Guero [Extra tracks]

1.E-Pro - A song that has a most distinct rock sound more than any other song on the album its really cool the distorted guitar mixed with the somewhat camp "Na Na Na's" make it very catchy and enjoyable 10/10

2.Que Onda Guero? - This is one of the albums highlights nice beat which goes with the vibe of the song Beck rapping has always something i frowned at but i think it works well for him i found out that "Guero" is a slurr the spanish people in his neighbour used to call him roughly translate as "White Boy" this is one of the best songs on the album 10/10

3.Girl - The cool Atari-esque intro then kicking into a feel good rock-lite song just about a girl he really likes this was one of the singles as well i dunno why it didn't do well it fits in perfectly with whats out now but oh well i still love it 9/10

4.Missing - Has a bit of a spanish feel to it Back hums in the background which somehow gives it cool atmosphere i love the way he sings on this one the string arrangement make it sounds eerie which i like another album highlight 10/10

5.Black Tambourine - Although not the longest track on the album it definately sticks out very catchy and jus one of the coolest songs it's too bad this isnt longer 9/10

6.Earthquake Weather - I felt this has a very distinct R&B feel to it has a nice laid back feel to it this should have been one of the singles i enjoyed this one alot and have had it on repeat a few times before 10/10

7.Hell Yes - Why didn't this do well over here!!! this is by far my favourite song on the album his rapping just always makes me laugh but it fits very well the beat reminds me of Jill Scott's song "Gimme" i like the way Beck experimented on this 'coz it works very well 10/10

8.Broken Drum - Really the only downtempo song on the album has a nice guitar riff which sounds almost sexy this could have been on "Sea Change" even though i don't find this one depressing at all 9/10

9.Scarecrow - The guy from the White Stripes accompanies Beck by playing bass. Tthis is one of the better tracks, has a nice country-ish vibe this would have made an interesting video concept the beat reminds me of the song "Addicted To Love"
10/10

10.Go It Alone - The beat reminds me of Zero 7's "I Have Seen" this song is not really a favourite of mine although many fans find this one excellent but it just didnt stick with me 7/10

11.Fairwell Ride - Another country-esque song reminding me of the old west and its more evident that the inspiration came from there by the lyrics and the way he sings maybe he was inspired by the late Johnny Cash 10/10

12.Rental Car - Yeah its ok but not really a favourite of mine it jus seems a continuation from #11 although the short guitar solo is beautiful 8/10

13.Emergency Exit - Has an electronic vibe to it and the wailing make it seem very creepy although this may well be one of the strongest tracks on the album the lyrics are good 10/10

Top 5
1.Hell Yes
2.Earthquake Weather
3.Que Onda Guero
4.Scarecrow
5.Missing/Fairwell Ride

Guero was one of the coolest sounding albums from last year pick it up if ur a Beck fan.

It's quite understated (minimalist production, vocals low in the mix), so it takes a few plays to get under your skin - but once the individual songs register, it just keeps getting better. There's a slow burning groove to many of the tracks - it would make a great party album (assuming your party goers are old enough to look beyond the top 10).

The lasting impression is of subtly catchy tracks driven along by a slow-cooked mix of bass riffs, hand claps and finger snaps, overlaid with low key but tuneful vocals.

Some of the tracks rock (E-Pro, Rental Car), some have a old-timer county twang (Farewell Ride, Emergency Exit), others are almost pure rythmn (Black Tambourine), and Broken Drum is just beautiful, but with the possible exception of the final bonus track Chain Reaction they all stand - indeed develop with - repeated plays.

Highly recommended.

PS inspired by reviews of other Beck albums, I've since picked up the highly rated Sea Change album. It's a great if very different album (haunting breakup songs rather than grooves - Broken Drum would slot right in), but it doesn't diminish Guero. Ignore the nay-sayers; there's room for more than one style in an artist's pantheon, and Beck is talented enough to deliver across genres in spades - Guero is ace.