Review Summary: A easy-listening and a calm album from our chaotic rock star Peter Doherty and it's definetely worth listening.
As a huge Libs fan, Peter Doherty surprised me with his serenity in Grace/Wastelands. This album is an unexpectedly calm one considering chaotic life of Doherty. In my review - by the way this my first review for Sputnik Music I will examine Grace/Wastelands song by song. Let the game begin!
1) "Arcady"
This opening track may trick you into the thought that you are at the beginning of an optimistic album with its sound but don't get fooled! It is the happiest one in Grace/Wastelands. It is an utopic song about an utopic place called "Arcady". As a short, mythologic and a happy song, Arcady is a good choice for an opening track. Also, Peter Doherty reflects his intelligent and literary side in track. 3/5
2) "Last of the English Roses"
A very different song from Petey. Also it is the first single of Doherty's debut. As another happy song of Petey, it is one of the kinds which may cheer you up. Just like he does in "Arcady", he again shows his literary side by reading some verses of Jean Genet in their original language French at the end of the track. "Last of the English Roses" is nothing like Doherty's other productions. 3.5/5
3) "1939 Returning"
With this song, Doherty's album begins to be melancholic. This emotional track about WWI is one of my faves in the album due to soft vocals of Petey, its melancholic and epic side. It was planned to be a track featuring Amy Winehouse but I am glad Petey sings it alone. With its calmless, this song is an evidence of what Peter Doherty may produce if he's in mood. 4/5
4) "A Little Death Around the Eyes"
This song is the most catchy one on the album and the one who has the most potential to be a hit. Furthermore, it is a product of the partnership of Carl Barat and Peter Doherty. With its macho lyrics and Doherty's vocals that succeed in being both soft and aggressive, "A Little Death Around the Eyes" is song you may never get bored with listening to. 4/5
5) "Salome"
One of the saddest songs in Grace/Wastelands. It tells a religious story. Just like "Arcady" it is one of the songs that is originated from Doherty's interest in literature and mythology. "Salome" consists of a melancholic sound, a poetic narration and a unity of these two. 4/5
6) "I am the Rain"
One of the weakest tracks in the record. In " I am the Rain" Doherty considers himself as rain and tell his story with usage of personifications. I think this album wouldn't lose anything, if that track was not on it. 2.5/5
7) "Sweet By and By"
This song is one of my favourites with its sound which reminds me of cabarets and New Orleans sound. Also I think this song is the one that sounds most "American" in Grace/Wastelands. It is a lament from a broken-hearted person. Personally, I thank Peter Doherty for his creation of such a beautiful song. 4.5/5
8) "Palace of Bone"
Probably the most chaotic and aggressive song on the album. I don't like it too much, anyway. In my opinion, it may suit a Libertines album more than it suits Grace/Wastelands. 3/5
9) "Sheepskin Tearaway"
One of my faves. Special thanks to Dot Allison. What a beautiful harmony between her and Petey and what a beautiful lyrical song. Poetic, melancholic, calm. I think it reflects Doherty's fragile side behind his chaotic life and addictions. 4.5/5
10) "Broken Love Song"
It may be a hit, may be very catchy, but the only good thing about this song for me is Doherty's reference to Fab Four in his lyrics: "every morning i'll be singing/ like a caged bird who might say/john, paul, george and ringo/help me pass the hours away" This is probably about his time at jail. 3/5
11) "New Love Grows on Trees"
It is my fave on the album. Great lyrics, great sound, and of course, a great song. It is anthem for all the people who still talks to their fave dead movie stars, who thinks of pretty rhymes and perfect crimes. This kind of great songs don't grow on trees nowadays. 5/5
12) "Lady Don't Fall Backwards"
My second fave and a perfect closing song for any album in the earth. I think it is about his mother and maybe the most emotional and naive thing Petey has ever made. ( Don't forget " What Katie Did", too. 4.5/5
To conclude with, with Graham Coxon's beautiful guitarwork, Peter Doherty created a good album and I am happy for knowing his music before I die. Thanks Petey.