Established guitar deity Jeff Beck's latest album, You Had It Coming, breathes new life into a signature style that is decades old.

Beck is consistently equated with the greats — Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page — but his electric talent and inventive agility have dodged the global limelight. While critics never deny the depth of his ability, they've quickly scorched albums that fail to do his work justice.

You Had It Coming is honed and seamless. Beck's modified white Fender Stratocaster gleams. The record's 10 tracks are varied and modern but carry the reflective mileage of a legend.

Released last month, You Had It Coming (Epic) follows closely on the heels of last year's Grammy-nominated Who Else!. The albums are Beck's first original works in a decade yet carry the cool confidence to storm hungry enthusiasts and snare new followers.

Beck cleanly executes a technically difficult routine. That is to be expected, but the creative surge and erratic emotional trips of You Had It Coming are welcome surprises. Then again, some of the tracks have been brewing for years.

Take "Rollin' and Tumblin'," for instance. Previously interpreted by Cream, Canned Heat and Muddy Waters, Beck sat on the bluesy swamp set for 25 years. Ripe at last, young London vocalist Imogen Heap singes the track with her steaming soulful pipes. According to Beck, she nailed the track in one pass.

"Nadia," written by Indian musician Nitin Sawhney, is erotically engineered. Beck's guitar riffs glide effortlessly to the upper registers, carrying listeners along.

Inspired by a blackbird that sang on his roof, Beck plays with one in "Blackbird," an ingeniously engineered piece.

Overall, the diversity and hip construction of You Had It Coming warrant immediate respect. Then again, Beck earned his before most of us were born. New listeners will easily climb aboard and those already riding will not be disappointed.

— Reviewed by Alexa James