The Will to Death

Rating

Album: The Will to Death
#	Song Title		Time
1)	A Doubt	More Info...	0:04
2)	An Exercise	More Info...	0:03
3)	Time Runs Out	More Info...	0:04
4)	Loss	More Info...	0:05
5)	Unchanging	More Info...	0:04
6)	The Mirror	More Info...	0:03
7)	A Loop	More Info...	0:04
8)	Wishing	More Info...	0:02
9)	Far Away	More Info...	0:02
10)	The Days Have Turned	More Info...	0:02
11)	Helical	More Info...	0:02
12)	The Will to Death	More Info...	0:03

Tracks

1. A Doubt

2. An Exercise

3. Time Runs Out

4. Loss

5. Unchanging

6. Mirror

7. A Loop

8. Wishing

9. Far Away

10. Days Have Turned

11. Helical

12. Will To Death

Performer Notes

Personnel: John Frusciante (vocals, guitar, piano); John Frusciante (synthesizer, bass guitar); Josh Klinghoffer (guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, drums).
Audio Mixer: Ryan Hewitt.
Recording information: Larrabee East Studios (12/18/2003-01/10/2004); Mad Dog Studios (12/18/2003-01/10/2004).
John Frusciante's third solo album since reuniting with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, THE WILL TO DEATH, bears little resemblance to his full-time gig--rather, Frusciante seems to be drawing inspiration from classic 1960s folk- and garage-rock, the kind found on the legendary NUGGETS compilation. Recorded in less than a week with Frusciante and Josh Klinghoffer playing all instruments, WILL has a wonderfully unrefined feel throughout, yet avoids coming off as haphazard. The guitar sound seems to place the listener in the duo's makeshift studio, with drums crashing and thumping, and keyboards provide emotional shadings. Frusciante sings in a plaintive, expressive, and immediate voice, as if this were the first and, maybe last chance, to get these songs out. The downcast ruminations of "The Mirror" recall the reflective ballads of Elton John circa HONKY CHATEAU, and the seething drone-rocker "An Exercise" finds Frusciante channeling the Velvet Underground at its most melodic. Despite its rather glum title, THE WILL TO DEATH finds its author more inspired and committed to making music than ever.

Professional Reviews

Q (p.118) - 3 stars out of 5 - "Heavily loaded with good ballads....While signature Chili Peppers qualities - accessibility, tunes, the dark side of the Californian dream - are in evidence..."

Alternative Press (p.140) - 4 out of 5 - "Frusciante opts for a warm, traditional feel, appended by the dynamic drumming of partner-in-crime Josh Klinghoffer. It's all very simple, organic and, best of all, easy on the ears."

Mojo (Publisher) (p.86) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[A] spontaneous sounding ragbag of raucous hymnals and impressionistic instrumentals....It's stirring but somber stuff."