REVIEW : Nuclear Daydream - CMJ

CMJ - October 18, 2006 - Album of the Day

Joseph Arthur's 2004 release, Our Shadows Will Remain, marked a career high for the NYC-based singersongwriter— the album's soaring sonic grandeur fulfilled potential only hinted at on the artist's prior efforts. 

After such a triumph, it's easy to view Nuclear Daydream, Arthur's fifth full-length (and first for his own Lonely Astronaut label), as something of a regression. Where Shadows was jagged and intense, Daydream feels safe and soft. But that doesn't make the album any less worthwhile. Featuring some of Arthur's strongest songwriting to date,Daydream is easily Arthur's most consistent collection—there are none of the mid-album lulls that weighed down prior releases—and arguably his most beautiful. 

Arthur has not backed away from Big Issue lyrical themes, but he delivers his heavy messages in memorable melodies and captivating arrangements that can seem simple but reveal layers and depths on repeated listens. While it may be a slight step backward, Arthur makes every inch of his journey an important one.

Michael Patrick Nelson