The Graduation Ceremony

I have been a JA fan since Come to Where I'm From. I was just floored when i heard that. Very earthy and very dark. Redemption's Son is simply beautiful. So layered and it offers up many sounds and moods. Then Our Shadows will Remain tied it all together, simply huge. However, since then with every passing album i feel JA looses intensity. Yes his stuff is still beautiful and his lyrics are incredibly deep, but I miss that big sound, those big beats, that wall of sound that felt like the song was about to just come out of the speakers like a demon, that sub-human scratch in his voice that he now seems to replace w/ his falsetto... His early stuff had 2 or 3 songs, that sounded like his new stuff, to balance out the intensity. But now, it just feels way too passive and way too mellow. Still dig it, but i find it harder getting through the whole CD. I hope he gets back to that big shameless sound...

Coming from a longtime Joseph Arthur listener and fan, I really wanted to like this album--stripped down, back to basics. Unfortunately, the lyrics are what kills it for me. They're mostly trite which is disappointing because that's not what I expect from him. Lots of "woe is me" lyrics and not said very creatively. Despite that, there are a couple of great songs--Horses and Over the Sun are quite beautiful.

It's unfortunate that such a immensely talented artist goes unrecognized by so many. I think this is hands down the best album I've heard for the year (i listen to a lot of music). I won't write much more, if you are reading this you are probably already a Joseph Arthur fan. Just let me say, this is his best work yet.

His best album since Our Shadows Will Remain. Love it.

that's all I have to say.

This is one of the best albums I have ever heard and I am 46 years old. It's amazing and Joe Arthur is amazing

Joey Joey Joey...startin to scrape the bottom of the barrel....

I'd never heard of Joseph Arthur until late last night. I sampled the music and bought a couple cuts. Within 20 minutes I bought the whole album. I can't get enough of his musi. He has this Mick Jagger swagger in his voice, but adds intricate harmonies in ways that make my brain dance a happy jig.

The Graduation Ceremony finds a very focused and intent Joseph Arthur performing a collection of confident and amazingly beautiful songs. As a long time fan, this album is definitely Joseph's most accessible endeavor. Arthur's signature atmospheric melodies and shadowy lyrics laced with hope and love are all here and glow like diamonds in a darkened mine. If you're new to Joseph Arthur's music, this album is the PERFECT starting place. Light some candles, a stick of incense, sit back and let this thing work it's magic! Then check out the rest of his catalog. You will not be disappointed.

I have listened to this album non-stop for the last few weeks. I am a huge JA fan, and I must say that this album is definitely his best work to date. On top of that, I would have to say it is one of the best albums I have ever heard. Every song is amazing. Standout tracks for me include Midwest, Gypsy Faded, Call, and Over The Sun. Do yourself a favor and buy this album now. This is truly a masterpiece. I always expect great things from Joe, but this album blew my expectations away.