John Griffin
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John Griffin

Band Folk Acoustic

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""No One Wants to Be Lonely" - Review"

From looking at the moody grey cover photograph on Griffin's debut CD 'No One Wants To Be Lonely', you get the distinct impression that the solo artist has been listening to one Radiohead album too many. However, don't confiscate his shoelaces just yet, as despite Griffin's decidedly gloomy demeanour, this disc bounces with the kind of melodic acoustic pop-rock that would lift even a roomful of manic depressives.

A native of North Carolina, Griffin moved to Nashville to live his dream of writing and performing music, and on this evidence, that gamble seems to have paid off. Opening track 'Who's Gonna Love You Now' is typical of Griffin's style, with a great catchy melody and vocals more than a little reminiscent of Don Henley. But that's not to say his voice has no individuality or presence to it, as he handles the high notes of the song's hook spectacularly.

'If Only In My Dreams' is another upbeat, snappy pop/rocker that defines Griffin's sound. There's no real surprises lyrically, but it's clear that he has an ear for a melody, even though he playfully attributes this to plagiarism in his liner notes!

Even if that was true, after one listen to standout tracks 'She Could Take Me' and 'Was It Love', I doubt anyone would have the heart to sue the ass off him. Both songs show an introspective, thoughtful side to Griffin's songwriting, with the former being a gorgeous song about surrender, and the latter a wistful look back at that first, lost relationship. Touching stuff indeed, and both songs benefit from some atmospheric guitar work and measured vocals.

However, Griffin is able to mix it up a little as proved by the rocking 'Shadow Of Doubt' and the delicate ballads 'How Do I Stop Dreaming' and the title track. In particular, 'Shadow Of Doubt' is given an impressive depth to its sound thanks to some stellar Hammond work. The addictive hooks and incessant melodies of songs like this beg to be compared with Nelson's classic pop/rock album 'Life'. Griffin isn't at that extremely high standard yet, but the promise is certainly there.

The album isn't about to win prizes for breaking particularly new ground, but it does recognize the strength of Griffin's songwriting and wisely plays to that. Perhaps Griffin's next album may toughen up his sound a little, but overall 'No One Wants To Be Lonely' makes for a pleasant, engaging listen that should appeal to people on the lookout for a talented singer songwriter with tremendous country/pop crossover appeal. - Andrew Ellis (www.indiemonkey.com)


"CD Review"

North Carolina native John Griffin calls his music acoustic pop/rock. After listening to this CD several times, I think that living in Nashville for the past five years has thrown a country influence into the sound as well. Griffin's debut CD, "No One Wants To Be Lonely" contains nine beautifully-written tracks, some of which would sound right at home on the country charts as well as the rock and pop charts.

What struck me right away on the first song, "Who's Gonna Love You Now" was Griffin's impressive vocal range. He sounds like Don Henley, but then his voice soars to the high notes and hits them beautifully, which is the hook of the chorus. For most of the CD, he keeps his voice in its lower range, but then he rewards us at the end with a hidden track called "Fall", in which we hear those high notes again.

John Griffin sings both the lead and most of the harmony vocals on all these songs. He really does have an ear for harmony, although I noticed that he thanks co-writer Paul Dott in the liner notes for "all the harmony ideas I stole." There's honesty for you. He also has a feel for the mood he can set with his voice. In the quiet ballad "How Do I Stop Dreaming" his voice is almost a murmur, like he's thinking aloud. (When I e-mailed Griffin for the lyrics to this one, he told me this was his favorite track.)

Most of the lyrics on the CD are about love lost or love that will never be. Griffin may be a hopeless romantic, but he can sure write about heartbreak and let his vulnerability show. He harbors a secret crush in the acoustic rocker "If Only In My Dreams", "If you could read my mind, the first page would make me blush" (The pounding percussion drives the chorus on this song, making it sound like a party.) In "How Do I Stop Dreaming" he sings,"A few cold words would sear this heartache and turn my mind to hating you, but your silence has me burning with desires I never knew."

Every song has a hook. I love the gospel sound of the organ on "Shadow of Doubt" and the sudden mood switch when we get a great electric guitar solo halfway through. The dreamlike keyboard work on "Checkin' Out Again"; creates the perfect melancholy atmosphere for the sad lyrics. Every song on Griffin's debut CD is a keeper. - www.indie-music.com


"CD Review: No One Wants to Be Lonely"

Griffin's debut, "No One Wants to Be Lonely" is a must have for anyone who has ever had a broken heart. His acoustic based pop/rock CD examines Love, love lost, and love that will never be. It's all in there. From the first song "Who's Gonna Love You Now" to the hidden track "Fall", you'll be pulled in over and over by Griffin's use of lyric and melody.

With one listen, you will know these are songs from the heart. A perfect addition to any CD collection.
- www.cdbaby.com


Discography

No One Wants to Be Lonely CD
10 Song Demo CD
Mostly John CD

His song, The Key, has been featured as a new artist on WSIX internet radio and can also be found on Kylie Harris' cd.

His song, "Lovin' Someone, Losin' Someone and Movin' On" can be found on Wendy Newcomer's self-titled cd.

Paul Bogart's cd, "Makin' Hay", features several songs co-written by John Griffin including the title cut, "Dancing with Her Memory", "Welcome Back" and more..

Jason Marks new cd, "Slow Down", will be released on May 9, 2008 and will include several songs written by John Griffin including the title cut, "The Key", "Too Tennessee", "She Could Take Me" and more..

Photos

Bio

John Griffin, a native of Madison, NC, has been performing in the southeast for years and finally decided to pursue his dream of songwriting and moved to Nashville, TN. The dream is paying off for John one day at a time. His debut cd, No One Wants to be Lonely, yielded a #1 hit song on Mp3.com’s acoustic pop/rock charts and continues to garner great reviews in the independent music community. He’s also written a song for GAC host and country artist, Kylie Harris, called “Give Me Something to Go On” which was named Song of the Year in New Zealand. He wrote the song "Lovin' Someone, Losin' Someone and Movin' On" which can be found on Wendy Newcomer's cd. He’s also written top selling songs on iTunes and Rhapsody such as “The Key” and “Slow Down” as well as releasing a cd as the other half of the duo, “Mostly John”, with John Gregory. His natural talent for writing songs that appeal to the emotions and come right from the center of his soul continues to amaze those who truly listen to what’s behind the melody.

When John Griffin walks on to a stage his smile and upbeat manner are enough to put an audience at ease immediately. But this lighthearted, playful attitude often belies what lives beneath the surface. Just listen. In Griffin's unique blend of rock, folk and pop listeners will find an honesty and soulful intensity in his lyrics and melodies, buoyed further by his heartbreaking delivery. Unafraid to confront the difficult and raw emotions that life can stir up in a person, Griffin weaves into his songs beautiful imagery and anguishing sentiments that are chillingly accurate. Vulnerable and truthful, Griffin nails the scene in every song and the journey is undeniable. Whether he's playing with a full band or in pared down, intimate setting his combination of vulnerability, humor and sheer talent qualify him as a performer who leaves a mark and leaves you wanting more.

John co-writes with songwriters such as Billy Montana who co-wrote the recent #1 history making hit "More Than a Memory" for Garth Brooks and "Suds in the Bucket" for Sara Evans. John also co-writes with George Ducas who has penned hits for the Dixie Chicks, Sara Evans, Trisha Yearwood and Gary Allan.