4. Beck- Sea Change
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6zAT15vaFk When: 10th Grade Why: I laughed at a mean question on her Formspring Shaving Frequency: Once a month, but I didn't really need to. As long hair Ben was being replaced by shorter-yet-shaggier hair Ben, my musical palate became more sophisticated and I listened to more critically acclaimed music. After another unfortunate breakup, I turned to my everything for music (Rolling Stone at the time) and stumbled upon Beck's Sea Change. I only knew of Beck from maudlin tunes such as "Loser", and "Where It's At", so I was quickly skeptical that the same Beck could pour his aching heart into a serious album. Then again, having your girlfriend of nine years can change a man, and Beck certainly changed. Sea Change is a collection of some of the most painful realities of heartbreak. From pretending it's all alright ("I Guess I'm Doing Fine") to finally admitting it's over ("Lost Cause"). In 'The Golden Age" there's even a moment here when the ordeal has washed over Beck, and all he has in front of him is nothing, leaving him to ask "what now"? There's a moment after every breakup when the grieving ends and its time to push on to the next thing, even though it isn't clear what that is, and Beck paints this feeling, as well as every stage, thought, and nuance involved with heartbreak in a vivid and adroit manner.