Beck - Sea Change

Inspired by the end of a relationship, "Sea Change" may be one the best break up albums ever recorded.

After 1999's "Midnight Vultures" disc, Beck had already cemented his place as alt. rocks priemier blue-eyed soul funk brother. This work marked a distinct departure from the eclectic genre blending of previous efforts. Little in Beck's catalog, outside of some tracks off 1998's "Mutations", most notibly the contemplative "Nobodys' Fault But My Own", hinted at the depth and melancholy that "Sea Change" brought to the table.

The album was produced beautifully by Nigel Goodrich and includes string arrangements by David Campbell (Beck's father). Starting with "The Golden Age", Beck sets a introspective tone full of lush instumentation and ornate arrangements. "Guess I'm Doing Fine", "Lonesome Tears", & "Round The Bend" all resonate with a somber yet deliberate sound of one individual trying to make sense of the aftermath in a failed relationship, a universal theme if there ever was one.

"Lost Cause" & "Already Dead" in particular hit an emotional resonance from the writers point of view, one can almost picture the late nights and empty liquor bottles that must have been vital in the making of these recordings.

Despite the mournful tone some of the songs suggest, the album is never depressing or bleak. "End Of The Day", "It's All In Your Mind", and "Sunday Sun" hint at acceptance and optimism lending the album a feeling of resolution.

Beck has never been as introspective before or since "Sea Change", the album belongs in the same hallowed ground as Dylan's "Blood On The Tracks" or Jeff Buckey's "Grace".

This may not be the album Beck will ultimately be remembered for, as he carries the weight of "Odelay" like Radiohead carries it for "Ok Computer", but it would be frivolous to disregard "Sea Change" as nothing other than one of Beck's best works.



-HelperMonkey