Beck’s eighth record release, “Guero” on Interscope Records, is a testament to his ability to go above and beyond the confines of pop-rock and break ground with songs of unique styles. In his usual manner Beck has successfully taken popular music apart and rebuilt it from the ground up, using Latin, Afro-Cuban, electro-pop and hip-hop styles. Like the original sentences in George Carlin’s stand up comedy, this is the first time music has been put together quite this way.
Before putting the album in your player you notice the album art – something you won’t be able to enjoy without actually purchasing this album. Artist Marcel Dzama uses a wide variety of figures with disproportionate bodies in sketches with few but rich and bold colors. The art is definitely part of the experience in this album.
Once I started listening I noticed two things: First, from the time I put the disc in, my body could not stop moving. Every song produces a head nod or a gentle rock. The songs that really touched me inspired a full-out embarrassing display of rhythmic expression. Secondly, each song offered a complete surprise. Most albums have a “feel” or general expectation. The best way to experience this one is to expect the unexpected.
Though each song had a somewhat unifying theme, Beck isn’t afraid to throw in some delightful surprises. “Guero’s” lyrics are pure poetry. Beck crafts each word to express specific ideas and did so beautifully. The calculated sound samples used from other groups (including The Beastie Boys) and the deliberate timing give one the image of a chess master carefully planning each move and trapping the listener into a checkmate of aural peace and contentment.
There were many great songs on this album; “E-Pro,” the album’s single, isn’t one of them. But, it did grow on me. Many other songs on the album however, were excellent. “Missing,” an immediate personal favorite, offers an interesting Afro-Cuban beat paired with romantic lyrics of hurt and loss. “Scarecrow” serves up a relaxed but driving rock beat reminiscent of southern rock.
Overall, Beck hit it right on the mark with this one. Looking for some good experimental music you can groove to with equally expressive lyrics? I highly recommend this album.