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Friendly Fire
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 22 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 30 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Capitol
Release Date: 03 October 2006
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Rock
Summary
The singer's first album in eight years includes instrumental help from Jon Brion and Matt Chamberlain, as well as guitarist Harper (son of Paul) Simon.
Also On The Web: Official Artist Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Filter
A patient, assured album where nearly every sound feels appropriate. [#22, p.93]
Entertainment Weekly
Fire passes in an enchanting sort of basement-cabaret haze, all pretty melodies and haunting orchestral arrangements. [3 Nov 2006, p.78]
Uncut
A 10-track masterclass in spectral, psychedelicised pop, it's awash with great tunes and soaring arrangements. [Nov 2006, p.117]
Mojo
Sean Lennon continues to impress. [Nov 2006, p.104]
Rolling Stone
An album of angry, guilty, sad -- and often stunningly pretty -- songs. [5 Oct 2006, p.68]
Urb
Instead of avoiding the comparisons, Sean Lennon succeeds by reveling in the kind of pop that runs through his family's genes. [Oct 2006, p.124]
Tiny Mix Tapes
Lennon isn’t attempting to re-invent the wheel with Friendly Fire; he’s just writing a narrative using thoroughly enjoyable pop melodies.
Read Full Review >cokemachineglow
The melodies and production are top-notch, even if, lyrically, the album’s motifs barely move from sullen dismay to cheery dismay.
Read Full Review >musicOMH.com
A collection of gentle, sun-kissed pop guaranteed to be easy on the ears.
Read Full Review >Under The Radar
It is lush, not airy like its predecessor, and while the songs on their surface remain light, they retain a certain musical heft that keeps the album grounded. [#15]
Los Angeles Times
At first it seems fairly plain, built around Lennon's thin voice (friendly, if lacking fire)....Yet there's more to the album, most explicitly in the spiked words -- troubled, uncertain, seeking security in an impermanent world. [24 Sep 2006]
New Musical Express
A bittersweet second album of gentle strumming and washed-out summer sun. [30 Sep 2006, p.37]
Spin
Though not blessed with the strength of his father's voice, he makes the most of Dad's knack for pretty melody. [Nov 2006, p.102]
Blender
The melodies are well-shaped and the lyrics twist their knives elegantly. [Dec 2006, p.174]
Hartford Courant
The moments where Lennon lays himself most bare... reveal there's still a gulf between his own pop and his father's universal sound.
Read Full Review >Stylus Magazine
With Friendly Fire, we get a number of concepts and stabs at self-aware dynamics, but we mostly just see the over-privileged slacker.
Read Full Review >All Music Guide
Friendly Fire has the same feel as Into the Sun: namely, it's a pleasant but forgettable arty pop record made by a guy who has some promise but little discipline.
Read Full Review >The Onion (A.V. Club)
Friendly Fire's real problem is that Lennon keeps coming up with airy melodies that recall his father's work, only they don't really sound like John anymore, they sound like Elliott Smith.
Read Full Review >Q Magazine
He's not so much turning into his father... as his wimpy half-brother Julian. [Nov 2006, p.143]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 8.3 (out of 10) based on 30 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Jyotirmaya D gave it an8:
This album is so gorgeous. the melodies, and orchestral arrangements are breathtaking. I met Sean after his how in Chicago and told him "It's really a beautiful album, Sean; I listen to it everyday." The videos on the CD/DVD set are beautiful and engaging. Sean is a true artiste. His voice took me a day or two to get used to as it isn't a great instrument, but he knows its boundaries and stays withing them. After it grows on you, you can kick back and enjoy this album which is just as good as Rufus' "Poses."
joe yo gave it a9:
WOW ! the first 5 songs will blow you away. really one of my top 5 for the year.still sounds good after repeated listenings.
Rev. Rikard gave it a7:
This album makes Sean sound old before his time. The songs resound with more similarity and familiarity with each play. His father's ability to write beautiful melody and introspective lyrics is definitely present in his son. The melodies are definitely pleasing to the ear and reveal great potential. However, John's melodies and lyrics of this ilk were meaningful as we followed his progression as a musician and man. This album feels like an attempt to pick up where Dad left. I would love to hear Sean as an energetic rocker with some social commentary first. Then, I could enjoy this album more. Instead, I would rather just hear "Woman", "Beautiful Boy," and "Jealous Guy" from John.
Eavn C gave it a10:
Teh album at first strikes you as rather soft and boring. But once you learn the story behind the songs you can appreciate the artistic and poetic value of the songs. It's one of the best albums I've heard recently.
Alberto P gave it an8:
Very nice album. I'm not a fan of John Lennon, I discovered this guy watching "Dead Meat" video on TV.
John K. gave it a6:
A lot of people could make an album this good, if given the time and money. And many make records much better, without. Well, anyway, it's not a bad record.
Ellie M gave it a10:
I just can't stop playing this album - am surprised how much I like it and it just keeps growing on me. Don't understand why his father even has to be mentioned - this album should be judged purely on its own merit
