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36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Time on Earth-Thoughtful look at mortality, those we love and the changes they make in our lives, July 10, 2007
First up, I'd suggest listening to the samples provided here to see if this terrific Crowded House album is going to be for you. It doesn't sound like anything Neil's done with the band before (although it does recall "Temple of Low Men" and "Together Alone" in terms of its mood). Fans will love this album which builds subtly, over many listens. It is worming its way into my list top albums for this year. Neil is reflective on the changes in his life. Some of the tunes on here are some of the most catchy of his career. He also co-writes a tune with former Smith Johnny Marr (the chiming "Even a Child")and one with The Dixie Chicks. Neil continues to be one of the finest songwriters of his generation and he won't let down fans with this release either.
One thing that Neil Finn never does is make the same album twice. Crowded House fans will find that "Time on Earth" grows on you and isn't as instantly memorable as "Woodface" but is equally as powerful and memorable. In fact, this album reminds me more of the follow up to the band's popular "Woodface" album, "Together Alone"; the melodies are touched with melancholy. You can't help but feel that the death of Paul Hester (the band's original drummer, occasional songwriter and friend of Neil's since the end of Split Enz), middle age and changes in Neil's personal life informed this terrific album. As always, Neil demonstrates a knack for writing memorable melodies and thoughtful, deeply felt lyrics that rank among the best out there. Neil's more experimental solo albums have also impacted this album as well (they departed from the "formula" of Crowded House)and since this was, initially, going to be a solo album it's not a surprise that this album's low key charm and musically adventurous touches are in line with what was on Neil's most recent pair of solo recordings.
Nevertheless, this IS a Crowded House album and brims with all the wit, songwriting skill and hooks that Neil and his band are known for. In fact one of the most interesting aspects of this album is the collison between the "style" that Neil established on his solo albums, the pair he made with his brother Tim and the Crowded House sound. It reinvigorates the album making it a unique and enjoyable follow up to "Together Alone" (the band's last full studio album. I'm not counting "Afterglow" since it was made up of b-sides and tracks that weren't used for the original version of "Woodface").
For those interested there is an import with a DVD of live performances. Also, the first single has two songs not included here plus some live tracks as well. Unfortunately the deluxe edition with the DVD hasn't been released in the United States as of this date.
Worth picking up.
Time on Earth
Don't Stop Now
Together Alone
Woodface
Try Whistling This
One Nil
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31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Haunting and Brilliant, July 10, 2007
Time on Earth is a masterpiece. Not as immediately accessible as the earlier Crowded House ablums, this one has so many very special moments. There is so much "home" to the new Crowded House. I continue to be amazed at what a great songwriter Neil Finn is. He allows his beautiful voice to show the pain he has suffered with the loss of Paul Hester. Listen to the gorgeous "Pour Le Monde" and "People are Like Suns", they are stunning and haunting lyrically, musically and vocally. Also, the background vocals throughout this album are remarkable and beautifully realized.
This is one of those albums which will be recognized as a classic many years from now. It is the Abbey Road for Crowded House (the Beatle reference is intentional). Great songs, gorgeous vocals, beautiful production, great band. Time on Earth is the album of the year and may be Neil Finn's masterpiece. Yes, it is that good.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Welcome Back Crowdies, July 9, 2007
This new Crowded House effort is simply wonderful. But, if you're after instant gratification, then this album is not for you. It is impossible to comment on this CD before at least half a dozen listens. It is darker and heavier than previous Crowded House sets and Paul Hester's presence is everywhere. While it may not have the same level of energy as you'd expect from typical Crowded House fare, it nevertheless has moments of pure Neil Finn genius. She Called Up is the closest thing to the boppy Crowded House of yesterday, reminiscent of Something So Strong. In part, Time On Earth does resemble one of Neil Finn's solo projects, but this is only logical because this CD began as Finn's next solo work until the suggestion of reforming Crowded House was raised. There are aspects of every part of Finn's career on this CD, with hints of Split Enz, reminders of the Crowded House we used to love (and now love again) and both his own work and that with brother Tim, as well. On first listen, you'll probably only like two or three tracks, but after half a dozen listens you won't be able to put it down. There's something to enjoy about nearly every track on this CD. The uptempo pop of the Crowded House of the 80s and 90s still exists on Time on Earth, the gorgeous ballads are haunting, the brooding rock of Silent House (co-written with The Dixie Chicks) fantastic, and the melodies, just beautiful. To all those doubters out there, you didn't really think one of the greatest songwriters of our generation would let us down, did you?
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