Track Listing

1. How Low
2. Down The Line
3. Killing For Love
4. In Our Nature
5. Teardrop
6. Abram
7. Time To Send Someone Away
8. Nest
9. Fold
10. Cycling Trivialities

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5059 in Music
• Released on: 2007-09-24
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
The follow-up to one of the least unexpected bestsellers of recent years, In Our Nature is a reminder that Jose Gonzalez’s musical roots lie not in acoustic balladry (though he’s undeniably a wizard on the guitar, frequently compared to Nick Drake and with good reason) but in the fecund hardcore punk scene of his home town of Gothenburg. Not only does Gonzalez hit the guitar very hard indeed, rather undercutting his image as a sensitive singer-songwriter, but much of In Our Nature discusses man’s weakness and propensity to violence, the perennial subject of vague protest. "How Low", "Killing for Love" and the hopeful title track are as quietly powerful as one man can get with a guitar. His take on Massive Attack’s oft-covered "Teardrop", already something of a modern classic, outdoes recent versions by Newton Faulkner and Elbow. The lovely, relatively understated closer "Cycling Trivialities", an epic by Gonzalez’s concise standards, sounds like a one-man Simon and Garfunkel, becoming denser and denser with each minute. The entire thing is over in hardly more than half an hour, though whether anyone would want such a relentless attack to last any longer is moot. In Our Nature is that rarity, a contemporary album that leaves the listener wanting more. --Steve Jelbert

CD Description
Jose Gonzalez found critical acclaim and global attention in 2005, with 'Veneer'. The Swedish-born singer/guitarist's highly anticipated follow up arrives in the shape of 'In Our Nature'. Although similar to its predecessor in terms of style, the album has an edgier and darker tone - themes of war and wasted love are found throughout - while Gonzalez's unique vocal style provides a calming influence above the beautifully crafted guitar patterns. Singles include 'Down The Line' and a wonderful rendition of Massive Attack's 'Teardrop'.

Customer Reviews

In Our Nature
This is another top album from Jose Gonzalez. It is very much in the same vein as veneer, which is no bad thing, and like that album it gets better with repeated listening. It doesn't have quite as much impact as veneer but you still get his rhythmic, almost percussive, guitar playing and his superb vocals layered over the top. Some songs hits you at once, like the album closer 'cycling trivialities', whilst others grow on you. I agree that the lyrics seem a touch more mature, but they weren't that bad on veneer anyway! Overall another great album from Jose to put on and drift away to.

Simply José
I never quite know what to say when trying to explain José Gonzáles because he is one of those rare musicians who does not try to add little hooks and intracacies to their music. Instead what you hear on this album is what you hear on the last (Veneer) a beautiful, elegant guitar line with a double layer of vocals. You could infact convince me that In Our Nature is Veneer's older more mature brother. The lyrics are certainly more focused and thoughtful, and somehow seem more passionate, though how I could not say.

As with the debut there is also one perfectly picked cover. This time Jose has gone for a trip-hop classic in the form of 'Teardrop' and has created a beautiful alternate version for the song. The members of Massive Attack can sleep safe knowing that one of their masterpieces has been delicately and successfully reworked.

Overall José is doing what he does best and making the most charming, elegant and heartfelt music that you can find at the moment. I dare you not to smile when you listen to this.

Great Stuff!
Wow, just got this after reading a glowing sunday times review, and I have to say was not disapointed! Such a simple yet beautiful album. Jose's guitar playing is as effortlessly brilliant as on Veneer. Lyrically very deep without being overwrought, I can see this getting better and better with every listen, without doubt, a future classic..