We Were Here

Joshua Radin

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 13, 2006)
• Original Release Date: June 13, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000F4MLZ8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,056 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Contrary to what Garth Brooks once sang, it never hurts to have friends in high places. Though Joshua Radin is sure to have found his way without them, it can't have done much harm to have gone to college with actor/director Zach Braff and singer/songwriter Cary Brothers, two of his more supportive schoolmates. The connections led to several appearances on Scrubs (starting with the Brothers-produced "Winter"), then on Grey's Anatomy ("These Photographs"), followed by a record deal with Columbia. On his major label debut, Radin evokes the sensitive folkies of the AM era--Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Cat Stevens--as much as the alternative radio variant offered up by Elliot Smith in the 1990s. We Were Here, which follows indie EP First Between 3rd and 4th, is subtle stuff distinguished by vocals that are as much whisper as soft-spoken lullaby. Heck, "Everything'll Be Alright" is even subtitled "Will's Lullaby." (The now LA-based Radin claims that his quiet style stems from writing songs that would keep a rather volume-sensitive New York neighbor at bay.) Overall, the cello-laden disc feels more familiar than original, but makes for a soothing listen, and de-synthesized Yaz cover "Only You" (penned by future Erasure member Vince Clarke) is a charming addition. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reminiscent of Damien Rice, February 1, 2007

By	K. Hinton "avid reader" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I saw Josh Radin live last night in Chicago because a friend had an extra ticket. I had no idea who he was, but figured whatever I'm not doing anything else. Thank God I went. Radin's show was amazing and the songs he does with Schuyler Fisk are reminiscent of Damien Rice. In fact, if you check out Damien Rice's web site he actually lists Radin as one of the artists you should endeavor to see live if at all possible. I bought the CD and have been listening to it all day. It's one of those that you can put on from start to finish and every single song on it is good. $10 is an absolute steal for how good this album is. If you like mellow male vocals and well-written lyrics, Josh Radin is for you.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why isn't this guy famous?, May 17, 2007

By	Catherine Capozzi (Phoenix, Arizona) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I heard "Winter" from this album and was hooked: though I'm not really a fan of Zach Braff's acting/movies, the man has incredible taste in music (as the Garden State soundtrack proves). Part of me is glad Joshua Radin isn't yet commercialized, but notice I write, "yet." Seeing the huge similarities between Radin and, say, the Shins, John Mayer or Iron and Wine I'm just waiting for the day for when Radin is played outside of JC Penny commercials.

Anyone who likes some soft accoustic and wistful vocals should at least listen to the sample songs on Amazon. "Sundrenched World" is another beautiful song with haunting cello lines and gorgeous chords. Even some of his lighter songs like "Photographs" are far from fluff-- any artist who can also write lyrics about Simone DeBeauvoir or Sylvia Plath is just awesome.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, simply amazing., June 15, 2006

By	kyle (North America) - See all my reviews

This is one of the most beautiful cds that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Amazing lyrics coupled with flawless acoustics. I would give this 10 stars out of 5 if I could! Pick up the album, you'll know what I mean.