Beck Hansen, known simply as Beck, is one of the most genre-defying artists in modern music history. From his lo-fi debut in the early 1990s to his Grammy-winning work in the 2010s and beyond, Beck has consistently reinvented himself while staying artistically brilliant. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his music, this curated list of the 20 best Beck songs covers his greatest hits, fan favorites, and standout new releases that prove his genius is timeless. These tracks represent the full spectrum of what Beck has to offer — raw blues, psychedelic pop, hip-hop, and pure indie soul. If you’re looking to explore great songs across music history, check out our broader songs collection for more inspiration.
Loser
“Loser” is the song that launched Beck into mainstream consciousness and remains one of the most iconic alternative tracks of the 1990s. Released from his major-label debut album Mellow Gold, the track blends hip-hop beats with acoustic guitar and Beck’s signature drawling vocals in a way that was completely fresh at the time. Its self-deprecating lyrics and catchy hook made it an anthem for a generation, and it still holds up as one of the most original debut singles in rock history.
Where It’s At
“Where It’s At” is a funk-infused, hip-hop-leaning masterpiece from the critically acclaimed album Odelay. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1997, cementing Beck’s status as a serious artist who could blend styles unlike anyone else. With its turntable scratches, brass samples, and playful call-and-response vocals, the track is an infectious celebration of eclectic creativity that never grows old.
The New Pollution
Also from Odelay, “The New Pollution” showcases Beck’s ability to fuse 1960s retro pop with modern indie sensibilities in a seamlessly groovy package. The song was a massive commercial hit, reaching the top 20 in several countries, and its music video further elevated Beck’s quirky visual artistry. Bright, upbeat, and overflowing with personality, this track captures the essence of what made Odelay one of the greatest albums of the decade.
Sexx Laws
Opening his adventurous album Midnite Vultures, “Sexx Laws” is a horn-drenched, banjo-laced funk odyssey that defies easy genre categorization. Beck plays with sexual themes through absurdist, surrealist lyrics that are as funny as they are poetic, delivered over a groove that’s impossible not to move to. The song demonstrated that Beck could go fully over the top in the best possible way while still maintaining genuine musical quality.
Mixed Bizness
“Mixed Bizness” is another standout from Midnite Vultures, infused with the spirit of Prince and the glamour of 1970s disco-funk. The song’s lush arrangement, complete with layered harmonies and a polished groove, showcases Beck’s understanding of classic soul and R&B while keeping things firmly in his unique universe. It remains one of the most danceable songs in his entire discography and a testament to his love of vintage pop production.
The Golden Age
“The Golden Age” opens Beck’s deeply personal album Sea Change with a breathtaking, Neil Young-influenced country folk ballad that feels like a meditation on loss and longing. The sparse arrangement — soft guitar, subtle percussion, and Beck’s hushed vocals — creates an intimacy that feels rare in popular music. It set the emotional tone for one of his most beloved and critically praised albums, signaling a dramatic artistic maturity.
Lonesome Tears
A stunning highlight from Sea Change, “Lonesome Tears” is a heartbreaking slow burner that stands as one of Beck’s most emotionally resonant compositions. The song layers orchestral strings over acoustic guitar as Beck’s vocals ache with quiet devastation, creating a listening experience that feels deeply cinematic. Many critics regard it as one of the finest breakup songs of the 21st century, and it continues to be praised for its poetic restraint and emotional honesty.
Lost Cause
“Lost Cause” is perhaps the most stripped-back and vulnerable song Beck has ever recorded, featuring just his voice, acoustic guitar, and minimal accompaniment. From Sea Change, it captures the raw pain of a relationship’s end with a simplicity that makes it all the more powerful and affecting. The song showed that Beck could be just as impactful with silence and space as he was with layers of samples and sonic experimentation.
Nicotine & Gravy
“Nicotine & Gravy” is one of the more bizarre and brilliant cuts from Midnite Vultures, built on a swaggering groove that somehow evokes both Beck’s experimental side and his love of classic funk music. The song’s unpredictable structure and absurdist lyricism make it a favorite among hardcore Beck fans who appreciate his willingness to take creative risks. It’s the kind of track that rewards repeated listening, revealing new sonic layers and lyrical jokes each time through.
E-Pro
“E-Pro” marked Beck’s triumphant return to loud, guitar-driven rock with the opening track of Guero, arriving after the mellow acoustic tone of Sea Change. Sampling Led Zeppelin collaborator John Paul Jones and built on a relentless riff, the song was a statement of intent — Beck was back, and he was louder than ever. Its high-energy production and anthemic chorus made it an immediate fan favorite and a staple of his live performances.
Go It Alone
“Go It Alone” from Guero finds Beck venturing into hip-hop territory with a beat that leans on classic boom-bap production and a melodic flow that suits his voice perfectly. The song features a memorable guest appearance and a chorus that lodges itself firmly in your head after just one listen. It’s a warm, nostalgic track that bridges the gap between Beck’s hip-hop roots and his mainstream indie rock appeal in an effortless way.
Dreams
“Dreams” was released as part of Beck’s Colors era and became one of his biggest pop crossovers, featuring a polished, synth-driven production that feels tailor-made for summer playlists. The track is unabashedly optimistic and radio-friendly, representing a new chapter in Beck’s career where he embraced brighter, more accessible sounds without sacrificing songwriting quality. It won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 2018, proving that Beck could chase pop perfection and still come out a critical winner.
Wow
“Wow” arrived as a standalone single ahead of Colors and immediately became a viral sensation thanks to its minimalist trap-influenced beat and Beck’s effortlessly cool, deadpan delivery. The song demonstrated Beck’s awareness of contemporary music trends while filtering them through his own offbeat sensibility, resulting in something that sounded fresh but unmistakably him. Its “wow” hook is deceptively simple yet brilliantly effective, and it became one of the most talked-about songs of the year.
Up All Night
Featured on the FIFA 17 soundtrack, “Up All Night” is an energetic, feel-good synth-pop anthem that captures Beck at his most commercially accessible and genuinely fun. The track’s driving rhythm, layered keyboards, and dynamic vocals make it an ideal entry point for listeners new to his music. Although it was released as part of a video game soundtrack, it stands on its own as a polished, highly enjoyable piece of pop craftsmanship.
Uneventful Days
“Uneventful Days” from the album Hyperspace is a dreamy, introspective synth-pop track that sees Beck exploring themes of routine, disconnect, and quiet reflection in a hazy, atmospheric sound world. Produced in part by Pharrell Williams, the song has a lush, cinematic quality that rewards patient listening and headphone immersion. It represents one of Beck’s most mature and cohesive artistic moments of the past decade and showcases how effortlessly he adapts to contemporary production trends. For listeners who love sonic detail, we recommend checking out our guide to the best headphones for music to fully appreciate tracks like this one.
Heart Is a Drum
“Heart Is a Drum” from the Grammy-winning Morning Phase is a gentle, hypnotic folk-pop song that pulses with quiet emotional depth and elegant string arrangements. Beck wrote the album following a period of personal recovery, and the song reflects that journey toward peace with a warmth that feels genuinely healing. It was one of the centerpieces of an album that swept the Grammy Awards in 2015, winning Album of the Year and establishing Morning Phase as a modern classic.
Blue Moon
Another standout from Morning Phase, “Blue Moon” is a gorgeous, slow-burning folk ballad that showcases Beck’s gift for melody and emotional restraint. The song builds from a simple acoustic guitar figure into a lush orchestral arrangement that feels like watching a sunrise unfold in real time. It is widely considered one of Beck’s most beautiful recordings and a highlight of an album that many consider the pinnacle of his career.
Thinking About You
“Thinking About You” from Beck’s recent Hyperspace deluxe edition and standalone projects represents a thoughtful, melodic exploration of longing and connection delivered in a warm, understated arrangement. The song finds Beck in a reflective mode, stripping back production to let the emotional core of the songwriting come through with clarity and grace. It’s a compelling example of how he continues to grow and evolve as a songwriter even decades into a celebrated career.
Olé
“Olé” is among Beck’s more recent releases that leans into a richly textured acoustic-rock sound, blending flamenco influences with his signature indie-folk approach in an unexpected but rewarding combination. The track demonstrates his ongoing curiosity about world music and his willingness to incorporate global sounds into his distinctly American musical identity. It’s an adventurous piece that rewards fans who have followed his entire career arc and understand just how far his musical explorations have taken him.
Beercan
Closing our list is “Beercan,” a lo-fi gem from Mellow Gold that captures the raw, unpolished energy of Beck’s early recordings before major-label production polish entered the picture. The song blends folk, rap, and experimental noise in a way that was shocking and exciting in 1994, and it still sounds wonderfully strange today. It’s a reminder of where this extraordinary artist came from — and why his journey from lo-fi provocateur to Grammy-winning legend is one of the most remarkable stories in modern music. To enjoy songs like this with the best possible audio clarity, explore our recommendations for top earbuds for music listening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beck’s most famous song?
“Loser” (1994) is widely considered Beck’s most famous song. Released from his album Mellow Gold, it became a defining alternative rock anthem of the 1990s and introduced him to a global audience. Its iconic opening riff and the phrase “I’m a loser, baby, so why don’t you kill me” are immediately recognizable even decades after its release.
How many Grammy Awards has Beck won?
Beck has won multiple Grammy Awards throughout his career, including Album of the Year for Morning Phase in 2015 and Best Rock Song for “Dreams” in 2018. He first gained Grammy recognition with Odelay in the late 1990s, winning awards including Best Alternative Music Album. His consistent Grammy recognition across different decades is a testament to his enduring artistic quality.
What genre is Beck’s music?
Beck’s music spans an enormous range of genres, including alternative rock, folk, hip-hop, funk, psychedelic pop, country, and electronic music. He is famously known for his genre-blending approach, often mixing multiple styles within a single album or even a single song. This eclecticism is one of the defining traits of his artistry and what makes categorizing him so difficult — and so exciting.
What is Beck’s best album?
Beck has several albums that are often cited among his best, including Odelay (1996), Sea Change (2002), and Morning Phase (2014). Odelay is praised for its innovative sample-based production and genre-blending energy, while Sea Change and Morning Phase are celebrated for their emotional depth and stunning orchestral folk arrangements. Each of these records represents a different facet of Beck’s genius, making the choice of “best” deeply personal for each listener.
Has Beck released new music recently?
Yes, Beck has continued to release music in recent years, including material connected to the Hyperspace album era and various singles that showcase his ongoing evolution as an artist. He has shown no signs of slowing down creatively, continuing to explore new sounds and collaborate with contemporary producers. Fans can expect Beck to keep pushing boundaries and releasing music that defies easy categorization well into the future.
Why is Beck considered a musical genius?
Beck is considered a musical genius because of his extraordinary ability to synthesize disparate musical influences into something entirely original and cohesive. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has reinvented his sound multiple times without losing his unique artistic identity, producing critically acclaimed work in genres as different as lo-fi folk, hip-hop, psychedelic funk, and orchestral pop. His technical skill as a multi-instrumentalist, his distinctive songwriting voice, and his fearless willingness to experiment set him apart from virtually every other artist of his generation.