News broke on Wednesday (Jan. 11) that legendary guitarist and songwriter Jeff Beck died. He was 78.
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The British-born artist, who famously enjoyed a musical friendship with actor-turned-guitar player Johnny Depp, influenced countless artists during his storied career. The two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer himself was influenced by early American blues players like Buddy Guy, Les Paul, and Muddy Waters.
Below, we dive into Beck’s top 10 songs. Sometimes you need to bask in the loss of a great artist in order to get through the pain.
1. “Beck’s Bolero”
A rock instrumental recorded by Beck in 1966, “this song “Beck’s Bolero” is the artist’s first solo recording. It’s been heralded in Guitar Masters: Intimate Portraits by Alan di Perna as “one of the great rock instrumentals, epic in scope, harmonically and rhythmically ambitious yet infused with primal energy.”
2. “Hi Ho Silver Lining”
Written by Scott English and Larry Weiss, this song was first released as a single in March 1967 by the British band the Attack. Just a few days later, Beck dropped his own version. His version hit the top 15 in the singles chart in the U.K.
3. “Superstition”
Write by Stevie Wonder, Beck recorded his own version in the 1970s and it became critically and commercially successful. Performed on gritty guitar, this rendition of the track is dirtier, and rougher than the original but lovely just the same.
4. “People Get Ready”
From Beck’s 1985 album, Flash, this song was performed with Rod Stewart. It’s a heartfelt offering, smooth as it is propulsive. The offering is a cover of the song originally written by the Impressions’ Curtis Mayfield.
5. “Sad Motherfuckin’ Parade”
From the 13-track 2022 studio album with Beck and Depp, this song was written by the two and features eerie, stretchy sounds and wild vocals by the actor. The record, titled 18, also features covers of songs by Marvin Gaye, John Legend, the Velvet Underground and more.
6. “Freeway Jam”
From Beck’s second studio album, Blow by Blow, recorded in 1974, this instrumental song helped the LP hit No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and earn platinum status.
7. “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers”
Also from Beck’s second studio album, Blow by Blow, this instrumental song is dedicated to Roy Buchanan and gives thanks to its original writer, Stevie Wonder, one of Beck’s favorites.
8. “Nadia”
“Nadia” is from Beck’s eighth studio album, released in 2000, You Had It Coming, which hit No. 17 on the Billboard 200 chart. This song features fast-paced production and Beck performing on a banshee slide guitar. It’s the blending of many worlds, and many time periods.
9. “Space Boogie”
From Beck’s fourth studio album, There & Back, released in 1980, this strange, rambunctious tune helped the album hit No. 10 on the U.S. Billboard Jazz Albums chart. Fusion meets prowess in this instrumental cut from the master.
10. “Led Boots”
From Beck’s third studio album, Wired, released in 1976, this song is part of another instrumental collection by the artist. The album hit No. 16 on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified platinum. Beck kills the track. So confident in his playing, he didn’t need vocals. For this and many reasons, the artist will be missed. Rest in peace.
(Photo by Venla Shalin/Redferns)
