WHERE WE LAND - Album Appreciation Thread

[Leithal Dame]

I was meaning 'safe' in choosing love songs for the most part Kami. That might be too much of a simplification but I think that's the way most people will view the WWL tracks. I agree with it not necessarily being 'safe' musically. Fool, Bigger Plan, Sky are less 'safe' in my view. I could be wrong though cuz I know almost nothing about the music scene per se. I'm pretty much learning from all you guys. Thx BTW. ;D

I love the contrast in CCH too.

[Trilly]

Isn't it interesting how one little word can mean such different things to diferent people? Please do not interpret my use of the word as negative.. I must re-iterate I really ENJOY and appreciate this album. ;D I just have a hankering to hear Damien's "heavy and alternative", perhaps darker? side also. Strangely, if CCH had been moodier, perhaps that would have been more predictable? Interesting, again!

[Leithal Dame]

I too have a "hankering" for the "heavy and alternative" but it doesn't detract from WWL one bit for me. My tastes are ecclectic I think. It's rare for me to like everything a singer/songwriter puts out but I'm finding with D, that I am. And what's more, I'm them all deeply.

[Trilly]

I agree with you, LD ;D

[Mi chiamano Kami]

trilly said:

I think you might be slightly misinterpeting, Kami. Speaking for myself, "safe' means songs that are not particularly confronting or musically experimental. However, I believe too, that D has depths and is yet to plumb them anywhere near fully. I like your take on rockiness vs laid back ..interesting point. Also like the idea that the juxtaposition of tune and lyric conveys maturity. ;D

Ah, it's good to clear that up. ^_^ We are definitely talking different concepts - and you can be assured I didn't take offence to your use of the word itself, by the way. I just didn't think of the word 'safe' like that because it doesn't bother me so much if an artist isn't excessively 'confronting' or experimental - I love a genuine musical accomplishment but I do think sometimes artists make their music more complex just to hide their lack of skill or confidence in themselves or burning desire to impress the public.
I love the subtle themes and musical techniques, which I guess is why I loved 'Sky' so much. Although I'm not sure if lyrically any of the songs on the album live up to that for me yet, which was just so perfect - I can close my eyes and visualise everything Damien is saying in that one song. And I have no idea what point I'm trying to make here, or even if I had a point other than explaining my musical preferences, so I'll stop.

I do really want to see what Damien can come up with on his next album, now he is free to spend the next year or so secure in the knowledge that he has a job in the music industry and can take the time to write all the songs he wants. I would love to see what the 'dark' side of his music is, and I think we'll all be glad that he waited until the second album to let it out, although the curiosity is burning now.

I'm loving discussing this with everyone, seeing what people like and dislike and finding out what works for different people. Even those of you who claim you don't know much about music, you might want to reconsider that self-assessment. Isn't this half of what it's all about? (The other half being enjoying the music for yourself, of course!)

[Leithal Dame]

kamitsuki said:

trilly said:

... it doesn't bother me so much if an artist isn't excessively 'confronting' or experimental - I love a genuine musical accomplishment but I do think sometimes artists make their music more complex just to hide their lack of skill or confidence in themselves or burning desire to impress the public.[\quote]

Oh so true Kami! Musical acrobatics with weird lyrics. I love the straightforwardness of Damien's music and lyrics. He says what he means and means what he says! ;D There is so much in this album it's going to take me ages to take it all in. I've been listening to it almost non-stop since Saturday and I've not scratched the surface much yet. BTW, Sky is one of my favourites too. I was blissed out watching this on Idol. Talk about being blown away. I wonder how many people were able to appreciate it? (It struck me at the time that DG's mind seemed to be wandering! ). Sky is not a 'safe' song (using my interpretation of the word in this context). "I'm so happy with who I am". The purity of Damien's songs is just beautiful.

...you might want to reconsider that self-assessment.

Yeah, I know what I like but I'm often out there on my own. I don't think I am here though. Not where D is concerned anyway! ;D

[Trilly]

The really salient point here I think, is that it is completely possible to enjoy relatively uncomplicated, beautiful music for itself alone and to also be intrigued by the possiblity of something more unexpected. Damien's music does all that for me and more. I am so excited by the current album, and the possiblites for future ones already seem endless, which just bodes well for his long-term career.Long may he continue to enthrall us. ;D

[Leithal Dame]

Well said Trilly!

[Mi chiamano Kami]

BTW, Sky is one of my favourites too. I was blissed out watching this on Idol. Talk about being blown away. I wonder how many people were able to appreciate it? (It struck me at the time that DG's mind seemed to be wandering! ). Sky is not a 'safe' song (using my interpretation of the word in this context). "I'm so happy with who I am". The purity of Damien's songs is just beautiful.

Yes... It saddened me that so many people (not here, but other places) seemed to think badly of the lyrics to 'Sky' - particularly "I'm so happy with who I am, it's a lovely day..." I can understand the sentiment not being to everyone's tastes and people not liking it for that reason, but some people seemed to think it was bad simply because it was so straightforward and un-angsty. Mistaking plain old dark or angry themes for genuine feeling is something I hate in both music and books (and anywhere else it arises, really). Writing a good 'happy' song really impresses me, especially since as humans in general we seem to be so suspicious of anyone who ever seems happy and above the pressures of life. Or is that just the sort of people I've come across?

I think those of Damien's songs that we've seen with elements of lyrical darkness, like 'These Days' and 'Blew It All Away' work nicely. I get the impression from things Damien has said that he wouldn't want to create dark music for the sake of it, either, but would want to do it if and when it worked musically. I hope I'm not putting words in his mouth when I say that - it just seems to fit.

I do however want to retract what I just said about the lyrics on the album not living up to 'Sky' though - I think 'The Long Way Back' and 'Blew It All Away' might just do it for me. ;D

And you are totally right Trilly - how lucky are we to have discovered an artist we can appreciate on many levels. And how clever Damien is to be able to put himself into an album that should keep the Idol fans happy as well as attracting the interest of an alternative fanbase.

I'm starting to babble a bit now... I think I just like the sound of my own voice keyboard today. I'd really love to get a chance to talk one-on-one with Damien about the album and his music in general some time, see what his thoughts on our thoughts are.

[Leithal Dame]

If you are babbling Kami then so am I.....and we can't have that!

I think we all come across people who are not happy. It's a beautiful thing to come across someone who is not only genuinly happy but also happy to tell us so. What I take away from what Damien has said at times is that he likes to create from genuine feelings. It's obvious to me that he likes to express himself rather than make something up that might sell.

I too would love to know Damien's thoughts about our thoughts.

[KrisLovesDamien]

Well.

I just absolutely lLOVE!!!! this album, i love ALL the songs!!! ;D

Theres nothing wrong with it for me.

[sunshine]

I must be the only one who hasn't bought the album yet. Don't worry, I'll be getting a copy this week.
Interesting review in the SUN HERALD said it was a good album, but maybe Damien had played it too safe? However, they said it is a cut above the usual debut albums from Idol winners.

[princess1]

I absolutely love the album, I've played it soooo many times since Saturday, Cold, Cold Heart has really stuck in my head & I am loving All I want is you, its so hard to pick a favourite though, all the songs are brilliant

[Roxy]

princess1 said:

I absolutely love the album, I've played it soooo many times since Saturday, Cold, Cold Heart has really stuck in my head & I am loving All I want is you, its so hard to pick a favourite though, all the songs are brilliant

same here! Alone is another one I can't get enough of! ;D

[erin]

It is so hard to pick a favourite because I think all of the numbers are just great. I was worried at how this album would turn out, but I have to say it has blown me away. I don't have the musical knowledge to criticise the album in depth like some of you do, but I do know it is one that I will listen to over and over again. Some of your critiques are just brilliant and I wish I could express myself as well as you do. Someone said earlier that they thought 22 Steps was not the best track on the album. I have to agree with this, and hope that Damien's next single will be one of his own compositions because they are so much better.