I have to put Paul Westerberg right up there with Lou Reed. At one
time both men were the epitome of cutting-edge rock and hitting the
very limits of lyrical themes. Paul nearly ruled the world when he
lead the Replacements. The only problem was that the world didn't
realize Paul's role, but the Replacements definitely influenced a
lot of bands. After parting ways from his former band, Paul
released a fairly decent album "14 Songs" in 1993, but it was
nothing to write your mother about.
"Eventually" takes up where "14 Songs" left off. It clearly moves
Paul into the mainstream, musically speaking. "These are the Days"
has straight-forward chord progressions--it sounds like it could
be the backing track to a Ford commercial. The first single, "Love
Untold," sounds like a combination of John Mellencamp and Bryan
Adams. The most redeeming quality of all 12 songs is Paul's guitar
work--it's as moving now as it ever has been. Unfortunately, the
songs don't draw you in more than any other top-40 songs of any
week.
