Review 1 of 8

rileyVmiller writes:

2of 5 Stars

This is just unremarkable songcraft.. the overused pop/folk structures are just boring. This album is a dud when compared with, say, an Elliott Smith or Sufjan Stevens album.

I find it ironic that he says on his myspace page that he values "musicians who know that lyrics are just as important as melody," seeing as how his lyrics are horrible. That's the real downfall of this album is just poor writing.

I have no desire to own this album.

Aug 17, 2006 12:21:48

Review 2 of 8

CPatton writes:

1of 5 Stars

I'm not so sure that listeners are so much admirers of Radin's drab sound as they are fans of his buddy Zach Braff. Every fan review mentions Braff in some way, and one cannot help but wonder where Radin would be without him. There is nothing special or new going on here and Radin's writing is so self-centered that he actually discusses the song writing process in no less than FOUR tunes on this record. The special lyricists are the ones who get inside our minds and tear our hearts out with their words. I bought this record because "Winter" is one of those songs, but the rest of "We Were Here" is Death Cab inspired filler. The bouncing blips and bleeps on "Only You" are an abvious attempt to dip into the success of the Postal Service and other sound alikes of the moment. The comparisons to Dylan and Drake are insulting and ridiculous. Dylan "stayed up for days in the Chelsea Hotel writing Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" for Sara...as far as I can tell Radin wrote this record for himself.

Aug 4, 2006 19:26:12

Review 3 of 8

jsmith writes:

5of 5 Stars

I knew I had to check out this album as soon as I saw it was produced by the ever talented Chris Holmes. It is sweet and wonderful! My favorites...Sundrenched World and Photograph. Looking forward to the Last Kiss soundtrack...with two of Radin's songs included!

Jul 26, 2006 15:33:07

Review 4 of 8

oxidant11 writes:

5of 5 Stars

We were here is a perfect selection of songs, very very good album and its cool that zach braff is directing joshuas first video for closer.

Jul 26, 2006 12:49:25

Review 5 of 8

csher902 writes:

5of 5 Stars

I just picked up this album a few weeks ago and have really enjoyed it. He also makes it on to the soundtrack of Zach Braff's new movie. Jam on...

Jul 26, 2006 06:32:02

Review 6 of 8

shard writes:

5of 5 Stars

Easily one of the best albums of 2006.

Jul 25, 2006 18:34:39

Review 7 of 8

tes writes:

5of 5 Stars

Having discovered Joshua Radin a long time a go on itunes before he was signed its great that his music is reaching more people. Its full of amazing lyrics and melodies that are easy to listen too, my favourite track is someone elses life but there are no bad tracks. I really recommend this to anyone who like good, chilled music.

Jul 25, 2006 17:48:08

Review 8 of 8

Norsemann writes:

5of 5 Stars

Listening to Radin's debut LP, We Were Here, you may have trouble ascribing a particular sound to what you're hearing. For a songwriter who has spent time in New York & LA, you'll find a suprising lack of angst, lament, and edge. While Radin's sound is a throwback to Dylan and Nick Drake, his talent shines the brightest on the softer, understated tracks. You may recognize Closer, featured on Grey's Anatomy, or Winter, which he performed on Last Call w/Carson Daly. While these two might be considered the catchiest of his catalouge, give a listen to Starmile, and Someone Else's life. You'll find a more recent, developed style of writing, pointing towards the potential which Joshua has just begun to realize.

A truly attentive ear will pick out the backing vocals of Priscilla Hartranft, a talented songwriter in her own right. A perfect compliment to Radin's soft delivery, Hartranft rounds out many of the tracks with her harmony, and her work on piano.

Jul 25, 2006 14:23:28