“Just Because” – Jane’s Addiction
(Words/music: Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins, Bob Ezrin, Chris Chaney, available on Strays, Capitol 2003)

I know that some of you are going to see the name “Jane’s Addiction” and note that the year is after 1991 and stop reading this.  I know that others will probably think that I’m crazy to spend any time thinking about a Jane’s Addiction song from their fairly uninspired reunion album Strays, and I appreciate that perspective.  However, if I chose a song from either of their excellent first two studio albums, I’m not sure I’d have much to add.  I don’t think I have any new insight that will make you rethink “Mountain Song,” and I’m not sure that Jane’s Addiction needs a critical reevaluation.  I also think that, for a band that was in its prime nearly two decades ago, people tend to find their way to Jane’s Addiction if they’re interested.  Maybe it’s the way “Jane Says” and “Been Caught Stealing” remain radio staples, or their members’ affiliation with other bands.  Maybe I haven’t spent enough time with these albums, but I don’t think I can (or need to, to be frank) make a case for any of them.

I can, however, attempt to rescue “Just Because” from its questionable company on Strays.

Let’s get one thing out of the way right now: “Just Because” doesn’t belong in the same company as the best Jane’s Addiction songs, and I won’t try to make a case for it being there.  It’s a fairly simple, paint-by-numbers early 21st century modern rock song; there aren’t any tricks, surprises, or timeless moments.  Instead, it’s a solidly arranged, well-executed rock song.  Whether it’s the stray notes that seem to fall away from the opening guitar riff, or the way Perry Farrell holds every syllable a split second longer than almost any other rock singer, or even the relentless feel to the song, the reunion era lineup of Jane’s Addiction makes it sound effortless.  It has a solid riff and manages to be heavy enough and plenty catchy without being too annoying.  The lyrics are awful and I encourage you to spend as little mental energy on Farrell’s words as possible.  In fact, that’s solid advice for the song as a whole, and even if it isn’t life changing, it’s still an enjoyable song to have come up every now and again.  It’s nowhere as adventurous (or ultimately as rewarding) as most of the songs on Nothing’s Shocking or Ritual De Lo Habitual, but we can admire how well Jane’s Addiction paints within the lines (right?)

More on Jane’s Addiction: Allmusic | Amazon MP3 | Emusic | Last.fm