Best Albums Ever: Beck, Colors

I'm late to the Beck game. Not that I didn't know who he was for the last few decades! Who didn't know those oh-so-addicting lyrics in that surprise genreless hit in 1994? "Soy un perdedor. I'm a loser baby, so why don't you kill me?" Had I known there was a reference to Cheese Whiz in there, I'd have probably been a bigger fan back then...

All joking aside, I simply wasn't into rock (or anything like it) back then. Beck isn't even really rock, but as a teen my taste in music was narrow. I was addicted to and focused on atmospheric dance, pop and new age (a la Yanni). I had no idea what I was missing. There were several moments throughout my teens and early 20s that I remember considering diving into Beck's work, and for reasons I can't recall, I didn't. I'm disappointed in myself.

Thankfully, Beck's album "Morning Phase" stole my heart a couple years ago. I'll write about that brilliant award-winning album later. Right now, it's all about "Colors" and its catchiness, pep, and unabashed positivity.

Beck has a way of meshing every sound from every genre ever, and making it flawless. It's his M.O.: I've never heard another artist do this so consistently, so cohesively, and so successfully. You expect it from him. "Morning Phase" was subdued, angelic, restrained. It was gorgeous and rich and warm. But in classic Beck form, "Colors" surprises and pops with energy, edge, and encouragement.

In his latest offering, Beck brings to mind classic sounds of The Beatles, The Cure, echoes of his own past works and countless styles; including rock, pop, hip hop, disco, <insert genre here>. It's fun and exciting. It's lively and lovely and currently my favorite running soundtrack. I won't even try to hide my love for this album.

Like an inspired awakening, the title track "Colors" bops and buzzes. Is that a pan flute? Why, yes, yes it is. The mood shifts from edgy pop to airy chords, sucking you in to the addictiveness. There's innovative and effective vocal manipulation throughout the chorus, and accidentals create a dreamy soundscape. Major to minor, shuffling drums to poppy beats. Watch the music video to develop a new affinity for slime: It's never looked so inviting or satisfying.

Ah, "Seventh Heaven". This might be my favorite. Dreamy arpeggios (always a standard in my own work) open, and we're taken into memorable guitar riffs and playful claps. Beck starts with his perfected laid back delivery, and I'm done. The pre-chorus sparkles, with those luscious arpeggios again, and the happy chorus dominates your ears. The positivity just keeps going, the glittery guitars keep driving; the song is simply packed with sonic inspiration. We need remixes of this.

"I'm So Free" is heavier, but no less energetic. That bass! Its movement up and down the scale against Beck's vocals is divine. At this point, Beck knows we love when he raps, and here it is, leading into the addictive and rock-out worthy chorus. There are so many subtle nuances and effects that add crazy psychedelic vibes. It's fun and carefree (pun intended?) and exactly what anyone needs after a rough day. If you're a fan of electric guitar, you'll probably dig it.

Immediately, "Dear Life" reminds me of classics like "Lady Madonna". Yep, piano and all. Beck plays with rhythms to deliver an unpredictable performance that's both satisfying and innovative. The lyrical content is all too familiar: we've all been there, saying those same words out loud. The brilliance of Beck's songwriting is extremely obvious, and his ability to tap into the most relevant and mundane experiences and make them shine is on point.

Sneaky and Police-like, "No Distraction" is one of my favorite vocal performances from Beck. The words, the delivery, the falsetto... it's perfect. This is 80s goodness brought back to life, particularly before the chorus fades in, with those lovely synths echoing up and down. The more I listen to this, the more I appreciate the persistent beats and strategic guitars. 

"Dreams"! This was originally released in 2015 as a teaser single. One of my early favorites from the album, the same vocal effects used in the opening track make a reappearance in the chorus, creating a perfectly twisted atmosphere. Man, those guitars! They're perfect. And Beck's vocal layering/echoes are absolute genius. And just when you think you know where the track is going, hold on, slow down. Just like a dream, everything shifts and Beck takes it down, funkier, heavier. Who says you can't change it up in one song?

Okay. Let's talk about "Wow". I'm happily addicted to it, and have been ever since I saw the ridiculous video (moody horses, dude sitting in the street, breezy dog, and Beck kicking it on a busy corner). It stands out as the most unique and odd song on the album. Hello, slide whistle. Hello, hip hop bass. Hello... growl of a big cat? "Giddy up"? Who says that in a song?! Only Beck. And only he could make it so effortlessly cool. The lyrics and Beck's delivery remind me a lot of "Loser". I can't decide if this is maniacal genius or just plain weird. But, whatever it is, I love it, and have already worn it out. Clearly, I'm not the only one: released as a single in June 2016, it was included on Billboard's 100 Best Pop Songs of 2016.

Wahoo, "Up All Night". Another favorite and somehow reminds me of 70s dance and disco. Easily the most positive track on the album, Beck's goal is simply to go out, get free and "stay up all night with you." Such a memorable opening and that clapping, the syncopation, the strings! I wish this was longer: It goes by fast. But that's its charm. And just like that, the strings wrap it up. 

"Square One" sneaks up on you. It takes all the energy and style of previous tracks on "Colors" and creates an atmosphere all its own. I could hear Kimbra singing this. It has that bluesy, soulful delivery. Easygoing and breezy, if I had a convertible and lived on the ocean, I'd routinely take long drives and listen to this with the top down, sunglasses on, sun on full blast. Yeah, like that.

The only ballad in sight, "Fix Me" reminds me of "Morning Phase" with the perfect addition of sparkling glockenspiels and heavier drums. The melodies in the chorus... actually, the entire song... aren't anything too inventive. Somehow, their familiarity is a strength, and I find myself wanting to repeat this. It's appropriately dreamy, and the last lyrics are "I'm set free." Ahh, sweet perfection in a final track.

Like all my "best albums", every song on this album is a perfect 10. There's nothing about it I would change (except maybe the length of "Up All Night"). Beck spent years working on these tracks, and it shows. And like all my favorite artists, Beck wrote every song, along with helpful contribution from several cowriters. Beck and producer Greg Kurstin painstakingly played almost every instrument themselves, and took the time to create something memorable, happy, and inspiring. 

In the face of a currently-crazy political climate, with so much shade and frustration thrown around, "Colors" is the perfect positive escape. So go! Don't just stream it, buy it. Just do it. Giddy up.