Release Date: 2002

Previously Owned: No

First Time Listen: Yes

Impressions: Real strange that I don’t have this album since I like Beck in general. Sometimes the holes in my collection are inexplicable. Well, let’s put it on…There’s an acoustic guitar opener, so it’s that version of Beck and not the sample-heavy, hiphop collage artist guy. Slightly trippy, but more direct and personal (for him, at least) in addressing his recent divorce than his random, non-sequitur lyrics of the past. Also, songs like “I Guess I’m Doing Fine” sound more like the music is coming from a band rather than a sample-heavy approach of the past (hence, I guess, part of the reason it’s called “Sea Change.”) The songs still have some nice quirks, like subtle strings on “Paper Tiger” and “Lonesome Tears.” Perhaps for variety, Beck could have used a few uptempo tracks to balance off the melancholy mood, but, somehow he pulls it off. “Lost cause” gets me square in the gut area unlike any song he’s put together before. I had to look up whether the gorgeous “Round The Bend” was a Nick Drake cover. This could be on my Top 10 Post-Divorce albums. Maybe I’ll make that list someday. I imagine the Odelay fans who were expecting more party jams were probably disappointed in this slow-going, downcast work, but it deserves a listen on its own merits. The whole thing really holds together as a unified piece and shows Beck singing about actual human emotions.

Starred Songs: “Guess I’m Livin’ Fine,” “Lost Cause,” “Round The Bend”

Sneaky Track: The whole album is pretty sneaky, but “Sunday Sun” and “Paper Tiger” fit the bill

Should this be on the list: Yes
Will you listen to this again? Yes.
Summary: It might have taken a divorce to do it, but Beck surprises with a straightforward acoustic album of rare depth.

Rating: ★★★★