Beck: Ranking His Albums From Worst To Best

With the brilliant Sea Change behind him, it would be naive to think Beck would stick to the singular path of a singer-songwriter. Instead he kicked the doors open with a return to his retro yet futuristic sonic attacks on 2005's Guero, exemplified best on the glorious infectiousness of lead single and album opener 'E-Pro'.

The album does use nostalgia a little too often and does feel somewhat forced in parts such as the interesting yet directionless 'Missing' or the one trick pony 'Black Tambourine', worrying traits not commonly found elsewhere on his work.

This patchiness is made up for with moments of genius on many of the tracks however such as the futuristic warping sounds of 'Hell Yes' or the groove laden thump of 'Scarecrow'. Produced mainly by Beck and long time collaborators The Dust Brothers, the album is expertly constructed but treads on ground already covered. 

Still, this is a fun, eclectic mixture of Beck's trademark blues workouts and his ability to coat them with highly expert production flourishes. The defunct, desolation of 'Farewell Ride' is the best example of all of these assets.

Highlights: Que' Onda Guero, Hell Yes, Farewell Ride, Rental Car