Search - Justin Clayton :: Limb

An artist with promise

Aaron Blight | Westminster, Maryland United States | 08/28/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With "Limb," Justin Clayton has delivered an album that unveils an artist with enormous potential. Clayton has been a band member for artists such as Julian Lennon and Tears for Fears, but with this album he takes center stage, writing and performing his own music. These are well-crafted rock songs, often moody and introspective, with lyrics that are poetic and deliberate. The guitar work extending throughout the album is superb. Overall, this is an excellent effort and reveals an artist who has obviously taken notes and learned from his experiences as a band member for other high profile performers. I will confess that it took me a while to get used to Justin Clayton's voice. At first I thought his voice was weak, and I concluded that perhaps he has not been a front man for that reason. I have gotten used to his voice now, however, and I like it, but I would still like to hear a bit more charisma in his vocal performance. I would recommend this disc to people who like guitar-based (acoustic and electric) rock with an emphasis on poetic lyrics and varied musical textures. This is a very good album."

One of my top 10 albums of all time

DJ Primate | Detroit, MI USA | 03/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The headline says it all. The music is sort of like a cross between earlier (pre-techno) Radiohead, the Beatles, and the Byrds, with excellent, understated guitar work, and pleasant, Brit-accented vocals. Very well arranged and produced, with plenty of verve and passion, not to mention exceptional songwriting that's every bit on par with the above-mentioned influences. Even more consistently "ace," in fact, without a "work song" in sight.



There are 3 songs I consider absolutely great: the high-energy power-pop of "Collide," the driving, jangly "You Sink Me," and the dreamy, classical-pop of "Slide." Not to say that tunes such as "Miles Away," with its incredibly strong jangly guitar bridge and the psychedelic "Painless," the uptempo, folk-rock of "Unsaid," and the dynamic and witty "Drag" are anything short of excellent, either.



I only write reviews here of exceptional, underappreciated works that people should seek out. This album is right up there with the Move's Shazam and Echo & the Bunnymen's Ocean Rain on my all-time list. I already have the LP, and may just purchase the CD to listen in my car, and perhaps even another copy for a friend. It's that good! Get it and spread the word!"