Beck consistently spans the spectrum when it comes to his genre of music. Not many Beck albums can be pigeonholed into the same category. From break-beat hip hop to pop rock anthems, to abstract, ironic, and metaphysical lyrical journeys, Beck can only seemingly be categorized album to album. Morning Phase, however, is an intentional sequel to 2002’s Sea Change. With a nearly identical list of musicians on board for recording, Morning Phase pairs nicely a decade later to the sadness, tranquility, and calm of Sea Change. But don’t let anyone tell you it’s the Sea Change “B-sides.” This album is set apart through a warmer tinge of sound that paints a picture of someone taking their time reflecting in the morning, but has its head looking high with hope for truth and beauty in the coming day. Even the title implores a new beginning and sets a peaceful tone for the listener about to partake in the journey.
The album opens with a minute-long overture, “Cycle,” conducted by Beck’s father, David Campbell. The strings swell and get stronger and brighter as the song concludes, invoking a mellow morning with the sun rising for listeners willing to close their eyes. It sets the stage for the album before kicking into “Morning,” the first of the two songs that make up the album’s title. If there were a keynote song on the album, “Morning” would be it. With simple acoustic strumming, Beck’s signature falsetto vocals, and backings drums, the song strikes at the core of Morning Phase‘s message. Its presence hazily blends sad lyrics full of regret over dreamy, happy chords.
Beck felt more comfortable recording during Morning Phase than on his previous album, 2008’s Modern Guilt. Modern Guilt dives into deep metaphysical essays and contemplations of the state of the world, aptly summed up by the album’s title. During the recording, Beck was recovering from severe spinal injuries and acknowledges that the recording was more difficult due to this and vocals more strained. Modern Guilt can be argued to have been Beck’s magnum opus in terms of complexity, themes, and cohesion, whereas Morning Phase’s process transpired more effortlessly, which is apparent in its happy, confident nature.
Another standout track on the album, “Wave,” is filled with airy vocals lamenting isolation backed by an orchestra choking Beck’s fragile tone. The lyrics speak of being carried away, and the strings envelops the listener in the album’s saddest track. While this song’s sole focus is the ocean, we find that this motif comes up throughout the album, including on the pre-released single, “Blue Moon.”
One of the main motifs on the album is depicting the stages of life in a single day. In Morning Phase, night has passed and we awake in the pale light of morning with only memories of nights passed. If Sea Change was Beck’s ultimate breakup album, signifying a specific life-changing event, Morning Phase is an album packed full of hope for anyone experiencing any new phase of life.
“Say Goodbye” is reminiscent of breakup songs from Sea Change but differs in that it’s on the upswing. With upbeat guitar licks and resolute vocals, the voice has already said goodbye. This hopefulness amidst tragedy plays on most songs on the track by juxtaposing upbeat melodies with sorrowful lyrics. Finally, “Waking Light” solidifies and closes Beck’s message for this album. With crescendoing optimism, Beck gently asks the listener to remember to “fill your eyes with waking light.” Whether referring to the end of youth, of any era of life, or life itself; remember there is light at the end.
Beck’s latest release is an agreeable collection of acoustic songs with superb arrangements, classic song structure, and it is simple: never expending more effort than necessary to make a point. Opposed to other Beck productions, the album doesn’t steer music in a new direction but instead reminds listeners of the past, something much needed in a musical era where electronics, effects, and remixes boom endlessly across listeners’ soundscape.
Morning Phase