Hyperspace: Beck’s new album creates magical 'space' for the fans

One of my beloved friends, Tyler, introduced me to Beck’s music back in 2014. Since then, Beck became an indispensable part of my life. We would play Beck’s songs during our all impromptu road trips, overnight stays on the beach or BBQ parties.

That is how magical Beck’s music is. His songs subconsciously create a space in your life. On November 22, Beck released his 14th studio album, Hyperspace, via Capitol Records. Not to mention, Tyler and I already caught up on the album briefly. 

Hyperspace contains a total of 11 songs, seven of which were produced by Pharrell Williams. Additional guest contributors include Sky Ferriera and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

Saw Lightning, the lead single of the album, was released earlier this year. The song is very groovy, yet is very Beck-ish in its own way. The song will make you want to hit the dance floor instantly.

Die Waiting is another great track from the album. Although the lyrics of the song are quite depressing, Beck’s blissful voice makes the number a happy song.

Beck’s sound evolves in each song of the album, yet his signature style is reflected in each song. Chemical is one such song; Beck sings some verses faster which combines the style of classic Beck with the new one. 

Beck’s prose throughout the album remains half-rapped and non rhyming. I absolutely loved the lyrics and beats of See Through.

When his voice breaks at 3:11sec of the song, and he sings: “I feel so ugly when you see through me,” that feeling makes the listeners feel hollow.

Stratosphere is the best song of the album. You can find a trace of classic Beck through this song. The sound space he has created in this song takes the fans on a journey of imagination.

Beck’s voice reaches its peak in Everlasting Nothing. The tune associated with the song, from the smooth hand-picked guitar, makes it a masterpiece. The music video of the song also has a very nostalgic vibe which does justice to the lyrics. 

The cover art of this album is also very intriguing, and the album title is written in Katakana on the cover. Katakana is a Japanese syllabary. 

Beck’s 1993 debut folk and blues single, MTV Makes Me Want to Smoke Crack, was a reaction to the grunge aesthetics, existing in the ’90s alternative rock scene. The following year, Beck released his first studio album, Mellow Gold under the banner of DGC records.

Over the course of 24 years and thirteen albums, Beck has continually developed his music, skirting between everything from alternative-rock to blues to hip-hop and country.