The songs are light and ethereal, as Beck serves up melancholy with a slight alt-country/folk touch wrapped around his pop centerpiece. Though sorrowful, Beck's songs still retains optimism. Not so much in his lyrics, but in the music. The airy songs flutter with pop prowess, helping to uplift you, even when Beck himself seems to see only dark days ahead.

A lyrically and musically entertaining album, Hollow is as enriching as it is enjoyable. A heartfelt, tender explosion of pain and warmth, Beck writes songs for himself, though universal in stature so the listener can latch on and believe he's singing for them. I'll give it an A.

Howie Beck: Hollow

Hum & The Quick: Like . . .This

[Issue Fifty-One // August 2002]