Following his 2011 album, Everything Changes, Julian Lennon did not plan to make another album. Time passed, finding him revisiting songs he’d written and recorded 30 years ago, and decided to update the production to make the tracks more relevant in today’s world. The creative process led to new music as well. It is those songs, drawn from the past three decades, that evolved into Lennon’s seventh studio album, JUDE, which – of course – refers to his nickname made famous in Paul McCartney’s ode to the younger Lennon written in 1968.
“This was very much a journey of 30 years of songwriting and producing of work that never quite made it onto other albums or projects before. But I still felt the songs were valid and valuable enough to be finished and put together as a collection. Mainly because, we are all still dealing with some of the same old questions, from 30 years ago, to present day. Making JUDE was truly a journey through my life and through all the questions I’ve had – not only for the world, but for myself. It’s very much like looking in a mirror all these years later.”
The origins of JUDE began more than five years ago prior to the pandemic but being stuck at home allowed Lennon to focus on “getting on with getting on,” especially in regard to the album. Ironically, most of the project was done before the lockdown. This album is Lennon accepting the disappointments and hard times faced in life, with a strong nod to what the future holds.
“Many of the songs are me trying to get to a place of peace and forgiveness on so many levels. Not only with myself, but with other people. JUDE felt like the right title at the right time. It’s really me confronting my past, where I am now, and everything else in between.” The songs “Freedom” and “Every Little Moment” make reference to collective anxiety felt during times of upheaval, whether at home or out in the world. “Lucky Ones,” is already receiving attention at radio. Among the stations jumping on the album are WXRT, WYEP, WRLT, WCOO and WTMD.
