Beck Delivers Stunning Conclusion to Heartache Trilogy with ‘Ride Lonesome’

On his first studio album in seven years, Beck demonstrates rigorous quality control while exploring the complexities of mid-life and heartbreak following a divorce. The singer-songwriter’s latest work serves as the conclusion to what critics are calling a “heartache trilogy,” joining his acclaimed 2002 record “Sea Change” and the Grammy-winning “Morning Phase” from 2014.

The context surrounding Beck’s previous release highlights the public fascination with linking his art to his personal suffering. His 2019 album “Hyperspace” emerged nine months after the dissolution of his 15-year marriage to actress Marissa Ribisi, an event he described as deeply heartbreaking. Despite the personal nature of the timing, Beck has previously pushed back against the notion that his best work is solely a product of misery.

That perception persists, however, rooted in his earlier successes. “Sea Change” was composed after the end of his long-term relationship with Leigh Limon. Although Beck initially considered the disconsolate acoustic tracks too private for release, the album became a major critical and commercial hit, marking a significant departure from the postmodern style that defined his earlier career. Similarly, “Morning Phase” appeared to draw from a comparable well of grief, leading some critics to hail it as the peak of his discography before it secured three Grammys, including album of the year.