Julian Lennon : Photograph Smile
Julian Lennon. Needless to say, he is the son of legendary John Lennon. But Julian is Julian, not John. The reason why I mention about such a stupid thing is because comparisons have been still made. As for his new album "Photograph Smile," however, I reckon that a lot of Beatles fans must be impressed by it. Musical critics may not like it, though.
"Photograph Smile" is Julian Lennon's fifth album since "Help Yourself" (1991). According to Julian, however, "it feels truly like the first real Julian Lennon album." When I listened to the album, my first impression was that "Photograph Smile" seems to be like Paul McCartney's "Flaming Pie." On the whole, it is simple, acoustic, melancholic and personal, but Beatle-like. But the first thing I want to mention is the album reveals his talent as a songwriter fully. In fact, Julian comments, "I feel I've reached another level in songwriting."
In the past, it seems to me that Julian had intentionally avoided composing songs, such as Beatles tracks, and John Lennon tracks. At least, I think he could not reveal his talent freely because of his painful heritage. But now, Julian must have finally accepted his heritage after a hiatus of over seven years. For example, "Way To Your Heart" features a musical passage that refers to "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds," a song John Lennon based around a drawing Julian did when he was a small child; "I Don't Wanna Know" sounds like early Beatles stuff. That is, Julian could finally reveal his talent freely, regardless of his heritage. For the most part, in fact, he now sounds like Julian Lennon. That's why "it feels truly like the first real Julian Lennon album."
Melodically rich, lyrically powerful, "Photograph Smile" is indeed the album people have been waiting for Julian Lennon to make. In some sense, the album has the feel of John Lennon's album "Walls And Bridges." All beautiful tracks that reflect his talent and his heritage fully represent a brutally honest examination of love, trust and fidelity. Now that Julian really opened his heart and spoke his mind, you should check it out. I reckon that you must be impressed by his beautifully crafted songs.