Iggy goes mellow and what happens? A beaut of an album

Review Score: (8/10)
Let me begin by saying that i totally understand those Iggy fans who might be a little alienated by this. Let me also say that if anything is "boring" (an accusation ascribed by some to "Avenue B") then that would be expecting Mr.Osterberg turning in album after album that confirms his punk roots.

'Avenue B' is not only a brave album by Iggy Pop, not only a more than pleasant surprise but a diamond album at that. A diamond buried and only to be found if you keep your ears as open your mind (and that goes both ways obviously).

Yes it is indeed an introspective album, a very "coming from the heart" album and it's delivered in that exclusive and special Iggy Pop way. I dont see anything wrong with that, in fact i see alot to be had here.

There are many great songs in 'Avenue...' which a lot of people (yours truly) included have actually been expecting Iggy Pop to sing at some time. I'm refering more to the style and overall tone of the songs in particular.
"Nazi girlfriend" is a beautiful and very ironic love song which (of course) not everybody would sing and not everybody would hear. All the more reason why it's special. As is "Long distance" and the other stunner (for those accustomed to Iggy's raw and hard rock persona) "Afraid to get close". "Long distance" and "She called me daddy" (whoa, i mean, "She called me daddy???") fall into that category too.

Since music is nothing more than an expression vehicle it is bound to bring up our many different sides. Especially by an artist, performer (call him what you will) who's been at it for decades. Iggy brings out this "new" unknown side to us after 40 years of being the prototype punk-rock daddy (theres that word again) and scores a winner.
Iggy fans with an ear for great music, great lyrics and an honest songwriter will appreciate this album for what it is with minimal effort. I tent to think that those who find it hard to see what's so good about 'Avenue B' are cheating themselves.
Great stuff.

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• Iggy, mature and introspective--an oxymoron? Hell no!
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• Nothing will prepare you for this!
• You'll need an open mind.
• The man is an artist