Search - Pete Yorn :: Back and Fourth

Yorn Moves Forward with "Fourth" Release

Michael Yovkovich | 06/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pete Yorn begins a new chapter in his musical journey with the release of his fourth album, "Back and Fourth." After completing the musical trilogy of "musicforthemorningafter," "Day I Forgot," and "Nightcrawler," Yorn teamed up with legendary producer Rick Rubin to create the ten songs that are available on his latest release. The album plays out as such.



1. Don't Wanna Cry- 9/10

The first single off the album, this is probably the most pop-friendly of all the tracks on "Back and Fourth." This midtempo number is a mixture of "Crystal Village" meets "The Man," and is sure to be a favorite among PY fans.



2. Paradise Cove- 8/10

This song follows an almost hypnotic beat. Throw in some haunting background vocals and the result is a toe-tapping jam session.



3. Close- 6/10

Slower number that lacks the punch of other classic PY ballads.



4. Social Development Dance- 9/10

Another midtempo number that is sure to please fans. Beautifully arranged chorus, and classic PY dialect and phrasing throughout the verses. This song will definitely grow on you.



5. Shotgun- 7/10

One of the few songs on the album with what can be classified as a guitar solo, this song toes the line between midtempo and alternative rock. The result is a so-so tune.



6. Last Summer- 7/10

One of the few uptempo numbers on the album, this song builds up to a solid chorus with a catchy beat.



7. Thinking of You- 9/10

A stripped down emotional ballad that builds up to a soaring climax, Pete is at his best on this tune.



8. Country- 8/10

Another pleasant midtempo number that Pete shines on. For the fans out there, pay attention to the last few lines of the song, as Pete revisits lyrics from the fan favorite "Just Another Girl" off his debut album.



9. Four Years- 9/10

Solid verses lead up to a beautiful chorus, chalk full of string arrangements and perfectly done backing vocals. This song reminds me very much so of "The Man."



10. Long Time Nothing New- 9/10

A fitting closer for the album. The combination of emotionally driven lyrics and Pete's touching delivery of them make this one of the best on the album.



The only complaint to be made is that there are only ten songs on the album, but this reviewer prefers to put the blame on Scarlett Johansson, who recruited Pete's help on a duets album that is due out later in the summer of 2009. Pete Yorn may never reach the mainstream success of fellow singer/songwriters like John Mayer and Gavin DeGraw, but it is songs like those found on "Back and Fourth" that will be sure to satisfy the strong fan base he has already built for himself.

"

Pete Yorn on valium

Sean D. Winter | Ontario, Canada | 09/27/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I can't believe that some people are giving this album 5 stars. I guess art (music) is a pretty subjective thing.

I've really enjoyed Pete Yorn since his debut album, but I've found each album to be weaker than the last. Every song, and I mean EVERY SONG on this album is a slow, sombre tune with no identifiable hint of some of the more rock/folk-based tunes that I enjoyed in his previous works.

I totally agree with one of the previous reviewers that every song sounds like it could be featured in an episode of Dawson's Creek. I bought this album with high hopes, but unless it really grows on me, I don't see listening to it more than a few times. Here's hoping that whatever Pete Yorn does in the future, he gets back to his roots a bit more."

Formerly Great, Now Completely Forgetable

Russ | Miami | 10/20/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I was a big fan of Yorn's first 2 CD's, but then he moved from Tastytown to Blandville and has put out 2 highly forgetable albums (this one included) that won't even make it as Elevator Music. What a waste of talent."