We Were Here Palatine IL

We Were Here

Joshua Radin

Columbia Records, 2006

REVIEW BY: Jeff Clutterbuck

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 08/12/2006

There’s a major difference between an understated record and a boring one. Much to my dismay, after giving Joshua Radin’s We Were Here multiple listens, it falls into the latter camp.

My first exposure to Radin was through the NBC sitcom Scrubs. His song “Winter,” which is included on this album, was a brilliant expression of the season itself. That sounds clichéd, but in my eyes Radin encapsulated the dark, melancholy aspect of winter without it coming off as trite. When added to the plot line of the episode, it became even more poignant.

Unsurprisingly, “Winter” is the best track here by far. It says everything Radin wanted to say on the album in one song. Unfortunately, that means there’s the rest of the album to contend with.

The record starts off promisingly enough with Radin utilizing the style of “Winter” to great effect. “Sundrenched World” captures an early Simon & Garfunkel vibe, at times reminding me of “Scarborough Fair.” “Star Mile” features some gorgeous harmonies, the sort of little touches that gave me reason for hope. “These Photographs” is as upbeat as things get (which isn’t much), but it injects enough energy to pique the interest.