Sean Lennon releases second album

NEW YORK, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Beatles progeny Sean Lennon says there was no dramatic reason why he took eight years between albums.

"I was just sort of doing other things," explains the 31-year-old only child of the late John Lennon and his second wife, Yoko Ono. The younger Lennon's "Friendly Fire" is the follow-up to his 1998 debut, "Into the Sun."

"It's not the only thing to do, to release solo albums. You have to be ready for it and really know that's what you want to do. I didn't want to rush something out just to do it, you know?"

Much of "Friendly Fire" chronicles the breakdown of Lennon's relationship with singer/actress Bijou Phillips after she cheated on him with his best friend -- who subsequently died before he and Lennon reconciled. Phillips appears on the album, while Paul Simon's son, Harper, plays guitar.

Lennon begins a tour to promote "Friendly Fire" Sunday in New York City.