Introduction
"Morning Phase" is the twelfth studio album by American artist Beck, released on February 21, 2014, by his new label, Capitol Records. The album received widespread critical honor and was an industrial success, debuting at number 3 on the United States Billboard 200 and selling 87,000 copies in its very first week. "Morning Phase" won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, Best Engineered Album-- Non-Classical, and Best Rock Album at the 2015 Grammy Awards, making it among Beck's most effective and well-known works.
Musical Style and Themes
"Morning Phase" is often identified as a companion piece to Beck's 2002 album, "Sea Change", due to its similar reflective and melancholic acoustic noise. A number of the songs on "Morning Phase" are rich, extensive arrangements developed around acoustic guitars, piano, and orchestral strings. The album includes a more mournful tone than much of Beck's previous work, reviewing themes of loneliness, heartbreak, and self-questioning.
Lyrically, "Morning Phase" is reflective and reflective, with a number of the songs revealing sensations of loss, seclusion, and yearning. While the album handles heavy subject, there is a sense of hope and restoration throughout, reflecting the morning awakening principle of the album's title.
Production and Collaborators
Beck co-produced "Morning Phase" with his long time collaborators Joe Chiccarelli and Greg Kurstin. Chiccarelli is a well-known manufacturer and engineer who has actually dealt with artists such as U2, The Strokes, and The White Stripes, while Kurstin is a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his work with artists like Adele, Sia, and Foo Fighters. A number of musicians who had actually contributed to "Sea Change" likewise returned for "Morning Phase", including drummer Joey Waronker, bassist Justin Meldal-Johnsen, keyboardist Roger Manning Jr., and guitar player Smokey Hormel. Furthermore, Beck's dad, David Campbell, provided string arrangements for the album.
Notable Tracks
"Morning Phase" contains several standout tracks that display the themes and musical design of the album. "Blue Moon", the record's lead single, is a melancholic and emotional ballad that highlights Beck's powerful falsetto and emotive songwriting. "Waking Light", the album's closing track, is an extensive and cinematic piece featuring skyrocketing strings and a haunting singing efficiency. Other notable tracks include the climatic "Wave", the uplifting "Heart Is a Drum", and the contemplative "Turn Away".
Reception and Impact
"Morning Phase" received prevalent vital honor upon its release. Numerous customers praised the album for its reflective, fully grown songwriting and lush, cinematic arrangements. Critics also drew contrasts to "Sea Change", keeping in mind the resemblances in design and tone between the 2 albums.
The album's Grammy Award wins for Album of the Year, Best Engineered Album-- Non-Classical, and Best Rock Album strengthened its status as a significant accomplishment in Beck's career. Additionally, a number of publications, including Rolling Stone and Billboard, ranked "Morning Phase" among the best albums of 2014.
"Morning Phase" stands as a testament to Beck's continued artistic development and versatility. Including reflective and mature songwriting, lush arrangements, and a deeply emotional tone, the album stays an emphasize in his comprehensive discography. With its vital acclaim and commercial success, "Morning Phase" works as more proof of Beck's long-lasting influence and status as one of the most innovative and complex artists of his generation.
Artist: Beck
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