Jack-Ass cover

Jack-Ass

Beck · 1997

24 min · 6 tracks · alternative rock

A collage of genres intertwines Beck's playful lyrics with experimental production, creating a unique sonic landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Jack-Ass (Butch Vig mix) Start here — This version captures the essence of Beck's playful yet introspective style, combining catchy hooks with layered soundscapes that reflect his artistic vision.
  • →
    Burro — With its lo-fi production and whimsical lyrical content, 'Burro' exemplifies Beck's ability to merge humor and depth, highlighting his anti-folk roots.
  • →
    Strange Invitation — This track features haunting melodies paired with surreal lyrics, showcasing Beck's knack for blending emotional weight with experimental sounds.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The record showcases Beck's eclectic style through varied remixes and original tracks, reflecting his genre-defying nature.

What we noticed

  • The first two tracks are remixes of the same song, each presenting a different interpretation while maintaining a consistent beat.
  • The sequencing shifts from electronic-heavy mixes to more organic sounds, creating a contrast that highlights Beck's genre-blending approach.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • steady mid-tempo groove
  • introspective lyrics for contemplation
  • playful melodies for easy listening
  • short sessions of eclectic variety

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer lengthy immersive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A notable single with remixes, but not a standout entry point or breakthrough.
Themes
lo-fi introspection· quirky storytelling· blues reinterpretation
Career context
By 1997, Beck had established himself as a genre-defying artist following the success of his breakthrough album 'Odelay'. 'Jack-Ass' was released as part of the soundtrack to the film of the same name, showcasing his eclectic style and solidifying his presence in both the music and film industries.
Stylistic neighbors
Gnarls Barkley· MGMT· The Flaming Lips

Tracklist

  • 1 Jack-Ass (Butch Vig mix) Start here 3:25
  • 2 Jack-Ass (Lowrider mix by Butch Vig) 4:14
  • 3 Burro 3:14
  • 4 Strange Invitation 4:08
  • 5 Devil Got My Woman 4:36
  • 6 Brother 4:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata