Beck is an artist that has continued to change people’s ideas of pop music by stressing samples and rhymes while drifting through soul, indie, trip and blues.

His new album “Guero,” released March 29, is no exception. The album is another collaboration with the Dust Brothers who are most well known for their work on the Beastie Boys’ “Paul’s Boutique” and the Fight Club score. As masters of alternative dance music, the Dust Brothers’ influence is obvious on Beck’s 1996 release “Odelay” and “Guero.” Many old fans will love the new songs because of their similarity to the sound that made him famous. New listeners may find that the songs become white washed as one blends into another.

The album’s title “Guero” is a Spanish slang term for a fair-skinned or light-haired person. There are many Latin influenced tracks that are most easily heard on “Qué Onda Guero,” but the album lacks the unpredictability of its predecessors. The creativity of the record has been placed on the forthcoming DVD for “Guero.” The video has been described by Beck as album art come to life. If you enjoy the record, the DVD is a great companion.

Beck’s innovation is what has earned him his place as a dominant figure in the contemporary music scene. Originality can mask the importance of captivating song writing in exchange for novelty.

Every film buff or high school English student has been told about the greatness of “Citizen Kane.” The movie’s technical advances have placed it at the top of the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 greatest movies, but at screenings of the movie it’s easy to find more sleeping audience members than enthralled viewers. Sometimes the innovation isn’t enough to save the story.

Listening to “Guero” will also generate few captivating moments. It would be the perfect music for a swanky party but becomes tedious when it is the listener’s only focus. The few moments of interest came on the blues based song “Farewell Ride,” but in the end, the sample became repetitive.

Great songs make fans remember moments in the song. It’s common to hear people say, “I love this part” or “I love that line.” Remember two turntables and a microphone?

A musician doesn’t have to scream to convey intensity. Soft acoustic songs can be overwhelming. “Guero” never takes the listener to these places. The record isn’t un-enjoyable, but without these moments, the record can’t be classified as great. The shocking Beck of the past would be a welcomed return.

Benjamin Gordon can be reached at [email protected].