Album Review: Beck, Colors

Still a majestic live performer, could it be that Beck - in the manner of his one of his great musical heroes Prince - has commenced the accursed mid-career slide? Those who harbour such suspicions will take little comfort from his latest effort Colors, a collection of glitzy electro-pop so light on substance as to verge on featherweight.

Roping in superstar producer Greg Kurstin (Adele, Sia) and taking Pharrell as a primary source of inspiration, Beck goes all-out for 'Happy'-style pop bliss on the likes of 'Seventh Heaven' and 'Up All Night'; unfortunately, he fails to come up with the melodic goods. By far the best track is 'Wow', on which the singer takes the template of Pharrell's classic early Neptunes productions and crafts a stripped-down electro-funk gem. It's the sort of tune Colors should have been packed with, but unfortunately songs like 'I'm Free' - the kind of generic rocker Beck can write in his sleep - are the order of the day. Beck will easily remain a massive live draw but don't expect the crowds to be clamouring for material from Colors.

6/10
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