Joshua Radin Album: “Rock and the Tide”

This is a great album. The first few tracks are a bit peppier than Joshua Radin fans are accustomed to, but I think they are well executed and really enjoyable. The last half is pure (and well done) Joshua Radin.

Generally, I read reviews when purchasing most things. I depend on real people with real opinions to guide my purchase process. Music is definitely more subjective- that is for sure. But, I truly believe that many a reviewer has caused an egregious offense to Joshua Radin's new album, The Rock and the Tide.

**This is an awesome album.**

People evolve. Artists change, advance, grow, mature. Think of more synonyms and that is this album. If you like his acoustic, mellow, "stripped down" sound then stick to his prior releases. If you're looking for another "We Were Here" stop looking. Listen to We Were Here. If you want to listen to Joshua pushing his own boundaries into a more cohesive sounding album with an extra bit of flare then listen to "The Rock and the Tide". He still is an astute lyricist. He still has a few languid ballads. He just added more instruments and production.

Give the man a break. He's no Lady Gaga-- pumping out monotonous hits. But he is allowed- and encouraged to progress. I, for one, am thankful he has grown.

I don't like this CDs as much as I did his previous CDs.

It's difficult to know what to say. He probably had to progress somewhat to avoid sounding the same -- we didn't really need another Joshua Radin CD just like his others -- but it seems as if his attempt at progress has buried what was unique about his sound. He comes out of it sounding like no-one-in-particular on many tracks.

There are some tracks reminiscent of his previous albums, and the first couple of tracks that dress up his sound with more energy than we're used to are pretty good, but are not timeless as some of his earlier songs are.

If I'd heard this one before I bought it, I probably wouldn't have bought it. But, I'll keep my ears open for his future work to see if anything comes of this change in direction once it's had a chance to settle.

UPDATE 03/24/2011: as an example of what this album could have been, check out William Fitzsimmons's "Gold In The Shadow".

I love Joshua Radin's earlier albums and the stripped down acoustic sound he's known for. This is a definite departure from that vein and it took me a couple listens to love it. The bigger sound still suits his amazing voice and this album is now one of my favorites of his. Artists are always evolving and hopefully he doesn't lose his quieter side but I think Joshua Radin has just found another sound to add to his amazing talents.

I liked Joshua Radin's first album We Were Here a lot, loved his second offering Simple Times, but I adore this third and latest one. The Rock and the Tide is simply amazing.

From the first notes of opener Road To Ride On, you'll realise this is not a We Were Here of Simple Times part II. No, Radin has clearly progressed as a writer and musician.

Which doesn't mean he completely his 'old' sound, Streetlight, You Got What I Need and One Leap have that familiar Radinsound.

But songs such as Here We Go, Nowhere To Go and The Ones With The Light are very different. Here We Go has a Coldplay/U2 feel to it, where Nowhere To Go is just a great rock & roll piece.

The title track is a beautiful song with some very true lyrics 'everyone gets what they want too fast these days, no one knows the way to make things last'. You tell 'em Joshua!

I didn't know what to expect of this new Joshua Radin album, but it's a great ride full of surprises.

Some might disagree with me, but The Rock and the Tide is what Continuum was for John Mayer.

Now let's hope Radin will not follow this one up with such an easy pop effort as Mayer did with Battle Studies. But something tells me Joshua is on the right road to ride on!

Ps: The bonus dvd you'll get with the deluxe edition is amazing. A real live dvd which hasn't been reworked. Just a raw performance that'll make you feel as if you're right there in the audience.