Coming a full eight years after his only other full-length domestic release, Into the Sun, Sean Lennon has turned up again with a lushly produced, albeit darker themed collection of songs. Inspired by his falling out with former girlfriend Bijou Phillips over an infidelity with his best friend (and the subsequent death of his best friend) Lennon offers up themes of failed love and regret, set to music vaguely echoing Beatle pop and psychedelia.

Lennon uses a working band this time around (rather than bashing out the instrumental tracks himself) which lends a much more unified and organic sound throughout this cd - however melancholy it is overall. Even more prevalent than the sad themes here is the general lack of urgency in these songs. Lennon sings in both a distant and slight manner, letting the melodies prevail. Of course he has a little help from his friends like mother Yoko Ono, former love Bijou Phillips and vocals courtesy of his gal-pals from the Japanese punk-a-delic outfit, Cibo Mato. The biggest difference this time around, however, is the polished production value. The album benefits greatly as a result. Maybe next time Sean will kick it into high gear with something more rollicking. Nevertheless Friendly Fire is a solid effort.