Customer Reviews

Graduation Ceremony

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a long-time fan of Joseph Arthur, and he is one of my favorite artists. My expectations for any album of his are quite high, but this album has even blown those lofty expectations away. Quite simply, this is his best album to date, and one of the best collective albums I have ever heard. Those familiar with his work will recognize the atmospheric tones, hauntingly beautiful lyrics, and unique approach to crafting songs, all of which permeate through this entire record perfectly. The album is amazing. Each song is fantastic. There are no throw-away tracks here. In addition, the songs seem to fit together quite well. Standout tracks for me include "Midwest", "Gypsy Faded", "Call", and "Into The Sun". Do yourself a favor and buy this record. Those new to Joseph Arthur will find this as a great introduction to his music. Those familiar with his music will find this to be an essential component to their collection. Ten or twenty years from now, people will still be talking about how incredible this record is. There are very few albums I give 5 stars to, but this is certainly one of them.

It's unfortunate that such a immensely talented artist goes unrecognized by so many. I think this is hands down the best album I've heard for the year (i listen to a lot of music). I won't write much more, if you are reading this you are probably already a Joseph Arthur fan. Just let me say, this is his best work yet.

It's been quite a while since Joseph Arthur put out Nuclear Daydream. In between he released two albums with his band The Lonely Astronauts and four EPs. The work with the band was a let down. There were a few songs that are worthy of praise but I feel like none of them measured up to what we've come to expect from him. The EPs on the other hand were great and covered a lot of ground musically speaking.

This album is mostly acoustic and it's his most concise in years. The whole album is extremely solid and there are moments that are downright incredible (Watch Our Shadows Run, Over the Sun and Midwest come to mind).

This is by far one of his best albums and one of the best of 2011 to be sure.

Graduation Ceremony is a great introduction to Joseph Arthur. I bought copies for friends and family who had never heard of him. The melodies are beautiful; the lyrics are great as always. As a Joseph Arthur fan, I would agree that it is less daring than some of his other work, but that isn't the point. This record is about loss and healing. Even though it deals with a failed romance, it works as a metaphor for loss itself--the music has some hauntingly beautiful sounds that make the listener almost ache in some impenetrable stupor.

As someone who was born and raised in the midwest, I understand all too well that "there's nothing to do in the Midwest but dream."

I too am a huge fan of Joseph Arthur and I would agree that this collection of songs is probably his best yet. The whole album flows beautifully along with his ability to write and create such incredible music. Joseph Arthur is one of my favorite artists because something about his music warms my heart and soul. I give this album 10 stars!

Get this album and get your kleenex. Joseph Arthur has made the perfect record. After your second listen, you will know what I mean.

I've followed Joseph Arthur since I first heard "Honey and the Moon" from Redemption's Son while watching American Wedding. I immediately went out and purchased the album and have been a solid fan ever since. Graduation Ceremony isn't foreign to listeners familiar with his work. It doesn't reach out and demand your attention or stand out in his engaging catalog of songs. Instead, it plays like a slow progression, never really getting up off the ground, but being content where it is. "Midwest" is a highlight and probably the most promising for playback while the rest are simply attached to it. There are definitely some good songs here. Worth investing your time towards. Not quite as daring as Nuclear Daydream (Dig) or Come to Where I'm From, but we're glad he's still out there releasing material. There's no "In the Sun" or "Honey and the Moon" or "Dear Lord" songs on here, but as a whole, it's an album that sits well together.

It was well worth waiting 5 years for Joseph Arthurs new album. I bought the CD and also bought the album on itunes. The CD is about his relationship with his x. Jim Keltner added drums to the album and it sounds great.

My favorite song's are Gypsy Faded, Out on a Limb, Midwest. They are all great. I would not hesitate to buy his album.

Another classic. Real fine and thanks Joseph for all the inspiration and craftsmanship. Incredible album keeping in time with all the past.

Joseph Arthur Graduation Ceremony probably one of the best albums of 2011.Joseph songs are so magic and
feel me a spiritual touch behind the lines of phrases.
Epic and at the same time full of beautiful melancholy."This is still my world" the great song of the year!!!!