Many people recognise John Frusciante as the long-serving guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, however, he also has his own solo work. His discography ranges as far as ‘Niandra Lades and Usually Just A T-Shirt’ in 1994 to ‘The Empyrean’ in 2009 (including 4 albums in 2004 alone). ‘Curtains’ was John Frusciante’s 9th studio album and was released on February 1st 2005. The album explores the genre of acoustic rock and we give it an outstanding 9/10!

     1. Anne

A simple guitar riff creates the first part of this song whilst a guitar melody doubled with a vocal melody creates an empty bridge. A rhythmic guitar pattern is introduced in the end with a beautiful electric guitar solo and a basic drum beat.

     2. Ascension

A strummed guitar pattern is the rhythmic drive of this song whilst layered vocals add tasteful melodies with lyrics such as “ascending endlessly and I don’t even have to try”.

     3. Control

A very quiet guitar melody starts this song and an unexpected strum enters to highlight such lyrics as “it’s not the way I go, no one hears me, I’m sick of people knowing me, life’s confusing me”.

     4. Hope

Possibly the best song on the album. The first lyrics claim “I feel a hope running low” over a simple guitar riff. Layered vocals then highlight the lyrics “there are no escapes, there are no escapes”. The sinister lyrics of this song are then juxtaposed by the beautiful guitar solos at the end.

     5. Leap Your Bar

A piano led song this time. The piano melody is almost exactly the same as the melody of the vocals yet it works so well. The limited instrumentation in this song definitely works to Frusciante’s advantage. 

     6. Lever Pulled

John Frusciante’s vocal abilities are definitely shown off on this track. The electric guitar that enters the song during the chorus and the end is definitely unexpected and shows obvious rock influences.

     7. A Name

Possibly one of the best vocal melodies on this album however the acoustic guitar is similar to the guitar in ‘Control’. The “ohhh’s” and “ahhh’s” in the chorus are definitely the highlight of this track.

     8. The Real

A double bass and acoustic guitar start a rhythmic line behind Frusciante’s beautiful lyrics. Drums and Frusciante’s signature backing vocals are soon introduced to add more rhythm to this incredible track. Definitely a stand-out song.

     9. Time Tonight

Frusciante’s higher vocal range is explored in this song and the piano introduced again playing a beautiful melody in the right ear along with what sounds like a re-winded electric guitars. Odd but in a good way.

     10. Your Warning

The only dip in quality on the album. This song doesn’t portray any of Fruscinate’s incredible musicianship unlike the rest of the album. This song is too boring for an amazing musician like John Frusciante.

     11. The Past Recedes

After a count in by Frusciante the song begins with bright acoustic guitars and a double bass. The song has quite an awkward timing however it still works. A beautiful guitar solo also features on this track. An amazing way to round off an amazing album.