Surfacing just as alternative rock went mainstream, Beck’s 1994 official album debut, Mellow Gold, quickly confounded expectations when “Loser” metamorphosed from a rejected demo to a ubiquitous smash. “Loser” showcased Beck’s unconventional approach to songwriting and solidified his status and an innovative voice in alternative music. The song contains a sample from “I Walk on Guilded Splinters” by Dr. John.