At Grantland, Steven Hyden listens to Beck’s new album Morning Phase.

It’s undeniably pleasant music. But peering inside those sleek, circular contours reveals a whole lot of nothing. What are these songs supposed to signify? Sea Change was tied tangibly to romantic loss; Morning Phase was made by a contented suburban husband and father.

Sea Change is one of my top 20 favorite albums. I’ve only heard the first single from the new album, but I’m very curious to check out the rest of it.