For his thirteenth studio album Colors, Beck leaves the abstractions behind to convey in plain English the seismic growth he’s experienced over the past two years. It’s an older, wiser Beck who is approaching life with balance and poise. The transformation wasn’t an easy; he had to walk down dark alleys and take a long honest look at himself. Colors is his journey, a chronicle of ups and downs that led to his grand revelation.

Beck teams up with producer Greg Kurstin who injects the album with a mighty dose of power pop. The two hit it off and utilize a synergy that helps reconcile the album’s jovial sound with the dark lyrical content. Instead of clashing it works in the same way salt works on watermelon; a tasty combination of sweet and sour. Traditional Beck fans will be thrown off but it’s yet another example of his ability to traverse multiple genres and sound completely at ease while doing it.

Colors

A massive explosion of sight and sound, one that creates a kaleidoscope of glittery emotions. The tone is buoyant, but the lyrics are mild. An expression of ideas that embrace a cryptic undercurrent. Colors replace emotions, and the elusiveness makes it an abstract journey that isn’t meant to be defined by traditional terms. It is a multi-sensory journey that dissolves redundant tropes: [LISTEN]

Seventh Heaven

Elegant power pop has Beck yearning for a better life. The beat pulses with vigor, spurring him on to seek the company of a warm body. He’s hoping that it’ll take him to a place of privacy, a glorious land where he can sit in stillness and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It’s a lively cut that takes solace in the little things in life, simple emotions that project massive amounts of heart: [LISTEN]

I’m So Free

A choppy guitar lick has him cartwheeling through a field of sunflowers. His mind is zig-zagging back and forth, and he’s recollecting a time when life wasn’t so great. The thought of darker days has him appreciating the moment and with a new avenue in front of him he’s cruising without a care in the world. It wasn’t always peaches and cream, but those days are long gone. Good times ahead: [LISTEN]

Dear Life

When it rains it pours and when it pours you can either sulk and cry or splash around like Beck and enjoy the ride. It’s a comedy of errors and he’s using humor as a remedy. The playful piano riffs create a cheeky atmosphere and with a light heart he’s musing over life like a man entering retirement. There’s contentment in his voice, and the air of a good life is having him breathe easy: [LISTEN]

No Distraction

No frills lyricism, one man begging for a second chance. He’s setting all distractions aside, letting her know that she’s the only one he needs. Unconvinced, she’s refusing to fork over the goods. In response he’s reassuring her that he is aware of all the bullheaded things he’s done, like putting trivial matters ahead of her. A reminder that the only thing worth fighting for is love: [LISTEN]

Dreams

After a brief lull, he shakes off the rust and gets his groove back. It’s an amalgam of garage rock, pop and soul; a feeding frenzy for a versatile artist like Beck. The jolt of energy has him doing back flips, and the smooth talker that once was dormant is out in full form. While he’s ready for a new adventure he can’t help but look back and curb his enthusiasm. An older, wiser Beck: [LISTEN]

Wow

A smooth hollowed out beat has Beck channeling his inner rock/rap star. Equal parts funk and hip-hop, he kicks a slap happy verse that is both carefree and whimsical. It’s nonsensical and polished, the old Beck peeking through the curtain just to say ‘hello.’ With no guilt gnawing at his conscious he’s able to let loose and groove like a man who just rediscovered bachelorhood: [LISTEN]

Up All Night

Hard riffing from a bird who’s been separated from the flock. He’s out of place, disorientated and bitter about being ostracized. But right when he’s about to lose his mind, he finds another outcast and it’s love at first sight. It doesn’t take long for him to fall head over heels, and all of sudden the pain that once was so raw is now a distant memory. He’s broken through and finally found peace: [LISTEN]

Sqaure One

After trudging through miles of hell, he finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s been a long journey, but his positive attitude has sustained him; keeping him from going completely under. He’s back at square one, and he’s beaming with optimism. But before taking that first step he’s taking a survey of all that has transpired so he won’t foolishly make the same mistakes again: [LISTEN]

Fix Me

A crunchy loop has him stumbling back in time. He’s revisiting the events that sent him on his journey, working in reverse order as to break up the linear direction. The relationship has been a work in progress, and even after going through the ringer it’s still unclear if either will ever fully understand. He’s letting this person know that in the end he hopes they’ll see his point of view: [LISTEN]