AMG Review of Help Yourself

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

Following the flawed Mr. Jordan, Julian Lennon returned to straight-ahead pop with Help Yourself, which recalled the work of his father more than any of his other records. On Help Yourself, Lennon never seemed to be cannibalizing his father's songs; instead, he appeared to be learning from the Beatles, writing songs that were more carefully constructed than his previous work. Most of the record featured strong hooks and melodies, indicative of his songwriting progression, with the gorgeous "Saltwater" as the best evidence of his improved songwriting abilities.