English, baby!

Beck

Date: Oct 07 2002

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

Beck is one of the weirdest, most innovative, most unique musicians in the world. He makes music that’s unlike any other. The most amazing thing is, each of his albums is completely different. He’s able to change his style over and over again – and still make great music.
His latest album, Sea Change, is another amazing creation. Much different than his last album, Midnite Vultures, Sea Change is full of slow, soft, emotional songs.
Read on to learn more!

Dialog

1. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Sea Change is a very personal album for Beck. He recently broke up with his girlfriend, so most of the songs deal with sadness and heartbreak. Beck is trying to figure out what went wrong in his life, and his music reflects his confusion.
Check out the lyrics to “Paper Tiger:”
Looking through a broken diamond
To make the past what should be
Through the ruins and the weather
Capsized boats in the sea
Deserts down below us
The storms up above
Like a stray dog gone defective
Like a paper tiger in the sun
The lyrics make it obvious that Beck is not in a happy state of mind. He sings about a broken diamond, ruins, capsized boats, deserts, storms, and a stray dog. All of these things are related to loss and despair.

Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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Discussion

I love Sea Change. I was blown away when I heard it. I don’t usually think of Beck as a good singer, but on this album he really shows that he has a great voice – and he uses it to express so much emotion. I think this album is perfect to listen to on a cold rainy day, or late at night, or any time you’re not feeling very happy.
Beck continues to impress me. I like every one of his albums. I know I’m going to be listening to this one a lot in the next few months. Hopefully, he won’t wait for too long before he releases another one.
Rock on,
Migs