Fans of the Smashing Pumpkins who revel in the band's angst-ridden alt rock may well recoil in horror at this slice of pure, sweet melodicism from the band's lead guitarist, but Iha's solo debut is worthy enough to stand o... more »n its own merits. Musically, Iha's ability to effortlessly reel off one catchy acoustic pop number after another is reminiscent of Freedy Johnston. Lyrically, he's not nearly as adventurous or intriguing as Johnston. Yet, while some would no doubt classify his lovelorn ruminations as saccharine, they ultimately come across as honest and heartfelt--and, most importantly, they fit perfectly with the tone and spirit of the music. --Peter Blackstock« less
Fans of the Smashing Pumpkins who revel in the band's angst-ridden alt rock may well recoil in horror at this slice of pure, sweet melodicism from the band's lead guitarist, but Iha's solo debut is worthy enough to stand on its own merits. Musically, Iha's ability to effortlessly reel off one catchy acoustic pop number after another is reminiscent of Freedy Johnston. Lyrically, he's not nearly as adventurous or intriguing as Johnston. Yet, while some would no doubt classify his lovelorn ruminations as saccharine, they ultimately come across as honest and heartfelt--and, most importantly, they fit perfectly with the tone and spirit of the music. --Peter Blackstock
James Iha was the George Harrison of the Smashing Pumpkins.
CD Reviews
Optomistic Melancholy
agarabiles | APO, AP United States | 05/11/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As a fan of the much maligned, often disdained Smashing Pumpkins, and a particular admirer of Iha's contributions "Blew Away" and "Summer," I felt it an absolute must to purchase his solo debut. My first impression was not too favorable. What was lacking was the pretentious grit of Corgan that lent a muscular roughness to Iha's softer sensibilities. In short, it lacks electricity. Iha's lyrics and mellow mood, sometimes bordering on giddy, sifted too finely through my ears. I wanted my heart to tear as it does in the heavily Iha influenced "Mayonnaise." But as time passed, Iha's gentleness, mellodic tendencies, and strange chords began to win me over. His songs are simple; the lyrics aren't complicated; the guitars were strummed with ease; but underneath the affable melancholy, there is a passion, not one of angst, rage, or grief, but a passion for the sublime. His emotions are clear in each song. He wishes to feel, rather than think, about love. Iha comes across as the shy guy in the back of class, not hurt about his apparent differences to others, not jaded by thoughtless women, but rather he accepts it all and presents himself as he is, honestly and without pretension. The songs and lyrics in Let It Come Down are simple, but at least they are true."
Nothing wrong with love here.
Steven Burke | Earth | 10/18/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Whilst James' voice may not be the most memorable, it really suits the lovely sound of this album. The lyrics and somewhat country infused (perhaps because of the oft-used slide guitar) pop songs are simply gorgeous. From Be Here Now to No One Is Gonna Hurt You this is an album you can have on in the background, or listen to with a loved one, or just listen to by yourself and enjoy songs of love.
Whilst I would originally agree with people who might suggest that a lot of Pumpkin's fans may not enjoy this album, I also like Pumpkins but I truly enjoy Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, NIN, Tool, Pumpkins and I really enjoy this solo record by James Iha.
It might be a good album to fall asleep to but it can also be a great album to wake up to as well, start your day off in a good mood."
Simply awesome!
agarabiles | 08/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Let me start by saying I've only rated two albums (not including "Best of..." compilations) to be worthy of 5 stars. This CD is definitely worth the $... I paid for it. Shoot, I'd pay $... for a new copy if this one ever got lost - it's THAT good! Everytime this CD comes into the rotation (where it'll stay 'til the CD-player breaks), I'm transported into a red convertible, driving down some country road with my arm hanging out the side, and my best friends riding along, enjoying the sunshine. This album puts me into the "happy" mode that I know everyone strives for (regardless of what kind of cool image they try to maintain). Buy this album as a cheaper alternative to Prozac. Send a copy to play as background music at your local suicide hotline. It's not the most polished album, nor are the musicians going to blow you away with their skills, but the end result is amazingly good."
Absolutely one of the Greatest CDs I have every Purchased
Daniel Lewis | Benicia, CA United States | 04/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Once every 5 blue moons an album comes along that is so positively infused with "feel-good" energy, I feel like shouting from the rooftops: "Run, do not walk, run and get this album immediately!" Let it Come Down is such and album. This music is like a massage to your soul! The tunes are so positively contagious, the imagery they create so delightful, you just feel thankful for the experience and for the gift of music. I wish I could personally thank James Iha for creating such a masterwork and feel ever so slightly disappointed that this album didn't attain the commercial success it so richly deserves."