Beck shines on the fourth teaser track from Colors, “Up All Night.”  The alternative, hipster singer/songwriter has rhythm on his mind.

Ah, a new Beck album is on the way.  It’s been three years sense we’ve heard from the Scientologist hipster, who shocked the world by winning the Grammy for album of the year for Morning Phase.  Why it was shocking was (1) because of the competition and (2) because it was generally a more subdued, conservative album from the alternative singer/songwriter.  All indications suggest Colors (October 13) isn’t subdued.  Case in point, fourth teaser track, “Up All Night.”

Lyrically throughout the course of “Up All Night,” Beck seems to be all about the rhythm.  On the first verse, he sings:

“When you get the rhythm and the words all make you cold / When they break it down and this world is all you know / Hands up, you’re waving it ‘round.”

The second verse is also characterized by rhythm:

“Wanna get my body loose / Wanna tell you, tell you what to do / I’ve been running out of breath like an animal struggling… / Back into the rhythm now.”

On the chorus, Beck keeps it simple – no deep, arduous-to-decipher lyrics here.

“Just wanna stay up all night with you… / There’s nothing that I wouldn’t rather do / Just wanna stay up all night with you.”

That considered, there’s a pre-chorus and a post-chorus as well.  After the second verse, there’s even a bridge, which reflects staying up all night.

Moving beyond the lyrics, the music is chocked-full of energy.  As referenced earlier, this is a clear break from the quieter, more acoustic nature of Morning Phase.  Beck is overt, rhythmic, and dynamic. The groove cooks – funky to the nth degree – conveying an alt-danceable sentiment.  Still, it possesses the quirkiness that makes Beck, well Beck.

Final Thoughts 

So, would we stay “Up All Night” listening to the new Beck single? Maybe not all night, but most of the night.  This is enjoyable and incredibly infectious.  Beck is definitely into it, and his investment into what he’s singing and playing makes us invested as well.

Beck • Colors • Capitol • Release: 10.13.17

Photo Credits: 10.13.17