Clarence Greenwood, aka Citizen Cope, is a talented multi-instrumentalist who plays a unique brand of music that consists of alternative, hip-hop, folk, and blues. The Clarence Greenwood Recordings was released in 2004. This album is his second LP. Now onto the music:
Nite Becomes Day – The intro of this song always makes me think of those lame McDonalds commercials. This is a downtempo song, with pretty depressing lyrics about the lack of kindness in our society. This is a typical Cope song, with drums high in the mix, background guitar, and a great piano riff. 4/5
Pablo Picasso – Some weird lyrics here. Pablo Picasso is a fitting title. I believe this song is about a crazy homeless man who has fallen in love with a celebrity. This song is pretty downbeat, with a very catchy chorus. The end of the song fades into the next track. 3.5/5
My Way Home - Here Cope talks about reaching our goals in life, or “home.” This song gets repetitive after a minute or so, as the melody just keeps repeating. This is one of the albums’ few weak spots. 2/5
Son’s Gonna Rise – A highlight, and single, of the album. The intro has a wah-wah and guitar that continues throughout the song. It’s a very catchy song and easy to get stuck in your head. There are a couple of cool guitar fills placed in between verses. Overall an very chill and fun song. 4.5/5
Sideways – This song is just amazing. It is my personal favorite on the album. Sideways is about unconditional love. Most of the song is just Cope and an acoustic guitar. You can just fell the emotion in his voice when he sings, “Diamonds they fade, and flower they bloom. But I’m telling you, these feelings won’t go away” This is how to write a song about love. 5/5
Penitentiary – The song starts off with a cool Latin American drum beat that lays the foundation for the song. Cope shows his emotion on this track also. Penitentiary is basically a protest against the prison system. Another song that get stuck in your head. 4/5
Hurricane Waters – The song begins with another cool drumbeat, but, in my opinion is ruined by the effect Cope uses on his voice in the choruses. The verse is fairly repetitive. This song is another weak track on the album. 2/5
D’Artagnan’s Theme – D’Artagnan is the protagonist in the novel The Three Musketeers. The song is downtempo, with a folky feel. 3.5/5
Bullet and a Target – Another highlight on the album. The lyrics deal with a number of topics, mainly about how people put themselves in situations that are self-destructive, but society also sometimes forces them into these situations. The song has a chill, reflective feel. This song is a good representation of Citizen Cope’s overall style. 5/5
Fame – This is a very slow and reflective song about how people in the U.S. spend so much time trying to become famous, we obsess over it. This song is pretty depressing, showing the futility of our lives. I can feel Cope’s sincerity and feeling in this song. 4.5/5
Deep – The album closer is an instrumental track that consists of a drum sample and some African drums, along with a synthesizer. This track has a trip-hop feel and could lull someone to sleep. On its own, this song has nothing to offer, but as a part of the album it has a place. 3/5
Overall, The Clarence Greenwood Recordings is an excellent sophomore album by Citizen Cope. It is filled with heartfelt emotions as well as a very chill vibe throughout. I would encourage you to check it out to hear music that is unique and fun to listen to.
Recommended tracks:
Son’s Gonna Rise
Sideways
Bullet and a Target
