Search - Julian Lennon :: Photograph Smile

Wonderfully Touching Work! Some of the Best of Julian Lenn

Vallen | 09/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Julian Lennon is a superb, established artist on his own, but one cannot help but notice his voice and the major influences on his work. Photograph Smile is an incredible journey into reflection, and in this endeavor, he exhibits much of his acquired influence from his dad and the Beatles. There are many reminiscent guitar riffs and what seem to be lyrics the Beatles might have written, only better, and with more pathos. Some were obviously written about his relationship with Lucy Bayliss. Quite a different set of tunes from "Valotte", but still with the signature sound for which he has become known. It is a very introspective album and nothing that will "rock you out" very much like much of the Valotte material --- it lacks the same velocity, but listen to the lyrics. Some excellent changes, and beautiful guitar. This was created during a time in his life when things were totally different from the "Valotte" times. It is overall quite an accomplishment and a very good album. All the tracks are very good. Unlike some artists whose albums pomp one or two tracks, these are all excellent. I may not say much about some tracks, but that's because some take a listen or two before they really grab you (but they will). Despite a few jaunty tunes, it's basically a "getting over you" heartbreaker collection. (Not that that's a bad thing.)

1. Day After Day -- Apparently a soldier's letter to his love back home, a segment of which made a brief appearance in the film "Music From Another Room". This tune was very popular in the U.K. during its initial release (although not in the U.S., due to poor promotion), catchy and very good. ("Music From Another Room" thereafter became the name for Julian's label.)

2. Cold -- I really love this song, but didn't at first, because of the heaviness of it, but still with good lyrics and a point. At first, I found it too deep, but after repeated listenings, it has become a beautifully haunting favorite. Some good acoustic guitar. Sometimes airy and nebulous, with echo effects. "I can feel you everywhere tonight, don't leave me cold."

3. I Should Have Known -- Because you broke my heart. Pleasant, but graphically sad.

4. How Many Times -- A very eco-friendly tune, about humanity devastating the planet; pleading for sensibility. Has a good beat, and after a few turns, you'll probably be singing along.

5. I Don't Wanna Know -- Sounds like his dad, with all the appropriate accompaniment. Could've been a "lost" Beatles tune. Got some rock to it.

6. Crucified -- "On the cross of inuendo..." Slightly dark with some Eastern influence. "We're all freaks in this sideshow."

7. Walls -- Soft and ponderous. May take some getting used to; some great, gentle piano strokes which build beautifully.

8. Believe -- Typical lyrics, but a good tune and beautifully done, considering the average subject matter. "We tear ourselves apart and leave a broken heart." It could really touch a crier.

9. Good To Be Lonely -- Acoustic guitar with vocals, easy listening. Good backup.

10. Kiss Beyond The Catcher -- Pseudo-jazzy with good riffs; several listenings made this a favorite.

11. And She Cries -- In many ways, a beautiful update of "She Loves You", but with more feeling and better lyrics, better guitar (sounds like George). Doesn't rock as much as "She Loves You", but has a story line, and resolves beautifully ("Nowhere Man" reference). Gorgeous song -- it'll tug at ya.

12. Photograph Smile -- Wispy parting song. Sad. Pretty. Good violin accompaniment.

13. Faithful -- A very good song (I have a problem with the lyrics -- "undoubtably" should be "undoubtedly"), nice tune, "That's all I've ever wanted from you ..." Some female backup, and a few good background crescendos.

14. Way To Your Heart -- Feels a bit heavy until you get into it -- "I want to see you untangled, I want to see you from every angle..." Very nice love song. Good lyrics. A brief orchestral interlude is reminiscent of "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" (no doubt an intententional reference to Lucy B. -- apparently a real heartbreaker). It is soulful and pleading without being mushy.



Some of these tunes take some patience in that they don't "grab" you right off, but after a few listenings, they will. I have to say that at first I was slightly disappointed by the overall tempo, but now I can see the changes he's made and his music reflects his personal travail. Remember that recording artists ARE artists; their work reflects their current feelings. The works of great artists are the release of intense emotion, and whatever is important in their lives at the moment of creation. Accept it or don't. No regrets about buying this Julian Lennon CD. Great work!!! I want more and look forward to his next phase."