4.0 + A very different direction for Beck after coming off some freaky pan-genre explorations via "Odelay" and "Midnite Vultures" (also terrific records). Here's Beck's breakup album that draws inspiration from the American songbook with soft inflections of other genres, all modernized with subtle studio flourishes to keep sparkle in the background. It's mostly downtempo with uncomplicated chord structures, with the exception of "Paper Tiger" which is just awesome. Some will find this album a little staid and even boring. At times, the breakup aspect of this album feels a little on-the-nose. Still, it maintains a morose atmosphere that I find quite pretty.