Modern Guilt
by Beck

Too many focusing on lyrics when they should absorb the awesome sound frequencies here. Also apparently suffers from a lack of distinction and uniqueness like his other albums. That means nothing to me. What matters is this album as it stands alone. Track for track, the audio experience is excellent and shouldn't be judged contextually as a component of the artist's other work.

From teague 09/18/2021 00:37 | #273871

Consistent, if not uninteresting in part. Gamma Ray, Replica, and Chemtrails are the standouts for me. It's not a laborious listen at a compact 33 minutes, so I'd say it's worth a spin or two.

I think this is a good album. I can feel a continuous vibe all the way through, and that's a good thing. The production is brilliant and sets the mood on the entire album. The problem, for me, is that I don't really care for most of the songs. The only one that stands out would be "Replica". Apart from that song, there's not much that gets me in Beck's voice or in his lyrics.

Don't get me wrong, I still think this is a good album that deserves to be heard, but it just ain't something that moves me. It's probably just a question of taste. I still respect this album as a piece of art.

Some interesting drum patterns and guitar riffs, but other than that this record doesn't leave much of an impression and has no quirky flourishes that typically animate an upbeat Beck record. "Modern Guilt" isn't bad at all, it just feels like Beck had no idea where to go from his previous odyssey "The Information", retreating to a set of indie rock tracks that honestly play it a bit safe. However, that being said, it is a consistent work that's enjoyable throughout as it whizzes by its short runtime. The final track is my favourite, "Volcano" could've easily fit on the wonderful "Sea Change".

From nitomano 07/01/2016 00:18 | #170220

Favoritas: Chemtrails, Modern Guilt, Gamma Ray, Orphans, Youthless

There are acoustic versions of all the songs. Track them down--they are amazing.

From Sometype 07/26/2015 23:28 | #146494

I personally believe this album is not only underrated in terms of Beck's discography but underrated in general too. Each track is as solid as the last, the hooks are catchy and I found myself enjoying myself all the way through this album. It just has such a nice, solid, reflective vibe running through the whole thing. It's the slight experimentations that make this record, little out of the blue things that make this album a true gem in my eyes. The only flaw I can put my finger on with this album is that it can get a little too "folky" at times. Yet, Beck's talent and musicianship really shines on this record and it is definitely one of all time favourites.

Fantastic!

From sszwalbenest 12/31/2013 02:06 | #99284

Beck's lyrics may have gone downhill since the Information. Danger Mouse's production leaves much to be desired.
"Replica" is still a great track.

From junodog4 07/08/2012 05:05 | #46122

A bounce-back from The Information. Beck sounds like he's maturing and becoming a little reflective. I like where he's headed.