Review by LarryG
3 stars out of 4
With a great sense for interesting, detailed lyrics and easy, likeable
music, Freedy Johnston has been one of the best singer/songwiters of the
90's. He combines an eye for realism with a feeling of still being an
innocent boy from Kansas, surprised by our big city ways. Can You Fly?
was a very good record and Never Home was O.K. though a little less
distinctive but the songs of This Perfect World are great. Johnston's
singing and lyrics are heartfelt and real. Johnston clearly feels
the pain he sings of in Across the Avenue, about not being able to get
over a lost love, thinking he sees her everywhere he goes or doing things
to remind himself of her. The music is well played and is often upbeat,
in marked contrast to the usually sad, pained lyrics. The musically bright
Evie's Tears is a vivid, poignant story of a girlfriend unable to be close
because she's haunted by memories of an abusive relationship. The hardest
rocking song is Two Lovers Stop which is musically appealing even
though it's about a couple who jump to their death. On Bed Reputation is
a comfortable country rock song where he admits to being a liar and achingly
sings, "do you want me now?" Johnston is charmingly self
deprecating. On Delores he sings of a foolish Lolita-like desire for a
young girl. On I Can Hear the Laughs, Johnston sings of forcing himself
to smile after fate has dealt The music of This Perfect World is
unassuming and strong. He mixes up midtempo and mellower songs. The
arrangement are unpretentious and catchy. The focus stays where it
should, on Johnston's excellent songs.
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