Reviews (page 9 of 14)
NOTE: please wear headphones with this album There are so many subtleties in this album that can easily be missed. By all means, this album could have been a folk/singer/songwriter type of album, and in some ways it kind of is. But the instrumentation and SFX in some songs make it really unique and interesting. Often times, there are multiple guitars going on in each ear that are incredibly pleasing to listen to. Like I said, most of these songs could have probably been guitar chords and Beck singing, but there are added strings, added lead guitar riffs, added little elements here and there that make it more interested than most, and I can appreciate the effort put into these songs from Beck.
Alibaba radiohead
What the flip? This is so strange, if you covered up the name of the artist, I never would have guessed this was Beck. That's not to say its bad, by any means. One of my favorite things is when an artist tries a genre outside their wheelhouse, or what they're primarily known for. Lyrically, the Beckster has always been pretty creative and grabs you, and the exploration of musical instruments is strange coming from him, but the tonal shifts in here help and hinder it. It overall feels on the depressing side, although considering he was also dealing with depression following a tough breakup, it tracks. Paper Tiger was a downer that kinda kept that vibe the whole way through. Guess I'm Doing Fine also could've been a Pearl Jam song, its cool to hear Beck stretch his vocals like this. The whole thing is just a little too foreboding and depressing overall for my tastes, but I gotta give the guy credit for putting his feelings out there like this.
An interesting change for Beck, not at all what I was expecting. I enjoyed it but it’s pretty forgettable all in all. The orchestral stuff sounds nice though!
3+
I really liked this album, it has lovely guitar passages, great singing by Beck, and it just feels so personal and vulnerable. I also loved the production, mixing folk with more experimental sounds finding a great balance. "Lost Cause" is the obvious standout.
I was surprised by this- it didnt sound like the Beck I am used to. More soft-rock influenced. Pleasant but no real standouts
6/10
This is an album full of mellow, melancholy songs recorded just after 9/11/2001. For me the record started out great but lost steam after that. Still, it was decent enough for a three star rating.
Listened w Sara. Consistant mellow sound. Nice to listen to when in the mood.
Relajante, triste, innovador para la época
No thank u
This really wasn’t what I expected from a Beck album - my only previous experience being his more upbeat stuff. It’s very melancholic and Nick Drake-inspired. I kind of like it, but I’m not sure the conceit works over a whole album. Although I can imagine that if I was in a particular mood it’d really hit. File under “unsure”.
What depression does to a mf... Enjoyed listening even though the songs sounded a bit the same to me
I think he is heartbroken guys
Enjoyed this. Definitely going back
Highlight: Paper Tiger In a nutshell: guess he's doing fine? Beck's mix of rock, folk, country, chamber pop and his trademark synth flourishes is surreal. It's a change of direction for him. And somehow it works. Overall: 5/10
I like weird-beck more than sad-beck but it's still a great album
Gloomy Beck is not my favourite Beck.
ну вообще вроде как норм
Beautiful but sad Beck :(
Decent af. Kinda sounds like Nick Drake at times, actually!
This music was basically designed specifically for me when I was in high school and came out at the perfect time for me in high school and I did not love it then and do not love it now. It is not offensive. It is not bad. It is long. I dunno why, maybe my Sea Change days will come. I will experience a Sea Change and I will love Sea Change.
it sounds great and i love the lyrics but it’s too one-note when listened to as an album. the songs are much stronger individually. let’s ffffflip it up! fav tracks: lost cause
very beautiful but not that interesting to me really. i guess I don’t really look to beck for “beautiful” songs so it didn’t have the appeal that his other work does.
Beck always surprises. Mr. Inventive. Not every song up to his highest standard, but intriguing even when not his best. Better listened to as singles than as an album as songs can run together. Violinitis needs treatment. Lost Cause makes everything better.
Wasn't bad but didn't interest me either. I'm just in a mood and not a Beck fan in general. I probably need something or someone to make the connection for me, but for now... Meh.
3.75
Love Beck, this album was beautiful but slow and dark. I can appreciate it but not as much as most of his other albums
Beck, Please tell me you did something else besides writing this album to deal with that breakup. Not that it isnt depressing in the exact way one feels after a breakup, but damn dude I hope you got some therapy or went out and got laid or did a bunch of drugs or something to take your mind off of things.
I enjoyed listening to the album.
Etwas melancholisch für den Montag morgen :D hab’s mir deshalb tbh nicht ganz angehört, aber musikalisch solide. Zur Mitte hin klingen dann alles etwas ähnlich. 3/5
Apparently I like sad Beck better than happy Beck. Less experimental. However, this is also exactly what I have to criticize. 52 Minutes of early 2000s heartbreak acoustic guitar whining with barely any change in tone or tempo is simply too much.
I am a fan of depressing and melancholic tunes....but this is a bridge too far to jump from.
The album is fine, there are no songs that stand out being good or shit.
Decent, a bit too one speed across the album, 52 minutes of soft guitar and softer vocals just wasn’t what I was in the mood for. Still a decent album
Not great not bad
Honestly had high hopes for this album, but it didn't do it for me unfortunately. A but of a let down. I'd guve it another chance though, would relisten
Not bad. Not what I expected. Guess I should read up on these albums before I listen. didn't know it was after a break-up.
мб послшуать еще раз?
I do think Beck is a musical genius, but this one is slow for me. Especially on a long road trip. Bad timing?
saddest beck album I’ve ever listened to. Feel better man
Damn I was really excited to see Beck come up again after loving Odelay but this was just quite generic to me.
Mostly acoustic singer songwriter stuff, but did have some more orchestral/cinematic bits mixed in
This is a tough one to review. I didn’t find it that enjoyable but it is still a beautifully arranged album. Some very nice segments throughout the album, just not really my style.
hold up i was kinds wrong about this, modern nick drake
Honestly, it's pretty mediocre for a Beck album. He has much better. Lost Cause is a good song, the rest is pretty meh.
Mellow and melodramatic album. Relaxing. Crazy how becks albums sound so different
Leck Konditor, Da hani bim letzte Beck Album scho all mini Beck-Wortwitz verschosse. Ufjedefalls no ganz spassig gsi, hani bis in Beckebode gspührt 3 situps für de de Beckham
Ja das isch e solidu büez aber ez au nöd mis hörorgang verwöhnt. Tres pubtos - klare fall
läck beck, nöd schlecht han mi dere ganze sach um einiges meh chönne hiigäh als letschtmal, isch halt scho eher es mentigsalbum allzu vill standouts sind mer ez aber scho au nöd gad ufgfalle, trotzdem solids gsamterlebnis dementsprechend gids 3 lauwarmi vollkornmutschli id vitrine
So sleepy. So lush. So uneventful. Could have done without a lot of the strings on here. At some point, and maybe I missed it… Beck started sounding like his tongue was too big for his mouth.
Hard to explain but I didn't really get into this. It's beautifully played and recorded, at times it reminds me of lots of bands and artists I like but somehow nothing stands out. I think he was better when he was more groovy, this is a bit dull and I didn't connect with the emotion. Maybe it's the songs, maybe his voice.
Нейтрально, мило
I've read that this album was a result of ending a relationship. I wish everyvody this kind of mellow and uneventful break-ups. I'm happy for Mr Beck but maybe some misery would make album more interesting.
Not bad. Pretty chill
I’m not sure why I liked this when I did, because it was supposed to be the happiest period of my life. Oh well. The melancholia matches my mood more precisely now, many years on…
Listened to this the day after Odelay as I catch up. I much prefer the former, though I think this could be a grower.
Love a beck album and this one does not disappoint
It was a well-produced album, songs flowed well. Songs are soft and it shows, however, was not my jam.
Quiet album. I was really surprised by this
Atherial, chill, and melancholy on a gloomy day. Enjoyable and a little different from what I was expecting but cool.
The songs on here are really pretty and heartfelt, but the melancholy of it all is kind of depressing. I don’t know that I’d ever listen to this again.
this album didn’t do it for me, like it seemed to do for everyone else.
Favorite Track: Lost Cause
Pretty but nothing knocked me over
Always love Beck.
I appreciate how well done this album is, I just didn't enjoy listening to it all that much.
Favorite Track: The Golden Age
Honestly, my sissy loved this album in college and i think i pretended to like it. Honestly its pretty mid, i feel like most becks stuff has such a strong thematic sound but this one is just sleepytown go to bed music and it all blends together. Not in a bad way, just a boring mid way.
2002, pretty, becky
Not really in the mood for this vibe today, but it’s not bad. Slow, melancholia rock.
I didn't dislike this, it passed the time, but didn't really grab me either
Meh
Very sad and I know what I said about respecting breakup albums but I just can't get over the fact that Beck's an asshole
Had higher hopes, not bad though.
Pretty good
paar leuke liedjes maar alles lijkt op elkaar weeeer
Not his best
Meu contato com Beck foi em Scott Pilgrim, e só. É uma música bem diferente do que eu estou acostumado, mas achei legal algumas músicas. No caso foi Lonesome Tears e Lost Cause.
I’m sure this is good music if you’re sad
Emotional, gripping.
Kinda like the bends and kinda like nirvana. Very different from the beck I’ve heard before this. Not bad by any means but nothing that stood out too much
Sad white boy acoustic music album don't land as good as it used to. En algún momento probablemente fue mi fav de beck, ahora no me hace tanto tilín. La producción sigue siendo impoluta. Curioso por el final del disco algunas canciones tiran bastante al nick drakeo.
Si ves los videoclips es más deprimente todavía.
A high 3 - think it definitely needs more than 1 listen to appreciate
Break-up music. The music itself isn’t bad, lovely strings and some more interesting production choices, I just can’t see myself listening to this again apart from in very specific situations. Sad and melancholic.
Good little listen. New to Beck but I understand the vibes.
mmmmmmh cool o guess have to listi again
This feels like a really soft version of grunge, not really my style but I could see why they are well liked.
Pretty MOR. I can appreciate the musicality but I think back and I can’t recognise a song. Feels like a 3.
nice chill sound
Its too mellow for my taste but I liked paper tiger
A tad too slow for my taste but I lik the guitar
Yeah it sounds fine, but Beck's music just does nothing for me. Doesn't move me in any way, it just washes over me and and soon as the album is done, I forget it ever happened. Meh.
I begyndelsen var jeg klar til at kalde den det bedste Beck album vi har haft indtil videre, men jeg synes den blev ved for længe og for mange numre lød ens. Det lyder godt dog
Lækkert! gode sange, mere interessant produktion end den her slags plader plejer at have
Cool vibes and I like the sound of this album. I really liked "Little One"!
Misschien wel zijn meest intieme en 'mooiste' werk. En alhoewel ik de moedige switch van lo-fi slacker naar zweverige barok/dream pop wel echt bewonder, mist dit album wel echt een beetje bite. Het is te veel van hetzelfde. Met 'The Golden Age', 'Paper Tiger' en 'Lost Cause' staan er een paar van m'n favoriete Beck-nummers op deze plaat, maar een paar zwaluwen maken nog geen zomer. De rest van het album is een dive van Beck in de wereld van Serge Gainsbourg, Scott Walker en zelfs de kosmische folk van Nick Drake, wat wel een sferisch geheel oplevert. Maar het waait ook wel weer voorbij als een wolk, met weinig om het lijf. Toch voor de opvallende turn in zijn carrière een ruime voldoende. 7/10 Highlights: The Golden Age Paper Tiger Lost Cause
I was really excited when I saw that Beck was my today's album, I never really went deep into his discography, but I know what his general deal is. Upon hearing this album I was surprised, it was very melancholic, downtempo and pleasant sounding. At the start I loved it, but song after song after song there was not a single up or downturn, just a flat line. It's not bad at all and some songs from this really impressed me, but as a whole this album was not that impressive. When sad boy hours come, this will not dominate my playlist. Best: Paper Tiger, Lonesome Tears, Round The Bend Worst: End Of The Day 3/5
Reminds me of messed up times
Not bad. I generally try to avoid odes to depression and loneliness and this guy seems to be a master of that, but this album had some admirable tracks that I could repeat.
A melancholy and sad breakup album, not what you'd expect from Beck at all. Quite Nick Drake / folk rock esque, both in vibes and use of strings with acoustic guitars. There are some really beautiful and touching songs on this Not sure this is his best work, Beck suits more upbeat and experimental albums like the classic Odelay I think. He can be a fantastically quirky and esoteric songwriter at times but this is a bit more vanilla. Not bad at all but maybe not the style to get the best out of his talents
I cant even objectively OR subjectively rate this so
Yes! What can I say I like sad…
i really enjoyed this album i didn’t think i would enjoy it but my favourites are definitely you can’t always get what you want and gimme shelter. there were a few songs which were more country style but they are still good songs, but not my favs.
Overall: 6/10 There are moments in here that I enjoy, but listening to this kind of felt like listening to one 50 minute song. Hopefully one day I can come back to it and learn to appreciate but for now it's kind of bland. Slight Update: I had time to listen to this more than once so I took advantage of that. Upon relistening I definitley enjoyed it more, I still think it's way too long and I don't think Beck has a great voice for the type of sadboy vibe he's going for but it's a solid effort. Fav Song: Lost Cause Least Fav Song: Round the Bend
Actually quite enjoyed this one. Surprisingly.
Sad!
I am not a beck enjoyer. I thought it was extremely medium
Pleasant but fairly boring. Other Beck music that I know is more interesting, but I like it for work background music
A little slow for my taste but good background music
A 90s slacker alt rock take on Nick Drake. Slow and somber songs with folksy acoustic guitar at the center of understated and tastefully lush arrangements that sound a bit like Beta Band. Beck delivers a sensitive and hushed vocal performance. Their whole thing has a melancholy wistful mood. Nothing especially original, but all extremely well crafted and executed, it's comfortingly familiar sounding even though I never (consciously) listened to this when it came out.
Great album
Nice and sad album
Completely different style, with this clearly being a breakup album with more sentimental lyrics (albeit abit cliche). Liked it but not sure if I’d listen again as it feels somewhat generic
Dark but still Beck. Slower, Americana-tinged breakup songs pull you into a world of hurt. But little glimpses of optimism percolate up here and there. Like life. Beck is always a good listen.
Okay, okay! Took a minute, but three albums of Beck under the belt and we're finding common ground. ✅✅ The Golden Age ✅✅ Guess I'm Doing Fine
I'm over 650 albums into this project, and this will be my first Beck album to review (still no sign of any of the Madonna albums though). I know a handful of Beck's songs, but the only whole album of his that I've listened to is Colors, which I really enjoyed. Based on the reviews for this album, I'm expecting to enjoy it, so let's get this party started! This album wasn’t really my jam, but from an objective standpoint, I thought it was good. The songwriting, while pretty abstract at times, had a level of sincerity and vulnerability to it that I wasn’t expecting from Beck. Musically, the arrangements were great, and I loved the orchestra playing that was present throughout the album. Beck clearly knows his stuff when it comes to making music, and this album showcases his skills really well. I think I went into this expecting something that had the more upbeat pop sounds of Colors, but with deeper lyrics, but this album was definitely more melancholy in its sound. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I didn’t really expect it. “Sunday Sun” was my favorite song on the album. I loved the dreamy sound, and the piano and guitar sounded great together. I wish I would have had the opportunity to listen to this album again, but unfortunately, I didn’t. Had I had the chance, I might have ranked this album a little higher, because I think my expectations for this album were so far from reality that it threw me off. I’m still looking forward to more of Beck’s music, and I’d be open to revisiting this one someday as well.
Albumi #137, 17.12.2024 Surullinen albumi, jonka Beck tiettävästi teki pitkän parisuhteen loppumisen mainingeissa. Hieno albumi kaikessa melankoliassaan, mutta ei lukeudu Beckin parhaiden joukkoon.
6/10
A very pretty, very low energy album. Some days I really like it, and other days I’m just not in the mood. Lost Cause truly is a beautiful song.
Different sound to what I remember Beck being like, and I'm not sure I liked it
I’m not sure how Beck manages to have multiple albums on this list. It’s ok music, nothing special. Middle of the road music. Would have preferred something a little more meaty for a weekend listen. 2.5 rounded up to 3
Dreamy and dull - this was ok, nothing really captured me Great name though
this is so frustrating because he can make some absolutely BEAUTIFUL sounds and then uses them to make nothing songs. idk it just does not hit. A lot of gorgeous instrumental passages though
It is a good album, but it is more noteworthy as a stylistic change than it is impressive on its own
Easy listening / indie rock. Some songs had great sound scapes.
Very 2000s, nostalgic folksy rock, no stand outs.
Yeah good, dude is going through some stuff and it’s quite melancholic and chilled. Solid 3 I’d say
A fine, gentle album.
Somber, sad, lush string sections, gentle guitar-picking. It all sounds beautiful, but at times, the songs morph into one sorrowful mush. It feels like the record could be a couple tracks shorter and still fully convey the heartbreak and emptiness that Beck experiences. Standout Tracks: Golden Age, Paper Tiger, Lonesome Tears, Sunday Sun
Mixed feelings, maybe I need to listen to it again. Some nice sounds though
Okay-ish
Enjoyed this, but maybe not as much as I did the previous Beck album. Simpsons: Yes (and Futurama etc)
Good monging out music. But generally it's just OK.
Sad music can be quite beautiful, but this isn't quite there. There's something about it that's missing but I can't quite put my finger on what. I thought 'Paper Tiger' and 'Little One' were the best tracks for their use of strings and they build up nicely to an epic ending. I find Beck's vocals to be quite pleasant to listen to. Not bad by any means but it's a bit long for an album where every song sounds very similar to each other. Some good moments, but a little boring in places.
Not bad but pretty boring from the usual Beck music.
ok
The beauty is definitely there, e.g. Lost Cause, but - I hate to say it - the album as a whole tends to boredom.
I'm a big fan of Beck but this one is a little too sappy and melodramatic for me. It lacks so much of his unique creativity that sets his music apart from any other artist. It's clear that a lot of this was written from a place of pain and despair as it doesn't sound like Beck is having fun at any point on this album. In a vacuum Sea Change is a pretty good album, its just my least preferred version of Beck. I much prefer when he is integrating strange sounds and cryptic lyrics in an alt-pop rock style. I can see how it could be a critical darling, but for me it gets shelved as there are so many other Beck albums I'll reach for before Sea Change. I can take it or leave it personally. 2.59 stars
Decent depending on the mood
Nice background music
This was not what I was expecting at all. I haven’t listened to much Beck except for his mid-90s stuff, but this was great with a hint country in there. Sad and moving music. I liked it just enough.
Tough album for me to rate. I wasn’t familiar with this album prior to the listen, so, like others, I was thrown off by the lack of breakbeats and samples. The obvious theme and feel of the album is melancholy. It’s a sad one to sit through, but it is a shockingly beautiful album at the same time. In some ways, I think it may be better than anything I’d heard from him in the past. There’s so much emotion, and the songs have so much tension, especially with the layering strings. But, I just don’t know how much I’ll revisit this album, as I usually prefer more upbeat music. I’m at like a 3.5
Oh, a sad album. Plodding and a bit forgettable. Not for me, I am afraid so not something I'll play again.
I never really enjoy Beck’s downtempo stuff as much. This has some great songs for when you’re just in that kind of mood, but there’s a ton of filler that all sounds like each other. Cut the run time by a third, and gain a star.
There are a couple of interesting songs here but overall I find it pretty dull. 3 stars or C-.
Wenn ich beschließe mein irdischen Dasein zu beenden, werde ich zur Sicherheit nochmal diese Platte hören. Erinnert mich an Nick Drake. Und der hat es ja geschafft.
Good, but the alt rock that leaves my brain as soon as the song ends
pretty good album, it is mastered beautifully, but overall it goes on for too long... Favourite Song = Its all in your mind
The album can feel a bit repetitive, and some tracks blend together in a way that makes it hard for them to stand out. I found myself zoning out at times, which makes it harder to stay engaged. It’s a good album for when you’re in the mood for something mellow but it might not be one I’d put on repeat.
This was fine for a chill album. Certainly more accessible than some of Beck's other stuff. 3.1
Easy album to listen to. I've never paid much attention to Beck but this is decently done. Hard to give it notes. I'm not the target but I can't see anything wrong with it.
chill folk music. feels a bit too barebones for me. almost like background music in an open world game sometimes
Lovely but it drags just a bit. His monotone voice without any range gets tiresome.
When autoplay continued after this album completed, and played Missing from Guero. I didn't realise it had changed albums and thought "ah, I like this one more than the other tracks.". So yeah, I prefer Guero (and Odelay). This is good, but not great. I prefer slightly livelier Beck.
I do like the style but none of the tracks really spoke to me that much I think I'll give it another listen
After a single play through this hits along the high 3, low 4 territory. Something like a 7.7/10. Compared to the other Beck albums on the list, this is my least favorite. It is also the most melancholy and "mature" sounding of the bunch. Beck trades in his breakbeat samples and electronic effects for acoustic guitar, sweeping strings, and occasional southern twang. Across all of it, Beck's sleepy vocals drone away. The effect is a placid album that holds a middle line all the way through with only a few notable exceptions. Of those exceptions, Paper Tiger calls to a similar vibe that late-career Radiohead conjures with a clean shifting drum beat, sweeping strings, and echoey vocals. Little One (possibly the best track here) is another standout for its brighter/psych feeling production. I could see this being a good album for a long car ride on a sunny day. The whole thing feels like a sad smile.
Very different Beck album compared to his others. This one reminded me a lot of Radiohead; maybe Kid A? Gloomy for sure, not quite my cut of the jib, but I enjoyed it as a whole. Could see this being a 4 in the right environment, but it'll settle for a 3 today.
3/5 - slow and sad but enjoyable Standout tracks: - End of the day 4/5 - I like Beck's voice in this and guess I'm doing fine
Sad rock music. Not bad, but nothing particularly interesting either. Stand-out: Lost Cause
I enjoyed listening to these mellow grooves. 3
Sad montage music.
Kaks ja puol tähteä, joka voisi päivästä riippuen keikahtaa kumpaan suuntaan tahansa. Tänään oli ankean harmaa aamu, johon levy sopi tunnelmaltaan - lyödään siis kolmonen.
decent but it's a tad bit wishy washy
Pleasant enough, but nothing really stood out
Great background, lazy voice that didn’t do anything exciting. Basically took a trip to mid city and brought back a keychain. 3 stars, should be 2.5.
Meh. Nothing really distinguishes one track from the next.
Another day I think I would have really felt this, but today it’s a 3.
was alright, it was a very calming album, but not something i’d listen to again.
I've listened to Becks earlier stuff (Odelay, One Foot In The Grave, Mellow Gold) and read a bit about him and Calvin Johnson recording One Foot In The Grave. But I've never gotten super into him. This album is a pretty big departure from what Beck's known for, pretty cool and not what I was expecting. I read it's a breakup album for him, so that makes sense. Sunday Sun is my favorite track on first listen.
This album is definitely passing me by a little. It's a little too slow paced and understated to really grab me. "Lost Cause" is the first song I'm actively enjoying. I didn't tab over and check out many individual songs. The album was a bit of a same-y blur. It wasn't an unpleasant blur but it didn't have much to offer for me. 6/10
I remember beck from eternal sunshine of a spotless mind, and this album definitely sounds like the same style, and that's a good thing
Good musicality but gloomy feeling to me
Ok
Good chill music. Really liked the directional audio. Not super memorable though because of the amount of chill. Kind of a double edged sword. Nice because I can relax to it, but because it is relaxing it isn't super memorable.
Beck looks like Michael Cera on the cover of “Sea Change.” On the album itself, he sounds like something that Paulie Bleaker or Scott Pilgrim would mope to. While it may display a lot of maturity and artistic growth, it’s just not very interesting most of the time. Late on “Lonesome Tears” we finally get some build and rise, but it never quite fulfills its possibility.
It’s like Beck decided to make an Elliott Smith album. It’s not bad, it’s just not Beck-y. Sad Beck is pretty but maybe not as interesting.
The songs were pretty and they all sounded exactly the same
Emo Beck, I feel you bro.
man, i really wanted to like this one more! i think i prefer a jazzier beck. i was excited to see this one but it was just okay to me.
hmm, not sure how to feel about this. it's basically only beck in name alone and sounds nothing like his other work (whether that's good or bad, I'll leave up to you). this is just beck being a sad boy for... 52 straight minutes??? ok damn dude we get it, you had a rough breakup, there's no need to record twelve nearly identical 4-5 minute songs about it. just bottle those emotions up and/or turn to mind-altering substances like the rest of us, sheesh. favorites: i didn't *love* any of these, but paper tiger, guess I'm doing fine, lost cause, sunday sun, and little one all had parts i enjoyed
nice album, nothing special
Alright. Not my favourite but alright enough.
i liked it a lot - but after a while, some of it sounded real similar to itself.
Great wallowing in sadness album. Great sonic production by Nigel Godrich. Not what I expect from Beck based on his earlier, popular work. I guess I’m more of a “two turntables and a microphone” guy. 3⭐️
First two songs are really good. Some boring songs in here but overall not too bad.
I'm not a Beck fan so I may be wrong about this but isn't this album just Beck music with all the interesting bits removed? 3.07
+: Paper Tiger, Lonesome Tears, Lost Cause, It's All in Your Mind, Round the Bend, Sunday Sun, Little One, Side of the Road +-: The Golden Age, Guess I'm Doing Fine, End of the Day, Already Dead 6,1/10
It’s fine sad beck is sad
Sad Beck
Guero was an interesting record for sure. It appeared early on enough for me that I hadn’t really figured out my style yet, and those old reviews aren’t very pretty. I actually remember more of where I was when I first heard the record than the record itself. It entertained me for 50 minutes of a very long and boring car ride to a very boring place. But I didn’t come out of it thinking I needed to hear more Beck any time soon. It’s been nearly a year, so I guess I got what I wanted. Beck has had a slightly quirky sense of songwriting from the beginning of his career. But there have been times, such as with this particular album, where he chose to abandon that aspect of himself for something more serious. I respect him as a musician. Because he is capable of switching things around so often and still sounding competent at the very least. This album sees him under the lens of alt-country and folk. It’s like he’s trying to be Wilco. Or Neutral Milk Hotel. Or Radiohead. Or more like all of them at once. Except the latter most of those could really go both ways. If someone told me Thom Yorke and company used this record as inspiration for A Moon Shaped Pool, I’d probably believe them. Why I say it’s all of those at once is because almost all of these folk songs are accompanied by some form of synth or string arrangement. Which are intended to add some level of emotion and intensity to the music. And when they successfully do so, they are quite evocative. But when they don’t, it’s like “Ehh, okay, cool I guess”. Where I began to take issue is the structuring of the songs themselves. Every track follows what feels like a very uniform, cut and dry pattern. They all sound the same, and most don’t get interesting until around the end. And some of them are too long to justify listening to the whole thing to get to the good parts. I don’t hate any one song, but I also don’t know I need 50 minutes of this album. It’s supposedly about a break up. So I don’t know, maybe if I’m going through a particularly rough split later on in life, I’ll give this a second shot and gain a new found appreciation for it. Rating: 5/10
Fine album, probably needs a relisten. I found it a bit forgettable at times but it had nice moments.
Is it possible that Beck is both underrated and overrated at the same time?
Of all the albums by Beck to make this list, this is the one? It's fine and represents his lyrics well enough, but this is no Odelay. 3/5
Relaxing sound
I couldn't tell you the name of a single song on this album, but I would describe the sound as lo-fi country? Honestly good work music, I enjoyed it and even threw it back on for the ride home. Acoustic albums are always a nice change of pace to all the synthesized stuff that's more popular. Best song: Idk it's all the same in my head Worst song: Lonesome Tears kept ringing in the left side every 4th beat and was annoying as hell 3/5 decent, would consider throwing it on when I need some background noise
Good, chill, but too slow for me
I remember this album being lauded when it came out, and I always meant to listen to it. I can't believe it took me 22 years to finally do so. I prefer Beck's more fun and upbeat stuff (e.g. Midnite Vultures) but I can see why this resonated with critics and listeners alike. I think I'd have to listen to it a few more times to fully appreciate it. This was a bit hard for me to fully get into considering I haven't experienced a breakup in 15+ years, but I did like "Little One" a lot.
I was surprised how funky it was, rather enjoyable.
Missed opportunity to title it Mellow Gloom. I like "Lost Cause" every time I hear it on the radio but an entire album like this is a bit much for me most days. I liked the subtly unconventional songwriting and his voice has more technique and range than I expected, but I'm still not fully recovered from overplaying "Loser" at the record store where I worked when it came out almost 30 years ago (yeesh!).
An interesting choice of albums to represent Beck, but certainly not the one I'd have probably chosen for him ("Odelay" would be the most obvious, although I also really enjoyed his much later "Morning phase"). I always enjoy listening to Beck, and this album has the distinction of being surprisingly cohesive, style- and soundwise, and also being pretty somber. There are a few really nice tracks--"Golden age", "Lost cause" (with a hypnotic video), and "It's all in your mind" (in part because it predates his melancholy turn)--but I'll admit it's hard to distinguish most of them from each other, and I doubt I'd listen to this album again. Even the review/summary of the album in the 2005 "1001 Albums" book seems to be at best lukewarm to Beck's "left turn" to emo-ballads...
I hadn't listened to this in 20 years. It sounds like sad, pretentious past me. Nothing here really stood out, I don't know that I'm picking this one back up.
Very calm music. Sounded a lot like a a Nick Drake album at times. Very different from the other Beck album I got way back when.
The world wasn't ready for Sad Beck.r
beck is sad :(
Nothing special
Sad sad Beck. A bit boring with it being so slow and each song sounding very similar. 4/10
I’ll be honest, it’s hard to listen to Beck because I believe that he puts subliminal Scientology messages in his songs. At the same time, I have always wanted to like Beck. Let’s see… Well, it’s mostly one tone throughout the album. Basically a slow burn. It’s Beck. Worlds jumbled together to make a sort of poetic verse collection. Honestly, Lost Cause is a generational song and would result in me buying the album if I had to do that anymore. Not great but not a terrible album. Choice Cut: Lost Cause
It is cool how much beck can do. I prefer the James Brown imitations, and the musical collages though. While competent the market on acoustic guitars and heartbreak is long saturated.
Geez more Beck. This is probably my favourite of his so far. Do I think he needs this many here, fuck no. But hey this is a pleasantly sad listen, some emotional tracks. Too long and follows a similar format all throughout tho. Fav songs: - The Golden Age - Lonesome Tears - Lost Cause
My second Beck album in two days! Let's go The golden age - really liked this. Nice and calm and a good song to walk to at night Paper tiger - don't like the vocal quality here, but that's okay. Like the strings. Really like the ending Guess I'm doing fine - nice intro. Giving me early counting crows. Enjoying this. Moody and good Lonesome tears - Beck's a sad boy isn't he. Lost cause - instinctively went to skip this. Idk why. Not bad now I'm listening to it. A bit badly drawn boy, but not as upbeat. Very sad walking in the rain end of relationship song End of the day - listening to this album in two parts so this will be my last half before I stop. Also sad. I'm sensing a theme. All in your mind - I like this. Melancholy. I like the strings a lot. That was good Round the bend - promising intro. Not mad keen on the vocals. Strings are lovely. Feels a tiny bit Bond Already dead - this is fine. Feel like I've heard it in 100 student films Sunday sun - is that a sitar? Little one - not feeling this Side of the road - I just don't think I like his singing voice. The original off key indie sad boy. I don't hate this song actually. I imagine it would be good for a late night drive. That song felt like just the right length, and some others I was willing to be over. Not a bad album at all! Enjoyed a lot of parts of it. Quite likely to listen to some of these songs again
Sad Beck makes a sad album. Overall, not bad, just hard to listen to if you aren't in a sad mood. Very different from what you generally expect from a Beck album. Good on him for branching out, just not something I will likely seek out.
Decent. I listened to this album a fair amount back when it was released. I liked it more back then than I do now.
Did not listen
yeah it was fine, very sleepy though
blah 57/100
I love Beck and feel like he’s done so many great albums. This one feels like I need to be in the mood for a slower record, but I enjoy his styling and calming voice.
Kinda boring
Amo como comienza, muy hogareño y cálido. Es la primera vez que lo escucho y no me decepciona, lo escucharía casualmente.
Good songwriting, but I thought the album was a bit slow.
It is too sad too much too sad so sad
Solid, but not remarkable.
Sad Beck
mengisch hani scho s gfühl, musigkritiker:inne entscheidet sich mal, dass sie en artist gern hend und denn muss de wichtig sii. nomal es beck album?? "er tönt so wies albumcover usgseht" -drey und es isch #true lonesome tears isch jz s erste lied wo mi chli meh nimmt aber au das iscb chli sehr lang beck's ice, es muss nöd jedes lied 5 min gah ALLES ISCH LANGSAM UND LANGWILIG de schluss vo end of the day kinda cute round the benf het mich chli anen modernere nick drake erinneret vode melodie, cool ja jz geg de schluss wirds besser, sunday sun isch na cool aber bruder das zieht sich jaa de schluss hetmer besser gfalle, lang ischs uf 2-kurs gsi aber mal luege wieni mi morn fühle
I thought this started off strong but quickly slipped into depression. Would not listen again.
This album is a moody ride. The lyrics are raw and heartfelt. Each track flows into the next. It’s a bit slow at times, but I think that's its charm. Great for a rainy day. Not for everyone, but worth a listen.
Close to being a 4 star… a nice mix between nirvana and radiohead
I was expecting weird (possibly in a good way), which this wasn't. It was nice. The vibe doesn't change a lot though. I feel that holds it back.
2.5
Floaty, pleasant enough music to lay around and be stoned to. Nothing really stands out -- it's almost like Beck decided to do his own version of a Brian Eno album. Wonderful soundscapes and the like, but nothing overly essential here.
Relaxed pop with a broken voice. It's easy to listen to at least.
Knowing a bit of Beck, heard of this album. Don't know if I know anything off of it. I do know his style of music is very eclectic. First couple tracks in it is very mellow, slow. Not the indie rock/experimental pop I was expecting.
That was alright, not that memorable though
3.7 . Prefer full band Beck
It was good, but I think it got a little monotonous. None of the songs were bad. But it would have been improved if there was a little more energy here or there
This one was really tricky for me to rate. It was such a sad and heavy album and I didn't get a chance to listen to it with as much dedication or focus as I'd like to (plus we were moving houses when this album came up, so my music-listening headspace was all over the place). I can see this album being a 4 for me with more steeping time and under the right circumstances, but for right now it's a 3.
Definitely has some real beautiful moments and maybe I'd rate it differently on a different day. Today, however, the day it was assigned, I'm applying for jobs. This is not good job applying music.
This one has a chance to grow on me. It's a bit of a downer and I prefer Beck's more upbeat material. Still, it's a well made, well crafted album and there's no denying Beck's talent. I do think I have to be in the right mood to hear it but I'll give it another go in the future.
Lonesome tears.....whoah man. Good shit. Was literally talking to Mike yesterday about how I was getting into Beck, but I hadn't heard any of the songs on this album. Splendid. I wish there was a liiiittle more range and variety in his songs, but still very good.
Pretty good compositions on this album, but overall it comes off as a bit of a snooze-fest. Probably an album I would enjoy on subsequent playthroughs though, so I'll be listening again some time in the future.
Not bad i, nice surpise
Very nice album - Quiet and beautiful
Bit dreary.
Expected sad and poignant but this mostly felt plodding & sleepy. Besides 'Lost Cause,' very little else stood out. Definitely prefer when Beck is channelling Prince & James Brown over Elliot Smith.
It's pretty good collection of melancholic music. I'm sure if I felt the same way he did making it I'd be more engaged, but since I don't and didn't, it's a fine enough listen. Enough so that I didn't mind how it kept fading in and out of my attention. I'unno.
It's Beck. Which means most often quality, but also a bit of the same.
Heavy & sad
Never been a big fan of Beck to be honest. I'd say this album is just alright. The sad acoustic with ethereal synths sort of feels like it lasts forever though.
3.5 Not sure I have consciously heard a single Beck song other than Loser. Nice, but a little sad and samey. It faded into the background a bit too easily. Saved a few tracks for revisiting to see if they grow on me.
Not my favorite Beck record, but really nice. Somber, thoughtful and intentional. 3.5/5
Never got into this one. I like the Melody Nelson inspired song.
Dreamy, wavy and hypnotic. The music is very somber and smoothing, and Beck’s voice only adds to that. This is a really easy listen and quite calming. Really dig this one.
Paper Tiger - Orchester Einlage
Not what I expected at all, but not a bad album. Very chill.
Sea Change delves into the depths of Beck's psyche during a tumultuous breakup, offering a poignant and bleakly introspective journey. The album is characterised by its melancholic tone, reflecting the emotional turmoil experienced during this period of his life. While the melodies are undeniably beautiful, there are moments where the raw emotion makes for a challenging listen. However, this difficulty adds to the album's authenticity, capturing the rawness of heartbreak with haunting clarity. Beck's vulnerability shines through in every track, drawing listeners into his world of pain and reflection. Despite its sombre atmosphere, there's a haunting beauty to the music that lingers long after the final notes fade away. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 4 STAND OUT TRACK - Lost Cause
I liked the album but it was very much the same. Good sounds good production but wasn’t special
Lost cause is the only song I've heard before - and several times at that. The singing is hypnotic and croony but not melodic in nature. A few tracks stand out with beautiful swells but they do seem to blend into each other. Overall an average album - probably won't listen again
Definitely a change from the usually experimental music of Beck. It was slow, melodic, and melancholy. Overall it wasn't bad, it didn't really have any stand out memorable tracks.
The Golden Age //
Herzschmerz, Traurigkeit und Melancholie vereinen sich in diesem Album. Eine angenehme beinahe langweilige Stimme prägen das Album. Nach einer Melancholie kommt die nächste, so dass die Depression des Albums eher nervt, als Spaß macht bzw. zum wiederhören inspiriert. Ganz ok sind “Guess I’m Doing Fine” & “Lost Cause“.
I liked this better than the last Beck album that was generated, it’s not terrible just too dreary for me. Yawn
Surprised I'd never heard them, having came out on 2001
i actually didnt hate this nearly as much as my typical beck hatred. it was mostly vibey and ignorable (a positive) 2.5
Pretty chill album
Prefer this one to Odelay, 3 stars
Not my favorite Beck- but still Beck.
I first heard of Beck when he beat Beyonce for Album of the Year a while back and Kanye had something to say about that. The album started off pretty strong, but after Lost Cause I was kind of bored. High 3.
Felt pretty indifferent towards this 6/10
Idk, wasn’t listening super closely to the lyrics so I feel like I’m not a great judge of this one. In general, though, I dig concept albums, and I feel like this was well executed if not particularly groundbreaking. Cover art is a little goofy. 6.5/10 Was rushed writing yesterday’s review, but I wanted to add that in addition to really enjoying the main album, I actually also liked the outro. Lucas said he didn’t like it which is definitely fair, it’s pretty monotonous from a melodic/harmonic/rhythmic development perspective, but it was cool and kinda charming to hear all the people that influenced his style and the album. I think Lupe acknowledging them in that way scratched some sort of midwestern politeness itch for me.
6/10 - Most of the songs flowed together and it made them sound the same. It was quite mellow which was decent from studying however, it was not the most enjoyable. A few songs stood out as better but overall it was mid.
I enjoyed this. Felt longer than 52 minutes because a lot of the songs sounded the exact same, but still pretty good 7/10
From what i can tell, Sea Change was mostly influenced by the time Beck broke up with his longtime girlfriend, And you can tell he is not taking it well in this album because god it sounds so sad. The music is very melancholic and the lyrics are as well. That stuff is what makes the album pretty good. It is relaxing and melancholic at the same time which i really like about it. This is a good album if you don't mind crying a bit throughout. Best Song: Lonesome Tears Worst Song: Paper Tiger
sad beck is ok beck, prefer happy beck
Maudlin
Twangy, country feel. Atypical Beck
Ganske deprimerende
Okay so this may be one of the most INTERESTING albums we have heard thus far- which makes sense, given that all we listen to is oldies rock 80% of the time and this is more modern.. Bro this album is literally a soundtrack of itself. I can portray movie scenes going along with each of these songs- I have no other way of describing it other than pure "Art" Lonesome Tears is a prime example of this. Beck makes me feel a plethora of emotions within these songs, it's a rollercoaster for sure- I ride that I thoroughly enjoy. Not often do you get hit with songs that make you feel sad and calm at the same time, and actually hit- but here we are. You know we get all of these albums that just feel planted into the scene for money, but this really hits home. You can feel the every emotion the artist feels here and it just feels so genuine. It's very refreshing. This is definitely an album of healing, and the haunting lyrics and instruments paint that picture very well. This album has aged gracefully. Never before had I heard a beck album, but I will be returning. I saved most of these songs! Solid 8.5/10
3.5 Damn, I didn’t know Beck had this in him! I thought all this dude wrote was alternative, experimental, borderline hip-hop stuff with nonsense lyrics, but I guess all it took for him to create what’s probably the most genuine and cohesive album of his career was a nasty breakup (isn’t that what it takes us all sometimes?) For the first time, I feel like I’m actually hearing Beck instead of some artsy-fartsy wall he puts up, and it’s absolutely beautiful and introspective - I finally understand why people admire this guy’s artistry. So that to say, I nearly gave this a 4, but the more I listened to it, the more I couldn’t help but feel that it’s a bit long and same-y, especially in the back half - I definitely think you could cut two or three songs there without losing much. The front half is crazy strong though, with the opening track The Golden Age being the highlight of this album for me - it far and away strikes the best balance of melancholy and beauty of anything here. Honestly, as of this writing, I would say it’s probably the best Beck song that I’ve heard, and I found myself just wanting to go back and give that song a re-listen the deeper I got into the album. Not that it ever gets bad by any means, but somewhere after Lost Cause it does start to devolve into more of the same kind of stuff you’ve already heard but not nearly as remarkable, and at a certain point I found myself ready for this to start wrapping up. Probably the best album of the guy’s career, and I can see why it was acclaimed, I just think it could have been tightened up a bit. Definitely could see this being a worthwhile addition to my sadboi collection of records though.
I enjoyed this mellow version of Beck for sure, very beautiful album and very somber. However, the Odelay album is one of my favorites and this does not live up to it at all. Overall a nice listen but nothing I would go back to.
Very middle of the road, I don't really have a solid opinion on Beck. Everything he puts out is good but doesn't particularly stand out to me
Ok
Classic Beck, real melancholy
Probably don’t appreciate this as much as I should. I see this as very mediocre from Beck, he should be more innovative and experimental. Just not my cup of tea
When I first heard this, I thought “it’s a mood”. I still think that. Not my favorite, I need to want a ‘lazy Sunday’ vibe to make this worthwhile.
Beck has such talent...unfortunately this album was just a little too sleepy from start to finish for me. Best Track: Already Dead
3/5
okey, nisam previse dozivila
Injeschlafene Föös
It was good but not a Beck favorite of mine
I see the appeal. It's a very elegant and peaceful piece of work. It's a little soft for my tastes but I do think it is well put together.
6/10 It is a pleasant listen with a couple of stand-out tracks. 3-18-2024
THIS is how I like my folk music. Actual singing ability, and much-less-to-no harmonica. "Lonesome Tears" was definitely a highlight of the album for me. The forlorn folk song is carried by some soaring, very haunting orchestrals that literally left goosebumps. In general, I think the folk music found here is elevated by the chamber pop aspect, and they go nicely together. There is a lot of variety found here, which keeps things fresh and unique -- everything bleeding together is often one of my complaints about music in folk and folk-adjacent spaces. Beck is definitely a multi-faceted artist, based not only on what I know about him but also just the differences between this album and another on this project, "Odelay". I appreciate that diversity in an artist!
This is so different from everything else I know by Beck, and it's cool to hear his breadth. It strikes up a very sleepy, introspective mood, and doesn't really drift from that. If that's where you're head is when you listen, I can see the appeal, but it doesn't really land for me now as being particularly memorable.
I like the signature sound of this album: really slowed-down with various distortions. It takes a lot of various inspirations (from singer-songwriter/folk-rock and country to whatever genre Dire Straits is) and adds an alternative spin to them. The movie score-style strings in "Paper Tiger" are also cool. But it does get a bit boring when the whole album consists of really chill songs with melancholy lyrics.
me gusta para un momento muy relajado (es muy lento)
I introduced Beck to my daughter a few weeks ago as “The King of Alt-Wierd”. He was the first and only artist to perfectly blend country, pop, rock, psychedelia, and whatever else he was listening. Odelay and Guerro are mind blowing! This album is not. It’s not that it’s a bad album: it’s a highly personal ode to a series of changes in his life. It’s well written. It’s masterfully performed. Songs like Paper Tiger and Around the Bend are soft and reflective. For me, it sounds too much like mid-00 Wilco, which I really liked and given the choice would probably choose first. This is a good headphones and bottle of red wine after a shitty week album, but outside of that not an everyday celebration.
Indie chill breakup album. Not as good as Bon Iver. Few good tracks like Golden Age and Lost Cause. Feels a little too long. Solid outing but I’m not pulling this one out too often.
Good tunes weak vocals