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Rating:
To begin his project of 6 albums in six months, John Frusciante decides to play it safe.
He indeed maintains the pop rock from the previous album, presented in a more linear and uniform manner.
"The Will To Death" is a fairly consistent work, of decent level, that seeks a medium standard rather than focusing on particular songs. This fact is perhaps due to the haste with which it was recorded, but it does not spoil the final result. On the contrary, this lesser attention to detail perhaps makes the songs more enjoyable and less cloying as sometimes happened with "Shadows Collide".
A fluid arpeggio opens the dense "A Doubt"; the melodic lines chase each other simply and delicately; it's a pleasant, very relaxed listen. This cannot be said for "An Exercise" and "Time Runs Out", both characterized by a sunny and dynamic rock, very pleasant. The simplicity risks becoming trivial in "Loss", saved only by the expressiveness of the singing. Something different is attempted with "A Loop", where the ascending melody meets an unusual rhythm, background electronic sounds and vaguely oriental musicality; the result is good, never too pretentious (as it could have been in the previous album) and with moments of notable intensity. "Wishing" and "Far Away" are ordinary administration, catchy and measured tracks.
The best emerges in the softly played ballads like "Unchanging" and "The Mirror", light, subtle and moving. Another great moment of intimacy is "The Days Have Turned"; the ethereal melody, the background ticking, the emotional atmosphere and John's fragile voice make it wonderful, an open-heart song, moving. The finale, entrusted to the title track, is the zenith. A ballad of great class; full of pathos and uncommon catchiness. Frusciante plays his trump card, a slow walk accompanies the aching and delicate verses; a great show of personality.
In this work, the guitarist's ability to fascinate with little comes out; we certainly don't find complex songs here, but all maintain a level far from low. Frusciante always knows how to find the notes that touch the soul, the most captivating melodies. The result is this decent little disc to listen to on carefree spring afternoons.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
04 Loss (05:20)
We make the music that divides you
It's handed down as a thing to cry to
And all my wars they treat you kindly
There's nothing more important that I see
There was a time when all was empty
Unorganized a clog a death scene
Things opened up and there's so many
Paths to walk ports of entry
Now that I'm gone
Now that I'm long gone
This minute has come and gone
I never said to do anything but forget me
I can't be lost
I've learned everything from loss
For what's gained there's an inner cost
I won't pay it I never would
We met the seasons back in Long Town
There was a hint of sadness going round
We met the brothers who drove arrows
And shot assumptions wide and narrow
I know I mean what I'm forgetting
We give for everything we're getting
A lot that hasn't been put away
It's building up for that fateful someday
Now that I'm gone
Now that I'm long gone
This minute has come and gone
I never said anything to do but forget me
When it seems I'm around
Check again what's up and what's down
Many silences make a sound
I'm before the equation and I'm the answer
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Other reviews
By Pollack
"The Will To Death was my autumn soundtrack, as melancholic and sad as the CD in question."
"These wonderful lyrics, the dirty and irregular guitar sound, his sad voice, and nods to Nick Drake made me love this underrated singer-songwriter."
By gioju87
"The Will To Death is not one of Frusciante’s best works: a few excellent songs accompanied by others just above average."
"The final feeling is that of facing a beautiful album. And that’s it."
