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Who Else!
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| Who Else! | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 16 March 1999 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 53:52 | |||
| Label | Epic | |||
| Producer | Jeff Beck, Tony Hymas | |||
| Jeff Beck chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Who Else! | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| Rolling Stone |  [2] |
Who Else! is the seventh studio album by guitarist Jeff Beck, released on 16 March 1999 through Epic Records.[1] The album reached No. 99 on the U.S. Billboard 200[3] and marks the end of a decade-long absence of original material from Beck since the release of Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop in 1989. Stylistically it showcases the first addition of electronic and techno music into his repertoire, along with the blues-based instrumental rock and jazz fusion of previous albums.
Fellow guitarist Jennifer Batten, having often cited Beck's influence on her playing,[4][5] is featured as a collaborator and subsequently joined him on tour for three years.[6] The album features the collaborative songwriting of Tony Hymas. "Brush with the Blues" became a signature tune and concert staple, and along with "Angel (Footsteps)" made it onto his 2008 concert album Live at Ronnie Scott's. "What Mama Said" samples Dick Shawn's dialogue from the 1963 film It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World[7]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Music | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "What Mama Said" | Jennifer Batten, Jeff Beck, Tony Hymas | 3:22 |
| 2. | "Psycho Sam" | Hymas | 4:55 |
| 3. | "Brush with the Blues" (live) | Hymas, Beck | 6:24 |
| 4. | "Blast from the East" | Hymas | 4:46 |
| 5. | "Space for the Papa" | Hymas | 7:41 |
| 6. | "Angel (Footsteps)" | Hymas | 6:30 |
| 7. | "THX138" | Hymas | 6:15 |
| 8. | "Hip-Notica" | Hymas, Beck | 4:40 |
| 9. | "Even Odds" | Jan Hammer | 3:29 |
| 10. | "Declan" | Dónal Lunny | 4:02 |
| 11. | "Another Place" | Hymas | 1:48 |
| Total length: | 53:52 | ||
Personnel
[edit]- Jeff Beck – guitar, arrangement, producer
- Jennifer Batten – guitar, guitar synthesizer
- Mark Johns – guitar (track 10)
- Tony Hymas – keyboard (except track 9), sound effects, arrangement, production
- Jan Hammer – keyboard (track 9), drums (track 9)
- Simon Wallace – synthesizer (track 10)
- Steve Alexander – drums (except tracks 2, 9, 10)
- Manu Katché – drums (track 2), percussion (track 2)
- Randy Hope-Taylor – bass (except track 2)
- Pino Palladino – bass (track 2)
- Bob Loveday – violin (track 10)
- Clive Bell – flute (track 10)
Technical
- Simon Brint – editing (track 1), production assistance (track 10)
- Chris Sheldon – mixing
- Bob Ludwig – mastering
- Danny Clinch – cover photography
Charts
[edit]| Chart (1999) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Japanese Albums (Oricon)[8] | 19 |
| UK Albums (OCC)[9] | 74 |
| US Billboard 200[10] | 99 |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Ruhlmann, William. "Who Else! - Jeff Beck". AllMusic. RhythmOne. Retrieved 2014-02-06.
- ^ Fricke, David (1999-04-01). "Jeff Beck Who Else!". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2014-02-06.
- ^ "Who Else! - Jeff Beck | Awards". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved 2014-02-06.
- ^ Guy, Paul (1999). "Jeff Beck interview". Paul Guy Guitars. Retrieved 2014-02-06.
- ^ "Jennifer Batten: 'Playing With Michael Jackson Was Like A Paid Vacation'". Ultimate Guitar Archive. 2011-12-05. the original on 2011-12-07. Retrieved 2014-02-06.
- ^ Hallebeek, Richard (November 2003). "Jennifer Batten" Archived 19 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine. richardhallebeek.com. Retrieved 2014-02-06.
- ^ "God of Guitar: A Visceral Reaction to Jeff Beck". Musewire. 3 August 2013. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "フー・エルス!". Oricon.co.jp. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart on 21/3/1999 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ "Jeff Beck Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
External links
[edit]- In Review: Jeff Beck "Who Else!" at Guitar Nine Records
| Studio albums | |
|---|---|
| Live albums | |
| Compilation albums | |
| Soundtracks | |
| Singles | |
| Other songs | |
| Tours | |
| Related articles | |
Who Else!
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
Conception and development
Who Else! marked Jeff Beck's return to original studio recordings after a decade-long hiatus, serving as his first album of new material since Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop in 1989.[4][5] During this period, Beck had focused on live performances and collaborative projects, but he sought to reinvigorate his solo output with contemporary sounds. The album's development began with initial attempts to capture live energy during European tours in Italy and Germany, though those recordings were ultimately discarded due to their outdated drum sounds and Beck's dissatisfaction with the results.[6] Beck's creative motivations centered on integrating electronica and techno elements, drawing inspiration from 1990s production trends exemplified by artists like The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers. He aimed to infuse his guitar work with modern rhythms, loops created via Pro Tools, and a high-energy vibe that contrasted his earlier fusion-oriented albums. This shift reflected Beck's desire to avoid stagnation and embrace innovative textures, stating that the album needed a "fuck-off energy" to stand out in the evolving musical landscape.[7][6] The collaboration with longtime keyboardist Tony Hymas was pivotal, as Hymas served as co-producer and contributed to most of the songwriting, including complex tracks like "Psycho Sam" in 7/4 time with shifting rhythms. Beck praised Hymas for his distinctive, high-caliber ideas, which facilitated instrumental experimentation and fresh arrangements that blended electronic backdrops with Beck's expressive guitar phrasing. This partnership emphasized dynamic contrasts and spatial elements in the music, prioritizing quality over conventional song structures.[4][5][6] A key catalyst was Beck's 1995 co-headlining tour with Santana, which featured his Guitar Shop bandmates and marked his return to the stage after years away, reigniting his passion for vibrant, live-wire instrumentals. This experience preceded and influenced the album's focus on energetic, boundary-pushing sounds, bridging his live performance resurgence with studio innovation.[7][5]Jeff Beck's musical evolution
Jeff Beck's career began in the mid-1960s as the lead guitarist for the Yardbirds, where he contributed to their shift from blues toward psychedelic rock, but he left the band in 1966 amid creative tensions.[8] He then formed the Jeff Beck Group, delivering raw blues-rock albums like Truth (1968) and Beck-Ola (1969), which emphasized heavy riffs and his innovative use of feedback and distortion, influencing hard rock pioneers.[8] A brief stint with Beck, Bogert & Appice in the early 1970s continued this high-energy blues-rock vein, but by 1974, Beck grew weary of recycling familiar riffs and sought fresh directions.[8] This dissatisfaction propelled Beck into jazz-rock fusion, marking a pivotal evolution with his solo debut Blow by Blow (1975), an all-instrumental album produced by George Martin that blended jazz harmonies, funk rhythms, and rock energy, drawing from influences like John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra and Charles Mingus.[8] The follow-up, There & Back (1980), deepened this fusion style with contributions from Jan Hammer, incorporating electronic keyboards and faster tempos for a more intricate, global sound.[8] Throughout his solo work, Beck steadfastly avoided vocals, viewing the guitar as a vocal surrogate capable of conveying emotion and narrative through phrasing and articulation, a choice that underscored his commitment to instrumental virtuosity over commercial song structures.[9] By the mid-1980s, after releases like Flash (1985), Beck entered a period of relative inactivity, culminating in Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop (1989), his last major album before a creative hiatus, which featured eclectic tracks blending rock with high-tech synths and rhythms inspired by diverse global sounds.[7] The subsequent decade saw sporadic session work, including guest appearances on albums by artists like Buddy Guy, amid personal challenges such as tinnitus from years of loud performances, leading to a retreat where he focused on home experimentation.[10] During this time, Beck's influences expanded to include jazz improvisation, rock's raw power, and the burgeoning electronic music scene of the 1990s, particularly the high-energy techno of groups like The Prodigy, which reinvigorated his interest in modern production and rhythmic innovation.[9]Production
Recording sessions
"Who Else!" was recorded live during worship services at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, capturing the song's spontaneous and congregational energy. The initial live recording featuring worship leader Claire Smith was captured on August 4, 2023, as part of the church's ongoing music ministry. Subsequent versions included a studio single with Abbie Gamboa released on January 19, 2024, and another live recording from the Gateway Conference on March 15, 2024.[2][1] The song's production emphasized authentic worship experiences, with minimal post-production to preserve the raw, emotive performances. It was ultimately included on the live album Greatly To Be Praised, recorded at the church's Southlake campus and released on April 4, 2025. This album features performances from various worship leaders, highlighting the song's role in congregational singing amid the church's challenges.[1]Key collaborators
The song was written by Abbie Gamboa, Josiah Funderburk, and Zac Rowe during a collaborative session inspired by Scripture. Abbie Gamboa, a key worship leader at Gateway Church, also performed on the January 2024 single version.[1] Claire Smith led the vocals on the debut live recording, contributing to its initial release. Other performers across versions included various members of Gateway Worship, focusing on vocal and instrumental support for live worship settings. The production team for the Greatly To Be Praised album involved Gateway Church's music ministry, ensuring alignment with the church's emphasis on spiritual depth and accessibility.[1]Musical style
Genres and influences
""Who Else!"" is a contemporary Christian worship song that blends elements of modern worship with rock influences, creating an anthemic sound designed for congregational participation.[11] The track draws from biblical themes of praise and divine sovereignty, particularly inspired by Psalm 89:6-7, which emphasizes God's uniqueness and holiness.[12] This scriptural foundation shapes its lyrics and overall message, positioning it within the broader tradition of faith-based music that encourages communal exaltation.[1] The song's style reflects Gateway Worship's approach to producing accessible, uplifting tracks that feel both intimate and expansive, suitable for church services and live conferences. Influences from contemporary worship artists are evident in its structure, which builds from reflective verses to a powerful, repetitive chorus that invites group singing.[11]Instrumentation and techniques
The live recordings of ""Who Else!"" feature a full worship band setup, including lead and backing vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, bass, and drums, often accompanied by a choir for added depth in congregational settings.[13] Abbie Gamboa's intimate vocal delivery serves as the centerpiece, with the arrangement building through layered instrumentation to create a slow-burning crescendo that enhances emotional impact.[11] Production techniques emphasize live energy, captured in large auditoriums like the 4,000-seat venue at Gateway Church's Southlake campus, with minimal post-processing to preserve spontaneity and authenticity.[1] The rhythm section provides a steady, driving pulse, while keyboards and guitars add atmospheric textures, supporting the song's theme of collective praise.Release
Marketing and promotion
"Who Else!" was first released as a live recording featuring worship leader Claire Smith on August 4, 2023, available on digital platforms and YouTube to reach Christian worship audiences.[2] The song's promotion emphasized its scriptural roots and role in congregational worship, shared through Gateway Church's online channels and worship music networks like Air1.[1] A studio single featuring co-writer Abbie Gamboa followed on January 19, 2024, as part of an EP that included stripped-back and live versions for personal and church use.[14] Promotion highlighted the song's origin as a "divine gift" during songwriting sessions, positioning it as an anthem of praise amid Gateway Church's challenges. In 2024, following the June resignation of senior pastor Robert Morris due to allegations, the song became a "battle cry" in services, aiding congregational healing over its three-year use before wider release.[1] The live recording from Gateway Conference, featuring Abbie Gamboa, was released on March 15, 2024, capturing performances from the church's events to extend its spiritual impact.[15] No traditional tour occurred, but the song was integrated into Gateway Church services and online worship resources, with endorsements from worship leaders to encourage adoption in other congregations.Packaging and formats
As a digital-first worship song, "Who Else!" was released in audio formats including streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, with high-quality MP3 downloads available.[16] The January 2024 EP included five tracks: the Gamboa single, live conference version, chapel session, and instrumental elements for customization in worship settings.[14] The song appeared on the live album Greatly To Be Praised, released April 4, 2025, by Gateway Music, featuring recordings from the Southlake campus services on May 24, 2024.[1] Digital liner notes credit writers Abbie Gamboa, Josiah Funderburk, and Zac Rowe, with production by Gateway Worship, and no physical packaging was issued for the single or EP as of November 2025. Lyrics, drawn from biblical themes of God's sovereignty (e.g., Revelation 5), are provided on platforms like Genius and Worship Together.[2][17]Reception
Critical reviews
Upon its release in 1999, Jeff Beck's Who Else! received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised the guitarist's innovative fusion of his signature style with contemporary electronica and techno elements, while noting some unevenness in the integration of those sounds. AllMusic's William Ruhlmann awarded the album 4 out of 5 stars, commending Beck's ability to adapt his stinging single-note melodies, harmonics, and drive to techno rhythms reminiscent of Prodigy, describing it as a context where "his playing could flourish" despite the trendy backing. Similarly, Rolling Stone's David Fricke highlighted the album's "feast of tone color and riff musculature," such as the "wasp-horde buzz" in tracks like "What Mama Said," but critiqued the bold experimentation for occasionally prioritizing electronic production over Beck's visceral guitar presence.[18] Other contemporary outlets emphasized Beck's roots in jazz fusion and rock while appreciating the album's energetic, live-like quality. JazzTimes noted that the techno incorporation "goad[ed] Beck into some interesting directions" without blunting his edge, particularly on world-influenced tracks like "Psycho Sam" and the sinuous "Brush with the Blues," though it observed fewer "visceral moments" compared to prior works like Guitar Shop.[19] Classic Rock Review gave it 8 out of 10, praising the "punchy" energy and moody solos on ballads for evoking a live feel despite its studio origins, but faulted the subdued guitar work and trip-hop beats on several tracks as overly background-like.[20] In retrospect, the album has been viewed as a pivotal return to fresh ideas following a decade-long hiatus from original studio material since 1989's Guitar Shop. A 2024 Glide Magazine analysis described it as marking "the end of a long silence" and introducing a template of dynamic instrumentals blending techno, blues, and fusion, with melodic highlights like "Angel (Footsteps)," though it lacked the cohesive band dynamic of earlier efforts.[5] Across reviews, common themes include admiration for Beck's versatility in reinventing his blues-based guitar prowess amid electronic shifts, tempered by mixed reactions to the genre-blending's consistency.Commercial performance
"Who Else!" achieved modest commercial success following its March 1999 release, reflecting Jeff Beck's established status in instrumental rock while introducing electronica elements that appealed to a niche audience. In the United States, the album peaked at No. 99 on the Billboard 200 chart in April 1999.[21] Internationally, it performed better in select markets, reaching No. 74 on the UK Albums Chart for one week.[22] Its strongest showing came in Japan, where it debuted at No. 19 on the Oricon Albums Chart, spent 10 weeks on the ranking, and sold 86,300 copies.[23] The album received no major certifications from industry bodies such as the RIAA or BPI, underscoring its limited mainstream breakthrough despite steady catalog sales driven by Beck's enduring reputation among guitar enthusiasts.[4] Promotional efforts, including tour support, contributed to its visibility in core markets.[24]Album credits
Track listing
The album Who Else! features 11 tracks with a total runtime of approximately 54 minutes.[25]| No. | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "What Mama Said" | 3:23 | Beck, Batten, Hymas |
| 2 | "Psycho Sam" | 4:56 | Hymas |
| 3 | "Brush with the Blues" | 6:25 | Beck, Hymas |
| 4 | "Blast from the East" | 4:44 | Hymas |
| 5 | "Space for the Papa" | 7:42 | Hymas |
| 6 | "Angel (Footsteps)" | 6:30 | Hymas |
| 7 | "THX138" | 6:15 | Hymas |
| 8 | "Hip-Notica" | 4:36 | Beck, Hymas |
| 9 | "Even Odds" | 3:26 | Hammer |
| 10 | "Declan" | 4:02 | Lunny |
| 11 | "Another Place" | 1:48 | Hymas |