the more hip-hop influenced song on this record where I really enjoy the instrumental but find Beck's delivery weak. Broken Drum: Love the guitar tone, reminds me of an Orville Peck song. Per wikipedia, apparently Jack White actually did play bass guitar on this record. Makes sense. I didn't know Jack White had ever touched a bass though! Go It Alone: Great bass and rhythm generally but otherwise a bit sparse. Farewell Ride: I'll never say no to slide guitar. Rental Car: The heavily distorted guitar from the first song is back! Happy to hear it again.
The first song is easily the best one. The crunchy guitar riff of E-Pro is unforgettable and gets stuck in your head. Pure eargasm. The remaining songs are OK, nothing exceptional
Mid
Yeahhh! Great one to start with!
E-PRO = meh, okay but nothing special, wouldn’t have had it as opening track. Reminds me of another song but idk what. QUE ONDA = reminds me a bit of the salmon dance song by chem bros. Catchy but again just boring vibe. GIRL = ahh I like this one. Happy wee tune, driving with windows down on a sunny Sunday or smth. MISSING = I don’t like the repetitive tune and beats etc. nothing is sticking out for me and neither is this. Voice reminds me of pearl jam a bit in this also. BLACK TAMBOURINE = sounds like he’s about to sleep while singing. V boring. Least there’s a tambourine in it. EARTHQUAKE WEATHER = My fave so far, most lively but still chill lmao. Whimsical ending. HELL YES = Rappy and female voice reminds me of a BMTH song. BROKEN DREAM = ohhh I like this one. Quite sad. Again pearl jam esque. Love the instrumental parts. Makes me feel like I’m walking in a daze out of it. SCARECROW = wee bit funky. Repetitive lyrics. GO IT ALONE = nah nah nah nah. FAREWELL RIDE = breaking bad theme tune who? Very cowboy western. Would be a good show song. RENTAL CAR = shame it’s getting better as the album draws to an end. EMERGENCY EXIT = I wish he used his lovely voice for better music. SEND A MESSAGE TO HER = should’ve been on album. CHAIN REACTION = like this one, good ending. Overall, rather boring, one or two good songs I would listen to again but most of it is just lost in the abyss. Rather forgettable. Probably would not listen again.
oof. i mean, i see where he's going, but it's absolutely not my way.
It grew on me! There were some bits that I zoned out but overall it was good
Tää oli ihan jees!
I listened to this quite a bit in high school after it came out. For me it conjures memories of driving down Broadway in Rochester listening to "Que Onda Guero". There are several excellent songs, but I have always felt that although the album starts very strong it doesn't keep up the energy it establishes in the first 4-5 songs. As an album I wish it was more cohesive. Interesting, I just now learned that Jack White played that incredibly iconic and groovy bassline on "Go It Alone".
I had the leaked bootleg of this before it was officially released, so there was a fair amount of mystique surrounding it for me. Since I was somewhat disappointed in his previous album "Sea Change," I saw "Guero" as more or less a return to form. For the most part it's a fun, lighthearted romp, but one that comes from a personal place. I certainly welcomed it with open arms when it arrived, but it ended up being the last Beck album I bought a physical copy of. From here on out he basically just rehashes different combinations of his earlier output with some tweaks in the production. When Beck started out, each of his albums always had a fairly radical shift in style between them, and I always looked forward to that. I enjoyed this album, but it was the first album of his that failed to really surprise me.
Feels like classic Beck, which is fine but... the kinda tongue-in-cheek Beck isn't really my cup of tea. It's well done but not my jam. That synth at the start of Girl is dope as hell though.
Losers Odelay
I think this record was seen as a "return to form" for Beck after Sea Change. This is definitely reminiscent of some of his 90s work like Odelay. It just doesn't have that same charm to me. This record is more influenced by the mid-2000s garage rock revival that was happening at the time, like bands such as The Strokes and White Stripes. Solid record.
I think I don’t like beck lol
Really enjoyed the music on this album Beck's singing style isn't my favorite.
overraskende god
The album isn't even that bad, just very cringe. Every song uses some combination of jingle bells, claps, and that rusty-sounding guitar. It's too Californian.
Eh the singles are ok but overall not great
Beck can nail so many genres and blend them together seamlessly. This album is no exception. It's no wonder he's been producing so much great music for decades.
This album has a lot of ideas that I usually really like, but, somehow, the way that Beck has combined these ideas has resulted in an end product that I can't stand in any way.
A decent listen. Low tier as far as beck albums goes for me
Was quite a pleasant listen
Started off strong but got kinda weird for me as it progressed.
It was alright.
Love the groove in this one. The synthesizers are amazing, love the electronic pop vibe. It brings the Gorillaz to my mind. Very creative with influences from multiple genres. I love it. 5/5
Album avec un mélange de tout et de rien. Mélange des styles pour un album sans style
Low 4
Troede det her var bredt anerkendt som en af de dårligere Beck plader. Fed nok ellers, meget groovy
Der var en del sange hvor jeg sad og rockede med, men der er lidt langt mellem snapsene.
Album is super unique. Good listen the whole way through.
que onda guero earthquake weather scarecrow
Beck have original style. There aren't many bands with this mix of genres. It's chill and has a certain vibe. But it gets a bit monotone...
My first Beck of which I believe are three on this generator, and it's kind of weird to start with the last of the three, as knowing what I know of Beck, this feels like a sequel to something I haven't heard yet, and in turn can't completely appreciate it. However, this is still good, and I enjoyed my time with it. You can hear the Gorillaz comparisons everyone is saying, but there's also something here that is completely unique, and I appreciate that. Nothing beats that opening track though, makes sense it was the hit from this album, because it hits HARD.
Typical Beck album, loses momentum for a good portion towards the middle. At it's best when pulling from different cultural soundscapes. Best Song(s): Que Onde Guero, Missing, Earthquake Weather Listen Again: Probably not
Nothing special.
I appreciate Beck has an artistic vision. It's just not one that does anything for me. Also, he should not rap. Ever.
Aivan menevää rokettirollia. Alkupään biisit puree paremmin kuin loppu.
Lively, upbeat, decent listen
"Guero" is the ninth studio album by American musician Beck. Influences for the album were the September 11th attacks, the death of friend Elliot Smith and an impending child with his girlfriend. It was produced by the Dust Brothers (Joe King and Mike Simpson) and Beck. Güero is Mexican slang for a blond-haired Californian. Commercially, the album did well peaking at #2 in the US, and, critically, the album had generally positive reviews. A heavy guitar and loud drums open the first single "E-Pro." Electronic beats and a loop guitar riff. Sampling the Beastie Boys "So What'cha Want." "Qué Onda Guero" has Beck rapping.This is more along the lines of hip hop. He's describing LA and there are various, random street sounds/noises and actually a little bit of a Latin vibe. "Girl" has a synth melody. An interesting unique acoustic guitar interlude. Beck repeating "Hey, my sun-eyed girl." The third single "Hell Yes" has a deep bass and drums. There's a groove. Scratching going on. Beck back to rapping. Distorted vocals through the vocoder. And, yes, Christina Ricci also on vocals. Another guest appearance with Jack White on bass in "Got It Alone." Funky. Handclaps and drums. A buzzed-out guitar comes in midway through. He'd rather walk it alone. This is a decent album. I'm a little surprised in its inclusion in the 1,001. It's defintely not at the level of the two previous albums I had, "Sea Change" and "Odelay." But, hey there's variety here with rock, blues, hip hop and rap. There's really no bad filler. The singles are decent and for them worth a listen.
Fun and interesting
Werde ich mir gerne wieder anhören!
It's pretty good, nothing that particularly stands out too much. I like the trippy mexican vibe throughout though. His voice reminds me of the vocalist for Failure, that's pretty cool. But I doubt I'll become a huge fan of his work. 6,5 out of 10
Amazing album, as always!
Wasn't too big of a fan of Missing Liked the first song's guitars and drums Overall I like the vocals, very well mixed with the instruments Scarecrow - I liked the guitar riff that played throughout the song, the combination of ominous sounds playing quietly throughout the song gave off "open-field" vibes. The main chorus when the harmonica (I think it was one?) played underneath it really brought out the "open-field" vibes I wasn't a super big fan of the whole album, I liked some songs more than others, although that may be because of listening fatigue.
E-pro: fantastic from fist chords. Great song.
It's alright
Beck is an artist's musician. That is to say there's a lot to unpack from a technical perspective, toying with different techniques and concepts, but as a casual listener I don't find it particularly interesting. If I were a musician, I could probably better appreciate the music more than just the occasional catchy track or two. Something about the pacing of his music just doesn't do it for me. It's slower, he draws out words, it's often lacking energy that I'm looking for when actively listening, but it's fine as something to throw on in the background. Inoffensive static that won't override conversation in the room or distract you if focusing on a task.
a fun collection of songs
fun rock
Go it Alone is a really good track. Also enjoyed Missing and Hell Yes
It’s fun but okay for me.
3.5 stars
A good album for background music. I liked some songs more than others. I think it needs a few more listens to get really into it.
He's more fun than I thought. I like him best when he's doing half rap, half singing. Favorite song: Que Onda Guero
Personal review: 6.5/10 Fun album but nothing special
I do be enjoying some Beck!
Terribly boring listen. I supposed it’s ok
Damn. I really liked this one
I feel the same way about every Beck album. It's just... a lot. If these albums were 30-35 minutes long, I think I'd love every single one of them. But, every time I have to listen to a Beck album from top to bottom, I find myself worn out by the end from the sheer quirkiness of everything. It takes WORK for me listen to a Beck joint. Unlike past Beck albums, however, I enjoyed the work of listening to "Guero" a great deal. It's a great album. The songwriting is great, the performances are fun, the production is solid. There was enough going on here to keep it interesting but not so much (unlike other Beck projects) to drive me to distraction. These songs have a familiar form without being formulaic. "Guero" might be Beck's most balanced album. The only complaint I can find is that it's still just a lot of quirkiness for a single listening session. But that's not enough to overcome everything this album does right. Full marks.
Nice concept, not really for me. The music throws me off a bit, doesn't feel cohesive. But interesting
This isn't one of his best LPs and yet, it's still awesome. Love the bossa nova influence on some of the tracks. Beck is a treasure.
I've always been interested in diving into Beck ever since his unexpected Grammy win for "Album of the Year" in 2015. And after reading the mixed reviews on here, it's made me extremely curious about jumping having THIS be my jumping point. Especially since its an distinguished enough album to make it on this list so here are my thoughts: I came out this both confused and impressed. Beck has a talent with constructing melodies and bringing people into an atmosphere but solely based on a one day listen this wasn't enough material to instantly wow me. I'm realizing that I'll have to give this a relisten to truly grasp the purpose of what he was doing here. But right now, I'll chalk it up to not being able to appreciate the artistry. Give it a 3 1/2.
Best Song: E-Pro
ok
Good album! Not to my taste but its a really nice easy listen. I really liked the grungy sounds of the vocals backed up with a funky drumbeat
Some good some bad, feels pre hipster in a way with some of the rapping-solid but wouldn’t come beck…6/10
HL: "Qué Onda Guero", "Earthquake Weather", "Broken Drum", "Rental Car", "Scarecrow" 1st Beck album Can't deny this album has style, but I've never been super taken with Beck's music. This offering does move the needle a bit, but I might have to revisit it a later time with an open heart. The crunchy overdrive in "E-Pro", "Rental Car" & "Go it Alone" remind me of truck commercial cock rock- but with more personality! also cheers to that other anonymous reviewer who namedropped Dzama (the album cover artist), now I have a Canadian art Wikipedia rabbit hole to follow 🍁🍁🍁 Listened to Demon Days by Gorillaz afterward, which I wouldn't say was a better or worse experience. They're both respectable 00's alternative to me 3.5 September 26, 2023
Aversge
It’s fine. It’s like Beck sat down to record a Beck album from the 90s but way slicker and less interesting. Idk it’s fine
I’ve always liked Beck’s brand of Alt, and apparently so do a lot of other people because he’s pretty much the poster child for Alternative music that turned into mainstream Indie over time. This is a pretty typical Beck album from my perspective: A few great songs but as a whole nothing I’ll go crazy for.
Better beck our there, but serviceable if you needed an emergency dose of Beck
Definitely some Jams on here, but nothing really stood out for me on either listen. It's really good background music, but I don't think I could focus on it through its entirety.
Fav: Girls LF: idk, probably Missing Mid 6
Meh
Listened to the whole album a couple times.
Loved it. Funky as heck
Always thought this was his best album by a mile but even in surprised at this rating
very variable, high 3
It’s a solid enough rock album. You enjoy it while it’s on but forget it once it’s over.
BL: Beck is an artist (as I’ve probably stated before) I don’t really “get”, the previous album I got on this generator was just ok. As I assume this one will be, maybe it’ll sweep me off my feet but I’ll assume it’s gonna be self indulgent nonsense like the rest of them. AL: this is a LOT better than I expected it to be. I definitely think the record overstays it’s welcome, and there is a massive dip about 2/3rds of the way through the album but the combination of Central American sounds with standard twangy desert rock was a good combination. Some tracks were amazing. Most were just good or ok though. Glad I gave it a listen, it was a pleasant surprise. Though I suspect I may be raving so much because I actually did enjoy it, which is a proper Beck first for me FT: “E-Pro”, “Qué Onda Guero”, “Black Tambourine”, “Go It Alone”, “Farewell Ride”, “Send a Message to Her” 4/5
6/10
Jawdropping material, compositions so creative with crisp production, the last couple of songs stay interesting but not as replayable as that first 8-song stretch which is perfection.
ntroduction: Beck's "Guero" is a musical tapestry that blends genres, influences, and lyrical narratives into a kaleidoscopic journey through his creative mind. Released in 2005, this album marks a significant point in Beck's career, where he successfully fused his eclectic style with elements of hip-hop, folk, electronic, and rock, resulting in an album that's both accessible and artistically rich. Musical Arrangement: "Guero" showcases Beck's ability to create a sonic landscape that constantly morphs and evolves. The album's production is a blend of organic and electronic elements, with acoustic guitars, funky basslines, and catchy percussion patterns sharing space with synthesizers, samples, and drum machines. This fusion creates a dynamic and textured sound that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. "E-Pro" opens the album with an explosive burst of distorted guitars and energetic drums, immediately grabbing the listener's attention. "Que Onda Guero" introduces a Mexican folk flavor with its accordion-like keyboards and a playful, street-savvy atmosphere. "Girl" combines a simple acoustic guitar riff with glitchy electronic effects, exemplifying Beck's genre-blurring tendencies. Lyrical Content: The lyrics on "Guero" are as diverse as the music itself. Beck weaves a tapestry of stories, emotions, and social commentary, often with a touch of surrealism and wordplay. "E-Pro" delves into themes of frustration and disillusionment, with lines like "See me comin' to town with my soul / Straight down out of the world with my fingers." "Girl" portrays a narrative of longing and unrequited love through a series of vivid, disjointed images. "Black Tambourine" explores the power of rhythm and music as a form of resistance and release. Collaborations: One of the album's standout features is the collaborations that enhance its sonic diversity. Beck enlisted the talents of producers and musicians like The Dust Brothers, Nigel Godrich, and Jack White, each of whom brought their unique perspectives to the project. Nigel Godrich's production on tracks like "Broken Drum" and "Scarecrow" adds an ethereal and experimental dimension to the album. Jack White's guitar work on "Go It Alone" injects a raw and bluesy energy that contrasts beautifully with Beck's style. Themes and Atmosphere: "Guero" navigates various emotional landscapes, from introspection to exuberance. It captures a sense of urban restlessness and multicultural influences, reflecting Beck's Los Angeles upbringing. The album's cover art, featuring a graffiti-style rendering of the title, visually reinforces this fusion of cultures and ideas. "Missing" offers a poignant reflection on the sense of loss and nostalgia, with lines like "Like wind through the trees, my soul has been set free." "Hell Yes" channels a playful, almost absurd energy, highlighting the irony and absurdity of modern life. Evolution of Beck: "Guero" represents a crucial phase in Beck's artistic evolution. It balances his previous lo-fi folk tendencies with a more polished and genre-expansive sound. This versatility showcases Beck's ability to adapt and innovate while staying true to his core identity as a musical chameleon. Conclusion: "Guero" is a testament to Beck's musical prowess and his willingness to explore new sonic territories. It offers a captivating blend of genres, memorable lyrics, and rich collaborations, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music. Beck's ability to create a cohesive yet eclectic album demonstrates his enduring influence on the alternative music scene, making "Guero" a timeless gem in his discography.
Not my favorite Beck album, but fun and nostalgic.
After a whole lot of sh*t albums, this was just alright. Was really hoping for something amazing, but this was needed after some dog poo. He just isn’t totally my style but I can see the talent.
A strong opening track so often makes a difference - throw me into the pool already. Job done here by an aggressive beat on "E-Pro" leading off a (for me) comeback album - I didn't much like Beck's previous Sea Change but this has more of the fun/groove of Midnight Vultures. Not quite the same funky vibe but with some different moods and rhythms he regains a lot of the energy he'd lost which for me is what makes his songs (and therefore the lack of it, breaks them). It does fade a bit over the final few tracks - weirdly his dropped tuning feels off-putting - but it's still a quality listen overall and a keeper. Fave cut: "Earthquake Weather" 7/10 4 stars
Upbeat Beck. I really appreciate that he really has a sound that translates no matter what's going on.
Go IT Alone is a top 10 Beck song for me, great album
Beck a toujours fait bonne figure dans ce générateur mais je lui conseille d'arrêter d'imiter Kurt Cobain avant que ça ne tourne mal. Il est prévenu.
Je n'ai pas compris pourquoi mon camarade d'écoute robpécunière trouve des similitudes entre Beck et Kurt Cobain, en tout cas Beck est un vrai sac à merde
Really solid album from Beck. Some great tracks here and some funky beats and rhythmic vibes from the likes of Emergency Exit and Farewell Ride, really pushing at what makes music.
This album came out at a time where I was at my snobbiest. I'd turn my nose up at a lot releases from career-mature artists who didn't seem like they were bringing anything new to the table. In many instances, I was robbing myself of enjoyment; this is exemplified in my eventually-reversed low opinion of Interpol's Antics. With Guero, however, I hit the nail on the head.
A little slow to start, but most an enjoyable listen by Beck. Quirky and musically diverse in the best ways, although it feels a little more calculated and less natural than some of his earlier work. Enjoyed it, but Beck has done better. Fave Songs: Broken Drum, Missing, Black Tambourine, Earthquake Weather, E-Pro
particolare
Good. Not standout.
A fun album with a number of known songs for me which will be saved into playlists. Very quirky and a different feel, worth a listen.
Interesting mix of pop, kinda lo-fi, and leaned towards cowboy blues at the end
Always excited when a Beck album pops up and this didn't disappoint. The man is a musical genius and has an innate ability to keep things interesting. Pretty lazy review that doesn't do it justice but I really loved it.
2/5. It's not a bad album honestly, some bops, it's just not my type of music. A personal rating for this one. He just sounds bored which in turn makes me bored even though the songs are good.
Nice
There are some fantastic songs on here, with Broken Drum probably being my favorite.
🫡 7/10
Ugh, this one was tough to rate. I'd like to give it a 3.75. But I feel like it doesn't belong with some of the 4 stars. But I hate to round down. Ultimately, most 4 star albums are better, so I'm very reluctantly rounding down. On a different day I might round up.
Beck is different music to what I thought it was! An enjoyable mash of styles.
Generally better than I remember liking Beck. Like quite a few of the songs, some others not quite as much.
28th August 2023 Listened during the day before going to the Prince Albert to meet parent crew. Couple of classics on here, Beck is a brilliant songwriter and musician.
There are a couple of alright tunes on here and I still like the general Beck vibe, but this also starts to sound same-sy. Beck same-sy, but same-sy all the same.
I feel as if, were procedurally generated music to ever take hold, it would sound an awful lot like Guero by Beck. For a start, it's repetitive. I say this very neutrally, as repetition can go either way, but there's not a huge amount going on rhythmically. The formula seems to go - establish a groove, swathe it in Beck's weirdly soporific vocals and throw in the odd 'interesting' sound like a wonky guitar or a whimsical, eccentric harmonica, rinse and repeat. All this is done altogether competently and the overall effect is just very, very dull. However, the main reason I see this as a prime candidate for machine-generated music is a real lack of heart. Where's the emotional centre to all thus? Bloodless, glassy-eyed music that spoofs the true genius of creative endeavour. Those slide guitar breaks sure sound pretty though!
Man, this record sounds pretty darn good overall when played loudly in a car. Not as good as “Sea Change,” but pretty darn good. Too bad the songs are no bueno. Nothing ever seems to build to anything on any given song. It’s a collection of sounds that are never really given any direction to go other than to just be played and repeated. It also really dawned on me while listening to this just how much success Beck has had in spite (because?) of a very less than impressive singing voice. That’s nothing new, but dude has multiple Grammys and is still going strong-ish 30 years after his breakout. I’m trying to think of who else from the 90’s falls into that category and I’m drawing a blank. Must be the Scientology bump.
It's full of that mid 00s sonic indie sound. It's OK here and there but mainly just blank. Remind me of 15 other albums that has the sound of that time.
Broken Drum is an eargasm of sound. Really solid album.
Disco de pop-rock en ocasiones un tanto instrumental o experimental. Voz característica del cantante. Le ha faltado que me transmita algo más
Standard Beck fair. Fine, but not sure why it’s on here
Meh borde inte vara på listan
I listened to this one alot when it was first released. One of Beck’s better ones. Definitely one of his weirder experimental ones.
He's called Beck cause when you see one of his records you back away from it.
i liked. 8/10
It was ok, wouldn’t listen to it again.
I like the first half. Weirdly aggressive lyrics at odds with the easy-going vibes. Girl is a creepy song. The second half is mostly cowboy songs and 60s pop pastiches, but Rental Car is back in the world of the funky psychopath.
Très bon. Quel artiste ce Beck, je ne serais jamais allé vers lui mais c'est album sont vraiment bon ! 5
Pretty rad.
Little bit heavy for me
Competent, but far from Beck's best.
cool album. Love Beck's range. His slow, singer songwriter stuff is amazing. His more electronic and pop oriented stuff is also great
It's a great record but it reminds me too much of my old neighborhood in Los Angeles. There's a lot of good but there's much more bad about that time near the rampart district.
Brings back memories of the late 90s. I prefer the old Beck to the new Beck 6/10
Can't find Beck interesting
My thoughts on this album are very similar to my thoughts on odelay in that it all sounds like beck but dabbles in a multitude of different genres, namely pop and electronic this time around. I liked this album about as much as odelay except in a completely different way given how different the music is. Broken drum was my favorite track and was an excellent memorial to elliott smith and go it alone and emergency exit were my other, more electronic-inspired favs.
Beck excels at a kind of cold, intellectual exploration of different genres, such as Hell Yes which was a highlight. Lots to like here.
good
Ew.
Meh, its okay but a one and done.
I really liked the singles from this in 2005 and never got round to listening to this album. I really enjoyed it, it had a lot of elements I like in an album, especially the use of different styles but still having an overall feel. I thought the choruses were really strong and memorable. I like weird/experimental albums, and considering I liked it a lot on a first listen I’m giving it 5/5.
Some nice slide guitar in some songs but its not a focus, lyrics not worth worrying about, kinda meh not sure what the hype is about
First listen Saved 5/13 Top track: E-Pro
The ever curious chameleon Beck reunited with The Dust Brothers for the second (and final) installment of their collaboration with Guero. While not as adventurous and innovative as Odelay, the trio's knack for obtaining strange sounds and wielding them into palatable shapes is still intact with Beck straying into more conventional territory whenever he would see fit. Guero proves itself to be not only a palate cleanser after the dour sadness of Sea Change but a valuable and worthwhile album in Beck's discography. Favorites: E-Pro, Que' Onda Guero, Girl, Black Tamborine, Earthquake Weather, Hell Yes, Scarecrow, Go It Alone, Farewell Ride.
Excellent, my new favorite (for now) Beck album.
It's okay. Nothing to write home about.
I DONT LIKE BECK
A musically interesting album that I loved more 18 years ago than I do now. I liked some individual songs more than the album as a whole. Missing and Black Tambourine were where it started to pull me in more.
Very good
I thought, cool, a Beck album I haven't heard before, this should be cool and stuff. Turns out I had heard this before, just when listen to a different album. As Beck as you can get.
I got to say, I really enjoyed this. Good Beck is good music.
Eigenlijk altijd wel tof, Beck! Met wat uitschieters naar boven een prrrrrrima plaatje met 3,5 ster naar beneden afgerond.
Lekker bezig, die Beck!👍
Heerlijke plaat.
Nothing but bangers. This was Beck's last masterpiece.
minne om matteårene mine og anders jr
Ikkje nåken stor beckhamfan heller
Not for me
I think this was the first Beck album I'd ever heard way back in my youth. Doesn't top Odelay, but made for pretty good listening
On first listen - this isn't as good as Odelay. I think, however, that this is because for some reason the production doesn't quite fit Beck's vocals. His style and musicality is just great - but for some reason his voice just don't settle in right with the rest of the instrumentals. This is really highlighted in the standout-track of the album - Rental Car. This is brilliant and every bit as good and exciting as anything on Odelay - but has very little of his voice. I think I might like to listen to this again.
Dipped a little towards the end of the album personally but really enjoyed the album overall.
I thought I knew my Beck, but this album eluded me. I liked it! As others mentioned, shades of Odelay, but with some of the poppier sensibilities that were to come with Colors. Definitely one to return to.
Unique
I liked Beck more the later in his career he got. While I enjoyed the silly and weird albums, these later ones scratch an itch that no one else really can. This record is great. It's a mishmash of styles and it all works well togeather. Nothing sounds out of place because nothing is IN place. It's super fun.
Nice relaxing listen. Nothing mind-blowing, but it was very enjoyable. Would listen again.
suddenly I can't even utter a word to describe the genre of it maybe it's Beck
I like Beck a lot, but I remember after loving Sea Change being disappointed by Guero. After a listen, I still think it's a subpar effort.
Surprised how much I like it. Strong all the way through