Beck - Guero (2005)

Beck (born Bek David Campbell), is an Alternive Rock/Anti-Folk musician from Los Angeles, California. He first began his career in 1988 and has been active ever since. He is best known for his songs "Loser", "E-Pro", and "Girl" among other songs. He currently is focusing on his side project called "Record Club". He is currently signed to Interscope Records.

Beck's 2005 album "Guero" was his ninth full-length release overall. The album debut at #2 on the U.S. Billboard 200, and at #15 on the UK charts. "E-Pro" was Beck's first #1 hit since his song "Loser. The album contains 13 tracks (up to 20 if you get the special edition ones) and consists of "E-Pro", "Qué Onda Guero", "Girl", "Missing", "Black Tambourine", "Earthquake Weather", "Hell Yes", "Broken Drum", "Scarecrow", "Go it Alone", "Farewell Ride", "Rental Car", and "Emergency Exit". The version that I am reviewing today is the UK release and contained the bonus tracks "Send a Message to Her", and "Chain Reaction". The album also had collaborations with The Beastie Boys and Jack White. The album has a much more mellow feel than any of the albums that I've reviewed. It's the type of album which you would listen to after a long and tiring day just to feel good. The only problem I had with the album was one of the bonus tracks (yes, only one problem). The song "Chain Reaction" felt as though it didn't belong on the album. All of the other songs are calm, relaxing, and soothing to a point, whereas "Chain Reaction" is fast, hyper, and just unpleasant on the ears (mostly a fast guitar riff with Beck shouting CHAIN REACTION!!!!). Other than the one track, it's a great album.

Overall, it's an album that you should at least rent or borrow from a friend. If you're into Radiohead, The Flaming Lips, The White Stripes, Sonic Youth, Eels, Blur, Ween, Soul Coughlin, or Gorillaz, then you should be listening to Beck. The album was released on March 29, 2005 and is available on iTunes and Amazon.

Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0

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