Flash (Jeff Beck album)

Flash is a studio album by British guitarist Jeff Beck, released in 1985. It marked a significant shift in Beck's musical direction, incorporating more pop and electronic elements than his previous instrumental works. The album features contributions from various vocalists, including Rod Stewart ("People Get Ready"), Jimmy Hall ("Ambitious"), and Tony Hymas ("Escape").

While "Flash" was a commercial success, reaching number 39 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and winning Beck a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for the song "Escape," it proved divisive among long-time fans accustomed to his blues-rock and jazz-fusion styles. Many perceived the album as a sell-out due to its heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines, and more commercially oriented songwriting.

Notable tracks include the aforementioned "People Get Ready," a cover of the Impressions' classic featuring Rod Stewart on vocals, and the instrumental "Escape," which showcased Beck's signature guitar virtuosity within a more contemporary sonic landscape. The album was produced by Nile Rodgers, known for his work with artists like Madonna and David Bowie, further contributing to its distinct 1980s pop sound.

The lineup for the album included Jeff Beck (guitars), Tony Hymas (keyboards), Jimmy Hall (vocals), Rod Stewart (vocals), and various session musicians. The album remains a controversial, yet historically significant, part of Jeff Beck's discography, representing a deliberate departure from his established sound in pursuit of broader commercial appeal.