Is Colors a good place to start with Beck?

Yes, Colors is recommended as a starting point for new Beck listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of pop, rock, and funk infused with Beck’s signature eclecticism and experimental spirit. Released in 2017, Colors marked Beck's thirteenth studio album and followed his critically acclaimed Morning Phase from 2014. At this point in his career, Beck was exploring a more upbeat, pop-oriented sound while still retaining his signature lyrical introspection, showcasing an evolution from the more subdued tones of his previous work.

Colors works well if you're into playful and vibrant energy, steady mid-tempo enjoyment and feel-good anthems for celebration.

How many songs are on Colors?

Colors has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 9 years ago this October

Colors

Beck · 2017

39 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of pop, rock, and funk infused with Beck’s signature eclecticism and experimental spirit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Colors Start here — The title track exemplifies the album's exuberance with its infectious energy and vivid imagery that encapsulates the theme of embracing life’s vibrancy.
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Dreams — This track stands out for its anthemic chorus and funky instrumentation, serving as a perfect introduction to the album's joyful tone and sonic experimentation.
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I’m So Free — With its driving beat and liberating lyrics, this song captures the essence of personal freedom and reinvention — central themes throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Colors showcases Beck's playful experimentation with sound while maintaining accessible pop elements.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered vocal harmonies and a bright, upbeat instrumental backdrop.
Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo shifts, such as 'I'm So Free,' which transitions from a laid-back groove to an energetic chorus.
The use of diverse instrumentation, including synthesizers and brass sections, creates a vibrant sound palette throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

playful and vibrant energy
steady mid-tempo enjoyment
feel-good anthems for celebration
for upbeat gatherings
easy to sing along

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, contemplative music
seek complex narrative structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Explores a vibrant blend of pop and funk, showcasing a playful departure from previous styles.
Themes: colorful celebration· playful experimentation· upbeat radio anthems
Career context: Released in 2017, Colors marked Beck's thirteenth studio album and followed his critically acclaimed Morning Phase from 2014. At this point in his career, Beck was exploring a more upbeat, pop-oriented sound while still retaining his signature lyrical introspection, showcasing an evolution from the more subdued tones of his previous work.
Stylistic neighbors: Gnarls Barkley· MGMT· The Flaming Lips