Search - Jesse Valenzuela :: Tunes Young People Will Enjoy

Gin Blossoms Guitarist Shows His Unique Talent

11/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For many people, when they think of the Gin Blossoms, they think of lead singer Robin Wilson, or the late guitarist Doug Hopkins, who wrote some of their most mesmerizing tunes and lyrics before alcoholism and depression led to his unfortunate suicide. But in many ways, Jesse Valenzuela is the guiding force behind the band's success; one of the founding members of the band who has been able to find critical acclaim with his songwriting and his top-notch guitar playing skills. When the Blossoms broke up for several years, Valenzuela flourished on his own as a producer with some of the biggest names in music. And he's co-written songs with people whose names are the "Who's Who" of music. Here, in his retro-name-sounding solo debut, Jesse Valenzuela proves once and for all what a talented musician he is. The songs he's written range from Gin Blossom-like rockers ("Can't Go Down") to beautiful ballads ("Damaged Goods"), to country-sounding attention grabbers ("Broken Hearted Kind.) Jesse Valenzuela's vocals are convincing and do convey the feeling of the songs. But it's his lyrics that really are worthy of attention. Valenzuela shows a certain skill and finesse with songwriting that puts him on a par with some of the best pop song writers America has turned out. Listen to "Andale Pues" or "Company" and argue that Valenzuela is not in the same class as Hart or Hammerstein. While the Gin Blossoms have re-united, and as of this writing are in the process of working on a new record, this solo album by Jesse Valenzuela shows that a solo career is hardly out of the question for him. And, it will also help give a profound respect for his songwriting and guitar playing with the Blossoms.Hands down, this is my favorite album of 2002! Try it and there's no doubt you'll feel the same way about it."