Album Review: “Beck-Ola” By Jeff Beck Group

Heavier than “Truth”

For The Jeff Beck Group’s sophomore effort, Beck wanted something heavier than their previous album. “Beck-Ola” is a mix of originals and covers and a worthy follow-up to their debut LP which is considered a landmark record.

Beck reworked a pair of Elvis Presley classics and transformed them into louder and heavier rock numbers. It may lack originality but it more than makes up for it with the LP’s superb musicianship. From Rod Stewart’s gritty and soulful vocals to Jeff Beck’s fiery guitar work, “Beck-Ola” certainly put the band on the same level as other rock greats. It was supposed to propel them to greater heights but a series of unfortunate events happened – they were slated to perform at Woodstock Festival but Beck canceled out at the last minute, both bass player Ron Wood and Stewart left to join Faces, and Beck himself was in a car accident that took him months to recover.

“Beck-Ola” is far from flawless but it’s certainly a top notch record. There’s raw power and every member of The Jeff Beck Group were in fine form – adding depth and flavor to the songs. In more ways than one, “Beck-Ola” helped lay down the groundwork for Stewart and Wood’s future band Faces.

“Beck-Ola” is often overlooked but it’s an important album in hard rock and heavy metal.

Key tracks: All Shook Up, Spanish Boots, and Rice Pudding.

All Shook Up

Stewart truly shined here with his powerful and gritty vocals.

Spanish Boots

With Beck’s monster riffs, this is hands-down wild and it’s one heck of a sonic assault.

Rice Pudding

The face-melting guitar solo and thunderous drumming took this to the next level.