Beck's new album Morning Phase is just a little over a month away, with a newly set release date of Feb. 25. As promised (and teased) last week, the prolific alt-rock singer was due to drop a new single "Blue Moon" today at 10 a.m. EST, and of course, he delivered. The folksy, acoustic-driven track debuted this morning (Jan. 20) on radio and arrived on streaming services such as Spotify soon after.
Since Morning Phase is being promoted as the "spiritual successor" to Beck's 2002 album Sea Change and features many of the same backing performers as that record, listeners could easily expect for the new album's lead single to be a return to form for him. In some ways, that assessment would be fully correct.
Like much of Sea Change, "Blue Moon" does heavily feature acoustic instruments, particularly the mandolin and guitar. Airy, dissonant effects are used on Beck's vocals, giving the song an incredibly light feel, which does seamlessly fit in with the vibes of Sea Change.
Lyrically, Beck finds himself wondering about heartbreak and loneliness once again. "I'm so tired of being alone / These pentane walls are all I know," he sings over and over again throughout the song along with the phrase "Don't leave me on my own." Mixed with the ethereal backing music, "Blue Moon" has a largely melancholic feel, however the end product is a simply beautiful track that is one of the year's best singles thus far.
If "Blue Moon" is any indication, Beck fans are sure to be pleased with Morning Phase.
Listen to the song below:
"Blue Moon" is the lead single from Beck's first album since 2008, Morning Phase, which will be available on Feb. 25. The single is available for digital download now on iTunes.
