Moo Magazine review of Smile
1997, Moo Magazine
I’m beginning to wonder if the ex-Chili Pepper guitarist is pulling a fast one. On his second solo record, Frusciante borrows liberally from the Chili Peppers riff catalog and mumbles along in his best Vedder/Mascis voice. If I didn’t know better, I’d say that Frusciante was a shining example of the needle and the damage done. Sure there are a few decent moments on an otherwise forgettable release. The instrumental “Poppy Man” has a good little rhythm going and “I’m Always” and “Femininity” sound like Bloodsugarsexmagic out-takes. But as a whole, this disc sounds like the stoned ramblings of a street person who happened across a cheap guitar and a fuzzy amp. Maybe that’s the effect that Frusciante is hoping to achieve. Maybe he wants to show the world that he can go from the world’s biggest rock band to being an average, everyday Joe. Unfortunately, it sounds like Frusciante is in desperate need of help, whether he’s a substance abuser or not.
—Chip Midnight
