Pete Doherty has been reduced to tabloid fodder over the past few
years, as the former Libertines and Babyshambles frontman’s exploits
have overshadowed his musical talent. But Doherty has always been a
skilled musician with something say, even if he was occasionally too
doped up to say it. The last Babyshambles album, 2007’s Shotter’s
Nation, wasn’t Doherty’s best work, but it showcased a thoughtful
songwriter with an ear for melody. Grace/Wastelands is Doherty’s
first solo record and it feels appropriate, mainly because his former
bands have always been mostly about him anyway. The album is stripped
down, featuring Doherty’s moody vocals, acoustic guitar and light
drumming, putting the spotlight on melody and lyrics. “A Little Death
Around the Eyes” is dark, mopey and undeniably lovely, and “Broken Love
Song,” is layered and emotionally poignant. The whole album feels
strikingly cathartic, as if its creation was therapy. — Emily Zemler
This article appears in Apr 1-7, 2009.
