Beck has released his first new studio album in seven years, “Ride Lonesome,” marking a significant return to the introspective sound that defined his acclaimed albums “Sea Change” and “Morning Phase.” According to JamBase, the 12-track album arrived September 18th via Capitol Records and represents Beck’s 15th studio album overall. The release is accompanied by a visually striking new music video for the track “Run Away,” filmed in Tokyo and featuring Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano.
Rolling Stone describes the album as “amorphous, hazy, dappled, and almost impossibly pretty,” noting that it completes a spiritual trilogy with Beck’s previous ballad-focused works. The significance of this release extends beyond just new music—it reunites Beck with the core musicians from his most critically celebrated periods, including guitarist Smokey Hormel, drummer Joey Waronker, bassist Justin Meldal-Johnsen, and keyboardist Roger Joseph Manning Jr., all working again with producer Nigel Godrich.
Album Details and Creative Process
As Consequence reports, Beck recorded “Ride Lonesome” at United Studios in Hollywood (Room B), which he describes as his favorite studio. In a statement obtained by JamBase, Beck emphasized the evolutionary nature of this reunion: “This time it felt like the playing and the chemistry had evolved and deepened—a sound that’s come together over the decades of working together.” The title track features a guest appearance by country artist Sierra Ferrell, adding another dimension to the album’s textured soundscape.
The visual components have been equally considered, with director Mikai Karl helming both the “Run Away” video and the previous “In the Night” visual that featured French actor Denis Lavant. Beck noted on social media that the Tokyo-shot video came together through collaborations with Japanese artists, describing it as “a little film” for the new song.
The SoCal Connection
Southern California fans have immediate cause for celebration: Beck will perform at Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on September 23rd, just days after the album’s release. This hometown show represents Beck’s first major local performance supporting the new material and continues his long-standing relationship with iconic Los Angeles venues.
The album itself carries deep Southern California roots, having been recorded in Hollywood with musicians who have been part of Beck’s creative circle for decades. This local connection extends to the album’s production team and the very studio where it was created, making “Ride Lonesome” arguably Beck’s most authentically Los Angeles album since his early work.
Beck’s tour continues through October, with the Greek Theatre performance serving as a centerpiece for the album’s rollout. The timing places Southern California audiences among the first to experience these new songs performed live, continuing Beck’s tradition of testing and refining material before hometown crowds.
Last updated September 19, 2026.
Sources: Jambase, Consequence, Rolling Stone
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