As John cleaned up his act, it shone through in his music like the sun piercing through clouds. Released in 2001, `To Record' sees Frusciante reflect on what he has been through, which is echoed in the lyrics. But at the same time, to show he has now reached the other side, the tempo and general feel of the album is one of positivity and optimism. You get the sense he really is back on track, not just with his music; but his life as whole. I see this album very much as what should be his debut, as the first 2 albums considering the quality and the state he was in; I deem them as a false start. But I realise that on paper, `To Record' is his third album proper.
The majority of the tracks are up beat pop songs given a funky edge through the use of guitars, a drum machine, sequencers and synthesizer. Highlight for me is the first track on the album; `Going Inside' which is not only my favourite song on the album but one of my favourite songs he has done out of all his material. Most bands shove their good songs in the middle of albums. However I think the idea here was just to come in all guns blazing. By really grabbing the listener's attention and making sure it's not let go till the albums over. The acoustic guitar comes in as if he is just throwing himself in at the deep end. None of this, five minute, slow build-up intro. Not that there is anything wrong with that; But Frusciante I feel did this because he wanted to send a message out from the outset. He's back; He has sorted himself out and has a new improved upbeat optimism which just comes flooding out in the rhythm of the guitar. The lyrics on the other hand are a kind of summary about what happened to him and his new found perspective on the world. For example `You don't throw your life away, going inside' and `I moved this fight away'. It is such a joyous song which conveys messages in such a powerful way, that it is hard not to find yourself completely immersed in it.
The upbeat pop songs are mixed in with some funky instrumentals which act as great tunes in there own right such as `Murderers' and `Ramparts'. Lasting only, 1 minute and 12 seconds, Ramparts is shortest song on the album; but this track shows that length really doesn't matter; as this oozes quality in abundance. It is one of the most wonderful instrumentals I have heard. It has such a nice flow to it, with a variation of acoustic and electric guitar parts layered on top of each other creating a majestic melody. `Murderers' is another great instrumental, and yet another stand out track on the album. It has this really hypnotic guitar riff which runs through the whole song with other guitar sounds, synthesizer and drum machine coming and going to keep things interesting. I am so glad there is no singing in either of these tunes, as the stand up on their own two feet without singing which would have no doubt ruined them.
Overall this is great stuff and is without doubt the first album he has made which has fulfilled his potential. Everyone knew what he was capable of and he well and truly delivered with this effort. We all knew he was a talented guitarist but this is really the first time it became apparent that he could actually sing too. It was clear that this was the start of something special, not just in his solo material but also in his band too.
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