Julian Lennon – ‘Everything Changes’
They say the more things change, the more they stay the same. When I first heard the title track of Julian Lennon’s debut release “Valotte” in 1984, chills ran down my spine as if I were listening to a ghost. At the time, the oldest son of John Lennon had made his debut nearly four years after his father’s tragic death. The album was a reminder of how talented an artist John was and how much promise Julian possessed as a new artist. After selling over a million copies of his debut album on the strength of the title track and “Too Late for Goodbyes,” it was obviously clear the musical gene had been passed down from father to son. Unfortunately, that spark of promise had been dimmed over the years as Lennon ultimately walked away from the music business after releasing 1998’s “Photograph Smile.”
Lennon returns renewed and refreshed with his sixth studio album. “Everything Changes” was carefully crafted over the last eight years. Lennon delivers a collection of engaging songs with intelligent lyrics and beautifully melodic arrangements. The album’s first single, “Lookin’ 4 Luv,” is a moving piano ballad that recaptures his father’s voice and spirit. After 13 years, Lennon sounds charming and focused as he sings about life, love and keeping faith. On “Touch the Sky,” Lennon sings, “I just hope and pray that peace will come one day.” This universal and timely message immediately took me back to the simplistic but powerful “Give Peace a Chance,” released in 1969 by Lennon’s father and Yoko Ono as part of the couple’s memorable Bed-Ins for Peace. Lennon calls “Everything Changes” his best release. I wholeheartedly agree. At 48, Lennon has found his voice and returns stronger and better than ever. As Lennon states, “We all fall, but now we stand.”
“Everything Changes” is an intimate journey that stands solidly behind the Lennon name.