Customer Reviews

King of Yesterday

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I read the liner notes before listening to this album I got a sinking feeling. I had been looking forward to Jude's follow up to one of my favorite albums in years, Noone Is Really Beautiful. Reading in the notes that he had scrapped his 32 song, deeply personal "demi-opera" because of the label's reaction was disappointing. It sounded to me like Jude was already making excuses for this record.

Instead he threw together this 12 song album in 2 weeks, and it sounds like it. 12 songs is misleading, as there are truly only 8 new songs on this album. One is a cover from the 70's (everything I own), 2 are songs from previous albums (I Do, I Will Not Die), and one is a radio edit of King of Yesterday.

I'm not saying this is bad work--on the contrary, Jude's writing is still better than most of what we hear today. I was just expecting a lot more. These songs just didn't quite have the witty, biting, heart-felt effect that every single song on NOIRB had. If you don't own his previous albums, please start there before getting this one.

I hope the label lets him have a little more freedom next time. Give me his "demi-opera" anyday!

Check out the new record, "Sarah", which is WAAAY less produced. I don't know if Amazon has it yet, but you can link to it from Judemusic.com.

I saw Jude live at Largo in Santa Monica, and he was impressive. So I decided to pick up this CD, and it has not left my car stereo since. I keep thinking it's going to get old but it never does. King of Yesterday, the first track, is catchy and impossible to forget after one listen. The 2nd track is the same way, and on down the line. Sit-ups is my favorite perhaps, but the album is meant to be listened to as a whole. The only gripe is that he doesn't really sound like his show b/c that was only him and an acoustic guitar. But regardless, this CD is a keeper.

Jude recorded this album in a very short time frame and on a low budget (per the album sleeve). Sometimes it shows in the album version of songs like "Oh, Boy" and "Sit Ups" where, if you have ever heard live versions of these songs, you'd be totally blown away by Jude's range and natural pop talent, but the synths used in the studio don't do the songs justice. The album is good, with songs such as the title track being a highlight, and the oldie "Indian Lover" slowing it down a notch but keeping you interested the whole way through. However, it lacks the honesty of some of his other work.

If you don't have No one is really beautiful, go on and get it - its a must have. This album deserves credit for its pop and style, because Jude had to make this album more "commercial friendly." Its an overall good listen and interesting album.

More importantly, get out there and see Jude in person. It will make you want everything he's ever recorded - even if this album is not his best work.

Check out the new record, "Sarah", which is WAAAY less produced. I don't know if Amazon has it yet, but you can link to it from Judemusic.com.

A must own if for no other reason than the song "Indian Lover"-- Jude put this cd out as a last ditch effort to win over label support by producing a 'sellable' disk. He did. Although a bit too poppy at times for my taste, this is a great addition for those of you who already own "noone's really beautiful" Other than Martin Sexton and Ray Lamontagne, there is no better male voice I've found who is still alive and making great music today!!!
If you like Ben Folds' "Rockin the Suburbs" or Counting Crows "Hard Candy" this will be a no brainer to buy

This is a very strong effort form a great artist. While it may not be as deep as his last release, it is still much stronger and better put together than a lot of pop rock music available today. If you want good, solid songs sung by someone who really does have talent (instead of someone who uses technology to give the guise of talent) than you should appreciate the music of Jude. He is a true singer/songwriter.

If you're new to Jude, start with "No One is Really Beautiful" and come back to this album in a few months. By then, you'll be completely entranced by Jude and will be happy to hear any new Jude music -- even if it's not as strong.

"NOIRB" is amazing on so many levels -- the music is complex, the beat is strong, the words are intriguing and compelling. But with a few exceptions, those components are missing on "King of Yesterday." Jude's voice is still tremendous, but the words and arrangements are totally Top 40. That being said, I can't help singing along to numbers like "Everything's All Right" (recently featured as background music on ABC's Alias) -- because even though they are too darn poppy, they're catchy. Glimmers of the deeper Jude can be found in standouts like "Indian Lover" -- enough to keep any Jude fan satiated until the next album.

Huge fan, I am. But of album #2, not this latest effort. Waited for weeks once i heard his album was out...and am completely disappointed. One rendition of " Everything I Own" makes me think Jude ran out of some decent material to put on there ( how many acts are going to cover that song?), and his use of previously released songs to fill up the rest of his third tour of duty confirmed it.
Are you no longer inspired?

man oh man I wish Jude would have stuck to his original style.. I see everyone recomending No One is really Beautiful which is a great album, but I STONGLY suggest 430 N. Harper Ave. which is one of my all time favorite albums, very poetic, and sometimes rather dramatic, but it's mostly him and his guitar which is what I like. King of Yesterday seems to be geared toward Middle School kids.. I don't like it at all... Jude! please go back to acoustic!