It was about time for Beck to come up with a new album, even though this new material is something more like a reminder that, as far as the world is concerned, it is all downhill from here. In 33 minutes you can listen to a preview of some kind of apocalypse: the world is “swallowed by evil” and paranoia is running wild. We can hear a serious and disillusioned Beck on a different musical tone, as the singer collaborated with the producer Danger Mouse, the one who worked with Gnarls Barkley. While the lyrics are gloomy and apocalyptic, the sound is on the opposite side, being very lively.

We can all remember some Beck songs which combined dark lyrics with humor and irony..well now there’s no more humor, just seriousness.

“Modern Guilt” was released on July 7 in the U.K. and Europe, on XL Recordings and on July 8 it would be released in North America. Singer Cat Power has contributed to the album as well.

Beck declares his current state on the song “Orphans,” singing “I think I’m stranded, but I don’t know where,” concluding that “We’re just orphans in a tidal wave’s wake.” The song features Cat Power, reported the Washington Post.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Beck Hansen quickly separated from the other musicians, creating his own style.

This new album is his eight. Previous albums like “Sea Change,” “Guero” and “The Information” were very acclaimed by critics. “Sea Change” became Beck’s first U.S. Top 10 album, reaching no. 8.

While the album starts with a retro and powerful vibe, by the third song the rhythm becomes more melancholic. All of the songs from the album are under 4 minutes. It is worth listening just to see how powerful its message is.