I wrote about how JR Richards ended up on my review
list Monday, and it is something the predisposes me kindly toward him. The way
music helps us connect to each other is important to me, and as the creator of
multiple songs that have touched others and led to common ground, Richards has
earned some kindness.
Although it is clear from some searching that there
has been other music made over the past decade, most of my time listening has
been spent on the 2015 album Honore et Amore.
Richards has a good voice, and is able to lend depth
and emotion to his words. Fans of his previous band should enjoy Honore et
Amore. While it may be the sound of someone older, and someone doing solo
work instead of being in a band, it is not a jarring disruption. There is a
similar softness and soul to the work. "Walls" and "The Hope for
Better Days (Cold War)" are probably my two favorite tracks from the
album.
The biggest flaw is that there is not a lot of
differentiation between the tracks. The song that branches out the most is
"Come to Tears". "Gorgeous" and "Mortals" sound
the most similar, though the lyrics focus on different themes. For this reason
the album does not feel very challenging. That was probably never the intent.
It is very comfortable. That's not automatically
bad, though I can't help but think that some period of prolonged
discomfort - learning a new and
different instrument or maybe even working on a concept album - could take
Richards to new heights.
But that's focusing on what the album isn't. The
album is fine, with feelings of longing and amazement and connection, all of
which are valuable. I do think there is the potential for more.
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