Beck - Modern Guilt

At first glance, Beck’s latest album appears much easier to digest than his past handful of releases. Modern Guilt feels like a return to the days of 1996’s Odelay with upbeat and catchy melodies. However, a closer listen makes it clear that the buoyant production is a counter for the increasingly dark and disillusioned artist.

An artist who built his persona on fun, Beck is obviously troubled in his newest release. The latest LP is more consistent than past albums in both sound and lyrical content, but the two don’t match up. This may be a sign for the future releases, as Beck is known for his experimentation across nearly every genre.

Though he doesn’t ditch the traditionally nonsensical lyrics, the artist also balances the album with some politically-charged undertones.

“Walls,” one of the album’s best tracks melodically, is also one of its strongest lyrically: “You got warheads stacked in the kitchen/ You treat distraction like an instant religion/ … Hey, what are you gonna do/ When those walls are falling down/ Falling down on you?”

Likewise, “Gamma Ray” combines a party beat with an environmental warning: “Trying to hold, hold out for now/ With these ice caps melting down.”

The album shows signs of producer Danger Mouse’s handiwork, but — as is the case with his work with The Black Keys — the sound is still ultimately Beck’s.

Modern Guilt also features indie-starlet Cat Power on the album opener “Orphans,” creating a beautiful, purring harmony.

The album is incredibly short, with 10 songs clocking in at just over half an hour. Brief punches of melody and lyrics make sure none of the time is wasted, making the album seem much fuller than it actually is.

“Chemtrails” is the album’s best example of Beck’s home turf psych-rock, featuring a drum backing by longtime collaborator Joey Waronker. It’s also the only track that doesn’t include any Danger Mouse beats or loops.

The album ends with “Volcano,” a strikingly personal prophecy of sorts: “I don’t know where I’ve been, but I know where I’m going/ To that volcano/ I don’t want to fall in, though/ So I want my bones on the firing line.”