MORE than five years have passed since the release of Beck’s last studio album. Fans have been teased in recent years with the 43-year-old’s experimental, if not genius, book of sheet music and a stand-alone single, and it’s easy to say his 12th offering feels overdue – but the negativity must end here.

Bright and optimistic throughout, Morning Phase is an album that achieves a sense of a new beginning. Musically, this is fresh and clean acoustically, perfectly written and consists of beautiful orchestral arrangements – courtesy of Beck’s father David Campbell – and enchanting vocal harmonies. A long time coming, but worth the wait.

4/5 stars

Mark Drury