Virgin Magazine

25th February 2004, virginmagazine.com

Until now guitarist Red Hot Chili Pepper John Frusciante’s solo projects have been like a bad acid trip. Surprisingly, on his fourth solo release, he pretty much hits the mark. Most songs heard on Shadows Collide with People, are more structured and confident than those that have come before them, as is Frusciante’s voice. In other words, they make more sense. There are exceptions, of course, like “Negative OO Ghost” and “Failure 33 Object,” but what’s a John Frusciante solo project without a little silliness and misunderstood weirdness? The musicality on most of the 18 (yes, 18 ) tracks are immense with everything from fuzzy electronic intros and clever keyboards to impressive harmonies and a solid, yet subtle, rhythm section.

The opening track, “Carvel” and “Wednesday’s Song” could easily be Chili Pepper tracks if Anthony Kiedis were singing them, and that’s not a bad thing, but Frusciante sounds just fine as the singer. Technically they are Chili Pepper songs considering Flea plays bass on the album, while Chad Smith drums (yet there is no posturing). Frusciante adds creative direction, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, lyrics and keyboards to songs. The one that best displays his raw talent is on the simple yet sweet “Song To Sing When I’m Lonely.” There are lots of textures heard here with the haunting and beautiful “In Relief” standing up to the very different yet rocking “Water.”

Lyrics stem from a thinking man’s land, many still speak of alienation. Yet overall, John Frusciante is much more accessible on this album. These songs allow you to relate to him less as a strung out drug addict crying for help (as revealed in his previous solo work), but this time around more as a friend or brother.

—Kim Taylor

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