There are a lot of songs on this album that I take rather personally. George wanted to be taken seriously as a songwriter, and the music and lyric really reflect that. Even though it wasn't as successful as Faith, the songs on Listen are by far superior, and I often pull this disc out at night, whether on the road or in my house, and listen to it in the darkness. The music, to me pulls at heart strings and soul chords.
I probably could've included the four tracks that were supposed to be for Listen Vol II, but, as it is, the album, two b-sides and one remix seem to be enough.
I always thought the original cover was stupid, so, again, the single sleeves remain king, and throw a unique light on the album like this.
This album solidified his status he established with Faith! His cover of Stevie Wonders' "they won't go where I go" is insanely emotional and awesome!
ReplyDeleteToo bad they never released Vol. 2!!! I think it would be great if they re-released this album together with the material he recorded for Vol. 2 (it's my understanding that the entire record was fully done).
This was no faith but set him as a serious songwriter. In reality, I think he just got too popular and went a little crazy in the process. He had something share that he was holding back. You could feel the tension, voice, production and creative control were at absolute peak, but he does seem a bit sad and lost here. It is a shame he never got part II released. It would be a real cool curio if released now, along with a recording of his cover to cover concert. I think now the music is so colored by his personal life now that the music gets a bit lost. Listen without prejudice indeed!
ReplyDeleteVery good!
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