Beck

Sea Change

First released2002

Sea Change, released in 2003, was recorded primarily at Sunset Sound and other Los Angeles studios during 2002. The album was produced by Beck with Jon Brion, a frequent collaborator known for his work with artists like Kanye West and Fiona Apple. The production featured live orchestral arrangements and a stripped-down aesthetic that marked a significant departure from Beck's previous electronic-influenced work, with extensive use of strings, piano, and acoustic instrumentation. The recording process was influenced by Beck's divorce and personal struggles, which shaped the album's introspective and melancholic tone. Nigel Godrich and other engineers contributed to the final mix, resulting in a sonically cohesive album that showcased more conventional song structures compared to Beck's earlier experimental releases.