Julian Lennon - Help Yourself

Critical

I know people might say I'm too critical of Julian and not giving him
credit where credit is due. I also will note that Julian is not John in any way. I always believed Julian was much better than he sounds or I should say, makes himself sound anyway. I believe there is John inside Julian somewhere, but we have yet to see that in his lyrics. I don't think the lyrics are that good honestly, and the sound is more like a 1980's retro alternative than modern day. I suppose what I'm disappointed with, is missing the sound that John developed over his life and I wish Julian would transition back to some of that. I also wish Julian would perform more of his father's music, to grab onto that feeling. Or perhaps I just miss John as most of us do. But I still think Julian can do much better than he has. October 8, 2007

"Help Yourself" is another VERY underappreciated album!!! I LOVE IT!!! :)

By making this purchase, I have finally completed my collection of Julian Lennon albums. Except, of course, for his new album that is due to be released sometime this year. ;)

After only listening to "Help Yourself" the first time through, I have already come to love this CD just as much as I do his previous ones and "Photograph Smile". With "Mr. Jordan" Julian was trying to find himself musically and vocally; but on "Help Yourself", he's trying to find himself more personally. As you listen to it, it takes you on his personal journey of self-discovery. Musically he also has matured even more from "Mr. Jordan" and seems to have finally found his niche with "Help Yourself".

I love all the songs on this album! Even the very odd "New Physics Rant" has a charm to it that makes it a fun song to listen to. The Girl Scouts troop singing backup is so cute. :)

Although, I guess if I had to choose my most favorite songs from this album, they would be: Saltwater, Get A Life, Would You, Maybe I Was Wrong, Help Yourself, Listen, Other Side Of Town, Take Me Home, Imaginary Lines & Keep the People Working. I told you I love them all. I think I mentioned almost all of them. :)

As with "Mr. Jordan", it is a real shame that Atlantic Records didn't promote this better. I keep asking myself..."What were these people thinking?!" If it had been promoted better, I think it would have done very well. Shame on them. :/

So if you love Julian's music, you will definitely love this album just as much as his others. It's a definite, must have, for any Julian fan. :) January 18, 2007

Nice Effort

I really like this one from Julian, though I dont think its his best. Some really nice songs on here. Saltwater got a lot of airplay, and Take Me Home is one I couldnt stop playing. Beautifully done. Also Listen is a great tune. Its a shame Julian lost interest in music after this release, we would have to wait 7 years for another album. September 9, 2005

The best of Julian Lennon

I don't use the word fan, but I do own all of his albums. This is my favorite. The romantic journey found in "Take me home" is so touching it became "our song" in a relationship which has become an 8 year marriage. "Salt Water" a song I sat alone in the mountains listening to in the dark when I needed to think.

This album really is his best to date in my opinion. It is a blend of lilting optomism, and joy. Just plain well written, performed- lovely! September 18, 2003

Legacy Fulfilled

This is the definitive Julian Lennon album. It fulfills the promise of the Lennon legacy with supreme confidence, ability and charm. It is a far-reaching album that collects all the varied styles and influences at play on previous discs and delivers them in a distinctive package that is singularly Julian. It's a complex work of breathtaking sweep that even his father never really achieved, taking on a number of subjects both social and personal. The arrangements and production are as intricate as anything on "Photograph Smile" without the addition of saccharine. In its day, the advent of Q Sound made this album swell from the speakers and fill the room with song. Considering how successful "Mr. Jordan" was, it's a shame this didn't find a bigger audience.

BTW, am I not the only one who thinks it's an uncredited George Harrison playing the guitar solo on "Saltwater"? May 19, 2003

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