Search - David Byrne :: David Byrne

But something's missing...

Michael Leugs | Grand Rapids, MI United States | 07/06/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Understand that I am a huge fan of Byrne's solo work. (Saw him live just last week!) While the Talking Heads were great, Byrne's solo career keeps moving farther and farther into new worlds of creativitiy and social commentary.But there's something missing from this album. I may be doing Byrne an injustice, but this album seems a bit pretentious, or perhaps 'self-conscious' would be a better descriptor. The lyrics tend to be either more obscure or more blunt than his other albums; the rhythms and song structures tend to plod along instead of picking you up; and many of the songs lack a strong 'hook'. The elements of his stronger albums are there, but they are do not come together as powerfully as his other albums.At the least, I'd say it will take you longer to learn to appreciate this album. If you're just getting into Byrne's solo stuff, I'd recommend the following first:
- "Rei Momo" is a great release from his earlier forays into latin rhythms.
- "Feelings" is good.
- "Look Into the Eyeball" - When I got this one, I thought it would be impossible to release a better album...
- "Grown Backwards" - But then "Grown Backwards" was released, and totally knocked me out.I'd recommend you acquire any of the above before the album being reviewed."

Not bad . . .

Rich Latta | Albuquerque, NM - Land of Entitlement | 05/18/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"but didn't turn me on nearly as much as a lot of his other stuff. Pretty straight-up songs overall, nothing too wacky or extemely interesting . . . the big exception is "Crash." For me, "Crash" really stands out. "I met my looooooooove at a funeral . . ." . . . the rhythm and percussion on that song is so cool. It's a sort of melancholy tune but really bizarre. Love the spastic breakdown in the middle before the song recovers again.



Note: This is coming from the point of view of a fan who really loves UH-OH and the Heads' NAKED, unorthodox views according to many reviewers on this site, so take my opinion with (at least) a grain of salt!"

Byrne's Best

S. Finefrock | Raleigh, NC | 10/02/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As major-domo of the Talking Heads, David Byrne created a body of work that was successful on commercial and artistic levels, as well as extremelly influencial. His solo works have pretty much paled in comparison. This self-titled release ranks as his best. The songwriting is his strongest since Remain in Light and the musical performances are varied, but cohesive. Any fan of the Talking Heads would be pleased to own this. Back in the Box, A Long Time Ago and Buck Naked are the keepers from this set."