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Review: Jack Foley
JOSEPH Arthur is one of America's most respected and best-reviewed
singer-songwriters.
His second album, Redemption's Son, made numerous critics'
Best of 2002 lists, while his follow-up, Our Shadows Will
Remain, took the States by storm when it was released in
late 2004.
Once again, it made numerous top ten lists, with Rolling Stone
declaring it to be 'as good as music gets' and Entertainment Weekly
placing it among the albums of the year.
It's fair to say that Our Shadows Will Remain is worthy
of such acclaim, confirming Arthur's reputation as one of the
most talented artists you've probably never heard about.
Right from the start, the album resonates with a powerful and
emotive beauty; a sort of alternative-rock that evokes comparisons
with the likes of Beck, but with a style that's distinctly his
own.
It can be edgy and dark, but it can also be laidback and beautiful,
expertly mixing a selection of melodies and beats that seem tailor-made
for any mood.
Highlights include the powerful Devil's Broom, a sublime
rock track that finds Arthur in typically candid mood (lyrics
include why can't you see, you mean everything to me'), complete
with some terrific guitar riffs, solos and a genuinely thrilling
chorus.
While the moving Echo Park brings things down a notch
with a mournful yet compelling melody and some truly beautiful
sentiments.
Can't Exist, with its classic style and rich layers,
is another gem, building towards an epic, guitar-driven chorus.
While the chilled out beats of Even Tho unfold into
another melancholy masterpiece - an achingly heartfelt record
that's rich with strings and tender desperation.
Interestingly, Arthur adopted a different approach to Our
Shadows Will Remain, moving from his apartment/home studio
on East 22nd Street in Manhattan to New Orleans, which seemed
to offer a different form of inspiration.
The result is an epic album that rates among the most ambitious
and richly orchestrated of his career.
Every track leaves a lasting impression and you'll have trouble
removing it from the CD player once you've heard it a couple of
times.
Expect it to emulate its American success and make the year best
lists of countless UK critics - it's already in mine.
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