Review by Crissy Van Meter

Once again, Beck brings a new sound that ignites nostalgia in all, especially for all those lost souls pondering their existence. Danger Mouse (Co-Producer) contributes some new party beats, and combined with Beck’s melodic lyrics, Modern Guilt is a great accomplishment. The album runs only 33 minutes, but offers a pleasant set of work that toys with new guitar rifts and some playful back beats. Including some dirty garage drums, original pop, and spiritual guitars, the album sways with happiness and some dark moments too. “Gamma Ray” offers a funky sound that is reminiscent of early fifties beach blanket pop, while “Walls” brings an Eastern feel. Of course, “Soul of a Man” really sets the tone for a man’s spiritual journey and his connection to the outside world; a general feeling of the Modern Guilt.

Modern Guilt brings you to your feet, even when it slows down. While Beck still bleeds through each song, Co-Producer Danger Mouse lets Beck’s newly matured inner struggle sound poppy and ironic. The album is creatively crafted into an entire body of work that resonates with die hard Beck followers and Indie newbies that crave fresh dance sounds. Each song, so different from the other, belongs in a climatic moment of life; a nice change from the deep, dark lyric-driven albums and the funny satirical experimental albums that Beck brought in the past. It ranges in sound and explores the challenges social and internal struggle. The album is his obvious attempt to face the world, once and for all; a pleasant and aging Beck has certainly come full circle with Modern Guilt. It is a different, more mature Beck who really took the time to make a song for everyone.

What makes a soul of man? Apparently some funky party beats and a melodic voice.