Onion (album)

[[File:Ben Lee - Onion.jpg|thumb|Album cover for ''Onion'']]

''Onion'' is the sixth studio album by Australian musician Ben Lee, released on April 22, 2007, in Australia via Ten Fingers and on April 24, 2007, in the United States through New West Records. The album marked a shift in Lee's musical style, delving into more introspective and spiritual themes compared to his earlier, often more pop-oriented work.

Background and Production

Following the success of his critically acclaimed 2005 album, ''[[Awake Is the New Sleep]]'', Ben Lee continued to explore personal growth and self-discovery in ''Onion''. The album's title itself is often interpreted as a metaphor for peeling back layers to reveal a core truth, reflecting the lyrical content.

The album was primarily produced by [[John Alagía]], who had previously worked with artists like [[Dave Matthews Band]] and [[John Mayer]]. The production style on ''Onion'' is generally more stripped-back and acoustic-driven than some of Lee's previous efforts, allowing his songwriting to take center stage.

Musical Style and Themes

''Onion'' is characterized by its blend of [[indie pop]] and [[folk-pop]] elements. Lyrically, the album explores themes of love, spirituality, existentialism, relationships, and the search for meaning. Songs like "Love Me Like the World Is Ending" became a notable single, showcasing Lee's ability to combine catchy melodies with profound emotional depth. Other tracks, such as "Sex Without Love," generated discussion for their candid and mature take on modern relationships.

Critics noted the album's earnestness and Lee's continued evolution as a songwriter, moving beyond the youthful exuberance of his early career into more contemplative territory.

Track Listing

(Standard Edition)

1. "Love Me Like the World Is Ending"
2. "Sex Without Love"
3. "I Love the Way You Love Me"
4. "Is This How Love's Supposed To Be?"
5. "Numb"
6. "What Would J. Mascis Do?"
7. "Into the Dark"
8. "Onion"
9. "Home"
10. "Sing"
11. "Family"
12. "The Tightest Jeans"

Reception

''Onion'' received generally mixed to positive reviews from music critics. Many praised Lee's lyrical honesty and his willingness to explore more mature and philosophical themes. The album was seen by some as a natural progression for the artist, showcasing his growth both personally and musically. However, some critics found the album's earnestness occasionally veered into self-indulgence.

Commercially, the album performed modestly. In Australia, it debuted and peaked at number 29 on the [[ARIA Albums Chart]].

Personnel

• Ben Lee – vocals, guitar, keyboards, various instruments
• John Alagía – producer, engineer, mixing, various instruments
• Benmont Tench – keyboards
• Ethan Johns – drums, guitar
• Mike Elizondo – bass
• Additional musicians and backing vocalists

Charts

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 85%;" |+ Peak chart positions |- ! Chart (2007) ! Peak
position |- | [[ARIA Charts|Australian Albums (ARIA)]]{{cite web|url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Ben+Lee&title=Onion&cat=a|title=australian-charts.com - Ben Lee - Onion|website=australian-charts.com|access-date=2023-11-20}} | 29 |}

References

{{reflist}}

External Links

• [https://www.allmusic.com/album/onion-mw0000572767 ''Onion''] at [[AllMusic]]
• [https://www.discogs.com/release/987748-Ben-Lee-Onion ''Onion''] at [[Discogs]]