Critical - I know people might say I m too critical of Julian and not giving himcredit 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.
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. :)
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.
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!
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?