Album: Let It Come Down

Introduction
"Let It Come Down" is the launching solo album by American musician James Iha, best called the guitarist of alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. Released in 1998 on Virgin Records, the album includes a departure from The Smashing Pumpkins' signature sound, showcasing Iha's individual approach to songwriting and his affinity for folk and country-tinged pop/rock tunes. The album received blended evaluations upon its release, however has actually acquired a cult following amongst fans of the age's music throughout the years.

Background and Recording
Following the massive success of The Smashing Pumpkins' 1995 double album "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness", the band members chose to pursue specific jobs throughout a brief hiatus. James Iha, who had periodically contributed to the band's songwriting but remained mainly in the background, saw this as a chance to embark on a solo profession and started composing and demoing songs that would ultimately make up "Let It Come Down".

The album was produced by Iha and Jim Scott, who had previously dealt with artists such as Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Wilco. The recording sessions took place in Los Angeles and Chicago between 1996 and 1997. In addition to Iha on guitar and vocals, the album features many visitor artists, consisting of members of The Smashing Pumpkins, Ivy, and Fountains of Wayne.

Music and Lyrics
"Let It Come Down" checks out a more intimate, reflective side of Iha as a songwriter. The album's sound leans more towards folk, nation, and 1960s pop influences, demonstrating a departure from the noisier, more aggressive noise of The Smashing Pumpkins. Tracks such as "Be Strong Now" and "Jealousy" feature jangly guitars and melodic hooks, while slower songs like "Lover, Lover" and "Country Girl" showcase a more melancholic and tender side of Iha.

Lyrically, the album is rooted in styles of love, heartbreak, and individual growth. Much of the songs tell stories of unrequited affection and the pains of stopped working relationships, with Iha's mild vocals including a sense of vulnerability to the tracks. Some critics noted that the lyrics periodically drift into cliché area, however the overall sentiment of the album seems sincere and heartfelt.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Let It Come Down" received blended reviews from music critics. Some praised Iha's departure from The Smashing Pumpkins' sound, revealing his own songwriting skills, while others found the album to be somewhat generic and lacking the strength of his primary band's work. Commercially, the album experienced just modest success, with the single "Be Strong Now" reaching No. 29 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart.

In the years since the album's release, "Let It Come Down" has actually established a cult following among fans of '90s alternative music. It remains a fascinating photo of James Iha's career outside of The Smashing Pumpkins and a testimony to his flexible skills as a musician. The album provided Iha the confidence to continue exploring his own musical course, collaborating with different artists and ultimately launching a follow-up solo album, "Look to the Sky", in 2012.