Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 06/29/1992
Run Time: 39:37
Including lead singer/guitarist
Andy Sturmer, bassist
Jason Falkner, and keyboardist
Roger Manning, the San Francisco band
Jellyfish released their 1990 debut
Bellybutton to critical raves. Despite the kudos and some play at video outlets, the album failed to make much of a commercial impact. It was truly unfortunate because
Bellybutton, despite obvious influences, was a breath of fresh pop air.
"The Man I Used to Be" kicks off the album as a catchy song about domestic failure wrapped in nautical metaphors. The single
"The King Is Half-Undressed" is a slice of effervescent power pop whose melody runs counter to the lyrical theme of loneliness. In fact, behind the bounce and breeze of
Bellybutton's engaging songs is a recurring theme of melancholy and longing like
"She Still Loves Him," with its stirring vocal harmonies and a blistering guitar solo, and the punchy
"All I Want Is Everything." Better yet is the second chance the singer delights in on the joyous
"Baby's Coming Back," which is accentuated with handclaps. Delightful.
~Tom Demalon, All Music Guide