This review covers the alternative rock track Beck – Loser.
This track was released in 1994 on the album Mellow Gold.
The track starts with some guitars. A drum kit follows shortly after. From there, the vocals then take the track into the first verse. This is capped off with a simply high hat.
From there, the vocals take the track into the first round of the main chorus. After that, the vocals take the track into the next verse. The guitars alter themselves going into the section, then alters two more times.
After that, the vocals take the track into the next main chorus. A slight addition of the backup vocals make an appearance. This is capped off with particularly long notes by vocals. A voice sample is then thrown in before some scratching comes in.
From there, the vocals take the track into the next round of the main chorus. Some more small vocal additions come in throughout this section. The main chorus then repeats and the track fades out.
One thing that did stick out to me is the fact that the lyrics are definitely more of a unique quality. A lot of tracks I’ve heard revolve around optimism or empowering certain emotions whenever they are lyrical. Even a number of then non-lyrical tracks at least emulate and invoke certain emotions. This is one of those few tracks that take a more self-deprecating approach to the lyrics. I can see the reaction being a bit polarizing in that some may not take too kindly to simply listening to it, but others might recognize the unique nature of such a style and enjoy the different approach. So, in the end, it depends on the listener whether they will appreciate something like this.
The main chorus does work quite well. The backup vocals joining the main vocals they way they do sounds very clean and harmonious. Even when the random lyrics appear in some of the repeated rounds of the main chorus, it actually still works.
Another point to make is that the theme does lend itself to certain liberties other tracks may not really have. The random lyrics in the main chorus, for instance, might actually be irritating under most circumstances. In this case, they actually fit well.
The guitars used here actually works quite well. They are much more simplified, but with the themes, a more simplified guitar sound works well for the theme.
Overall, this is a pretty solid track. The lyrics might be a bit divisive and not something everyone would want to listen to. Still, the composition fits well with the themes. The vocals in the main chorus works quite well and the simplified guitar sound fits well. So, an overall pretty solid track in my view.
Score
7.5/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
