ryan s wrote on 06/05/10 at 10:16:39:
i'd be inclined to agree with you, but the nuances in the songwriting and Justin's lyrics and phrasing are the things that, to me, make it more satisfying upon multiple listens and what i'd consider to be a brilliant album. We all have to remember that even simple songs are filled with small things and finer mechanics that make Justin the master of what he does. Every song is a winner. I'd originally thought that "The Fight To Be Human" was much along what you think.....long, doesn't necessarily go anywhere, an 8 minute song in the middle of an album. But listen to the way that the instruments slowly come in, building the song up and making it huge by the song's end. And it's a two chord song, basically--Justin is no fool. If he's using two chords and 8 minutes, it's for a reason.
You clearly got a different version of the album to me. I always find it odd that Justin inspires such sycophancy - The Fight to be Human is a dreadful, dreadful song - no chorus, no melodic development, the lyrics have basically told the entire tale within the first two verses and, well, it's just dull.
There's a really arrogant tone to yours and the previous poster's responses - as if you somehow speak for Justin and all that is good about songwriting. Let's be clear - it's a well written album, but it's more a matter of craft than any great inspiration. Well put together, intelligently thought through, completely uninhabited by the artist.
I've listened to it several times and, basically, I find no reason to listen to it again. I don't like the production, I think the arrangements are plodding and only half the songs are worth listening to. And my favourite song from the sessions wasn't even on the album. FFS!