Jeff Beck gets old

It has been seven years since Jeff Beck’s last album, so expectations have been understandably high for his newest release, “Emotion & Commotion.” The album is certainly enjoyable but not very exciting or interesting.

Although he’s the guitarist’s guitarist, Jeff Beck has never been a great songwriter. On “Emotion & Commotion,” he culls songs from Jeff Buckley and “The Wizard of Oz” to make up for it. “Hammerhead” opens with a solo guitar reminiscent of Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” but by the time “Over the Rainbow” pops up, Beck is in general standards territory.

It’s a real shame to see him going down this path. Beck’s former front man, Rod Stewart, has made a joke of himself by recording nothing but old standards for whatever cash he can get. Beck should have known to stay as far from that as possible.

Many songs on this album are pleasant and relaxing, but rarely do they rock. They’re good for a relaxing drive but not much else.