Redemption

About two years ago, I wrote a less-than-glowing review of Justin Levinson's debut album, 1175 Boylston, for Seven Days. Well, that led to a shit storm of anger towards me from Levinson's friends and fans. My basic point in the review was that while the album was well-produced and crafted, the songs seemed shallow and lacked the passion needed to get the listener emotionally involved.

Well, earlier this month, Dan Bolles of Seven Days reviewed Levinson's sophmore album, Bury Your Love, and came to a similar conclusion about that album. From Bolles' review:

Levinson’s vocal performance suggests he knows he’s pretty much phoned it in. Though his technique and pitch are solid, he often sings as though he can’t wait to get to the end of the song. His delivery lacks any sort of urgency or passion, and gives the listener precious little reason to engage with his material. We can’t care if you don’t, man.

Justin Levinson certainly has chops and a keen sense of pop archetypes. But book-smarts can propel one only so far. You just can’t teach soul.

While I haven't heard Levinson's new album, I feel a bit of redemption knowing that a pro critic came to a similar conclusion about Levinson's work.