Julian Lennon - Photograph Smile

John Lennon's oldest son spent the seven years preceding this album traveling Europe, painting, and even working in a stage production of Mr. Holland's Opus. Expanding his horizons certainly paid off, since his fifth album, Photograph Smile, has been crafted with a self-knowledge that recognizes both his strengths and limitations. No longer defensive about sounding like his father, Lennon has finally acknowledged his artistic lineage. While not exploiting the vocal similarities to his father, he makes the most of them, turning in a riveting neo-Beatles performance in the upbeat "I Don't Want to Know"; a fierce rocker, it recalls what was best about Something New, and therefore what was best about the Beatles. Lyrically, Lennon's bittersweet renderings of love, loss, and fidelity hint at the pain he suffered as a result of his uprooted early years. He's a multi-instrumentalist, and his stylist experiments borrow from the songbooks of both Beatle John and Led Zeppelin--Zep's being the better loan. --Jaan Uhelzski Amazon.com

Photograph Smile

Photograph Smile was the long-awaited solo album from Julian Lennon, and in this endeavor, he exhibits much of his acquired influence from the Beatles. There are many reminiscent guitar riffs and what seem to be lyrics the Beatles might have written, only better, and several 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" like much of the Valotte material --- it lacks the same velocity, but listen to the lyrics. Some good changes. 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 good. I may not say much about some tracks, but they're all worth a listen. Some take several listens to really get into.
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, mostly because of the heaviness of it, but still with good lyrics and a point. I hate to use the word "catchy", but it does stick in your mind. At first, I found it too heavy, but after repeated listenings, it has become a favorite. Some good acoustic guitar. Sometimes airy and nebulous, with echo effects.
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.
8. Believe -- Typical lyrics, but a good tune and beautifully done, considering the average subject matter. It would really touch a crier.
9. Good To Be Lonely -- Not too bad, sounds like filler, but listenable.
10. Kiss Beyond The Catcher -- I couldn't really get close to this one, it's a matter of taste, but not bad (pseudo-jazzy).
11. And She Cries -- In many ways, a beautiful update of "She Loves You", but with more feeling and better lyrics. Not a "rockin'" tune like "She Loves You", but it has a story line, and resolves beautifully ("Nowhere Man" reference).
12. Photograph Smile -- Wispy parting song. Sad. Pretty.
13. Faithful -- A very good song, but I have a problem with the lyrics -- "undoubtably" should probably be "undoubtedly". Other than that, a good tune. (Maybe I'm wrong -- anyone with corrections?)
14. Way To Your Heart -- "I want to see you untangled, I want to see you from every angle..." Very nice love song. Musically, during a brief orchestral interlude, it is somewhat reminiscent of "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" (no doubt intententional). Soulful and pleading without being mushy.

Compared to "Valotte", at least half of these tunes take some patience in that they don't "grab" you right off, but after repeated listenings, they will. I have to say that at first I was disappointed, but now I can see the changes he's made and his music reflects his personal travail. No doubt the better portion of this work is heavily influenced by his ended relationship with Lucy. Keep that in mind and remember that recording artists ARE artists; their work reflects their current feelings. The creations of great artists are the release of intense emotion, and whatever is important at the moment of creation. Accept it or don't. No regrets about buying this Julian Lennon CD. Great work!!! I look forward to his next phase. September 21, 2008

Cheesy

This is not a very good album. Julian has an amazing voice and the quality of the instrumentals is great, but the quality of songwriting on this album leaves much to be desired.

If you're looking for muzak, this album is the way to go, but do not expect any sort of contemplative, reflective, or simply interesting lyrics from this effort. January 25, 2008

Fabulous!

I abosolutely loved this album. It is so beautiful and from the heart. There's no doubt he's got talent and has truly grown as an artist and a person. Would highly recommend this to anyone. You don't know what you're missing out on until you listen to this album. October 29, 2007

Photo Smile

This album is easily as good as "Sgt Pepper"!!! Julian Lennon has more talent in his pinky finger than his beloved
dad, John had in his entire body [no disrespect intended]. I had the great luck to see Jules preform this album
live in Alexandria Va. I sat maby 15 or so feet diectly in front of him. What you hear on the album is exactly what
you get live! God bless, Lionheart. September 9, 2007

GREAT album.

I never owned a Julian Lennon album before picking this up. I was familiar with the few hits he had back in the 80's (early 90's?)and was never impressed enough to listen further.
I don't remember why I picked this up. What I do remember is how blown away I was at the quality of the music. This is an exceptional album. Julian does not shy away from his heritage (and why should he ?). His voice sounds hauntingly like his father's in a lot of places. Some of the musical passages and arrangements are also quite Beatle-esque.
Still, this is HIS album and is full of well written, beautifully arranged songs. The title song, Day After Day, Good to be Lonely, Cold, Faithful(and others) are all powerfully moving, honest, plain old great sounding songs. If you are a Beatle fan or are just looking for some quality melodic music, you can't go wrong here. April 26, 2007

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