5 comments about Twenty.

1. I first heard him this summer at Clapton's Crossroads Festival and I was drawn in by "Poor Johnny." Immediately when he started singing, I found myself closing my eyes and listening. His voice is light, but smooth and he shows a definite talent in his vocal range.
   
   One knock on Cray is that his approach to the Memphis blues is linear and one-dimensional. And to a certain extent, I agree. But on the other side, his laid-back, down tempo angle is deep. His skills on guitar are automatic. He's a friend of Clapton's! This record more than holds its own in my blues collection that includes Clapton and SRV.



2. Having heard Robert Cray's work from the very beginning with both the "Who's Been Talking" and "Strong Persuader" albums, I rediscovered the guy after a long break when I picked up the "Time Will Tell" album and I was struck by the change in musical direction from what I had remembered was on the first two albums that I'd heard before but I wasn't disappointed as I thought Cray still sounded very good and his trademark vocals and competent blues guitar playing was still pretty much in evidence. I also like the way Sanctuary packaged the cds in cardboard design as I don't like jewel sleeves and there is no faulting the sound quality as the mastering is very good too. "Twenty" continues upon the themes introduced by "Time Will Tell" but it's very obvious that the latter is still the superior album. Although this is not a bad album by any stretch of the imagination, I was left feeling that Robert was coasting on this one and that there was nothing really new to go "wow" about here. Content quality-wise, this is nowhere near "Strong Persuader" and is certainly not better than "Time Will Tell". Still, an average Cray album is still better than much of what's out there at the moment.



3. Ok, I want to write this review in regards to Robert who to me has the most wonderful voice ever! I say this because as a guitar player He makes you realize just how good he can be and versatile in his playing, But its his voice that blows me away every album he does he gets just better! This album is different and he shows this on "my Last Regret". It makes me want to sip some whiskey at an all night blues club and groove until the sunsets! It brings back the originality of blues and what it is to play blues. Hes a master and all his albums have gems on them. this is no exception, its a great album and if you like Robert(and his band) or blues remember hes been around a long time and keeps pushing out killer albums. Poor Johnny and Twenty about a soldier in iraq is very appropriate. and sad because im a veteran and have felt used up and wondered where do i go from here.. and have had trouble dealing with my life after the army!. I can serve my country and fight but cant get a job at a wal-mart here!. promises they dont keep anymore is so true ! This is a true album and one of Roberts and his bands best! he really thought about these songs!Him and his ole Fender!im a fan of his for life!he soothes me!and cools me! from "i know you will"! hes just cool!



4. More of the same from Mr. Cray & Company. Noteworthy that the album is strong all the way through; not the usual front-load & then drop-off you get from most artists. Twenty, his "protest song" is effective because it's not pedantic, but in Robert's usual "slice of life" style. They even throw in a waltz time. Read some of the other reviews here as well. We're pretty much all saying the same thing.



5. Like Van, or the Stones, Robert Cray has a formula that works for him. I am a huge fan and have been since day 1. I like the silky, smooth vocals and Stax/soul feel to his brand of blues. He does however need to branch out a little. Maybe back to some Chicago blues or swing a little but he has sounded a tad 'repeated' on the last few discs. I'd like to see his voice highlighted more (EX. "Don't Break This Ring"...from 'A Shame and a Sin', incredible) and his guitar work put to the forefront. Yes, a little repepitive but 'already done' Cray is better than most stuff out there. Love to hear a live album from him!! Check yourself back into the 'Done We Wrong' motel lyrically, leave the political musings to others. Don't get me wrong, a great disc, but no new charted waters musically.

2 comments about Solo: The Album/The Concert.

1. Having been a longtime fan of Hall and Oates, I had often wondered why John Oates did not get more credit, not only for his songwriting and impassioned vocals but for his wonderful arranging skills, which are so evident on Hall and Oates best work. As wonderful as Daryl's voice is as he soars over their peerless pop/soul, John gave us the edge and often the more straightahead lyricism.
   This collection of songs previously released as "Phunk Shui" is a mature and satisfying work, balancing social commentary with adroit observation, as in "All Good People" and "Love in a dangerous time". He tackles relationships and family in "Unspoken" and "Little angel" and hails old school in the 'title' track. "It girl" is featured on the DVD side as a concept video featuring the iconic Paris Hilton, ostensibly being herself - which is strange as the song is mildly critical of her socialite lifestyle. She must have had a blonde moment! Other standout tracks are "Color of Love" and an interesting remake of Jimi Hendrix's "Electric Ladyland' done with a philly twist.
   The DVD concert is well performed and though visually simple, is musically and emotionally satisfying. As a companion piece to the audio it adds background to the project without being distracting. Even the telemark skiing clip is fun because it is another glimpse of the man John Oates has grown into, as he steps from behind Daryl Hall's shadow, into a kinder, gentler, limelight. The price too is another great reason to pick up this gem - an album that deepens with each listen.



2. I picked-up this John Oates Dual Disc called "Solo - The Album, The Concert" from Amazon. It's a combination of his 2002 "Phunk Shui" album (which includes the bonus tracks "Mona Lisa's Eyes", "Time Will Tell" and a live version of "People Get Ready").
   
   The DVD side of the disc contains his 2004 "Live at The Historic Wheeler Opera House" show. I would suggest buying that separately since it includes a CD with the live show and some extra songs not on the DVD, plus the price is right. See my reviews on those also.

5 comments about The Comfort Zone.

1. Who would really call Vanessa Williams a great singer? Possibly no one. However, add her to the short list of women who can't really 'sing' but can still release an epic album, memorable decades after it was first released. How Vanessa accomplished this on "The Comfort Zone" in 1991 is beyond me, but it remains what it is - a flawless contemporary R&B Record that can proudly sit amongst your record collection with the best of them.
   
   "Save The Best for Last" was the prime US No. 1 Single here, but its also the most cheesy and suffocating track on the album - only because almost every other song is at least twice as good. The title track, a minor R&B hit back in the day, is still a great piece of production, and the Grammy Nominated single "Runnin' Back to You" doesn't sound dated despite the obviously huge Paula Abdul influences. However, the album really shines when it slows down for more meaningful groove-jams such as "Strangers Eyes" and the vastly overlooked "What Will I Tell My Heart", which Vanessa attempts a la Billie Holiday - with some interesting results.
   
   The great thing about this album, and one reason why this will become a staple in your home if you do decide to get this, is because every song is so different. "Freedom" is a classic slice of early 1990s dance music (very much like C&C Music Factory), while "You Gotta Go" can rival anything put out by Toni Braxton in terms of listenability. Along the way, Vanessa manages to craft a CD, though while long, is still extremely involving. Many people I've turned on to this CD haven't found one weak track, and listening to this now makes one realize just how vaccuous and boring the so-called R&B divas of our generation sound (Olivia, Nivea, Ciara, Ashanti, Raven Symone etc). Also of particular interest is that a couple of my friends who only listen to rock music, have strangely found themselves asking me to burn a copy of this for them!
   
   An unexpected treat. This album still remains vastly unknown, but its a bonafide classic. Vanessa herself couldn't make an album this good in her career ("The Sweetest Days" did come close to that), and its a definite must-buy, if you ask me.
   
   Five Stars. An additional bonus is that lyrics to all songs are included in the CD Booklet.



2. I just finished with my review for Vanessa's first Cd "The Right Stuff" and plugged this one as her much more appealing album. I was very pleasantly surprised with this Cd from the beginning to the end. I love that there are several cool dance numbers, tract #1,2,and #10. I know that "Save The Best For Last" was the big hit, which I loved when it first hit the air waves(I remember waiting by the radio and listening to Hot 105.7 just to catch this sond to record it on tape!). However, this is the song I listen to least because there are so many other great songs on the Cd. Vanessa's voice sounds sooo much better here, and who cares if this Cd was as some would say "over produced"(whatever that means anyway), it worked. Vanessa Williams' music stops at this Cd for me, why in the world did she not make another Cd like this one is frustrating.



3. Yes, this is a classic album for any 90's R&B fan. I have her greatest hits CD and the girl delivered on that CD and she did it on this. Girl, has some cuts....... I always thought Vanessa Willams was just a pretty face ( she reminds me of my step-mom when she was in her 20's.) but the girls really can sing.
   
   I love the album version of "I Got Work To Do. And the other single with Brian Mc Knight. Not save the best for last but the other one.



4. Vanessa's sophomore effort "Comfort Zone" is a step up from her debut album and showcases a greater maturty. My favorite songs are her famous "Save The Best for Last" as well as the epic closer "Goodbye" which has excellent keybaords and great musicianship.



5. Vanessa around this time had already had two of her four children, five top ten hits from her previous album, won numerous awards, etc. But the question was would Williams fall into the usual sophomore slump as so many other artists? The answer to the previous question would be no since this has become her highest selling album to date.
   
   The first three tracks from the album are excellent and even though her first single and first hit from this album, "Running Back to You" is somewhat dated, but it's a great, empowering tune about how she refuses to allow some man to walk all over her. The follow up single and title track, "The Comfort Zone" shows Williams at her sexiest as she can put any person into the 'the mood' with her smooth, sexy vocals and teasing lyrics. The third track "Work to Do" is a good remake of an Isley Brothers' tune flipping the script to a woman's point of view about her not being home because of her career.
   
   Williams on this album continued to prove her best with ballads. The excellent ballad tracks for this album is the chart-topping worldwide hit "Save The Best For Last" and the follow up single "Just for Tonight." Also, the beautiful jazz cover "What Will I Tell My Heart" that was also featured in her forgettable movie, Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man. The song shows how she can squeeze all of the emotion out of a song without being like her counterparts and over singing a tune, this is one of the best songs Williams has probably recorded in my book! The last track "Goodbye" is also good, the song sounds somewhat dated but NOT the type of dated when listening to it would make you cringe.
   
   As with her previous album there was some tracks which the album could of been without such as her duet with Brian McKnight on "You Gotta Go." The duet lasts too long and even though it is good that Williams does not sound helpless in lyrics, but it is not really all that catchy. I would recommend seeking out her later duets with McKnight such as the international smash hit "Love Is" and their recent duet off her Silver and Gold album, "Joy to the World." Another track which could of been left off the album is one of the few tunes Williams uses her writing skills, "2 of a Kind" as the song lyrically does not hook the listener as it could.
   
   Overall this has become one of Williams best albums and I personally think it's sad that her music is not as treasured as it should be. I would give this album 4 1/2 stars but there is not a sort of option on Amazon.

2 comments about You Still Got It.

1. Love This Cd Also His Other He Just like His Dad That Man Was God's Gift And Still Is His Music Lives On This Family Is Bless All Of Them Can Sing I Love This Cd Again And Again Thnaks For Making Good Music I Enjoy As Being Young I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE ITTTTTTT



2. Floyd's 2005 album "no doubt" was one of the best southern soul albums of the decade: great songs, the best voice since his daddy (Johnnie) was around, and REAL INSTRUMENTS.
   
   This time around, all but three songs are backed by computers, with tinny fake horns and all sorts of awful tinny sounds.
   
   The songs are not great shakes either.
   The set is saved by Floyds superb singing, the man is truly gifted. Let's hope the next album will be with real instruments again...

5 comments about Full Circle.

1. What do you call this stuff? Judging by what I hear on the radio, it's fairly archaic, with a DNA based on doo-wop and an RNA from Motown. I get the impression that Boyz 2 Men are passe with the Youth, but I swear I never heard or heard of them until they sang the Star-Spangled Banner at a baseball game I attended. Usually the national anthem is a form of torture to the ears almost as vicious as a Bush State of the Union to the conscience, but the Boyz sang the old song with artistry and taste. I was impressed. Just the fact that they could sing four-part harmony in very good tuning made me want to hear them on their own turf.
   
   And now I have. Scoffers, pay attention. There are definite musical values here. The rhythm tracks are too monotonous and predictable, and the Boyz take very few chances with their riffs, way fewer than traditional gospel singers like Claude Jeter for instance. But their songs have structure and even some chromatic development, and the Boyz have the ears for close harmony. Another reviewer declares that he's "waiting" for them to cut loose. I'm not sure what he wants to hear, but I feel the same way. The pop genre is too confining for their talent. Like the Beatles when they discovered Indian music, the Boyz are ready to reveal their awareness of the larger musical world. I can imagine them taking on the challenge of real jazz singing, or just to be totally fantastical, hearing the Hilliard Ensemble singing Orlando de Lassus and thinking 'Wow! That's something we can learn from!"



2. With the 2002 release of Full Circle, Boyz II Men decided to go to guartneed hitmaker "Babyface" for the first single The Color Of Love. Ironically The Color Of Love was orignally given to Sam Salter for his unreleased sophmore CD,Little Black Book and Sam sang it a bit better than the boys from Philly. However Full Circle does have a nice moments to it including Whatcha Need, Luv N U and the excllent yet heartbreaking Oh Well. Oh Well was written by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and even though this song would have sounded great on New Edition's One Love CD, Boyz II Men handle this song with sheer class.



3. Wow! I can't believe I took so long to listen to this album. Early into its release, I heard negative stuff about it because I didn't care much for their previous release, I avoided this one until now...two years later. This album is AWESOME and really is a full circle back to the day when Boyz II Men became my favorite group. I love this compilation of songs and their harmony is as tight as ever here and the songs compliment their voices. In the days when it seems to take very little singing talent to get an music contract, Boyz II Men prove once again that their silky smooth voices rides FULL CIRCLES around the rest of the "boy band" competition! I LOVE YOU, SHAWN! (just had to throw that in) :-)



4. Boyz II Men is the best R&B group in history. They have won nearly every award and accolade there is to win, broken numerous music records and brought real talent and beautiful harmonies back to R&B and pop music, totally overshadowing, from a talent standpoint, all the other boy bands and groups of their time.

   Boyz II Men has creativity that rival Prince and Michael, and vocal maturity matched only by Gospel greats Commissioned and Take 6.

   I used to be a rap fanatic and thought music was for sissies and girls. That is, until Boyz II Men came along and helped me not only discover my voice for music. Now, instead of rapping and hearing girls say, "shut up", now I'm singing and hearing them say, "Oooh, do that again!" Music truly is a manly art when done correctly, as Boyz II Men has proven.

   The only weakness of Boyz II Men is their marketing. Some of the best songs never make it to the radio or to video. The American public is partially to blame for turning their backs on Boyz II Men, instead listening to lesser groups who's names I won't mention (please, you know who you are). That's not to say these groups aren't talented - they are - but they're no Boyz II Men by far. Sorry, you're not.

   And what is up with the way Americans view this group? I think we were so blown away by their lush harmonies and skillful voices over smooth tracks and slow tempos with great lyrics that we expect them to only sing slow songs. I'm so tired of hearing people say their fast songs aren't good or they're played out. Are you serious? This is a group of skilled men who've perfected their art. If they were martial artists with this same level of greatness, Bruce Lee would not be the best ever, he'd be 2nd to Boyz II Men.

   Boyz II Men spends most of their time in asian countries because their largest fan base is there. Why? Wake up, America! This is and always has been a fantastic group, better than any other groups R&B has to offer and they deserve to be paid attention to and recognized as the best there is.

   Be it slow, mid to fast tempo, or acappella, Boyz II Men writes and sings some of the best songs ever written. Slow songs like IT'S SO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE, UHH AHH, 50 CANDLES, YESTERDAY, DREAMS, MAKIN' LOVE DO YOU REMEMBER, DOIN' JUST FINE, OH WELL, I DO, LUV N U and I'LL SHOW YOU, they are unmatched in their level of skill. Mid and fast tempo songs such as MOTOWNPHILLY, ON BENDED KNEE, JEZEBEL, THANK YOU, TO THE LIMIT, HUMAN II, WHAT THE DEAL, COME ON, BABY C'MON, ROLL WIT ME, I'M OKAY, YOU'RE OKAY, ON THE ROAD AGAIN and I FINALLY KNOW...no one else in the music business has the depth, variety and maturity that Boyz II Men has. And this isn't even close to half the list of great songs they have!

   The only song I haven't really cared much for from Boyz II Men is I CAN'T LET HER GO, produced by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs. Mixing Puff with Boyz II Men, for this song, anyway, is like mixing dirty water with clean water. All you end up with is dirty water! The song wasn't terrible, but it's my least favorite from this group; it could've been better.

   In this album, Boyz II Men has created the perfect blend of upbeat dance songs and songs with a more hardcore vibe with some of the best harmonies and ballads to date. Songs like AIN'T A THANG WRONG, WHATCHA NEED, ROLL WIT ME, ON THE ROAD AGAIN, and I'M OKAY, YOU'RE OKAY, light up the album with the hard baselines, great arrangements, and solid lyrics. All this, coupled with COLOR OF LOVE, an anthem of a hope for peace to the world, in a classic Boyz II Men style, and songs like MAKIN' LOVE, THAT'S WHY I LOVE YOU, LUV N U. And my personal favorite, due to its rich harmonies and deep meaning, I'LL SHOW YOU. I feel that this is their best work ever and, as the previous album title EVOLUTION suggests, they'll only get better, even with the exit of Michael "Bass" McCary from the group. Yes, sadly enough, it's true...

   One more thing: Boyz II Men, as individuals and as a group, need to become better marketers. Just before the release of the FULL CIRCLE album, the group appeared on TV (BET) and Shawn Stockman called it "a pretty good album". I dropped my head in shame. Michael McCary then called it, "the best album we've ever made". Shawn Stockman's reply was: "...Okay", as if he didn't believe it was, which means he felt like he settled for less than the best. I could've punched a hole in the TV set. SELL THE ALBUM! YOU CAN'T DO THAT IF YOU SOUND LESS THAN TOTALLY HAPPY AND ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT IT! People will pick up on that and you'll lose record sales because of it! Why would anybody buy your album if even you don't like it?

   Regardless, after reviewing this album for myself, I've come to the conclusion that this is a great work of art and I will buy every Boyz II Men album that comes out. This is how I feel about Boyz II Men:

   "...I bought 2 copies, cuz other than that, all y'all other dudes is sloppy!"

   -Jin (Learn Chinese), Rough Ryders, freestyle in the booth with Big Tigger on BET.

   Be on the lookout for the upcoming album from Boyz II Men entitled THROWBACK, in stores August 24, 2004!




5. Boyz II Men - Full Circle (Arista, 2002)

   Boyz II Men's Arista debut, Full Circle, proves just how fickle and forgetful the average R&B fan can be. A great return to form for the guys, there are great songs aplenty like "Oh Well", "That's Why I Love You" (both produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis) and "The Color of Love" (produced by Babyface). But the music world shifted by then; even fans of their previous album, the unfocused Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya, ignored this project and went to see what newer jacks like Dru Hill and B2K were up to. Plus, without proper promotion by executive producer LA Reid, the album flopped and the Boyz became another legendary act on Arista that became old-hat that year, along with Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, and TLC (the lack of promotion for all four acts would lead to Reid's dismissal). Now the only way Boyz II Men can stay relevant in today's Beyoncé/Alicia Keys/Ludacris urban world is if someone releases another greatest-hits compilation on them. But they're still legends in my book. -EJR

5 comments about Dreams Come True.

1. Its a pretty good cd , it came in a few days in excellent condition



2. Three independently good solo jazz singers meld together compellingly. I keep giving copies away.



3. One of the best Blues albums ever



4. Nearly ten years after its release, this remains one of the great modern blues albums. Marcia, Lou Ann and Anglea sing their hearts out on perfectly chosen and arranged songs. And, don't forget the important contributions by Sarah Brown-- she's the fourth great lady on this cd.



5. This is great music. Lou Ann Barton and Marcia Ball are the pride of Austin, and if you ever get the chance to catch them live, you will have the time of your life. This CD is the next best thing.

5 comments about This Note's for You.

1. Now for the most part I really enjoy classic R&B, but the fact is it's not Neil's sound: in most parts the huge horn section blowing everywhere sounds awkward. The fast songs are often trite, boring, and clichéd ("Ten Men Workin'"; "Married Man"; "Sunny Inside"; "Hey Hey"), with the slow blues tracks being sluggish and interminable in addition to trite, boring, and clichéd: at least "Hey Hey", for instance, has energy to spare. "Twilight", "Can't Believe Your Lyin'"; "Coupe de Ville" and "One Thing" all sound dead on their feet. Only a couple songs save this from being a total blow-off; the witty anti-corporate title track has the best lyrics by far on the album; and "Life in the City" is exciting with a dramatic horn part - I would've preferred those two as being one-off experiments on an album that was otherwise typical of Young's, rather than on an entire album of such songs. If you're curious to hear how an album totally uncharacteristic of Neil will turn up, then you might get something out of this, even if it's just the novelty factor of Neil putting out a Motown-ish album: approach with caution regardless. Yeah, I like steak, and I like cookies. But would I eat a steak cookie? Of course not!



2. Considered another experimental Neil Young album by many, I like to think this is a return to his roots.
   
   This is a bluesy, swinging album completely unlike any other NY record. As the Amazon reviewer points out the title track is a protest against the cynical commercial exploitation of music. Remember the video for this song, which parodied Michael Jacksons hair being on fire for his Pepsi ad. Aside from getting this message across (not that it made any difference) the album looks back to a multitude of different styles, including Soul, Rhythm and Blues and even some Jazz-like Ballads, all of which he pulls off with great style.
   
   I've been listening to this album since it came out in the late 80's and rate it 2nd only to "After the Goldrush". Off course NY has been very productive over the years and I probably only have 5 or 6 of his albums. No doubt some of these are just as good.



3. Neil Young's foray into the blues is a solid effort. Thanks to the Blue Notes, the musicianship is excellent blues playing, and not some rock n' rollers weak attempt to play the blues. This is a vastly unerrated CD, particularly by those who want to hear loud rockin' Neil or the country "Harvest" Neil forever and ever. Here Neil takes us back to the root of both types of music and shows us a real good time doing it. If you like the blues in any form don't miss this one. It has some great musical moments. Now, if only Amazon would show a little respect and list all the songs on this CD....



4. Neil Young experiments with bluesy R&B sounds a la the Stax Horns on this one. Horn charts are key components to each track but the results vary.
   
   HIGHLIGHTS:
   The title track's jab at corporate sponsorship and involvement in the music industry showcases guitarwork that's slinky and strutting. As an afterthought, Neil tosses off the best lyric in the tune by noting "I've got the real thing...", appropriating Coke's old slogan for the fadeout. "Coupe de Ville" is Neil's elegy to a failed relationship. The titular car is one of the possessions Neil still has but "if I can't have you, I don't want nothing else." A smoky jazzy sax accompaniment creates the mood along with a guitar part that sounds almost ukelele-ish at times (it works..really...) "Life in the City" turns Young's outrage to the plight of the homeless and points lyrical knives at neighbours who turn a blind eye to people sleeping on the sidewalks and families living on the freeways("Don't that trouble you, brother..don't that trouble you, pal..don't that trouble you,sister") It's punched up by horn blasts a la the JB's. The only disappointment might be the wailing trumpet at the song's close which fades out before it really cuts loose. Then again, better to leave us wanting more than to overstay your welcome. "A Married Man" trods the same path as Hall and Oates "Family Man"..the tempted hubby trying to tow the line. He tells the would be mistress that he "ain't got time to party..ain't got time for you no more..". "Sunny Inside" is a fairly bland paean to his love interest, but the track is really nice, sounding like a long lost Sam and Dave tune. The understated vocal for "Can't Believe Your Lyin' " is the closest to true blues expression. Unemployment is viewed here as a byproduct of love's failings...he loses his job because all he can think about is her infidelity. All-out blues wailer "Hey Hey" features a muted trumpet and tremeloed guitar competing with a sprightly brass part. Neil hypes his woman as the genuine article compared to the ones he "don't want around.."
   
   LOWS:
   "Ten Men Workin'" is very, well, WORKMANLIKE...the lyrics are the cliche about how "we're working hard to rock ya", sinking the song despite a pretty decent horn arrangement. "Twilight" never really picks up any steam, one of the album's duds...all mood and atmosphere, but no real fire. It's OK..but Neil's capable of much better. "One Thing" suffers the same fate.
   
   BOTTOM LINE:
   It's far from Neil's worst and has some great stuff on it, but it's not the highmark of his oeuvre either. There are just enough low points to keep me from giving it an unqualified 4 stars.
   
   3 1/2 stars



5. After the disastrous years with Geffen, during which only "Trans" stands out as a halfway decent album and "Landing on Water" is arguably his worst effort for anyone, Young returned to Reprise, the label of all his past glories, and while this album may not be as good as "Rust Never Sleeps" or "Tonight's the Night," it is manna from heaven when compared to his four previous albums. It is a genre album, to be sure, and caps the decade when he went from country to hard rock to electronic to rockabilly to synth rock to country and finally to swing before returning to "old Neil" form with "Freedom." But "This Note's For You" stands apart from the rest of the genre stuff, like "Hawks and Doves" and "Re-Ac-Tor" did, because of the thankful quality of the songwriting (except for a few tracks) and the overall consistency of the effort. Also, the songs don't ALL SOUND THE SAME (ahem, "Landing on Water," ahem). He shifts quite nicely between upbeat, get-your-feet-a-tappin' swing to slow and moody blues. The album may not make most fan's top five lists, but this, combined with the next year's "Freedom," catapulted Young from the disastrous 1980s back into the glory of his earlier days, at a time when all but his most devoted fans had deserted him.

5 comments about Life Goes On.

1. Donell has always been a huge underground R&B singer/producer/songwriter. But with this classic album, he finally broke out into the mainstream more. He is still not a Mainstream R&B singer, because he doesnt generally make radio friendly R&B. He does the more laid back, grown and sexy R&B. Not Neo-Soul... definetly not Neo-Soul. I think thats a big part of the reason why he has never really been a big star is because people that don't know his music just assume that because hes not all over the radio because he makes Neo Soul/boring R&B. And hes definetly not Neo-Soul, he has the same contemparary R&B feel as artists like R. Kelly, or Usher. Donell just doesnt really make party music. But he has a very good voice, one of the best i have ever heard. He has a silky smooth voice that has a very strong accent to it. And he truley knows how to use his smooth vocals to his advantage. He really shows his true talent on the very emotional song "Life Goes On" where he serranades the story of his woman cheating on him while he was locked down. Its a classic song. Another great song is the summertime driving song "Comeback" which is just a very relaxing tune with very sweet vocals. And then there is the sexy baby making track "Do U Wanna" which is another great showcase of Donells talent. I mean its really a shame that an artist as good as Donell Jones doesnt get the attention or the credit he deserves, because he is better then 80% of the other R&B singers that are hogging the air time right now. Overall i have to say this is his best album, and in my opinion its a classic!
   
   
   Grade:
   A-



2. This CD is the best I've heard in a long time. Although I was sleep on it when it first came out, I have promoted it as if I was getting paid. To this day I still bump it, and I even bought another copy recently. Donell, you gets mad love from me on this!!!



3. He is like that and that is all that is needed to say.



4. I love Donell Jones' music and I'm a big fan of this CD -- minus the song "Freakin' U."
   
   It's not that it's a bad song, I just think it really doesn't fit the overall tone of love and lovemaking (Is he singing to that special lady or just an "overnight wife"? I choose the former) on this album. I find the other 11 songs to be absolutely beautiful. "Freakin' U" is a track he could've given to Jaheim.
   
   This album really is for true Donell fans ... those who can get into his Michael Jackson-like voice and see the brilliance of his songwriting and production skills (Otherwise, I think too many would listen to this LP and dislike it b/c it's not your typical Usher or Tyrese or Omarion or Chris Brown kind of R&B).
   
   DJ's not the dancer/showman/high energy type. He's got a more mellow, laid back style -- not something all music listeners are prepared to appreciate.
   
   That being said, everyone's doing "Top Tracks" listings.
   
   Here's My Order (Best to "Second-Best" though I really do LOVE all these songs):
   
   1)"I'm Hoping It's You" -- 10/10, smooth vocals & excellent writing
   2)"Comeback" -- 10/10, sick, hypnotic beat
   3)"You Know That I Love You" -- 10/10, old school, soulful sound
   4)"Where You Are (Where I Wanna Be --Part II)" -- 9.5/10, excellent vocals
   5)"Guilty By Suspicion" -- 9/10, great storytelling, great writing
   6)"Still" -- 9/10, great production & appropriate, simple question ... "Do you still believe in love?"
   7)"Life Goes On" -- 9/10, Catchy beat, interesting writing (semiautobiographical tale?)
   8)"Put Me Down" -- 8.5/10, excellent pulsating, chilled out beat
   9)"Gotta Get Her Outta My Head" -- Dance beat accompanies another track with interesting story
   10)"Do U Wanna" -- 8/10, blazing laid back track
   11)"Don't Leave" -- 8/10, another blazing laid back track
   
   Like I said, if Usher, Mario, Tyrese and Chris Brown are high on your R&B tastes list, this CD may be a little too mature and laid back for you.
   
   But, if you can get into Babyface, Raheem DeVaughn, Carl Thomas and Brian McKnight -- cats a notch below Joe, Maxwell and D'Angelo vocally, but make up for it with a special something -- cop this DJ CD.
   
   You won't be sorry.



5. Donell is easily 1 of my favourite's, all his albums have me listening to everysingle song, i could name every song if i was gonna say which were my favourite, but ill just name a couple of my favourites!, "Do U Wanna" "Freakin' U" "Don't Leave" and "I Hope It's You", the rest of the tracks are hot also!, the whole album together makes this one of the best albums in my collection!
   
   Cop Donell's first 2 releases also! and look out for "Journey Of A Gemini" which features his single "Better Start Talking" featuring Jermaine Dupri !

5 comments about Don't Be Afraid of the Dark.

1. I own Strong Persuader, Midnight Stroll, and this disc, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark. This one is by far my favorite. It's not gritty blues, but neither is it sellout pop. It's a set of solidly constructed R&B/blues tunes with great songwriting, strong playing and singing, and stellar production values that give the licks, riffs and charts a polish and shine. The themes are similar to Persuader, but the tempos and production are more upbeat.



2. I bought this album based on a recommendation and hearing the title track. Ultimately, this was a mistake. This album has nothing in the way of "killer tracks" on it and is overall a very bland offering. I personally found this collection rather monotonous. Yes, it's blues but it's neither raw nor lively. There is far too much of the worst of Eric Clapton's influence here, it's too slick, too practised and it doesn't make me want to sing along or get my air guitar out.
   
   There is no doubt that Cray and his band are talented musicians, but the material on this album is missing the vital spark that makes for a really good listen.



3. Great set from the Georgia-born bluesman and his band, despite the criticisms that the album was too pop oriented and that Cray had sold out. While this album certainly does not top its predecessor "Strong Persuader", it does manage to deliver some great blues from one of the music's finest performers. Cray needs no introduction to fans of the blues, playing to sold-out concerts and working the blues circuit loyally.
   
   "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" is a solid release from the veteran Cray, though he has made better albums since. As is always the case with Robert Cray releases, I listen intently to the dazzling guitar work to remember why Cray gets paid to do this. The band does not often get the credit they so duly deserve, as Richard Cousins (bass), Peter Boe (keyboards) and David Olson (drums) do an excellent job of accompanying Cray on these tunes.
   
   The horns on here are supplied by The Memphis Horns and Wayne Jackson, and David Sanborn appeared courtesy of Warner Brothers playing saxophone on "Acting This Way". "At Last", track 9, is a 50s feeling blues ballad with Cray singing backed by the horns. Overall this is a high quality outing by the old hand of blues vocals and guitar, deserving a spot in your music collections today!
   
   Personnel:
   Robert Cray (guitar & vocals)
   Richard Cousins (bass)
   Peter Boe (keyboards)
   David Olson (drums)
   The Memphis Horns (horn section)
   Wayne Jackson (trumpet & trombone)
   David Sanborn (alto sax on "Acting This Way")



4. Tough to follow up an album that catapulted you to stardom, but I still give this one 4 stars. I like to think of this as Young Bob's Guitar Slinger album. He's just squeezing sparks out of his Stratocaster all over the place. If you've ever encountered homelessness & thought "there but for the grace of God...", then Night Patrol is gonna speak to you. I can remember the first time I heard this song like it was yesterday. I think this song is Mr. Cray's greatest recorded guitar playing.



5. When Robert Cray is at the top of his game, his smooth vocals, stinging guitar work and clever songwriting put him on par with the best the modern, electricified blues has to offer. The title track, "Your Secret's Safe With Me," and "Across The Line" fall in this category, in my opinion. Most of the other tracks are pretty good, the rest are okay, although if you appreciate a more soulful sound, you might enjoy this album more than I do. Still, I've had this CD for years, I play it often, and it has aged well.

5 comments about Reflections.

1. I listen to all their CD still to this day. Just wish made more music. groups like this are around nowadays. True Old School, and all the tracks were crafted very well. Their music is timeless.....



2. This CD is in the top ten in my alltime favorite collection. EVERY song is just unbelievable. The rhythm, timing, melody and blended HARMONY is totally "OLD SCHOOL". I actually purchased two of the "REFLECTION" CD's.I catch AFTER 7 in concert every chance i get. Although the lineup has changed KEVON is still out front, and they still sound great!!
   
   Sheilah (New Orleans)



3. hit after hit after hit...you like r n' b, then this is a MUST HAVE, believe me!



4. And I Love this group! This is my second time purchasing this album, I lost the first one so I bought it again. After 7 has never gotten the respect they deserve. This group is very talented but underrated. If you enjoy real music like I do, buy this album...I promise you will enjoy it!



5. This album is a nice mix of ballads and smooth jams. "How Do You Tell The One" is one of my favorites, and the song's lyrics are provoking. "Till You Do Me Right" was the crowd-pleaser that became the biggest hit from this album, but there's several other songs on the album that could be worth the purchase. There's nice combination of up-tempo songs and slow jams to keep you from being bored listening to the whole album at once.