Universal

1. Joy & Pain

2. Toy

3. Memory Cloud

4. Rockets

5. Can't Forget You

6. Tenderly

7. Declaration

8. Raining in My Heart

9. Forever

10. Overcome

11. Virtual Affair

12. Raining in My Heart [Remix][*]

Universal,Moa,Tommy Boy,Electronic,Pop,Popular Music,Rock

---

Average customer rating: Great CD Refreshing and consistently good Totally Wonderful! Perfect Summertime Music! I LOVE IT!!!

Coco Colbie Caillat Manufacturer: Universal Republic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Little Voice One Cell In the Sea Who We Are The Story Wild Hope ASIN: B000R7I30A Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. Oxygen
2. The Little Things
3. One Fine Wire
4. Bubbly
5. Feelings Show
6. Midnight Bottle
7. Realize
8. Battle
9. Tailor Made
10. Magic
11. Tied Down
12. Capri

Album Description

Singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat is one of the most celebrated artists to emerge from the growing talent pool of digitally-savvy self-launched artists, whose rise to prominence as the #1 unsigned artist on the popular myspace site has been largely due to her refreshing sense of understatement.

With no marketing push and only the power of the music behind her, Caillat became a sensation on the social networking site. Rolling Stone highlighted her as one of the top female artists on myspace. Ultimately, her number of friends swelled to more than 100,000. Her profile has been visited over 3 million times, and she has more than l0 million plays. She's currently averaging 50,000 + a day.

The songs on Caillat's debut album COCO mirror the Malibu-born Caillat's low-key, refreshing style. Armed with her acoustic guitar and her dusky vocals, she evokes the same gentle, yet spirited style of her musical influences John Mayer, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill and The Weepies. The laid-back tempo of Hawaii, where she spent twice annual family vacations, is echoed in the music.

"She's the real thing," stated Monte Lipman, President of Universal Republic Records. "From her unique songwriting skills to her powerful but understated presence, Colbie has connected to millions of music lovers simply through the power of her music.

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2007-07-28

I saw Colbie in concert and immediately bought this CD. She has a fantastic voice and the CD was as good as I had hoped.

Refreshing and consistently good.......2007-07-28

I listened to the free single of the week, Bubbly I received through iTunes and liked it. Went and listened to samples of the other songs on the album and immediately knew I had to have the entire album.

Saw reviews that called her the female Jack Johnson. I find I like Coco better than any Johnson album I've heard. While he as a few strong hits, he has a lot of songs I find myself bored with and forwarding through. I don't have the desire to forward through any of the songs on Coco. Consistenly good and very listenable. Give this one a try.

Totally Wonderful!.......2007-07-26

I've just got to say that Colbie Caillat is amazing! I love her voice, the lyrics in her songs, and the music itself. I got started with her on MySpace and absolutely fell in love with "Bubbly." When I got the album I realized that she has many amazing songs. I have recommended this album to MANY of my friends and no one has been dissatisfied yet! Buy this album it's totally worth the price, in fact it's under-priced as far as I'm concerned. Wonderful, I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!

Perfect Summertime Music!.......2007-07-26

I admit that I never heard of Colbie Caillat until yesterday, when I noticed that her debut album had entered Billboard's Top 200 chart at Number 5. Then I decided to check out this new singer-songwriter from California. I am pleased to report that I came away from the experience suitably impressed! Colbie's music has a laid-back, almost tropical feel that actually sounds a bit Hawaiian at times. Perhaps the reviewer at the allmusic.com web site put it best: "a lighter, brighter spin on Norah Jones that sounds like an ideal soundtrack to a few hours in a cozy coffeehouse..."" And I would expect that we will hearing "Coco" at Starbucks locations around the world in very short order!

I LOVE IT!!!.......2007-07-26

This is a wonderful cd. The music is so refreshing and calming and her voice is so angelical. So far, this is my favorite cd of the year! It is a must have.

Average customer rating: 6 Stars without a doubt GET THIS NOW!!!!!! Its a Masterpiece Buy it. It's just common sense... Forever's Been Found. WOW....Hip Hop Is Back!

Finding Forever Common Manufacturer: Universal Music Group ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Graduation Desire T.I. vs T.I.P. Ear Drum From Nothin' to Somethin' ASIN: B000RN86BK Release Date: 2007-07-31

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Start the Show
3. People
4. Drivin' Me Wild - Lily Allen, , Common
5. I Want You
6. Southside - Common, Kanye West,
7. Game
8. U, Black Maybe
9. So Far to Go - Common,
10. Break My Heart
11. Misunderstood
12. Forever Begins

Amazon.com

It's no small feat to follow an instant classic like Common's Be (2005) but he skillfully builds on that success with a worthy sequel. The two albums share much in common, especially with Finding Forever's focus and brevity (under 50 minutes) and especially with Kanye West's musical direction. The two Chicago natives have forged a strong chemistry together, especially on songs like "Start the Show" and "Southside" where both men appear, but just as a producer, West makes his presence felt on everything from the catchy piano tinkles of "Driving Me Wild" (featuring British chanteuse Lily Allen) to the brass-knuckled "The Game" (featuring DJ Premier). As has become his trademark, Common balances heartfelt earnestness ("Black Maybe") with clever charm ("Break My Heart") though he has one too many love songs ("I Want You"). Whether Finding Forever surpasses Be is a matter of individual, song-for-song taste: At worst, it's on par--a laudable accomplishment for a veteran now 15 years into his career. --Oliver Wang

Album Description

Multi-faceted Hip-Hop superstar Common is prepping his highly anticipated seventh album, Finding Forever, for a July 31st release on G.O.O.D Music/Geffen Records. The album is the follow up to the four times Grammy nominated, critically heralded and Kanye West produced Be, which spawned hits including The Corner, Go, and Testify. Finding Forever, finds Kanye again taking the bulk of production work with help from Will.I.Am on the sultry I Want You, the late great J. Dilla on So Far To Go, featuring a surprise guest appearance by D'Angelo and G.O.O.D Music producer Devo Springsteen on Misunderstood. On Finding Forever, Common, rips the mic like a hungry newcomer. The street single The Game produced by Kanye with scratches by the legendary DJ Premier is a horn drenched, vintage NY rap boom-bap banger from the Chi-town emcee, no less. The resounding lead single The People finds Common lyrically asserting why and who he creates his music for over regal strings, delectable keys and hard to get vocals by Gil Scott Heron. This is the explicit version.

Customer Reviews:

6 Stars without a doubt.......2007-08-01

I have been waiting for this album for months now. In anticipation i have been playing BE which is also a 6 star album. I waited outside of circuit city yesterday morning for about 30 minutes before it opened to grab a copy. I put it on and... ::speechless:: This album sets the bar for every album that comes out this year and forever more. You would think he wouldnt be able to out do what he accomplished on BE and he does that and way more. With hypnotic melodies created by Kanye and Will.I.Am on I Want You this album is without a doubt a classic. It's only 12 tracks but it flows so perfectly that you wouldn't want another song and have to resort to putting it on repeat multiple times. The only album I believe can come close to this is quality and pure raw inspiration and talent are Talib Kweli's Ear Drum and Kanye's Graduation. However, what Common has done here is solidified himself as one of the top 5 Best MC's all time with his dogged longevitivy and perserverance to contine to put out true HIP HOP and most of high grade natural unadulterated MUSIC buy this today

GET THIS NOW!!!!!! Its a Masterpiece.......2007-08-01

Its right up there with BE and Resurrection! 5 mics/star album. Full of classic material! Too much...where do I begin lol? Just get this

Buy it. It's just common sense..........2007-08-01

You read reviews to find out what other people think about a album that you're undecided about. So here goes:

I'm a 32 year old husband and father of two, and I was born and raised in the Bronx. Self-explanatory, I was born with hip-hop. Though I still breathe hip-hop, lyrically and content wise, it doesn't resonate personally unless you're hustling in the trap or you're a pimp. I'm neither. FINDING FOREVER is as intelligent an album you're going to hear this year.

It's the ultimate rap album. Insane beats, with real world statements.(No shoulder leaning, two stepping or shuckin' and jivin')

It's the reason you loved A Tribe Called Quest or Public Enemy.

If you love hip-hop, buy it.

If you love neo-soul, buy it.

If you love beats to bang in your car, buy it.

It's the best rap album you will hear this year, I promise you. If you think I'm wrong. Post a response and tell me so.

How a man 15 years in the game does an album like this is incredible. Common's musical and lyrical maturity should embarrass cats like Jay-Z and LL Cool J, who know better, and put out subpar material anyway.

I wish I could give this album 8 stars.

Forever's Been Found........2007-08-01

I won't front, and say I'm Common's biggest fan. I loved Resurrection, but my knowledge of early Common Sense's material doesn't really exceed that album beyond some feuding with Ice Cube. My attention was only brought back to Common as a solo artist thanks to his signing to Kanye's GOOD Music label, and his 2005 album, Be. Be was certainly one of the best albums of 2005, and while it helped put Common over as one of the tightest lyricists still relevant in hip-hop, it didn't push the envelope far enough to make him a champion. His newest release, Finding Forever, manages to do this.

Kanye's production on this album is quite outstanding. It really stands as a certification of Kanye's diversity as a producer; not only can he rock his signature trademark soul, or the 80s synth he's been practicing with lately, he can also make some gritty beats for the streets. While Common may not be the ideal 'street rapper,' these beats have enough grime to make even the hardest hip-hop head feel his latest effort. Kanye sound he searching for J Dilla's soul in these beats, and he manages to find the same unpolished, yet finished sound Dilla was known for; even if some of his work on this album is more akin to a RZA or Metal Fingers DOOM than it is Jay-Dee.

Common's rhymes don't differ much from what we've gotten used to from the 'Gap-Era' Common since Like Water For Chocolate came out. That's not a bad thing, per-se, but if you want something other than Common's "for the people" and "I make real hip-hop" approach, Finding Forever may not be your cup of tear lyrically. Sometimes Common's rhymes, while enlightened, can seem overly boastful; not boastful like most emcees brag about their cars and jewels, but Common often brags in a way that defaces, and alienates anyone that isn't in his core fanbase. While he never gets quite as arrogant as some other hip-hop purists' favorites, it can be increasingly annoying to someone who hasn't been riding with Common since Sense, if that makes any sense.

What really matters here is the quality of the music overall, and its quite high here. While the boom-bap focused production on the album may put some folks off for its old-school qualities, the music still manages to feel up to date, no doubt due to Kanye's production-wizardry and Common's eloquent lyricism. Once you get past the intro, it's hard to argue with any of the album's first six actual songs. Start The Show is one of the album's dopest cuts, featuring a raw beat from Kanye, and well as 'Ye chanting on the hook. The People features a sample that sounds like something MF DOOM would flip, but is still considerably dope in the hands of 'Ye. Drivin' Me Wild featuring Lily Allen is a nice collabo between the progressive rapper and the charming British singer, and both artists bring everything to this infectious Kanye-laced track. The will.i.am produced I Want You is dope, featuring some of will's old-school production, fitting for this release. Southside with Kanye is a dope duet, and hard to argue with when it comes to some of the best collaborations this year. The Game is one of the best tracks on the album, featuring scratches from the legendary Primo and production from the Common-proclaimed 'new Primo.'

U, Black Maybe is where the album starts to lose a bit of its edge. After such a hard hitting track, this Bilal assisted track presents a dramatic switch in presentation that messes with consistency a bit. Bilal does his job effectively enough, but doesn't bring a lot on the chorus; Common does his job, but the subject matter is rather cliche for Common. So Far To Go was already featured on J Dilla's Shining, which brings its presence here down. While it features new verses, it would've been better to feature an underhead Dilla beat on this album instead of a song most Common fans've already heard. While it's still one of the best songs on the album, it just doesn't hit hard like it should. Break My Heart is nice, but again, I'm seeing less of a Dilla influence, and more DOOM. Maybe Kanye accidentally put on Special Herbs Vol 1 instead of Donuts? It's not that he ends up emulating a completely different producer than the one he's trying to mimic is a bad thing, it's just odd how the results are so different than what you may expect. Misunderstood picks up the pacing incredibly, featuring a beautiful Nina Simone sample, and is one of the best tracks on the album. Forever Begins is a nice closer, as is the UK bonus track, Play Your Cards right.

Overall, while not creating quite the impact throughout that we could've hoped for, Common's Finding Forever is flowing with gems throughout the release. It maybe flawed, and slightly inconsistent towards the end, but Finding Forever is definitely worth the price of admission.

WOW....Hip Hop Is Back!.......2007-08-01

To be honest I havent heard anything worth buying sense Little Brother's LP and Sean Price's Jesus Price. But mainstream rap....NO!!!! With that said there are alot of albums on store racks that get looked over and this will be one of them (sad to say but true). This is an album worth buying twice! After buying every Common album and enjoying all of them....i knew it would be a classic, and Common only proves me right! This is Hip Hop at its best with crazy Kayne beats, and lyrics to make one think about certain things. If you are a fan of rap BUY THIS!!!TWICE!

Average customer rating: Curses, Foiled Again Awesome CD! Once Upon a Theme AMAZING CD... Now I'm getting all their CD's More than satisfied

Foiled Blue October Manufacturer: Universal/Motown Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: History for Sale Consent to Treatment Extreme Behavior Eyes Open How To Save A Life ASIN: B000E97HBC Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

1. You Make Me Smile
2. She's My Ride Home
3. Into The Ocean
4. What If We Could
5. Hate Me
6. Let It Go
7. Congratulations
8. Overweight
9. X-Amount Of Words
10. Drilled A Wire Through My Check
11. Sound Of Pulling Heaven Down
12. Everlasting Friend
13. 18th Floor Balcony

Amazon.com

Texas quintet Blue October has bounced from Houston-based indie darlings to the majors and back twice since their '98 bow. Yet there's little sense they've compromised much of their eclectic, creatively restless ethos in the bargain on this, their fourth studio album (and second major label stint). In the hands of less ambitious musicians, the personally harrowing, perfectly crafted "Hate Me" would have become template for the entire collection; here it's but the most commercially focused of band leader Justin Furstenfeld's eclectic musical obsessions. His taste for early '80s UK New Wave evinces itself in a fondness for lyrical shadows and fleeting sonic echoes of Richard Butler's P-Furs and Peter Gabriel. But it's in the collection's quieter, more reflective songs ("Let It Go" and "Congratulations" turn on Ryan Delahousaye's signature violin phrases; "X Amount of Words" effortlessly morphs through several intriguing techno conceits; "18th Floor Balcony" bristles with an almost neo-classical elegance) where Blue October sets itself a cut above its post-grunge contenders. -- Jerry McCulley

Album Description

The Texan rockers build on their guitar and violin-driven sound, setting their pained-yet-hopeful lyrics to moody-yet-catchy tunes with touches of electronica and piano-laced balladry. Includes the hits "Hate Me" and "Into the Ocean," plus "Drilled a Wire Through My Cheek," "Congratulations" (with Imogen Heap), and more.

Customer Reviews:

Curses, Foiled Again.......2007-06-16

Linda Ruelas, the weekend receptionist at the office where I work, was listening to this song. I had heard it on the radio, and wondered who sang it. She has a boyfriend stationed in Iraq, and she found out his MySpace password, and read email he wrote to his buddy that said something like, "you know how I roll," which seems to imply that he was not trying to maintain the monogomous lifestyle while stationed in Iraq. Or some such drama that made this song resonate with her.







And it goes something like this:







"I have to block out thoughts of you, so i don't lose my head



They crawl in like a cockroach leaving babies in my bed



Dropping little reels of tape to remind me that I'm alone



Playing movies in my head that make a porno feel like home



There's a burning in my pride, a nervous bleeding in my brain



An ounce of peace is all I want for you, Will you never call again?



And will you never say that you love me just to put it in my face



And will you never try to reach me, it is I that wanted space"







And then that catchy catchy chorus:







"Hate me today



Hate me tomorrow



Hate me for all the things I didn't do for you



Hate me in ways, yeah ways hard to swallow



Hate me so you can finally see whats good for you"







Anyway, Blue October is from Texas, but you wouldn't know it from their sound. The only thing like Texas about them is that they have a very big sound. It is more alternative rock than anything, but I guess it is not all blues, or country, or Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.

Awesome CD! .......2007-06-10

I was totally blown away by this CD. I had just bought it for Hate Me and Into the Ocean, only to find out that the other songs are even better. The CD plays as a story of Justin (the lead singer). If you listen to the lyrics you will be amazed at his talent and his life struggles. Oh, and it rocks too! Number 4, 7 and 10 are the best.

Once Upon a Theme.......2007-06-08

A better title for this CD would have been a "Fine Madness", except it's already been taken. The airplay of Hate Me and Into the Ocean do not do justice to Foiled. It's an album meant to be played in one sitting, front to rear, as in FM radio's heyday.

Foiled is a finely crafted work:the haunting violin on 18th Floor Balcony, the hypnotic guitar work and vocals on She's My Ride Home, the three part vocal on Into the Ocean and it goes on. There is a theme running through the album that belies the eclectic label. Although the hard edge of Drill it, Hate Me and What if We Could are miles from Congratulations' pop chorus and Overweight's unique structure, each song develops the theme of love and madness, cause and effect, bringing the listner to the edge: sometimes granting friendship, sometimes decrying its loss, but redeeming love at the end (the point in 18th Floor Balcony being the last track).

Wonderfully done.

AMAZING CD... Now I'm getting all their CD's.......2007-06-02

All I can say is WOW! The variety of the songs just blows me away... there seems to be a song I can listen to no matter what mood I'm in! The music is not cliche and very unique... they have their own sound and are not generic in any way. LOVE IT! I just ordered their other CD's b/c this one is so great! I'm definitely a big fan now.

More than satisfied.......2007-05-31

I Love this CD. I took a chance buying it only knowing one song. But it totally paid off because i listen to it constantly and am loving every minute of it.

Average customer rating: Perfection brilliant

Frank Amy Winehouse Manufacturer: Universal Republic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Back to Black You Know I'm No Good Alright, Still Back to Black Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000PKG7I4 Release Date: 2007-11-13

From Amazon.co.uk

With her debut album Frank, Amy Winehouse proves to be one of the most original, honest, and brave singer/songwriters to emerge in recent years. Over the course of the 13 songs, she manages to do everything required of a classic album. This is a stark piece of work, comprising husky, frequently sexually charged vocals, painfully honest lyrics and soft trumpets, laidback beats, and sparse guitar work. It seems that soulful jazz doesn't always have to be bland--it can also be playful, twisted, and arrogant ("Amy Amy Amy"). "F*** Me Pumps" charts a seemingly guilt-free act of infidelity: "What do you expect when you leave me here alone?" she asks coyly, as if by way of justifiable explanation. "You wouldn't want me to be lonely," she adds. You can't help warming to her, despite what she's saying. A unique sense of humour (how rare in music now) and a no-bull attitude make for an interesting, compelling debut. Frank? Yes, but refreshingly so. You wouldn't want her for a girlfriend, but as a life companion she may yet prove indispensable. --Cortman Virtue

Customer Reviews:

Perfection.......2007-07-06

I stumbled upon Amy Winehouse through a music profile on a friend's myspace page. The song was "Back To Black" from the same-titled recent release.

I was completely blown away by the sound. Her voice is like silk over the tripped up beats and rehash of the 1960's.

I looked deeper into her book of work and picked up "Frank". While "Back to Black" is a flawless piece of work... "Frank" is simply perfection. It's much simplier but in it's simplicity lies it's beauty. She allows the beats to remain scarce so that her voice is the anchor to each song.

This album is definitely worth hunting for.

brilliant.......2007-07-04

If you think Back to Black is brilliant, wait until you hear Frank! Soul and Jazz stylings meet together here and the end result is magnificent. Do what you have to to bring this into your listening space...buy Frank from ebay, UK, etc. I'm surprised Amazon isn't offering it, and erroneously has it's release date as 1969.

Average customer rating: Another side of John Mellencamp Best CD I've purchased in a very long time Love the songs Mellencamp Is Back!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mellencamp's Return to Greatness!

Freedom's Road John Mellencamp Manufacturer: Universal Republic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Similar Items: West Not Too Late 10 Days Out (Blues from the Backroads)/ (CD/DVD) Words & Music: John Mellencamp's Greatest Hits Van Morrison At The Movies: Soundtrack Hits ASIN: B000KGGZXA Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

1. Someday
2. Ghost Towns Along The Highway
3. The Americans
4. Forgiveness
5. Freedom's Road
6. Jim Crow
7. Our Country
8. Rural Route
9. My Aeroplane
10. Heaven Is A Lonely Place

Amazon.com

The heartland rocker's first album of all-new material in more than five years finds John Mellencamp in full anthem mode. This is his State of the Union address, with guitars that chime like the Byrds heralding sentiments that recall the socially-conscious 1960s, yet sound all the more pertinent today. Balancing the desolate landscape of "Ghost Towns Along the Highway," the hell-on-earth of "Rural Route," and the tolls demanded on the title track's "Freedom's Road" are the embrace of brotherhood on "Someday," the Everyman populism of "The Americans," and the soaring transcendence of "My Aeroplane." Within the context of the album's song cycle, the "Our Country" centerpiece sounds richer and more powerful than it has as a truck commercial--like a roots-rocking sequel to Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land." Mellencamp enlists Joan Baez for a duet on the protest ballad "Jim Crow," while saving his most blistering political commentary for the unlisted bonus track, "Rodeo Clown." --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

Another side of John Mellencamp.......2007-07-27

I enjoy this new side of John Mellencamp. Even though he sold "Freedom's road" for a car commercial. We all have to live.

Best CD I've purchased in a very long time.......2007-07-23

I originally purchased this CD for the song heard in commercials, "This Is Our Country". What I found were several heart & conscience wrenching songs that I cannot get out of my head. I highly recommend this, but I would buy 2. You might wear the first one out!

Love the songs.......2007-07-18

This is my first Mellencamp CD and I love the songs on the CD. I didn't give it 5 stars because there is a technical problem with this batch of CDs. The last song (maybe it's really 2 songs) has a 2 minute gap about 4 1/2 minutes into the song. I got it replaced, but the replacement had the same problem.

Mellencamp Is Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-07-17

Yes he is back to his good ole days of his Scarecrow,Lonesome Jubilee and Big Daddy days. A MUST for all his fans

Mellencamp's Return to Greatness!.......2007-07-03

Finally returning to the music that made him great, John Mellencamp nails it with this CD. Although not a Scarecrow or Jubilee, this is a solid CD which definitely harkens back to these other works. We've definitely missed him and his music. Although fans will always buy whatever he puts out, it was clear that he was trying new musical paths that didn't completely work for him until he woke up with this effort! Thanks John! You didn't forget your roots after all.

Average customer rating: Umbrella remix CD by Rihanna ANOTHER HIT!!! Keep it UP!!! THE CITY OF SAC THANKS YOU....... Rained Out

Umbrella Rihanna , and Jay-Z Manufacturer: Universal/Def Jam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Dance Hall | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music CD Singles | R&B | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music R&B | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Good Girl Gone Bad Say It Right U & Ur Hand Last Night B'day ASIN: B000PMGPV6 Release Date: 2007-06-04

Tracks:

1. Radio Edit
2. Seamus Haji & Paul Emanuel Radio Edit
3. Lindbergh Palace Remix
4. Video

Album Description

2007 enhanced CD pressing of the first single pulled from her third album Good Girl Gone Bad. 'Umbrella' features Jay-Z and is another summer anthem in the vein of previous smashes 'Pon De Replay' and 'S.O.S,'. Features four versions of 'Umbrella': Radio Edit, Seamus Haji & Paul Emanuel Radio Edit, The Lindbergh Palace Remix and Enhanced Video. Mercury.

Album Details

After Selling Almost Half a Million Copies of "a Girl Like Me", the 19 Year Old Beauty from Barbados Returns with her Third Album "Good Girl Gone Bad". The Single "Umbrella", featuring Jay Z, is Lifted from the Set and is Presented Here with Mixes by Seamus Haji and Paul Emanuel and Lindbergh as Well as the Enhanced Promotional Video.

Customer Reviews:

Umbrella remix CD by Rihanna.......2007-07-14

The two remixes on this CD are awesome. The original version of Umbrella is not so hot, but the the remixes make it a totally different song.

ANOTHER HIT!!! Keep it UP!!!.......2007-06-11

Rihanna came with another summer anthem. 'umbrella' a great track over all... there are not many artist that have more than one hit.... rihanna can say that. she has had a hit for the past 3 summers and has no sign in slowin down.

Jay-Z did not take over the track like he alwayz tries to do... then rihanna comes with the hotness.. her voice may not b the strongest voice in music but she does kno how to use it and does songs that suit her...

the chorus is timeless "U can stand under my umbrella ella ella ey ey ey"... its the way she is singing it that makes it stick in your head.

the 'umbrella' video is so breathe takin... the silver body paint sold me....

'pon de replay", "SOS', 'unfaitful', now "umbrella".... keep the hits comin... ill b listenin

THE CITY OF SAC THANKS YOU..............2007-06-06

This work is genius..... from Bach to Tupac. I love this Song. A True Classic. JAY-Z you know what sounds right!!!!! and that is why you Earn the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Bling Right??
Thank you BOTH FOR This wonderful Addison to the Sound of Club-Classic Music.

DJ SANDMAN WjT. Sac, Yolo, CA...........
Small Town USA. Real To life People.....

Rained Out.......2007-06-03

There are times where a good artist can make a song that can be a dissapointment, and there are those artists who've made dissapointing songs altogether. Rihanna has been unfortunately one of them. Her latest single, Umbrella from her upcoming record A Good Girl Gone Bad tries to place her into a more Hip Hop Soul style that tries to capture what Beyonce and Ciara have brought to the public. Sadly, Rihanna misses out from that image, and the song doesn't seem to help either. Especially, after the last few singles like the depressing Unfaithful, didn't help her sales. All in all, I think that she needs to find better material for herself, because it is going to be a stormy career left.

Song: D

Average customer rating: the magic position Special! A Viable Performer! BRILLIANT PATRICK WOLF DAZZLES WITH HIS LATEST The WolfMagic

The Magic Position Patrick Wolf Manufacturer: Fontana Universal ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Reminder Sound of Silver Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters Mirrored Release the Stars ASIN: B000NJVX5O Release Date: 2007-05-01

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. The Magic Position
3. Accident & Emergency
4. The Bluebell
5. Bluebells
6. Magpie
7. X
8. Augustine
9. Secret Garden
10. Get Lost
11. Enchanted
12. The Stars
13. Finale

From Amazon.co.uk

Standing at 6 feet 4" tall with a shock of bright red hair, 23 year old Patrick Wolf is something of a statement even before he opens his mouth. His two albums to date--2003's Lycanthropy and 2005's Wind in the Wires--have showed him to be more than a pretty face, however, with songs that strike an attractive balance between the imaginative and the indulgent. His third album, The Magic Position, is undoubtedly Wolf's 'pop' moment. The rollicking romp of "Get Lost," the upbeat "Accident and Emergency," and the celebratory title track all underline new levels of accessibility and--dare we say it--optimism. There are hints of the old Wolf too of course, especially in the eclectic choice of instrumentation and the off-kilter song arrangements; for every pop-perfect track there's a slice of raw darkness ("Bluebell") casual introspection ("Augustine") or sidereal rock-tronica ("The Stars"). Less a dramatic reinvention than a sideways turn into the world of adult emotions and mainstream accessibility, The Magic Position is nonetheless Patrick Wolf's most accomplished work to date. --Paul Sullivan

Customer Reviews:

the magic position.......2007-07-23

i saw him on a late night show, not the type of music i normally listen too, fell in love with his energy and style. i love the cd, my granddaugter thinks i am regressing. good for me !!

Special!.......2007-07-22

this CD is very special with all kinds of special effects
One should listen a few times to appreciate the music!

A Viable Performer!.......2007-06-27

In my never ending search for what is good out there and the possible surpirse of finding a really tasty talent (no, I am not going to eat it, just and expression!)I keep looking for highly rated albums for each year and I use AMG, Metacritic (which I do like a lot), Rolling Stone, Spin whatever is available and that so far I respect their opinions. Patrick Wolf I found in Rolling Stone "artists to watch for" and since I became intrigued I bought "The Magic Position". Overall, I fairly assigned 4 stars to the CD. Since my collection as of late is growing at a rapid rate (blame that to musical boredom and a need to listen more and new acts)I only have heard this album 1 time but there are enough good sounds to call it a "keeper". Some of the instrumentation is deceptively appealing and quite melodic. From his looks on the cover I did not know how the waters run with Patrick Wolf but in the end his music did all the talking and I enjoyed it. There were a couple of intimate songs that were very very nice. Obviously Patrick Wolf listens to his own "drummer" and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. A Viable Performer and who knows? When the rotation includes this album again might be twice as enjoyable, after all the very best grows after two or three listens. 4 Stars for "The Magic Position".

BRILLIANT PATRICK WOLF DAZZLES WITH HIS LATEST.......2007-06-26

Patrick Wolf dazzles with his third and latest album, "The Magic Position," a brighter, bolder work than his previous, but no less extraordinary, "Wind in the Wires." With remarkable breadth and depth, he focuses on various states and stages of relationships, from the ebullient title song to the mournful "Bluebells" to the striking "Accident & Emergency," the light "Let's Get Lost" and the reverential "The Stars." It all kicks off with "Overture's" mounting pulse and alluring message to "open up now" and "let the light in."

The music ranges from symphonic to spare, but always seems multi-layered and rich. Wolf's lyrics are stirring, descriptive and drenched in wisdom and insight.

Wolf is truly in a class by himself. As a singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, performer and visual artist, he possesses an extraordinary talent, vision and appeal--all of which are realized on this amazing album.

The WolfMagic.......2007-06-02

Along with Feist's The Reminder and Mika's Life in Cartoon Motion, Patrick Wolf's 3rd outing The Magic Position is nothing short of being charismatic. The album is a whimsical mix of electro-pop, dance, rock and classical music. As an young artiste who single-handedly plays over 40 instruments, his music is immediately varied and arresting.

The opener Overture begins with some serious deep beats before breaking into a rock song. The title track is a boisterous child-like track that brings with it a cheerful disposition. Accidents and Emergency contains an irresistible hook consisting of horns and sirens. Magpie perfectly demonstrates his classical leanings. His deep baritone voice is a stark contrast to his flamboyantly loud image on the album art.

With The Magic Position, Wolf shakes off the dark imagery of his previous releases and emerges with greater faith and conviction. One of the year's best! (A+)

Average customer rating: Wasted Opportunity Different covers album. Arden "Uncovers" Gems

Uncover Me Jann Arden Manufacturer: Fontana Universal ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Love Is the Only Soldier Jann Arden Living Under June Time for Mercy Live With Vancouver Symphony ASIN: B000MGUZ7K Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

1. Bring the Boys Home
2. California Dreamin'
3. Peace Train
4. At Seventeen
5. Love Is a Battlefield
6. Son of a Preacher Man
7. Counterfeit Heart
8. You're So Vain
9. Downtown
10. Solitaire

From Amazon.ca

Perfectly titled Uncover Me is a collection of nine cover songs and one original that allows Arden to show how emotion-driven music has influenced her along the way. The disc kicks off with "Bring the Boys Home" (originally a 1971 anti-Vietnam war song) that is especially moving with its refrain, "bring 'em back alive." The '70s hit "Peace Train" by Yusuf Islam (a.k.a. Cat Stevens) also delivers another powerful message in a gentle melody. True to Arden's musical nature, there are a handful of melancholic tracks, including the aptly wistful version of Janis Ian's "At Seventeen" and a moving, traditional take on the Carpenters' "Solitaire." The disc's one original, "Counterfeit Heart" is a definite standout of the slower numbers, one that seems awash with a '40s croon and ache. That track aside, the strongest parts of the CD come in the form of the sassy female-fronted melodies that bring out the best of Arden's style. Carly Simon's "You're So Vain," Pat Benetar's "Love Is a Battlefield," and Dusty Springfield's "Son of a Preacher Man" each allow Arden to infuse a little extra zest and oomph in her vocals. The only downside? That in choosing the songs, Arden didn't pick a number with a little more bite to it, such as Heart's "Crazy on You" or Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation," which would have allowed her to shake off the softness, if only for a while. --Denise Sheppard

Customer Reviews:

Wasted Opportunity.......2007-07-27

Cover albums are risky at best. Rare is it that an artist covers unknown material and rarer that they do a better job than the popular original they will inevitably record.

Unfortunately, Jann Arden falls into this all to easy trap. That's not to say there are not good attempts and bold song selection choices.

I was more than mildly surprised by the take on "California Dreamin'". She certainly does a better job than Matthew Sweet/Susannah Hoffs did with "Monday Monday".

Even the cover of "Love is a Battlefield" was unexpected and not unpleasant. Some of the background vocals could have been cut, but she tackles it better than I would have thought. "Solitaire" is not bad either.

But then things do go south for me. 10,000 Maniacs did a much better cover of "Peace Train". Things don't go well for "You're So Vain" or "Downtown" and I don't know that "Son of a Preacher Man" should ever be touched. Some songs are too iconic to be successful at - no matter who you are.

The biggest disappointment is "At Seventeen". If it had to be covered, Arden would be a perfect artist to attempt it. But the drums and brushes in the back make is sound like a lounge band cover performing at the airport Holiday Inn. A shame.

Different covers album........2007-03-07

Some people like to do things the easy way. Jann Arden is not one of them.
Consider her latest disc "Uncover Me".
For many artists, a covers album is a cop-out -- a set of tried-and-true tunes tossed off to plug the gap and fatten the wallet between discs.
But not Jann. And not for want of trying, either.
The Canadian singer-songwriter reportedly cut a disc of croony standards, but scrapped it as too downbeat (and coming from ballad queen Arden, that's really saying something).
Instead, she regrouped and recorded the fittingly titled "Uncover Me", a collection of '60s and '70s pop tunes that give us a revealing glimpse into her early musical loves and influences.
Listening to her glistening pop-rock versions of classics like Janis Ian's "At Seventeen", Carly Simon's "You're So Vain", The Mamas and the Papas' "California Dreamin'" and Karen Carpenter's "Solitaire", you can picture her sitting alone in her teenage bedroom after school, strumming an acoustic guitar and singing along with her turntable.
The timeless messages of Freda Payne's "Bring the Boys Home" and Cat Stevens' "Peace Train" resonate strongly without seeming heavy-handed, while her somewhat tongue-in-cheek cover of Dusty Springfield's "Son of a Preacher Man" is just a kick.
Most of the tunes are pretty faithfully rendered, with the exception of Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield", which is recast as a shadowy ballad.
But no matter the setting, everything possesses Arden's usual undercurrent of melancholy -- even Petula Clark's sugar-spun ditty "Downtown" sounds ironic and resigned in her hands.
After all, Jann knows that forgetting all your troubles and cares is easier said than done.
Lovely, sensitive, beautiful!

Arden "Uncovers" Gems.......2007-03-07

Prime Cuts: Solitaire, Downtown, You're So Vain

To designate Arden as a one-hit wonder with her emotionally ravaging top 20 smash "Insensitive" is a caricature. Across the border on the 49th parallel, this chanteuse has been amassed with 8 Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys) and she was also the receipt of the esteemed 2000 Prairie Awards Songwriter of the Year. However, for "Uncover Me," her ninth studio album, Arden has decided to give her writing kilt a rest. Save for one newly penned tune, this album finds Arden covering a wide array of music from Cat Stevens to the Carpenters to Pat Benator to Carly Simon to Pertula Clark to Dusty Springfield. Naturally such an adventurous excursion lend itself to being one of the most vocally challenging endeavors Arden has had ever committed on record. Unable to divorce herself totally from the originals, she does vocally import Karen Carpenter's vulnerability, Carly Simon's spitefulness, and her own skeptical bite, making Arden a much richer composite vocalist.

If a song could cut the heart like a stiletto it has to be the Carpenters' "Solitaire." A probable biography of Karen Carpenter's vacuous quest for true love, this piano-based ballad finds Arden cribbing Carpenter's forlorn and despairing purrs with great effect. Pertula Clark's "Downtown," though traffics with a carefree disposition, guises an ache of loneliness where the song's protagonist tries to forget her pain vis-à-vis window shopping. Arden's new composition "Counterfeit Heart," though not as melodramatic as the aforementioned tracks, is still a heart wrenching ballad of misplaced trust and broken promises to which Arden conveys with mastery. Also, emotionally lacerating is Janis Ian's "At Seventeen," a song of struggling identity that still speaks today as it did over thirty years ago.

Not one to be victimized by life's circumstances, "You're So Vain" is the perfect "get even" type of a song that Arden performs with sass and attitude. While she sticks too close to Pat Benator's "Love is a Battlefield" that Arden veers dangerously close to being enmeshed into a Benator soundalike. Similarly, a couple of misfires comes in the form of songs that are more "inspirational" in nature. Cat Stevens' "Peace Train," despite being a well crafted song about world peace with those intricate spiritual/Biblical overtones, has been done to death. And sadly Arden adds nothing new to it. Likewise, "Bring Home the Boys," with its over-produced backing, somehow gags Arden's performance.

Nevertheless, as far as cover albums go, "Uncover Me," albeit some too obvious choices, is a well selected opus. Further, the highlight is Arden's interpretative skill: soaking up the best emotional nuances of the originals and adding her own razor-sharp affections, these paeans beget an unflinching realism that is hard to resist. After all these years of experience, Arden has triumphantly channeled her best into the articulation of these songs.

Average customer rating: pretty good sweet relief Love Metal At Its Best

Uneasy Listening: Vol. 2 Him Manufacturer: Universal Republic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Industrial | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Alt Industrial | Industrial Dance Finland | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Uneasy Listening, Vol. 1 Summer Wine Angels Razorblade Romance Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights ASIN: B000PC6FYS Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Buried Alive By Love
2. Rendezvous With Anus
3. Sigillum Diaboli
4. I Love You (Prelude To Tragedy)
5. The Beginning Of the End
6. Again
7. Wicked Game
8. Soul On Fire
9. Beautiful
10. Endless Dark
11. Hand Of Doom
12. Right Here In My Arms
13. Sailin' On
14. Pretending

Album Description

Uneasy Listening Vol. 2 is the companion album to Uneasy Listening Vol. 1. Both albums are collections of previously unreleased versions of the band's classic tracks. Uneasy Listening Vol. 2 features rarities and hard-to-find versions of some of HIM's biggest hits. This special album includes demos, remixes, live and alternate studio recordings of the band's heavier repertoire. Much of this material has never before been released and is highlighted by the highly sought after version of "Buried Alive By Love" featured in Bam Margera's CKY4 DVD.

Whereas Uneasy Listening Vol. 1 featured the sentimental side of HIM, Vol. 2 focuses on the band's harder side and all versions have been selected by the band's singer Ville Valo. He explains, "Most of these versions are hard to find nowadays. Fans have frequently been asking us where to find these songs. The songs are also important to the band. They are songs that have allowed us to express our musical perversions." Valo

summarizes the two-volume set: " Vol. 1 is music for Sunday mornings whereas Vol. 2 is for Saturday nights."

Customer Reviews:

pretty good .......2007-06-22

this is just a sample complation cd but its not bad its way better tthen the last uneasy listin cd it has alot more unrealesd stuff to if you are a him fan by it but if not then download it or something

sweet relief.......2007-06-07

Some people think it's a cop-out to release CDs of remixed songs, but I think it's legit as long as it sounds good and gives a different flavor than the original, and this CD delivers. A lot of these mixes would not really work in a live performance setting, and that's probably why they were not released initially. Anyway, it's sweet relief for the ears to have new HIM sounds to listen to!

Love Metal At Its Best.......2007-05-24

I ordered this cd early from Finland on the original release date in april and i can't stop listening to it. The 616 versions of "Buried Alive By Love" and "Endless Dark" are amazing, my favorites by far; the live material is great, "Hand of Doom" and "Sailin' On" are the best live covers i've heard. A Must Have. BUY THIS CD NOW! Can't wait for Venus Doom in July, its going to be the best ever!

Average customer rating: great album non-purchase As Good As Always Impressive; 3 ½ Stars Awesome

III Joe Nichols Manufacturer: Universal South ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Doin' Somethin' Right Time Well Wasted Man with a Memory Your Man Real Fine Place ASIN: B000B8I8MS Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

1. Size Matters (Someday)
2. Freedom Feels Like Lonely
3. Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off
4. Talk Me Out Of Tampa
5. That's What Love'll Get You
6. I'll Wait For You
7. Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)
8. My Old Friend The Blues
9. As Country As She Gets
10. Honky Tonk Girl
11. Just A Little More

Amazon.com

Though previous releases established Joe Nichols as a traditionalist of uncommon vocal subtlety and emotional depth, the featured tracks on III are comparatively lightweight. Both the album-opening "Size Matters" and the first single, "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off," attach suggestive titles to material that is more like playful hokum. The former stresses the importance of a big heart; the latter concerns a girl who gets innocently careless when she's out barroom dancing. (If Nichols isn't embarrassed to sing the lines "Them panty hose ain't gonna last too long/If the DJ puts Bon Jovi on," he should be.) Yet much of the rest of the album reinforces his stylistic strengths, with "Talk Me Out of Tampa" evoking the conversational phrasing of prime Merle Haggard, "Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)" channeling the inspiration of retro George Jones, and "I'll Wait for You" wringing every last tear from a stone cold country weeper. As Patty Loveless did on Dreamin' My Dreams, which came out a month earlier, Nichols also covers Steve Earle's "My Old Friend the Blues," which appears on its way to becoming a contemporary country standard. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

great album.......2007-06-23

what can I say, fantastic album, there's not a song that's boring, great country, rock and loves songs, absolutly a favorite of mine......can't wait for the new album

non-purchase.......2007-04-03

I did not purchase this item. I wanted to, but I did not get it.

As Good As Always.......2007-01-28

The new CD from Joe Nichols is fantastic. His music gets better with every CD. Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off is very funny especially after watching the video for the song. Size Matters is another pretty good song. My favorite song on the CD is I'll Wait For You. This song is a tear jerker. It is about a man who can never make it on time to come home when he goes out of town. The last verse is the saddest. His wife passes away and he never makes it to the hospital in time to say goodbye but his wife writes him a letter and it says I'll Wait For You at the pearly gates but I will tell St. Peter I can't go in until my love gets here. WOW what a powerful song. Joe Nichol's should get more recognition than he gets. He is a powerful singer with a powerful voice. Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy) is another song that should be a single.
Joe Nichols is Good As Always!!!

Impressive; 3 ½ Stars.......2007-01-23

I'll be the very first to say that I'm NOT an avid country fan. I don't dislike country music in the least, but it isn't the genre of music that I run to the record store to buy the newest attraction. For me, I have an acquired taste when it comes to purchasing country CDs; I have select favorites. Recently, I've been trying to explore the music more because being a musician, I feel it is important to be well-rounded in as many genres as you can be. Personally, country has a few artists that draw my attention and even in some instances strike my fancy: Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson, Carrie Underwood (impressive enough new artist), The Dixie Chicks, Johnny Cash, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, and now Joe Nichols joins the batch. Even with that said, a few standout singles impress me from time to time, particulary Billy Currington's catchy "Must Be Doing Something Right" or Johnny Cash's posthumously released single/video for "God's Gonna Cut You Down". Getting back to the person being reviewed, Joe may not be the most popular nor the most lauded country singer, but I think Joe has a lot of promise in the industry; his baritone vocals certainly resonate with me and he is good for a couple of strong country singles. His baritone is quite reminiscent (to me at least)of Alan Jackson. However, III isn't an Alan Jackson album in the least-- it is a Joe Nichols album.

The album starts out rambunctiously with the infectious, playful "Size Matters", which starts out with a country, twang sound, heightened via fiddles in the background. Sure, it has your typical country sound, but it is a strong, catchy track. The chorus resonates very well: "with a big ol' heart/ who can love her like nobody can/ big ol' kisses that go on and on and never end/ with a big ol' small that'll fill the world with laughter/ size matters/ size matters". You can't help but sing "Size Matters" to yourself, which is what makes it such a strong track. "Freedom Feels Like Lonely" is another strong track, though not as strong as single "Size Matters". The chord progression and song writing here are very tight and the production suits Nichol's baritone vocals perfectly. It is in the pocket, even if it doesn't quite live up to the greatness and the fun qualities of "Size Matters". It is a good, "it is, what it is number."

"Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" is the number that drove many buyers to Nichols's new album. It is definitely fun and sort of "raw" in a tasteful way. Most amazing may be Nichols's reference to "patron" in a country song! You'd expect to hear references to patron in a hip-hop/rap number, but a country track? That's innovation right there! One trend within III is that the best tracks tend to be the ones that are a bit riskier such as "Size Matters" and of course the rediculous, but credible "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off".

"Talk Me Out Of Tampa" is another strong track, though it is more low key compared to the risky "Size Matters" or "Tequila". It does however return Nichols to a tamer country sound with some pop sensibilites, well at least till the chorus exhibits all of Nichol's country chops. "That's What Love'll Get You" is a faster track, needed after the good, but slow "Talk Me Out Of Tampa". It isn't anything truly new or anything that we haven't heard from country singers in the past, but it is your typical country performance and it is above average.

What attracted me to III was a quick skip past Country Music Television's Top 20 Video Countdown. There I saw the excellent, yet underrated "I'll Wait For You". For me, "I'll Wait For You" is perhaps the most touching ballad I've heard for a while, country, pop, rock, reggae, or whatever it be. Nichols sounds fantastic here and the song makes you just want to burst into tears. I took the risk of buying the whole album because I loved "I'll Wait For You". Honestly, I wasn't the least bit disappointed either. "Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)" is another straightfoward country number that doesn't wow me, but it is very catchy. The chorus is another that I enjoy to sing to myself and the vocal harmonies are very lovely. The production work is very strong as well and is simple enough that it truly highlights Nichol's deep baritone.

"My Old Friend The Blues" is another slow number, which starts out without drums and eventually adds them in. It is predictable, but Joe again sounds at his very best and he doesn't oversing the song. It is a number like this where you hear the "Alan Jackson" comparisons. The simplicity is what makes this number. "As Country as She Gets" is more rhythmic, but it is "Honky Tonk Girl" that revives the album for anybody who had doubts after the past few tracks preceeding it. Again, Nichols proves that his strongest material is he "riskier" numbers. "Just A Little More" ends the album with a very slow rhythmic feel. Again, the production is very simple with only traces of instruments adding to the feel occasionally. Nichol's subtle vocals again drive this number and it proves to pay off, even if it is predictable. It is a nice way to end a brief, but overall very strong album.

III is strong enough for me, but I do wish that it was a bit longer. I think that shorter albums are more consistent because there is less room for error (or filler), but 37 minutes maybe cutting it a bit too close. 45 minutes is more acceptable in my eyes. The positive thing is that III does feel complete enough and the extra 8-10 minutes may have hindered it as opposed to helped it. Sure, III isn't perfect, nor is it the best country album I've heard, but it is very good and it is a shame that just 500,000 country fans purchased it. But, Nichols I think has a promising future and if he keeps getting better and better he will hopefully one day get the recognition he deserves. 3 ½ Stars.

Awesome.......2007-01-10

Every country music fan should have this C.D. in their collection.
Once you see the tequila video you will see us hicks have a sense of humour too.

Meditation Music:

1. Views from a Distance
2. Voyage to India
3. Wakan Olowan-Lakota Pipe Ceremonial & Spiritual Songs
4. Winds of Christmas, Vol. 2
5. Winds of Honor
6. World Voyage
7. You Were Here [SACD]
8. A Morning View
9. Altered Reality
10. Aria

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

April Fool [Import]

Ross: Concerto for piano; Perlongo: Cocerto

PS1

Music: Complete Violin Concertos

Someday's Dreamers [Soundtrack]

Sick-O

Queen - Greatest Hits V.3

One By One [Enhanced] [Limited Edition]

Saltimbanco [Soundtrack]

Private Musicke

Screwed (1996 Film) [Soundtrack]

Ost [Import]

Rhythm-al-ism [Clean]

Live! Simply the Best

Return to Ipanema