ulian Lennon took a break from the music industry in an attempt to relieve the stress of trying to live up to his father’s legend. Under such intense pressure, his music suffered, but after a seven-year hiatus he is back with his best effort to date.
Photograph Smile exhibits Julian’s wonderfully mature and serene sound. The similarities between his voice and his father’s send shivers throughout.
“Day After Day” is beautiful. The lush chorus is what has come to be expected of Julian since the day Valotte, his solo album, seemed to hint at his future promise. “Cold” is awash in uncertainty. “Don’t leave me cold/ Living life without you Cold/ Dreams don’t always come true Cold”
Some songs showcase a sad and lonely soul. Turning pain and emotion into such well-crafted songs is perhaps the best sign that Julian has finally taken the next step on the path to greatness. “I Should Have Known” and “Good To Be Lonely” are not crafty in complexity, but are rather simple songs with engulfing emotions.
“How Many Times” sounds bizarrely like a track from Paul McCartney’s Flaming Pie. It is a poignant roller coaster ride through an ideology of questions that may have no answers. “How many times can we develop something we’ve just done/ And how many times can we re-run the race that we’ve just won”. With its bouncy verses, “I Don’t Wanna Know” is a throwback to A Hard Days Night. It’s the Beatles song for which fans have waited. “Crucified” is full of Indian instrumentation as a sitar reaches into the song like Julian’s musical roots. “Believe” is great. The chorus is sincere. Julian seems to have worked out a solution to his problems. The song is good therapy for us as well.
As one wonderful song completes itself, another comes and replaces it. This album stands by itself as a masterful work of art and is testament to Julian’s great talent. He has found the key to unlock the lyrical door. We can only hope that now that the door is open, it stays that way. Julian has dedicated this album to his stepfather, Robert Bassanini. Daddy would be proud.
+ charlie craine
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