Joshua Radin - We Were Here
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CD Details
Artist: Joshua RadinBrand: Baker & Taylor
Edition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2006-06-13
Model: 0828768385128
Music Label: Sony
Product features:
- Condition: Used - Good
- Sundrenched World
- Star Mile
- Everything'll Be Alright (Will's Lullaby)
- These Photographs
- Closer
- Today
- Winter
- Someone Else's Life
- Amy's Song
- What If You
- Only You
Music reviews of We Were Here
Music Review: Excellent, Not Perfect
Rating: 4 Stars
This CD would have earned five starts from me were it not for a single imperfection that is so glaring and disturbing to me that it merits a demotion in rank. To some who read this review, it may be something trivial and won't affect your decision to purchase this disc in the least; but for me, I've got to say something about it.
First off, though, let me tell you that this CD is phenomenal. The sound is unique, beautiful, crystal clear, just outstanding. The songwriting, though a bit fragmented and sometimes confusing, is interesting enough that it evokes emotion lyrically. Though he's no Paul Simon lyrically, his vocal style, or perhaps his execution, reminds me a bit of Simon in that he sings in such a soft, contemplative tone that Simon often employed in his more folky moments.
Nevertheless, I think that and the finger-pick guitar style is where the similarities end. Mr. Radin has, in my opinion, created a very unique approach to this type of songwriting. It's a sound, quite frankly, that you can get lost in, something to listen to in order to melt away the day.
Which brings me, I'm afraid, to this glaring complaint of mine. The first time I listened to this disc I pop it in and the interesting Sundrenched World winds its way from my speakers to my ears. I can't say this is my favorite song as I've heard a few Joshua Radin songs, or parts of them, before on soundtracks, etc. Nevertheless I am enthralled and am enjoying the whole experience. And, suddenly, as if arbitrarily, I am met with profanity in one of the latter verses. This was very disappointing and disconcerting and completely ruined the experience of the first-time listen. It's the sonic equivolent to leaning back in a comfy chair, taking that deep, cleansing breath of relaxation, and then suddenly getting punched in the face for no reason. Would you lean back again in that comfy chair? I think not!
And that is my biggest -- and only real complaint -- about this CD. Now I know, some if not most of you are scoffing right now at the whole idea of it all, writing a review complaining about the use of the F-word in a song. But the question to Mr. Radin is, why use it? I wonder if he thinks this gives him some sort of street cred or edginess. If that is the case, it's a poor exchange for good taste and good songwriting. A man curses because he cannot find the words to say what is on his mind. Do you see? It's not just that it's immoral and irresponsible, and it is, but it's also stupid and shallow and easy. It's a cop-out, and as a songwriter and lyricist myself I know the value of a well-spoken word.
The shame of it all is that Sundrenched World seemed to be a rather interesting song, but I will never listen to it again, so I'm robbed of a perfect disc and a perfect listening experience because everytime I listen to this disc now I have to fast-forward to track 2. A minor inconvenience for a certainty, but a tragically unnecessary one, too.
As I've indicated, other than this complaint, We Were Here offers an extraordinarily good listen. My favorites include Star Mile, Closer and Winter. But all the songs are very good. I think the electronic programming in Only You, the final track, is superfluous, but doesn't ruin the song. Other than that, this CD is well worth the money.
Joshua Radin is at the beginning of his career. There are several paths he can choose to follow. I hope he chooses one that is uplifting and inspiring. If he does, then I am most certainly waiting in anticipation to hear more from this exciting new artist.
Description of We Were Here
All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.Contrary to what Garth Brooks once sang, it never hurts to have friends in high places. Though Joshua Radin is sure to have found his way without them, it can't have done much harm to have gone to college with actor/director Zach Braff and singer/songwriter Cary Brothers, two of his more supportive schoolmates. The connections led to several appearances on Scrubs (starting with the Brothers-produced "Winter"), then on Grey's Anatomy ("These Photographs"), followed by a record deal with Columbia. On his major label debut, Radin evokes the sensitive folkies of the AM era--Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Cat Stevens--as much as the alternative radio variant offered up by Elliot Smith in the 1990s. We Were Here, which follows indie EP First Between 3rd and 4th, is subtle stuff distinguished by vocals that are as much whisper as soft-spoken lullaby. Heck, "Everything'll Be Alright" is even subtitled "Will's Lullaby." (The now LA-based Radin claims that his quiet style stems from writing songs that would keep a rather volume-sensitive New York neighbor at bay.) Overall, the cello-laden disc feels more familiar than original, but makes for a soothing listen, and de-synthesized Yaz cover "Only You" (penned by future Erasure member Vince Clarke) is a charming addition. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
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