you know, I’ve found that I have to be in a certain mood to listen to Time on Earth by Crowded House. I’ve been listening to the new album off and on for the past month and as it so happens, Neil Finn’s songs come to life only when you’re in a certain frame of mind. at other times, the album just feels flat. overall i must say, the album doesn’t really fall under the “classic” Crowded House category. the songs just don’t grab and take hold of you like past gems (i.e. “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Weather With You”). But when you’re a bit melancholy, put the headphones on and turn on the CD and songs like “Silent House” and “A Sigh” seep deep into your soul and will break your heart. the ghost of Paul Hester’s death loom heavily throughout the material with lyrics like – I’ve been losing some faith, we used to cry, we used to say why for all I know I might not get home and Who do we become without knowing where we started from, it’s true I’m missing you and I stand alone inside your room.
there are some songs that do come close to what you’d call accessible like “Don’t Stop Now”, “She Called Up” and “Even a Child” but for the most part the album is dark and melodically restrained. essentially the album will need your full attention in order to get the most out of it. none of that passive, in the background-type listening will do. so even though there are some weaknesses here, it doesn’t mean that the new album isn’t worth a listen. just sit back, dim the lights, close your eyes and let Neil Finn’s hauntingly dark songs wash over you…
TRACK LIST:
1. Nobody Wants To
2. Don’t Stop Now
3. She Called Up
4. Say That Again
5. Pour Le Monde
6. Even A Child
7. Heaven That I’m Making
8. A Sigh
9. Silent House
10. English Trees
11. Walked Her Way Down
12. Transit Lounge
13. You Are The One To Make Me Cry
14. People Are Like Suns
Here’s the link to the Don’t Stop Now music video.
