Beck | Feature Artist

It’s always rewarding when an artist makes a shift in style and makes it sound as good as this.

Beck’s discography is a rewarding and diverse collection of records with gems across over 30 years of innovation. But ‘Sea Change’ stands on its own and apart from the key Beck records (see ‘Odelay’ and ‘Morning Phase’). Its ambition for composition and sheer misery puts it light years outside of his other records as he documents the ‘Sea Change’ of heartbreak and loss.

The emotional weight here cannot be overstated. Beck really bleeds all over this one, thanks to the lavish and emotive orchestration laced throughout. Its melancholic core is just so potent and grounds the record in such a great space despite the fact that it’s miserable.

Similar to many great records, it all starts with a late-night drive on opener ‘The Golden Age’, which is one of the most notable examples of second-person perspective in modern song. Highlights from the journey are the depressive mania of ‘Lonesome Tears’, the isolation and doubt of ‘Round the Bend’ and the ‘Harvest’-esque closer ‘Side of the Road’.

At the end of the day, it’s a masterpiece from one of the greatest modern songwriters. It marks his versatility and shows he’s capable of more than his signature folk/rap/rock.

Beck is due to play orchestral shows in Sydney and Melbourne, with material from this and other key works. Until then, ‘Sea Change’ remains as compelling as it did since its release 24 years ago.

‘Sea Change’ is available in the Store now.

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