Come Away with Me
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 February, 2002)
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Editorial Review

It is not just the timbre of Norah Jones's voice that is mature beyond her 22 years. Her assured phrasing and precise time are more often found in older singers as well. She is instantly recognizable, blending shades of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone without sounding like anyone but herself. Any way you slice it, she is a singer to be reckoned with. Her readings of the Hank Williams classic "Cold Cold Heart" and Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You" alone are worth the price of the CD. Jones's own material, while not bad, pales a bit next to such masterpieces. They might have fared better had she and producer Arif Mardin opted for some livelier arrangements, taking better advantage of brilliant sidemen such as Bill Frisell, Kevin Breit, and Brian Blade; or if the tunes had simply been given less laconic performances. Jones has all the tools; what will come with experience and some careful listening to artists like J.J. Cale and Shirley Horn is the knack of remaining low-key without sounding sleepy--sometimes less is not, in fact, more. --Michael Ross ... Read more

Reviews (1312)

Excellent CD!
This is an excellent disc. If you like this, you should also listen to Katie Melua's CD "Call Off the Search".

(Mood Music)Put on some N. Jones and light a candle.
This kind of music is made for sentualists- (not of the higher order though).
Norah's voice is just like Diana Krall's, mono and one dementional; just the kind of recipe for listeners who believe they have good taste.
Norah will probibly keep making the same kind of albums for the rest of her life, but at least her presence will satisfy the need for this kind of music.

oh sooo mellow, baby
Norah got like 7 someodd emmys for this album, and she and the producers earned it. nothing like it. OK, she reminds me of a white Nina Simone. sultry, soft, sexy, and - well - mellow. love it. i play this CD at work and everyone loves it. in fact if there is a day that all the customers are being poopy - we put the CD on to calm every one down, and yes, it works!!good for fussy husbands too (sorry, hunk man, the love of my life!) ... Read more

Asin: B00005YW4H
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 December, 2000)
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Editorial Review

The best soundtracks are like movies for the ears, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? joins the likes of Saturday Night Fever and The Harder They Come as cinematic pinnacles of song. The music from the Coen brothers' Depression-era film taps into the source from which the purest strains of country, blues, bluegrass, folk, and gospel music flow. Producer T Bone Burnett enlists the voices of Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris, Ralph Stanley, and kindred spirits for performances of traditional material, in arrangements that are either a cappella or feature bare-bones accompaniment. Highlights range from the aching purity of Krauss's "Down to the River to Pray" to the plainspoken faith of the Whites' "Keep on the Sunny Side" to Stanley's chillingly plaintive "O Death." The album's spiritual centerpiece finds Krauss, Welch, and Harris harmonizing on "Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby," a gospel lullaby that sounds like a chorus of Appalachian angels. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Soundtrack

Reviews (444)

SOME OTHER GREAT ALBUMS
I am a big fan of roots music.This album is a beautiful, captivating record that consistently delivers great music, song after song.If you enjoy this album and are looking for some similar great roots albums then I recommend the following:
1) Appalachian Stomp: Bluegrass Classics
2) Ain't No Grave: A Tribute To Traditional And Public Domain Songs
3) March 16-20 by Uncle Tupelo
4) Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs Of Stephen Foster
5) Every Sound Below by Tim Eriksen

added intense variety and beauty to my cd collection
first off, don't buy this unless you have seen the movie or unless you are very familiar with the artists on here.I had seen the movie first and enjoyed it a lot, and hearin this music when understanding its context made me appreciate its simple yet rugged excellence.truly, the simplest things are the hardest things to pull off, but this soundtrack does a wonderful job.The only problem I have with it is that the movie version of "i'll fly away," my favorite song when I watched the movie, has been omitted for a slightly weaker version.However the new version is still pretty darn good, so I won't deduct stars for that, especially considering the fact that most movie soundtracks do a terrible job.GET THIS NOW!

Deceived and Disappointed
The Kossoy Sisters version of "I'll Fly Away" was the actual song in this movie. Why they chose the Alison Krauss version for this CD stupefies me to no end. Needless to say, the movie version was far superior. In fact, I felt that this song was one of most uplifting songs I've heard in a long time. Understand that I have nothing against Alison Krauss at all, but I must admit that my jaw dropped when I realized that I'd once again been had by slick music industry con-artists. Beware. ... Read more

Asin: B00004XQ83
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Two Against Nature
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 February, 2000)
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Editorial Review

Never so much a band as the slyly crafted specter of one, Steely Dan's mid-1990s "return" to live performance was as surprising as it was perverse. They'd previously toured only once, round about the era of Watergate, pet rocks, and Shaft. A half-decade after their concert comeback and a mere 19 years after Gaucho seemingly closed out their recording career, the jazz-pop conceit of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen deliberately dropped back into a recording landscape where they weren't so much seasoned vets as alien ambassadors. Two Against Nature, indeed. The tack is instantly familiar: a musical/lyrical reconciliation of Monk and Newman, with familiar harmonic flourishes, nimble studio chops, and an icy, world-class cool, as willfully insulated from hip-hop and techno as it was from disco and Top 40. Less concerned with melodic hooks than a canny sophistication of mood and manner, Becker and Fagen never let a trite melody get in the way of a good story, whether their protagonists are plotting some nefarious obliquity ("Gaslighting Abby"), Southern-fried incest (the deliciously funky "Cousin DuPree"), or bleakly confronting dashed expectations ("What a Shame About Me"). A little more musically languorous perhaps, its trademark cynicism now undercut by hints of sadness and regret, this is nonetheless a Steely Dan album worthy of the name, and like the best of them, one whose subtle charms reveal themselves in surprising ways. -Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (481)

Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaajor disappointment.
Steely Dan is my favorite band of all time. After loving Aja, Countdown to Ecstasy, the Royal Scam, Katy Lied and Pretzel Logic, I was immensly disappointed by Two Against Nature. Donny and Wally seem to have lost their creativity and just sort of threw the album together to keep the fans from dying. Most the songs are quite boring.

But it's still worth a buy, for three songs: Two Against Nature, Jack of Speed, and West of Hollywood. And this isn't a slump, just a little bump in the road--Everything Must Go has the quality of all seven classic albums. I think they should've canned the six bad tracks and kept the aforementioned good songs, then put them on Everything Must Go instead.

I'd reccomend any one of the 70's-80's albums (Can't Buy a Thrill, Countdown to Ecstasy, Pretzel Logic, Katy Lied, the Royal Scam, Aja, and Gaucho) or Everything Must Go instead.

An excellent album
Wow. Fagen and Becker, these guys can make seriously good music. Despite Fagen's continued insistence on the use of a Fender Rhodes Electric Piano in every song, lending the tracks a somewhat retro feel, this is brilliant jazz/rock invention. Never have the two sounded more dynamic and alive.

GASLIGHTING ABBIE: I don't really know what this song's about. It's got some very vague lyrics and sounds like a middle-aged hipster's sexy weekend 'away'. Nevertheless, it's funky, full of horns and has a decidedly catchy chorus.

WHAT A SHAME ABOUT ME: This one grows on you. Judging by the last verse, it seems that the protagonist's failure as a career-man is due to his own fear of success.

TWO AGAINST NATURE: Bee-boppin' lyrics and funky horns, with an undercurrent of dissonant clarinets ala Randy Newman's 'Guilty'.

JANIE RUNAWAY: The best track on the album. Funny as hell, about a guy who's picked up a 'wonderwaif' in Gramercy Park, who, with the possibility of a trip to Spain, fulfils the fantasies of the perverse protagonist.

ALMOST GOTHIC: A track about the elusive girl, giving and taking at the same time, obviously stuffing Fagen around.

JACK OF SPEED: Like all Steely Dan songs this one carries any number of interpretations. I like to think of it as a guy who's hooked on speed and as a result his friends have lost track of him. But it could just as well be about anything else. A great song.

COUSIN DUPREE: Fun, fun, fun. Country incest made funky as only the Dan can make it.

NEGATIVE GIRL: Great track, once again about girls and how they tease and tease...

WEST OF HOLLYWOOD: Featuring a four-minute sax-vamp conclusion, this one blows you away with its melancholic undertones and its
great bridge.

All these tracks offer something. Pick it up, get it, buy it, this is the Dan at their best.

I bett'in on TWO to win
2000 must have been the year for 70's acts to make their long return to the reording game since my other two favorite performers of the era (or of anytime for that matter); Carly Simon and the Doobie Brothers also came out with albums after long extended haitus'es.None of the performers really missed a beat, though I'd say that the Doob's could have had some more "oomph" to their songs.Steely Dan gets the most points for staying most true to their origins with eclectic song and album titles, songs of wonder and mystery and a great sound.TAN probably has it's greatest failing in this regard in that there isn't really a "defined" sound to the whole record other then possibly adult contemporary?Nah, I won't put the label on there.Some songs to me just don't fit though on the album like the lyrics of Cousin Dupree a dark trip down incest lane, would earn it a spot perfectly on the Royal Scam album (just needs some more guitars).Other songs like the title track are upbeat little ditties and it's great to hear the word "Grok" be associated with something other then those old Spock bumper stickers from the 60's.The best song remains What a Shame About Me, a great downbeat.

TAN isn't my cup of tea compared to Dan's other albums those honors go to Countdown to Ecstasy and the aforementioned Royal Scam, but I'll put it agianst anything outthere today, hense; I'm bettin on TWO to win. ... Read more

Asin: B00004GOXS
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Jazz-Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Soft Rock   

Supernatural
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 June, 1999)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.28
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Editorial Review

The Arista debut of Carlos Santana and band gives fans of the soulful guitar vet two albums in one, but it's a decidedly good-news, bad-news proposition. First, there's a fine collection of late-'90s-model Santana--tastefully tooled songs driven by Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms ("[Da Le] Taleo," "Africa Bamba," "Migra," "Primavera," and the emotionally charged instrumental "El Farol") that allow Carlos plenty of elbowroom for his passionate soloing. Then there's the collection of tracks featuring a lineup of de rigueur alternative and hip-hop stars, including Dave Matthews, Everlast, Rob Thomas, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Eagle Eye Cherry. To their credit, Matthews ("Love of My Life") and Eagle Eye Cherry ("Wishing It Was") muster enough chemistry to make the fusion work. But the rest of the collaborations feel like an unnecessary stretch to reach out to a younger demographic that El Jefe has little trouble attracting on his own terms. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (1059)

deserves its lauded success
there are a lot of great songs and collaborations on here, most notably with Dave Matthews, Rob Thomas, and Eric Clapton, who are people I have heard before and enjoyed.Many collaborations are with "artists" who I hate or have no respect for (such as the pathetic rappers; rap is extremely overrated), which weakens the album overall in my book.But there are great tunes, Carlos plays some great guitar, and it is a very celebratory fiesta album for modern times.The sharp arrangements and production make this the much loved album that it is.

Many people see fit to compare it to his older stuff, but i really see no comparison.THis is a completely different thing, very unrelated to songs like "black magic woman" and the like.This is a very accessible album; I recommend it in addition to any of his older stuff when Santana was a band, not just him.I also recommend you check out Shaman, which is just as polished (if maybe a little weaker) than this cd.

lame songs and it's grammy time
Santana motivated me to start playing guitar over 10 years ago when I saw him in concert. I bought handfulls of his releases around that time. He deserved his first grammys back in the 'black magic woman' days, but I doubt back then such music by a non-anglo would be allowed to champion the awards scene. I figure that's the only way you can explain it. How else do you explain how 'smooth' was such a hot hit? I cringed every time I came across that stupid song in my day to day life. Lots of canned music on this release and will not buy anymore Santana that are collaberations.

I'll cut Santana slack if this is a case of needing to pay the bills, but other than that, Carlos, please leave the cheesy pop music for the Britanys, Matchboxes, and Backstreets of the world.

Carlos, you are far better than that and don't need these people. Get back to Milagro, Dancing in the Flesh of Spirits, and Blues for ElSalvador. PLEASE!!

Carlos, what happened?
This is sad.Santana used to have a SOUND and PASSION.Now poor Carlos sounds like he's a gueston other peoples' albums.
The current formula seems to be, get whoever is flavor of the month ("hot") and get the whole bunch on a salable but forgettable and artistically bankrupt "product".
Of course a year or two down the line the truth is evident (Matchbox 20 anyone?).
Ditto for Shaman.
The truth is that after Michelle Branch has finally pudged out and dissapeared along with all the other pop tinsel and fluff Santana insists on "collaborating" with Carlos will still be around.Carlos, YOU are the future.PLease move on.
... Read more

Asin: B00000J7J4
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Latin Rock    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop   

The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 August, 1998)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

The first solo album by the Fugees' most distinctive voice quickly wipes away the pretensions of so many current hip-hoppers' discs. It does so by both engaging their widescreen ethos--"To Zion," with its martial drums and gospel choir, is as epic a production as has been heard in 1998's pop music--and speaking the plain truth. Miseducation focuses equally on Lauryn Hill's life (especially the birth of her child) and social concerns about the present and future. Its often quiet surface, if anything, lends intensity. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (822)

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
I remember this album when I was in the 6th grade. This album was played constantly by my stepfather. This is Lauryn's deeply personal album. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is confrontational,strong,forthright,and intelligent,while retaining a delicate, sensitive balance. This album also forays into hip-hop territory. Throughout the album,Hill's delicious vocals engage and captivate. Musically, she brings a warmth and sensitivity to the sound of this album and displays her knowledge of the work of the studio as a producer. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is evidence of her self-assured attitude as a well-rounded artist and studio technician. This album has been certified 7x Platinum. Remember,this was 1998-1999.

Lauryn's Miseducation becomes our education.
Lauryn Hill first exploded onto the global music scene as a member of the Fugees. They swept the world because of their unique style and that girl,Lauryn Hill. Lauryn Hill has won a total of 8 Grammy Awards including 2 with the Fugees, 1 for her work on Santana's album "Supernatural" and 5 for her solo masterpiece -The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill-. In 1998 this album was released to mass success and rave reviews. With this album she revolutionized the R&B scene at the time paving the way for more female R&B artists.

On this album she plays with the issues of birth,depression and a failed relationship. This album is great because each song has a special thing to it. There is no doubting how creative Hill is on this album.

"Intro" starts off the album as well an intro as you can possibly get. Set at the beginning of a school day with a teacher calling the roll, it's hard to rate this "track" because nothing much happens musically. However it's a nice setting. This is basically the basis for the rest of the album as the title refers to her "miseducation". At the end of mostly every track on the album a little sort of interlude comes in as part of the track. These interludes are set at the school where Lauryn is supposed to be, but is not. 10/10

"Lost Ones" this is a perfect hip-hop track with a crazed beat that bounces all over the place. Lauryn's rapping is so solid here and definitely not commercial. That's what Ilike about Lauryn, she's a genius and never goes mainstream. 10/10

"Ex-Factor" is one of the best songs on the album. A very emotional song about a failed relationship this track has a very nice arrangement and Lauryn's voice is beautiful and harmonic in the chorus. 10/10

"To Zion" is the song about the birth of her child, featuring Santana on guitar this song is a very powerful song, Lauryn's vocal timbre is so beautiful I think I am listening to an angel serenade to me. 10/10

"Doo Wop (That Thing)" is the most mainstream song on this album but is suprisingly genius. Her biggest hit from her solo masterpiece. This song doesn't use samples and is very feminine in places. 10/10

" Superstar" is not the best song on the album but I like it, the chorus here is very jazzed up and cool. She really is a superstar in her own right. 10/10

"Final Hour" is such a fresh song, Lauryn can do ballads and fresh hip-hop equally as well as each other. On this track she proves herself again. This track in very in-your-face.
10/10

"When It Hurts So Bad" is the perfect Hill ballad that signifies her lyrical and musical strength. Here she does no wrong. 10/10

"I Used To Love Him" features a very strong Mary J. Blige,I've always liked how their harmonies are so strong and this duet flows well. 10/10

"Forgive Them Father" is a reggae hip-hop infusion and works incredibly well. I love this song. 10/10

"Every Ghetto, Every City" is where Hill brings back her childhood memories and shares them with us, lyrically the strongest song on the album this track rocks. 10/10

"Nothing Even Matters" is a slow ballad featuring D'Angelo. Both of their voices gel well and are solid. 10/10

"Everything Is Everything" is possibly the coolest song on the album in the sense that I like everything about it, including the freakin cool video for it. 10/10

"The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill" is the most beautiful piano ballad ever, better than any other track on the album in the emotion catergory. 10/10

Two Bonus Tracks:
"Can't Take My Eyes Off You" is a rockin cover of a classic. 10/10
"Tell Him" is a cute end to a well formed masterpiece. 10/10

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

Lauryn Hill has shapedhip-hop and R&B with this masterpiece.
This album breaks all conventions and musical boundarys possible.

Well Done Lauryn!

My Favorite Album All Time
I don't see how anyone could direspect this album...every song is amazing and it would be amazing no matter what the critics said. None of those racist rumors are true...I can't wait for KHULAMI PHASE to be released this year...this is NOT a waste of money! It's amazing...
MY RATINGS:
1. "Intro" (10/10) there's not much to say because it's just and intro but it sets up the premise for the album
2. "Lost Ones" (10/10) my 2nd favorite rap song of all time
3. "Ex-Factor" (10/10) my favorite song ever
4. "To Zion (f/ Carlos Santana)" (10/10) as you probably know, this song's dedicated to her son, Zion, and it's one of the best songs on the album...she puts a lot of emotion into it
5. "Doo Wop (That Thing)" (10/10) the poppiest song on the album and has a really catchy chorus
6. "Superstar" (10/10) this songs a little cliche but every repectable rapper has this kind of song
7. "Final Hour" (10/10) they don't make mainstream rap songs like this anymore
8. "When It Hurts So Bad" (10/10) a powerful song about a relationship with one person not as committed as the other
9. "I Used To Love Him (f/ Mary J. Blige)" (10/10) I've always loved Mary so I knew I'd like this song and I did, their voices sound great together
10. "Forgive Them Father" (10/10) one of my favorite songs on the album
11. "Every Ghetto, Every City" (10/10) this is a really fun song that brings back memories for someone who grew up in a city around the time she's talking about
12. "Nothing Even Matter (f/ D'Angelo)" (10/10) a lot of people said this was the best song they've ever heard in 10 years...well I wouldn't go THAT far but it's a great song. D'Angelo sounds amazing. The only thing i don't like about this song is in the middle theres a chain-saw sound that scares the s**t out of me when I hear it
13. "Everything Is Everything" (10/10) my 3rd favorite song on the album
14. "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" (10/10) my 2nd favorite song on this album...it used to be my 1st
BONUS. "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" (10/10)a great cover
BONUS. "Tell Him" (10/10) someone told me that this was live but I don't think it is, but whatever it's a great song
Favorite 3 Songs:
1. Ex-Factor
2. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
3. Everything is Everything ... Read more

Asin: B00000ADG2
Subjects:  1. Contemporary R&B    2. Neo-Soul    3. Pop    4. R&B    5. Urban   

Time Out of Mind
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 September, 1997)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

At the beginning of Time Out of Mind, Bob Dylan finds himself in the same dead-day world as on 1964's "One Too Many Mornings." By now, though, he can't be bothered to romanticize the street and the distant dogs' barking; he can only moan about how sick he is of love, of himself. Saying it seems to give him the strength to go on, and go on he does, over 11 songs that are among his most plainspoken and musically eloquent. The reconstituted bottle-blues that sparked the early '90s acoustic masterpieces Good As I Been to You and World Gone Wrong carries over to Daniel Lanois's carefully dirty production and a groove that tops anything Dylan's done in a studio since, at least, Blood on the Tracks. No matter how lousy he feels, this is the work of a mighty, mighty man. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (159)

Eerie, Haunting, Dark and Searing
When TOOM (Time Out Of Mind) came out it had been seven years since Dylan had done an album of original songs. Was TOOM worth the wait? I'd say so. For me this record harkens all the way back to "Blood on the Tracks" with Dylan delivering searing songs full of hurt, heartbreak and emotion. This album is bittersweat and dark. This album is great. This album stands near the top of a superb body of work.

And yet again, when this record came out it was hearlded as a comeback for Dylan. I swear this man has had more comebacks than Carter's got pills. Mr. Dylan never left. He has always been here, always making music, just sometimes some of his records don't etch their way into your soul the way others do. Some of his records are merely outstanding, some others, like this one, blaze like a firey comet streaking across the desert sky, burning their way into your conscious.

I suppose every five years or so Dylan has to put out a record like this just to remind us all what a real poet is all about.

Jack Priest, Writer from the Darkside

Time Out of Mind~ Bob Dylan
This 1997 release is very good, but no it is not some of his best stuff. His vocals are not as good as they were years past and that is why it gets 4 instead of 5. His lyrics are as good as they have always been, but the vocals are a big question mark. They sound very weak. The sound is nice and laid back and good music to listen to and drink some whiskey after work. The book-let is an insult to good taste and it is quite shoddy as is the front photo. It is out of focus and looks like a 10 year old kid decided to play around with a camera. I like the fact though that one can see who played what on each track. This is a quite good album.

His best ever? Of course not.
This is a very moody, atmospheric album.Superb production job by Daniel Lanois.Excellent work by the backing musicians.And Lanois applies some effects to Dylan's voice that manage to make it listenable for the first time in a long while.(It still ain't pretty but given the subject matter of most of the songs the harsh, mournful vocals are rather quite fitting.)This album is undoubtedly Dylan's best work in a long while; probably since "Infidels" and definitely since "Oh Mercy". But it isn't his best ever - not by a long shot.Given his lacklustre string of albums for about a decade or so prior to this release (i.e "Knocked Out Loaded", "Under the Red Sky", "Down in the Groove", etc.), I think people were so pleased that this one wasn't another stinker that it garnered more praise than it deserves.(Calm down, people - I still think this album is great and smokes 99.99% of all other albums released by any artist in the past 20 years).The lyrics are among the least cryptic in Dylan's career.He's getting old and feeling down about it.That's the whole album pretty much summed up right there.I think he (and Lanois) do a tremendous job of getting that across, but, that's it as far as the "message" goes here.And since aging and regret are what this album is about, it is rather depressing to listen to.(Calm down again: depressing songs can be - and often are - good art.)The highlights are probably "Cold Irons Bound" and "Make You Feel My Love".The latter has one of the most gorgeous melodies that Dylan has ever composed.Beautiful chord progressions.This is without question an essential album for Dylan fans.But, it may be his dreariest ever.("The Times, They Are A-Changin" would be a close contender.) There are at least a dozen other Dylan releases I'd recommend ahead of this, including his next release, "Time Out of Mind". ... Read more

Asin: B000002C2E
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Falling into You
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 March, 1996)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

Canadian thrush Celine Dion is primarily a singles artist, which is a good thing, because the soaring, epic style she brings to nearly all of her material is thrilling in four-minute bursts, but nearly overwhelming at album length. Falling into You is Dion's finest attempt to temper that approach--mixing low-key love songs and dance pop between showstoppers such as "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" and the Up Close and Personal movie theme, "Because You Loved Me." Dion's take on Tina Turner's Phil Spector experiment "River Deep, Mountain High" is game, but there's little doubt which singer hails from the Great White North and which one is from Nutbush, Tennessee.--Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (196)

My first Celine album
..and it got me hooked. No stopping me from there. The song I loved the most was It's all coming back to me now. I had never heard such a beautiful song in my life. It is her longest song, but well worth the 7 minutes to hear. I had decided if that sounded great, I should check out other songs on here. I was not disappointed. Because you loved me is a great song that can apply to at least one person in your life. All by Myself is a bit sad, but it's a great song to hear Celine's vocal abilities. Following All by Myself, is the much more upbeat song, Declaration of Love. One of my other favorites on this album is If that's what it takes (Por que tu maimes encore). It sounds better in French but I still have an appreciation for the English version. I'd recommend this album for Celine's vocal abilities, and some really great songs.

An almost perfect album.
2 B frank, this is the 1st time 4 me 2 write a review, 'cause in my mind, doing reviews equals wasting time. But I have 2 rate 4 this album. Knowing nothing is perfect, I would give, 2 B exact,a 4.5 to this album(acutally this is the highest rank that I could possibly give).This is, in my opinion,the BEST album of Celine.Trust me, this comment is pretty objective,'cause it comes after my purchasing and listening all of her albums(French&English).
When Celine sings, she pours all of her emotions and sentiments in2 songs, and that's the reason Y her works always possess the power 2 touch our hearts, and this album is a good reflection. Her voice is like an angel's, so pure and so touching, sometimes like whiper of a brook,sometimes like eruption of a volcano.Thanks 2 her passion which controls the change and the transition so wonderfully.
Several No. 1s and some classic songs in this album, which make the album better.
OK,in brief, try this 1!Even if U like other genres of music, this disc is worth a try.

Celine Sings to Your Heart
Celine is the finest singer of popular music in the world now.If that's not good enough, then what is?Her singing is flawless not because she hits the right notes everytime like an oepra singer (which she usually does), but because she sings from her heart - and that touches your heart.She brings each song to a higher level.Try singing the song yourself.Hear the difference.For those who can't appreciate her singing, I would suggest going for a formal hearing test (audiometry)by a doctor or audiologist before putting your comments down in print.This is her first big English album - which focussed attention on her 2 prior English albums - and its success in commercial sales just speaks for itself.150 million sales later, this is truly one lady whose songs are truly well worth spending your hard-earned money on. ... Read more

Asin: B000002BHE
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Canada    3. Pop    4. Pop Vocals   

Jagged Little Pill
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 June, 1995)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

Her intensely personal lyrics grabbed the headlines, but the bravest departure here is the way Morissette's unique vocals stand naked in the mix--a technique that drives home the painful honesty of tracks like "Right Through You," "Forgiven," and "All I Really Want."Sheryl Crow or an earthier Tori Amos are fair analogies, but Morissette is a genuine original with a rare ability to make listeners care, think, and question.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (424)

Ironic-ally, great workout music
This is great workout music for body and mind, since I first listened to "You Oughta Know" while doing lat pulldowns at the gym.(PULL) "And would she have your baby" (PULL) "I bet she'd make a really excellent mother".

Alanis is a workout for mind and body, the alternative when there was an alternative.She's still the best, she's still the beat, she's not just a punked-out angry-candy chick.It's why I love Tori Amos, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin, Ani DiFranco and Anny Celsi.

my first ever album...ahhhhhhh
i can't believe that this was the first ever album i ever bought with my own pennies! i bought this when i first came out (like! of course!)and i was still at primary school, ahh!
i loved it, and even now i still take out the battered and broken old album cover and play it and i still love it some more.
alanis taught me from an early age that i can be who i want to be and screw everyone else.
and if i make a few mistakes along the way, hell. every little helps. its just a lesson learned.
when i was a kid, i used to skip past some tracks, but now im a little older and a little wiser, i love the whole album and i can relate to nearly every song on the cd.

I'm not saying that i listen to this album ALL the time, but every now and then, i stick it on and have a listen and it once again reinforces the independant woman in me.

If you haven't got this album, get it.
when your stressed, stick on 'ironic' and smile and say f### it to the world.
it'll cheer you up.
well it does me anyway.

really cool.kinda rock,kinda alternative,kinda pop
i like this.some songs are purely rock-All I really Want,the opening and my favorite on the record,is.some are pop,like the hits.its all good.there are great lyrics.others that stand out besides all i really want-you oughta know,ironic,forgiven.if you like mainstream rock or rockish pop or just great music,you should get this. ... Read more

Asin: B000002MY3
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Canada    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Post-Grunge    7. Rock   

MTV Unplugged
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 November, 1999)
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Editorial Review

This CD won Grammy Awards in 1995 for Album of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance. Recorded live with Tony Bennett's long-standing accompanists Ralph Sharon on piano, Doug Richeson on bass, and Clayton Cameron on drums, the set includes more than 20 songs, many of them standards Bennett has sung for years, such as "Old Devil Moon," "I Wanna Be Around," "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," "All of You," and "Body and Soul." Guest artists k.d. lang and Elvis Costello appear on, respectively, "Moonglow" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me." It's a joyful romp for Frank Sinatra's favorite singer. --Stanley Booth ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Live
• SACD

Reviews (17)

Great Album
This is a delightful album and, honestly, one of my most favorite CDs.A wonderful selection of songs! Bennett was 68 years old when this live performance was recorded in 1994 (part of MTV's "unplugged" series of live performances); yet, his voice was soothing, and delivery stylish as ever.Impressive!!Listen to Bennett's early albums from the 50s and 60s ... then listen to this album and the albums that followed this one, and you'll find that his voice has changed little.While Sinatra's voice had gone raspy with age, Bennett continued to set the standard in traditional jazz with this album, through the 90s, and beyond ... expertly manuevering each turn-of-phrase in these elegant reprises of the many tunes Bennett hasn't recorded in years.

Maybe Bennett's Most Essential Live Recording (3.5 stars)
To win the Album of the Year Grammy for an MTV Unplugged two years after Eric Clapton did with his classic unplugged album, to win the Grammy when acoustic shows were not near that much in vogue -- it must indicate something. And it does. Tony Bennett's comeback in 1990's could not have a better place to solidify.

Second only to Frank Sinatra on the all-time list of standard 'crooners', Bennett (67 at the time) was here singing his signatures and favourites accompanied by efficient Ralph Sharon trio, of which especially the pianist Sharon deserves special attention (listen to "I Love A Piano" or his glorious solo on "Steppin' Out With My Baby").

Bennett's shoes fit best on ballads, like "It Amazes Me", "It Had To Be You" and his signature "I Left My Heart In San Francisco". k.d. lang and Elvis Costello offer guest vocals on two subtle duets. Probably unrehearsed, as a nice misstep with Elvis shows.

Intimacy between Tony and the audience is almost tangible on this record. Tony sings, the audience cheers. Oh, what a night it was. Billie Holiday was right when she predicted a career for the young Italian-American Bennett back in 1950's.

Let's get really unplugged!
Having been to many Bennett concerts, I can attest to the fact that Tony swings in front of a live audience. If there is any one artist that can be credited with keeping jazz on the front page of the American popular songbook, it is Tony Bennett. What other pop artist sells albums accompanied by only a piano? (The Bill Evans recordings.) Here, Tony uses a trio to bring down the house. Yes, there are standards, but they sound fresh and alive. It's clear that both artist and audience are having a great timeand this cd conveys that excitement. On one selection Tony gets "really unplugged"! This Grammy winning cd includes duets and a short drum solo for good measure. This concert was credited with the revial of the Bennett career and one listen will make you part of that. Great support from the Ralph Sharon trio and the appreciative audience inspires Tony's offer "to come back someday and sing all new songs." MTV take him up on that! Until then, I will be listening to this cd. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RE0D
Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Traditional Pop   

The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 November, 1992)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

At the time of its release, this was the watershed for soundtracks, selling a kazillion copies. It documents Whitney Houston's character in the Kevin Costner movie, which required Houston to play only herself (although one hopes she wouldn't end up with someone as smarmy as Costner). The album is as much a testament to the production of Babyface who, through the mid-1990s, actually was the mainstream of contemporary hit music. Houston's singing is much better than her acting, and almost every song enjoyed a long tenure at the top of all the charts. Along with "I Will Always Love You" and five other Houston songs, the soundtrack also features Lisa Stansfield, Kenny G with Aaron Neville, and Joe Cocker with Sass Jordan. --Scott Wilson ... Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (54)

Whitney: Simply INCOMPARABLE
This is "a Whitney CD". No doubt about it. Despite Lisa's, Kenny G's efforts...Whitney reigns supreme in this soundtrack.
There will never be a singer as she is.... for me that's crystal clear.

Simply a Remarkable Soundtrack-Whitney, Soul System, Lisa S
This is simply a Wonderful soundtrack.I still play this CD today,it just simply embraces the movie.The artist that are featured , Kenny G, Lisa Stansfield, Cole & Civilles and the Starof this film Whitneyare Simply The Best,
I Love the following songs, .
1 I Will Always Love You - She (whitney) IS REGAL AND AND EMBRACING.
2. I Have Nothing- Whiteny Vocals Are Simply Supreme
3. I'm Every Woman- (Whitney is in a Class of her own she delivers her soul and depth.She has master the ability to Mega Star Status
4. Run to You- She is once again this song with a supreme excellent
5. Queen of the Night- This song grew on me.It is a departure from Whitney.But, she once again deliver a masterpiece
6. Jesus Loves Me [Version Not in Motion Picture]
7. Even If My Heart Would Break - Kenny G.
8. Someday (I'm Coming Back) - Lisa Stansfield
9. It's Gonna Be a Lovely Day - S.O.U.L. S.Y.S.T.E.M.- I love this song it is uplifting song that just inspires
10. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding - Curtis Stigers= This song is different but it is good part of the soundtrack
11. Waiting for You [Not on US Album] - Kenny G.
12. Trust in Me - Joe Cocker- I had to grow to love this song but it is good part of the sound track and that is it place.
13. Theme from the Bodyguard -GReat Music
Please go out and this sound track especially if you saw the movie if not this is a Classic Piece of Music from some Very Exceptional Artists, writers and Producer.
This soundtrack just raise the bar for Whitney and some of the other artists.AWESOME

ONE OF THE BEST SOUNDTRACKS
This is one of my favorite soundtracks. All of the songs are winners. Of course, the standout songs are from Whitney.To this day Whitney's ballads hit my very soul."I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU","I HAVE NOTHING","RUN TO YOU" I think anyone who believes in a lifelong love can relate to these songs."QUEEN OF THE NIGHT" and a Chaka Khan remake "I'M EVERY WOMAN" are great for the dance floor."TRUST IN ME" is a great rock song from legend Joe Cocker."SOMEDAY" from the other diva Lisa Stansfield is a mild dance number (I also recommend Lisa's entire catalog)."EVEN IF MY HEART WOULD BREAK" with Kenny G and Aaron Neville is an adult contemporary sound of Aaron Neville with Kenny on sax."WHAT'S SO FUNNY.." with Curtis Stigers is a rock dance feel."LOVELY DAY" by Soul System is a typical Clivilles and Cole club dance sound. "THEME FROM THE BODYGUARD" is an instrumental song with a relaxful sound.Buy this soundtrack.My other favorite soundtrack is "WAITING TO EXHALE" which is a diva extravaganza!!: WHITNEY,CHAKA,PATTI,TLC and more. ... Read more

Asin: B000002VMD
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Quiet Storm    4. Soundtracks    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores    6. Urban   

Unplugged
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 August, 1992)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Clapton caught the "unplugged" trend just at the right time, when the public was hungry to hear how well rock stars and their material can hold up when stripped of elaborate production values. Clapton himself seemed baffled by the phenomenon, especially when picking up the armload of Grammys Unplugged earned him, including Record and Song of the Year for "Tears in Heaven," the heart-rending elegy to his young son, Conor. That song and a reworked version of "Layla" got most of the attention, but the rest of the album has fine versions of acoustic blues numbers such as "Malted Milk," "Rollin' & Tumblin', and "Before You Accuse Me" that make it worth investigating further. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (110)

Brilliant in Many ways
Apart from the two most noticeable tracks, LAYLA and TEARS IN HEAVEN, this album is consistently great, those first two tracks are beyond great, and border on phenomenal.
I watched some "jam" sessions that Clapton did with some other stars, all acknowledged masters in Blues, and Clapton was in his class.
Whatever you want to call it, Clapton does it superbly. The criticism of EC alwaysreminds of the anecdote that I think it was Jon Lord made about Ritchie Blackmore... and it was words to the effect that Lord knew that Ritchie had finally lost the plot when he told him that Eric Clapton could not play. Its just sour grapes.
Clapton does something so beautifully, it works well when copied too. I have performed TEARS IN HEAVEN for audiences, and thanks to Claptons basic but beautiful arrangement, the audiences loved it. But the kicker for me was that a classically trained musician in the group I was in one time could not play the tune even WITH the music... and this was a guy with superb classicalskills. Simple is not always the best, but in the hands of some brilliant musicians like Clapton, simple elevates to the level of genius.
A Beautifulalbum.

Another lousy album by Clapton
It's amazing how Eric Clapton's mockery of the blues can sell so many records, but then again nobody ever lost money underestimating the taste of the American public. The saddest thing is that if Eric were a black bluesman, he'd get no airplay and little fame outside of small clubs.

clapton crafted a very special album
this is easily my favorite EC album; I see that many people share my fascination with it.Clapton was very good at crafting great blues songs on acoustic guitar,and I like these songs much better than his electric guitar music (though Cream of Clapton is a strong hits collection).with great songs like "layla" crafted to absolute acoustic perfection, I knew I absolutely had to have this music on cd(I was introduced to it from an old tape my parents had).One song I love learning to play is "layla," it is so good and so improved from the original on here.Other songs like "tears in heaven" and "alberta" are real gems also, and there is not a single weak track on here, which encourages repeat listenings.My respect for Clapton was immeasurable when I first heard this cd.If you don't have it, you need it.no questions. ... Read more

Asin: B000002MFE
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Blues-Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock   

Unforgettable: With Love
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 June, 1991)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Four years after her return to recording after a much-publicized battle with drug addiction, Natalie Cole found herself unexpectedly experiencing a virtual reinvention as a bestselling artist and performer, thanks to a project she had longed to do for many years. Unforgettable with Love was the soulful singer's way of paying tribute to her late, legendary father, Nat "King" Cole, and marked her label debut for Elektra Records. Cole, Elektra, and the album's producers--including then-husband Andre Fischer and Tommy LiPuma--were rewarded with a multiple-Grammy-winning set that sold an astonishing 5 million copies in the U.S. alone. Cole's selections varied from obvious choices like "Mona Lisa," "NatureBoy," "Route 66," and "Straighten Up and Fly Right"--all major hits for her father in the '50s--to more obscure parts of King Cole's repertoire, such as "Avalon" and "Non Dimenticar." The crowning glory was a "duet" with her father, electronically created using his original vocal, which helped expand Cole's audience dramatically and took her career to a new plateau. --David Nathan ... Read more

Reviews (38)

UNFORGETTABLE:THAT'S ALL THERE IS TO SAY
Natalie Cole took one tune "Unforgettable" which her Dad Nat "King" Cole made famous in the 50s and has made it a tribute to him.The lush harmony and backing of her voice against his is the whole reason to get this CD.Of course other songs are not to be taken lightly:"Orange Colored Sky", "Nature Boy", and "Route 66" are given a whole new spice with Natalie'srenditions. She really "gives the song an added kick".You would have to have lived in a cave not to have heard this or part of this CD.It's everywhere you go.But still the songs that surround "Unforgettable" are worth the purchase.When this CD first came out, I loved it.I hope it has staying power.

Just what a peaceful day ordered
I just recently bought this album.I really enjoyed the music, Natalie's voice, and overall ambience of the CD.The songs are classics with Natalie's 'unforgettable' voice.I would be remiss in not stating that the title song 'Unforgettable', sang along withher late father's rendition is worth the cost of the entire CD.Bravo, Ms. Cole, and thankyou for putting out such classy work.

An Elegant Recording
Tribute recordings suffer from a very basic issue: if the artist is indeed worthy of a tribute, why not listen to the original recordings instead?In this particular instance the question is not quite as pressing as it might be; to a certain extent, these songs are Natalie Cole's birthright--words and music learned at the knee, so to speak, of the legendary Nat King Cole.And by and large Natalie Cole does quite well with them.

The flaw in these recordings occurs when Natalie Cole ventures into such jazz inflected titles as "Route 66" and "Straighten Up and Fly Right."Nat King Cole was a jazz singer who could very easily cross over into a pop mode; daughter Natalie, however, is essentially a pop singer pure and simple, and she lacks the hard-to-define vocal edge that is the hallmark of a great jazz singer.This is not to say, however, that Natalie Cole's performance on any of these is bad; simply that, no matter how great her gift, it does not really extend in this direction.

That said, when Natalie Cole is in her true element, she is very, very good indeed, and she is at her best when approaching such pop standards as "The Very Thought of You," "Lush Life," and "Nature Boy."She also offers a truly memorable "Mona Lisa," which proves as powerful in its own way as Nat King Cole's original.And whether the song is pop or jazz inflected, bright or languid, the musical settings here are remarkable throughout, again with "Mona Lisa" a case in point.

Capping the collection, of course, is "Unforgettable," a song that Natalie Cole sings in counterpoint to the voice of Nat King Cole himself.It is an interesting idea and beautifully, seamlessly executed, extremely touching indeed.And so Miss Cole does not, in the end, so much "tribute" as reach out to touch her own past--a very touching tribute indeed.Recommended.

GFT ... Read more

Asin: B000002H8X
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Quiet Storm    4. R&B    5. Urban   

Back on the Block
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 November, 1989)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (12)

This is the best that Q put out!
BACK ON THE BLOCK (1989) is one the best albums that Quincy Jones put out in the late '80s. It shows a new direction in the black culture and black music we're talking 'bout right now.

I think everybody should own this CD even tho it's out-of-print cuz you can go online and get it like spun.com, djangos.com, wherehouse.com, cduniverse.com or gemm.com (where I go where they have all the LPs, cassettes, books, CDs, all of that used and never owned before).

Yeah Quincy put out an album that is so amazing and it still lives from this day forward. This CD has everyone craving about- Jazz, R&B, Funk, Jazz-Rock, Fusion, Rap, Hip-Hop, Soul, Pop, etc.- It's full of a variety of different artists from Barry White (whom I recently loved and lost from last year), Ray Charles (we all know who passed this year but still lives on), Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, James Ingram, Tevin Campbell, Ice-T, Big Daddy Kane, Chaka Kahn, Patti Austin of course, The Seawind Horns feat. Jerry Hey and all of 'em, y'know all of the above you can name.

I love this man to death even tho he puts out real stuff like the artists we listen too right is Alicia Keys, Musiq, Mary J. Blige, Grover Washington, Jr., Miles Davis, George Benson, Usher, Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men (two of my favorite R&B gurus of all-time), OutKast, Nelly, Steely Dan, Barry White, Marvin Gaye, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, Yolonda Adams, Mase, LL Cool J, Common, The Roots, Guru & Gang Starr, etc.

This is a must-have. Also check out Q's Jook Joint too 'cuz it's a classic.

Well-crafted and colorful masterpiece!
Without a doubt one of the most influencial musicians for the past 50 years as of this writing, Quincy Jones is one of the best musicians that on this planet and remains a great influence on music to this day.

His 1989 magnum opus entitled "Back on The Block" is unrivalled by almost everything else. The sheer number of singers and other stars who came aboard for this project is impressive! Starring a huge cast of old-time singers some of whom have sadly since passed away, rappers, and then yet-to-be pop stars this incredible masterpiece is without a doubt a contender for being one of the smartest, most creative, and energetic albums anyone has ever put out.While I don't want to sound too biased with this review but "Back On The Block" is my favorite African-American music album of all time..

The party begins with a marvelous rap interlude entitled "Prologue (20's rap scene/ Quincy's Rap) which is a fun and energetic warm-up track featuring a wonderful rap dialogue that is really a lot of fun and highly joyous to listen. The title begins with a industrial metallic drum intro similar to that of the title track of Janet Jackson's dynamite "Rhythm Nation" and becomes a marvelous and energetic blend of rap, hip-hop with a New Jack Swing Spice. "I Don't Go For That" is similar to the previous and with a stadium-like New Jack Swing anthem with a fun Manhattan nighttime city feel. "I Don't Go For That" is a wonderful New Jack Swing classic with a highly danceable beat, wonderful melody.

"The Verb To Be" is a really humorous interlude with oddly amplified voice effects and really funny lines. The laughing voices merge into the track "We Be Doing' It". For all of the humor of "Verb" it perfect blends into the hip-hop rhythm and the song has a wonderful mix of R&B, blues, and dance all meshed together. If you're looking for great hip-hop music and for a testament for 1988-1991 being the Golden Era of this once-great genre, look no further. "The Place You Find Love" is one of my absolute favorite tracks on this album. It starts with a dramatic echoing Gospel voice and becomes a powerful Gospel anthem for the ages. The vocals by whoever is singing are absolutely incredible and do wonders for this track.

The next two-some track combo "Jazz Corner of the World" and "Birdland" to me are the apex of this album. "Jazz Corner" has a really perky Brazilian percussion and has a really cool hip rap verse. The groove of "Jazz Corner" perfectly merges into my absolute favorite song on this album "Birdland". This is without a doubt the best song Quincy has ever recorded and quite likely a candidate for the best cover-song I've ever listened to. With amazing bass lines and energetic trumpet horns similar from what one would hear from Phil Collins, the beat is just amazing and the song has a really awesome groove unrivalled by few other songs from 1989. "Septembro" is a sultry soulful instrumental jazz song with really unique chord shift and wonderful wordless vocals.

"One Man Woman" is a great and energetic dance song with a strong New Jack Swing style. "Tomorrow" is sheer and utter beauty featuring a barely teenaged then future-superstar Tevin Campbell singing on vocals and childrens choir. The song has a really positive, cheerful, and uplifting vibe to it.

The final track Secret Garden is one of the sexiest soul ballads of all time with a very Quiet Storm mood and featuring guest vocals from the late R&B crooner Barry White (I cried at the news of his passing) the create a beautiful nighttime closer to this illustrious masterpiece of an album.

This album is just about on the border of being utmost perfection. For all of the hard-work put into it's making this is without a doubt one of the greatest achievements in popular, rock, hip-hop, and rap music history. As of writing this review, I am absolutely horrified to see the term "Out of Stock" actually on this product! For such a stunning achievement that took so much work and was such a huge hit, I for one cannot believe that Warner Brothers don't even carry this album in their catalog anymore! What a terrible disgrace to music history, by denying many fans one of the most positive, smartest, most well-crafted albums that has ever been released.

Wherever you go, I highly urge you to hunt for a copy of this album and buy it without hesitation. If not, then you have no idea of the party that you might find yourself missing out on. Quite simply there's no other album like this nor will there ever be.

quincy jones back on the block
I was thrilled to get the cd so quickly and it was in great shape.I would definitely order from this seller again. ... Read more

Asin: B000002LJA
Sales Rank: 3382
Subjects:  1. Crossover Jazz    2. Jazz    3. Mainstream Jazz    4. Pop   

Nick of Time
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $8.99
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Editorial Review

Nick of Time is the watershed moment in Bonnie Raitt's recording career, the sound of a survivor finding new focus and purpose in her art after nearly 20 years of generally superb, commercially underachieving recordings. An exquisite interpretive singer and formidable guitarist who'd long ago honed her bluesy chops, Raitt raised the stakes by mixing the usual gourmet spread of smart cover choices with her own candid songs--and she knocked one over the fence with the opening track, the album's title song and a moving confession of a boomer's anxieties about age, death, and the impermanence of love. "Nick of Time" catapulted a feisty rock tomboy into a new station that made her as admired by female fans as the stage door johnnies who'd long loved her rock technique, and she covered the bet with other outside songs from John Hiatt ("Thing Called Love"), Bonnie Hayes ("Love Letter," "Have a Heart"), and Jerry L. Williams ("Real Man") that resonated with her persona as a tough, smart, but ultimately tender woman. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (23)

The Best of Bonnie Raitt
This isn't a compilation of Greatest Hits, but it could be.Even if all the tracks on this wonderful release were not commercial hits, Bonnie Raitt proves with this one that she can play with the big boys and come out unscathed.

Nothing tops "Have A Heart", a fantastic performance of a great song, which always makes me sigh, no matter how many times I've heard it.There is a longing, a need for love in Raitt's vocals that just grabs you by the throat and makes you listen.

Other stand-outs are the appropriately named title track, "Nick of Time", the more bluesy-raunchy "Real Man" and the melancholic "Nobody's Girl". But there's really not a bad song on this CD.

Grammy win gives Bonnie big breakthrough
Bonnie's recording career with Warner career had ended with some critics thinking that she was finished as a recording artist. They - and Warner - were proved wrong with this, her Capitol debut album, which was more successful than any of her Warner albums. The basic blues-rock style is still there, but this album is a little smoother, so appealing to a wider public. Winning a Grammy award for this album further boosted Bonnie's career.

The album is mainly filled with moody ballads, perhaps reflecting Bonnie's personal life when the album was recorded although Bonnie only wrote two songs - the first track (Nick of time) and the last track (The road's my middle name). The tempo picks up slightly for Thing called love (a John Hiatt song, not to be confused with the completely different Johnny Cash song with a similar title), Real man and The road's my middle name.

Apart from singing, Bonnie plays an instrument on most tracks - one of piano, guitar or slide guitar. Bonnie is supported by a variety of musicians, usually between three and five per track. Two tracks feature just one instrument each, giving them a folksy feel. On Nobody's girl, Bonnie sings while Chuck Domanico plays acoustic bass. On I ain't gonna let you break my heart again, Bonnie sings while Herbie Hancock plays piano.

This is an excellent album, well deserving of all the accolades - but then, a lot of Bonnie's earlier music deserved such accolades and didn't get them.

This is her "Born In The USA".
"Bonnie Raitt" has a couple collections out, but this album alone has many of her big hits. Included is "Nick Of Time", "Thing Called Love", "Real Man", and "Love Letter". Plus the two pretty ballads "Cry On My Shoulder" and "Have A Heart". That's over half the album of great songs, and the others are still good themselves. I think what I really like about her though, besides the fact that she married the caddy from "Caddyshack", is that in one interview she said nothing is better than coming home after a long tour, and having a good lay. Youch! ... Read more

Asin: B000002UU5
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Faith
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

"Well I guess it would be nice, if I could touch your body...." Given George Michael's restroom hi-jinks in early 1998, those words from "Faith" sound pretty funny, but they sounded fresh and exciting blasting out of car radios all over America in 1987. Michael's stunning solo debut (after four years in the lightweight British duo Wham!) sold seven million copies and yielded six Top 10 hits. Some of those were among the decade's best pop, including the hiccuping title track, the heartfelt ballad "Father Figure" and the wicked R&B groove of "I Want Your Sex." Unlike so much 1980s treacle, this disc hold ups surprisingly well--even if Michael hasn't always done so himself. --Michael Ruby ... Read more

Reviews (60)

A brother like no other!
When listening to this CD you come to realize that there is no one to compare this guy to. He is in a league all by himself! All of GM's CD's are as strong today as when they were originally released. I think it's because his heart is in every written line. He sings pages from his life. The voice quality is like no other as well. He is blessed with such a beautiful tone. It is a pleasure to listen to. You simply do not get tired of it. If one listens to what's currently out there that calls itself music, and then listens to a GM CD, it's like night, and day. The songs of Faith are brilliant in composition, and phrasing. "Father Figure" what female wouldn't love to hear these words? "One more Try" I really would like to who the teacher is? "Kissing a Fool" is just beautiful. "Monkey" has the Most hard hitting sound. It pounds you down in a good way. "I Want Your Sex", I really wanted to have a smoke after listening to this. All the songs on this CD are worth the price of admission so to speak. By the way, for those die hard GM fans, he is letting you inside just pay attention.

Out of the Loo
This is pre-bathroom escapades GM at his finest - the first in an endless string of one word album titles, that are sure to bring a tear to the eye and smile to the lips - of nobody!

You've Got To Have Faith!
It's tough breaking away from a cheery pop outfit and becoming a serious solo artist. Will people take you seriously? Will you still dwell on your group? Not in the case of George Michael, who to this day, has made one of the finest breakout debuts. I have to hand it to him, he did a killer job, writing all if not most of the material and singing the hell out of it. The "Choose Life" T-shirts and "Wake Me Up (Before You Go-Go)" seem but only a distant and embrassing moment in George Michael's life. "Faith" brought bigger and better things for him, such as spawning a numerous crop of hits ("Faith", "I Want Your Sex", "Kissin A Fool", "One More Try", "Father Figure", "Hard Day" and "Monkey"). I like the fact that "Faith" isn't your ordinary run-of-the-mill pop album. There are twists and turns in music, such as going from the rockabilly hit "Faith" to the soulful, gospel tinged "Father Figure" (my favorite) then jetting straight into the controversial and oh-so-sexy funk/pop fest of "I Want Your Sex". The ballads even contrast from the soft, suttle and blusey "One More Try" to the jazzy, smoky nightclub-ish "Kissing A Fool". The only very basic pop song featured here is "Hard Day", still it's a grooving piece that will be sure to please. "Faith" also touches on some heavy topics, like the beautiful piano driven, "Hand To Mouth" which hints at the Reagan-era America, another rockabilly/pop tune "Look At Your Hands" focuses on domestic violence as the funky bass-line of "Monkey" tells of a relationship revovling around the use of drugs. Also the second (Brass In Love-funky, funky, funky!) and third (A Last Request-cool and calming and verry seductive) parts of "I Want Your Sex" are featured here which kind of gives an ongoing theme to the album.
Admist the socially concious, soul searching and romantic/heartbreaking cuts and the numerous jumps into pop, funk, soul, jazz and rock, this album remains consistant and a very enjoyable listen. At times it doesn't even feel like it was released in 1987, it sounds fresh and sharp. George Michael has a heavenly voice and he has such immense talent, I'm amazed that he hasn't done anything today that America (I don't know about the Brits) has taken notice. This is a classic, tried and true, and it will be on heavy roatation on my CD player. You have got to have "Faith"!

StarSprinkles05 Top 5
1. Father Figure
2. Kissing A Fool
3. I Want Your Sex (1,2,3)
4. Hard Day
5. Hand To Mouth ... Read more

Asin: B0000026CH
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. England    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock    8. Urban   

The Joshua Tree
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 June, 1990)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Having nearly exhausted their capacity for pop-song politics on War and The Unforgettable Fire, U2 turned toward themes of personal identity and complex relationships on The Joshua Tree. Not that the group was willing to come down off the barricades entirely: "Mothers of the Disappeared" and "Bullet the Blue Sky" turned a jaundiced eye toward Central America and the United States' role there. But the predominant mood here is one of self-discovery and the hunger for something more on tracks like the pulsating "Where the Streets Have No Name" and the gospel-ish "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." The album's masterstroke, however, is "With or Without You," a nasty love song dressed up as an ode of devotion and care. It ranks with the Police's "Every Breath You Take" as the most misread smash hit of the '80s. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (366)

You can't go wrong with this one.
Simply put, this is one of the best rock LP's of all time.It's songs are both brilliant and timeless.Bono hits his peak with lyrics while The Edge really starts to show his diversity.This recording is one of the reasons why U2 is still alive and kicking today.Great works like this only come along once in a while.For even the casual U2 fan this is a no brainer.I like to call this U2's "Revolver".It's where the early U2 sound starts to evolve from the same old thing....and for a real treat check out U2's "Sgt Pepper" "Actung Baby".

U2's second best album!
This is full of sh** and garbage! Why make this kind of bad music? Led Zeppelin is great, this band is just full of sh**! Just like Radiohead!

U2's best work
This band isn't overrated, it isn't boring, and so what if its mainstream. It seemes that having a good rock cd means you have to be extremely alternative or today's standards, have a bunch of screaming wannabe- anarchist. A lot of Rock people don't like this album because like their other albums they sing with meaning, which new music seems to lack.
If you listen to this cd you will know that there are other songs besides the first three tracks (yet the first three are the best). There is Bullet The Blue Sky which is a cool, loud but medium-paced song. It talks about America, but it is kind of hard to tell if they're hazing us, praisin g us, or both. I like the part where Bono starts talking about a guy slapping twenty dollar bills down.
In God's Country is also a very good song.Not as flashy as the first, phenominal tracks, it is worth listening.Also, One Tree Hill is yet another good song. These songs play like poetrybecause Bono's Lyrics writing was at its best here.A reason for U2's success during the 80's was that they were skilled at making such inspirational lyrics.
The Mothers of The Dissapeared is a great ending song with an obvious political message.
[The First Three tracks- Where The Streets Have No Name, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, and With or Without You were not mentioned earlier because Iwant people to know there are more songs]WTSHNN is a wonderful opening track with a symphony backing U2 up. The other two songs are love songs (no, notextremely slow acostic guitar songs).
If you have an open-mind buy this cd. If you like punk rock don't bother. If you like Jimi, maybe, U2 used him playing the star spangled banner in Rattle and Hum. He is also another one of my favorite.If you think U2's quality is that of Britney Spears, then that's just weird. ... Read more

Asin: B000001FS3
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Graceland
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 April, 1997)
list price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

The melding of South African styles and Simon's trademark sensibility made for one of the most intriguing albums--not to mention commercial hits--of the '80s. At once lively, thoughtful, gorgeous, and tough, Graceland acknowledges splits both in South Africa's social fabric and in Simon's personal life (the title track is a clear descendant of the earlier "Hearts and Bones," a song about the singer-songwriter's brief marriage to Carrie Fisher). Humor is hardly absent from the mix, though; witness the addled "I Know What I Know" and the fable-like "You Can Call Me Al." --Rickey Wright ... Read more

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Reviews (149)

always refreshing
Maybe its just nostalgia or something because my dad used to play this a lot when I was growing up (my bros and I were fascinated by the clear cassette tape), but this album is still refreshing and good even though I'm young enough that I can't remember I time I'd not heard this album.
I hope this album finds plenty of fans among my generation as well.

If you buy only one 'Paul Simon' Album.......
Paul Simon has been at the forefront of music, for as long as most of us can remember.with a career dating back as far as the 1950's, and having already established himself with the seminal work, as the 'Simon & Garfunkel' duo.It wouldn't have been unreasonable to think that his solo work, would have paled in comparsion.Yet after a steady stream of steadily more accomplished solo albums, it wasn't until this his 9th studio album (Released in 1986), that he hit his creative peak, with his "Graceland" album.An album that so beautifully (and some would argue 'Seamless'), fuses: Singer/Songwriter, Worldbeat, Contemporary Pop/Rock, African hymnal songs, and presented in such a largely accessible way, that it became one of the first 'World' music (or certainly 'World influenced albums), that was a huge hit in the west.

It's not hard to see why this album was so easily accepted by the western music buying public.With an elite cast of musicians that would eclipse most festivals, these were either musicians that were already huge on the musical circuit, or due to become big after having a hand in this recording...so people such as:Linda Ronstadt (Vocals), Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Vocals), Youssou N'Dour (Percussion), Los Lobos' - Cesar Rosas (Vocals, Guitar), all contributed to the construction of this album, and their performances are beautifully captured (especially Ladysmith Black Mambazo, backing vocals, on some tracks) and remains a remarkably powerful album.Possibly because the album covers so many bases.(Possibly in an effort to appeal to as wide an audience as possible).And so it proved to be as eclectic a record as Paul Simon ever recorded.So you have the sublime Adult-orientated rock ("The Boy in the Bubble"), Poetic, articulate singer/songwriter tracks, for those seeking something a little more substantial ("Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes").The glorious and irresistible catchy pop, of the hit single ("You Can Call Me Al"), torch-bearing hymnal African harmonies, ushering in broadly accessible world music ("Homeless").

What is hugely impressive here, is the fact that each track is truly deserving of inclusion on this marvellous release, nothing on this album feels like it was included to fill out the album, and it's shift through various moods of being Exuberant, Poignant, Reflective, organic, and spiritual & Consistent remain unquestionably impressive.In fact it was such a perfectly realised album, that when taken as an album whole, it all comes together to combine into making this one of the greatest albums released in the 80's.For those that aren't huge fans of Paul Simon, but do appreciate his work, I (very) strongly urge you to pick this album up even if you only have a passing interest in his music.This album not only helped open up the floodgates to Western ears appreciating (accepting??) World Music, but also remains his creative high point (both musically & Artistically)....you'll be surprised at just how well this album, has stood the test of time, with it still sounding as vital as it did back then (obviously, not as political important, as this was released around the Apartheid days), but few could argue it's cross cultural musical experiments, and become the album for which other culturally fused music was judged against.

This is the greatest album of all time
There is nothing else to say; Graceland is not only Paul Simon's greatest cd, but I believe is the # 1 greatest album of all time. I think it should be before Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band and Pet Sounds. Graceland is absolutely amazing, with the integration of African rhythms, and Paul Simon's amazing songwriting- I only wish he would go back to Africa to make some more songs ... Read more

Asin: B000002NBY
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Singer/Songwriter    6. Soft Rock    7. United States of America    8. Worldbeat   

No Jacket Required
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

By the time he released his third solo album, Phil Collins had become a near-ubiquitous presence on the radio, thanks to his increasingly mainstream work with Genesis, his own chart hits, and his indelible production stamp on other artists' albums. No Jacket Required did nothing to stem the tide of all-Phil-all-the-time playlists--which is fine, considering that overall, it's likely his best solo effort, ranging from the engaging rockers "I Don't Wanna Know," "Don't Lose My Number," and the silly Prince rewrite "Sussudio" to heartfelt ballads such as "One More Night" and "Long Long Way to Go," which features a vocal cameo by the (at the time) equally omnipresent Sting. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (39)

ASTONISHING
This album could very well be ranked one of the finest of the 1980s, if not of all time, right along THRILLER, CAN'T SLOW DOWN, SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE, etc. Every track on this album is so fresh and vibrant, just as they were back in 1985. Purchasing Collins' greatest hits compilation is essential enough to enjoy all of his greatest songs, but a purchase of NO JACKET REQUIRED is essential enough to enjoy an example of a wonderfully crafted, classic album with nothing but excellent tracks.

ahh yes one of the 3 great masters of the 80s
i agree with the reviewer "fart292" in that phil collins was indeed one of the 3 great masters of the 80s.along with grandma and jean michel jarre.in the 80s it was 80s mania that was the order of the day. houston was the headquarters of the 80s. in the 80s it was always night, and if youlived at night then you were in.grandmas house was the HEAD headquarters of that grand decade of the 1980s. in june of 1986, jean michel jarre took over the city of houston to make his music known as the powerhouse that it was. I have been born and raised in houston, and i am still living here.I WAS THERE in 1986 when he took downtown houston. I WAS THERE when ralph sampson (of the houston rockets) and jerry sichsting (of the boston celtics) got into a melee and fisticuffs and police were brought onto the floor at the championship game in the summit. I WAS THERE IN THE 80S. phil collins. grandma. jean michel jarre. michelob commercials with the song i move better in the night. HOUSTON. this cd will definetly bring you back to the great and wonderous decade with this smooth and efficient man and the night.i would take pleasure in SMELLING PHIL COLLINS VERY PRECISE BREATH. especially in the morning. in conclusion, this is a perfect cd and you will definetly enjoy it more than anything in the world. INCLUDING smelling his breath.

a mix of pure fun & deep emotions--a masterpiece
The level of quality that Phil Collins maintained in his solo work & Genesis work is nothing short of astonishing, & this 3rd solo album of his, released within the first few months of 1985, is a one in a long string of masterpieces.It's actually a somewhat unusual album for him in that he embraced synthesized club dance music quite strongly here (largely influenced by Prince), something that he did not do at all on his next couple albums unless you count "Hang In Long Enough" from "But Seriously".Of course that led many to cry "sellout", & although songs such as "Only You Know And I Know" do sound joltingly different than anything on "Face Value" & "Hello, I Must Be Going", it's not a sellout--it's simply Phil trying a different style & doing so with infectious tunes.Although it's easy, & certainly not without truth, to say that the album strongly recalls its era, the entire album is so well-written & well-made that it's simply great, timeless music--there's no reason at all to feel guilty about liking it.Even here, Phil's unique, homegrown, "make-it-up-as-you-go-along" approach to music making is abundantly in evidence--he's not pandering to anything, he's being true to himself & making great music in the process."Who Said I Would", "Only You Know And I Know", the just plain fun "Sussudio", & the darkly-shaded, catchy-beyond-all-belief story-song "Don't Lose My Number" are propulsive dance tracks, & Phil additionally rocks out on the riffy "I Don't Wanna Know" (a song about once-and-for-all ridding oneself of an unworthy lover), "Inside Out" (a song about, of all things, not succumbing to negative outside influences & featuring a piano sound that recalls his previous 2 albums), & the dynamic, mellow-versed "Doesn't Anybody Stay Together Anymore", all of which are dominated by Phil's real drums, opposed to machines.It's not true at all that there are no real drums on the album--actually, the tracks tend to feature "fake" drums masterfully supplemented by real drums.In addition to all of these highpoints, there's the starkly-arranged, haunting ballad "Long Long Way To Go", & the gorgeous, sighing "One More Night" with its pensive sax solo on the fade by the late Don Myrick.Then, there's the song that closed the album in its original vinyl release, "Take Me Home", a soaring, bittersweet epic song of acceptance & "going home" again, with a powerful, gradual buildup--it's one of the most deeply moving & emotionally satisfying songs ever recorded (it features Peter Gabriel on background vocals).The CD however features an additional track, "We Said Hello Goodbye", which, with its piano + orchestra intro following the anthemic fade of "Take Me Home", & lyrics saying "home is in your heart", ends up working magnificently as a coda to the album, plus it's a great song in its own right.Phil Collins, once again, is simply captured in all around peak form on this album--great vocals, songwriting, production (he co-produced the album with Hugh Padgham), & certainly don't count out the contributions of the legendary Lee Sklar on bass, or Phil's long-time cohort Daryl Stuermer, who co-wrote 3 tracks & contributed excellent, fluid guitar work throughout..."No Jacket Required" is an essential, awe-inspiring masterpiece. ... Read more

Asin: B000002IHQ
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Soft Rock