I Hear Black

I Hear Black

Track Listings

1. Dreaming in Columbian

2. I Hear Black

3. World of Hurt

4. Feed My Head

5. Shades of Grey

6. Spiritual Void

7. Ghost Dance

8. Weight of the World

9. Ignorance and Innocence

10. Undying

11. Just Like You

Tracks:

Noah
These Bones
Come On In This House
There Must Be A City
Get Away Jordon
I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
That Day Is Done
Help For The Needy (Today)
Shadrack
Four And Twenty Elders
Amazing Grace/Prodigal Son

Amazon.com

In the '40s, a cappella gospel bands like the Dixie Hummingbirds and the Five Blind Boys were all over the radio. But after Soul Stirrers singer Sam Cooke switched from gospel to soul, the bands faded out, and until the Fairfield Four's reunion in the late '80s, it was almost impossible to hear new installments of this thrilling spiritual music. I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray is the 1997 follow-up to the band's 1992 comeback album, and even nonbelievers will have trouble avoiding a spiritual experience when the singers' voices touch each other the right way. Elvis Costello (who writes fawning liner notes) and Pam Tillis show up for guest vocals, but they can't match the power of the Four's "There Must Be a City." --Steve Knopper

Customer Reviews:

oh my goodness.......2006-06-12

I don't normally listen to this type of music, but I just heard this CD at full blast on a $40,000 (yes, forty-thousand dollar) home stereo system ...

... and ... I was just totally blown away. Not by the volume, but by the intensity of the soul. I then borrowed the CD and listened to it in my car, but my car stereo couldn't do it justice.

If you ever have access to a very very nice home stereo system (the kind where the speakers cost around $3,000 each), buy this CD just so you can hear how it was meant to be heard. I don't think it's meant for a cheap stereo, unless you just like the meanings of the lyrics.

As for now, yeah I thought the lyrics were nice, but hearing this on a very nice stereo system at first made me think "man, this is dumb music" for about five seconds, then it made me think "oh my God, this sounds incredible" from then on.

Exellent 1930's style swinging gospel.......2004-12-28

Thier harmonies are reminiscent of the Mills Brothers of the 1930's. Appealing harmonies, swinging syncopated rhythms, and loads of style and class!!! The highlight here is Get Away Jordan, which has a James P. Johnson style stride piano player, and female vocal reminiscent of Connee Boswell, and the Mills Brothers of the 30's! This cd is gospel with more then a touch of blues and swing music! Only That day Is Done is a dud, a 60's sounding soul ballad, however the rest of teh album is so good and full of the Holy Spirit annointing, it is amazing. REVIVAL TODAY!!! Praise God, Glory to God, Jesus is Lord!!!

A "NEWLY DISCOVERED" BUT OLD LEGACY.......2002-06-28

Frankly, until the release of " O BROTHER,WHERE ART THOU?," I am ashamed to say that I'd never heard of the Fairfield Four. Once I saw that film and bought the soundtrack, I sought out other Fairfield Four recordings, and have not been disappointed; conversely, I've been DELIGHTED! This particular CD is pure Heaven. It's fun, it's moving, and so unlike anything I've ever heard before. It will put the "Holy Spirit" in you regardless of your religious beliefs!
The sincerity of the sound, and the feeling of faith with which it is sung, makes one feel both happy and hopeful. I'm glad that I bought it; you will be, too.

Gospel / Spiritual Harmony Fan.......2000-05-22

If you like "Standing in the Safety Zone," don't buy this one. Gone is the warmth and smooth harmony; The biggest dispointment is that you can barely hear the original Fairfield Four, especially with the newer male singer who yells, screams, and growls, which creates more dissonance than group harmony.

Doesn't live up to "Standing in the Safety Zone".......1999-03-05

I listened to this CD with great anticipation after enjoying over and over again, "Standing in the Safety Zone." I was disappointed. In "Standing ...", I loved how the songs were performed and how each song had a personality all its own. In this CD it sounds like they are reduced to background vocals for the guest artists. A lot of repetition and the songs didn't really go anywhere. I felt myself anticipating the great harmonies and group vocals of the first CD, but only heard flashes of the Fairfield Four, not whole songs. Too much guest artists and not enough Fairfield Four. If you have "Standing in the Safety Zone" don't bother buying this CD, cherish the one you have.

Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera

Average customer rating:

Not the best, not the worst
KYRA BRONTE
i guess it's ok...
Mmhmm..... and?
VERY GOOD VOCALS!

Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Showtunes
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000005XHQ
Release Date: 1997-01-21

Tracks:

Overture
Think Of Me
Angel Of Music
The Mirror (Angel Of Music)
The Phantom Of The Opera
Prima Donna
All I Ask Of You
Masquerade
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
The Point Of No Return

Customer Reviews:

Not the best, not the worst.......2005-07-06

As the title says, the music isn't so hot, but it doesn't stink either. The singers are okay, but not as fabulous as the Original Cast. The singers voices tend to start off badly, such as the Christine singer, the one who sings for Meg, and the Phantom singer. They seem to be sped up and their voices, at times, are very shaky and sound a little nervous. At times, the Christine character seems to be whining. Not too much character or emotion is shown, but they do sing well.

The Phantom isn't too good. His voice seems to be too shaky and there's no emotion. Christine's voice is okay. It seems a bit shaky at times and she sounds a bit old for Christine. Raoul's voice is alright. Carlotta's voice isn't at all what I expected. I expected it to be loud and powerful. This one is soft and almost sweet.

I bought it mainly for the cheap price. S&H cost more than it. The people were okay, but this wouldn't be the best one to buy. If you are willing to listen to a shaky, whiny cast, but it. If you want an addition to a collection, buy it. If you are looking for fabulous singers and music, don't.

KYRA BRONTE.......2005-07-01

This is the recording with Kyra Bronte so if you already have the recording with Michael Heate and Kyra Bronte do not buy this, this is the same recording

i guess it's ok..........2004-09-09

I own the Original London Cast version of The Phantom of the Opera and I've seen the musical many times, and this is only my opinion, but I think the singer who sings as the phantom on this CD sings like he's getting choked by someone while he sings, and it also does not include the "Music of the Night" which is one of the main songs on the musical, so I wouldn't call this CD the HIGHLIGHTS from the Phantom of the Opera.

Mmhmm..... and?.......2004-01-01

I ordered this recording recently to build up my rather small Phantom collection, containing only the Original London Cast Recording and many mp3s that I've found on the internet. I listened to the CD all the way through in little more than half an hour- the short running time would not have irked me as much had half the emotion and talent of the Original London Cast been there.

The whole CD seems rushed, in a sense; the singers aren't all that bad, but they appear to overlook many of the small details added in other recordings. The background orchestrations are weak, as well, and many sound like I could have made them with a simple MIDI program on my computer. It's almost a shame to see such a great score and wonderful story ruined by this lack of emotion and input.

And we come to the part of the play that matters most to me: How good is the Phantom? Well, I rate the different Phantoms by whether or not I, had I been Christine in the story, would follow the Phantom, and choose him instead of Raoul. Had the Phantom shown up in my mirror with this man's voice, I might wander back to Raoul. I've heard worse... but it simply does not have the emotion, the seductiveness, and the longing that many of the other Phantoms that I've heard have.

If you're looking for another recording to add to your collection, I'd suggest the Original Vienna Cast, my personal favorite. Though you can't find it on Amazon, it's worth it to find it somewhere else and order, at least much more so than this below-par recording.

VERY GOOD VOCALS!.......2003-04-17

This was a HUGE suprise! The singers on this CD are VERY much musical-theatre singers and sound amazing! The music is bare...HOWEVER - real. A real pipe organ is used along with other non-altered instruments!

A Lonesome Road - Paul Robeson sings spirituals and songs

Average customer rating:

Robeson at his best

A Lonesome Road - Paul Robeson sings spirituals and songs

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Green Pastures
Paul Robeson Live at Carnegie Hall

ASIN: B000001HFH
Release Date: 1994-04-20

Tracks:

Ol' Man River
My Curly Headed Baby
Water Boy
I'm Goin' To Tell God All O' My Troubles
Oh! Didn't It Rain
Little Pal
There's No Hiding Place
Poor Old Joe
Scandalize My Name
Ezekiel Saw The Wheel
Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass
Just Keepin' On
Mah Lindy Lou
Steal Away
Mighty Lak' A Rose
Deep River
Hear The Lambs A-Cryin'
Get On Board, Little Children
Old Folks At Home (Swanee River)
Witness
Oh! Rock Me, Julie
Li'L Gal
I Got A Home In That Rock
Lonesome Road

Customer Reviews:

Robeson at his best.......2001-03-24

This album consists of recordings Paul Robeson made in Britain durong the 1920s. He is accompanied by the great pianist Lawrence Brown or by a small orchestra led by Ray Noble. The songs on this disc are spirituals or pop songs of the era, and Robeson shines on every one of them. Robeson has an uncanny ability to make any song his own property, and this is especially true on his version of "Little Pal" - originally a saccharine semi-racist ballad written for Al Jolson. Robeson turns the song into a searing lament of an estranged father, and makes the song valid even today with his urgent, committed delivery. The majority of the songs on the cd are spirituals, and Robeson's versions are definitive in every sense of the word. All in all, there isn't a bad track here, and as an introduction to Robeson's work the record is priceless. The only aspect worth criticizing is the fact that the liner notes seem to shy away from the fact that Robeson was the first important black artist to actively fight for civil rights. The music here, however, is extremely beautiful.

Average customer rating:

I Hear Black
Overkill
Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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W.F.O.
Necroshine
The Killing Kind
From the Underground and Below
Horrorscope

ASIN: B0009RQRII
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

Dreaming in Columbian
I Hear Black
World of Hurt
Feed My Head
Shades of Grey
Spiritual Void
Ghost Dance
Weight of the World
Ignorance and Innocence
Undying
Just Like You

Les Miserables - The Complete Symphonic Recording

Average customer rating:

Great, definitely go with this and TAC
Awesome
Bought it used - thank God!
magnificent!
Mixed Feelings

Les Miserables - The Complete Symphonic Recording
Claude-Michel Schonberg
Manufacturer: Relativity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Understanding Variation: The Key to Managing Chaos (2nd Edition)

ASIN: B000003BVK
Release Date: 1990-05-22

Tracks:

Prologue
Valjean's Soliloquy (What Have I Done?)
At The End Of The Day
I Dreamed A Dream
Lovely Ladies
Fantine's Arrest
The Runaway Cart
Who Am I?-The Trial
Fantine's Death
The Confrontation
Castle On A Cloud
Master Of The House

Tracks:

The Bargain-The Waltz Of Treachery
Look Down
The Robbery-Javert's Intervention (Another Brawl)
Stars
Eponine's Errand
The ABC Cafe-Red And Black
Do You Hear The People Sing?
Rue Plumet-In My LIfe
A Heart Full Of Love
The Attack On Rue Plumet
One Day More!
At The Barricade (Upon These Stones)
On My Own
Building The Barricade
Javert's Arrival
Little People
A Little Fall Of Rain
Night Of Anguish
First Attack

Tracks:

Drink With Me
Bring Him Home
Dawn Of Anguish
The Second Attack (Death Of Gavroche)
The Final Battle
The Sewers-Dog Eats Dog
Javert's Suicide
Turning
Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
Every Day (Marius And Cosette)
Valjean's Confession
The Wedding Chorale- Beggars At The Feast
Epilogue (Finale)
Bonus Track

Customer Reviews:

Great, definitely go with this and TAC.......2005-08-31

Right now, there are four official English-language versions of Les Miserables: the Original London Cast Recording, the Original Broadway Cast Recording, the Complete Symphonic Recording, and the 10th Anniversary Concert Recording. Les Mis' addicts are best served by purchasing all recordings, as they showcase different stages (as in the OLC and the OBC) of the development of this mega-musical, as well as the interesting variations in presentation and performances by the different casts and orchestras.

If you're the average musical-theater listener who can't afford to buy all available English-language recordings, however, my advice would be to get the CSR (due to the fact that it's "complete") and the TAC recording (due to the fact that performer- and performance-wise, it's leaps and bounds better than all of the other recordings). You deserve no less.

Awesome.......2005-07-03

I can't believe all the negative comments about Gary Morris. He is so much better in the role than Colm Wilkinson. I've seen Gary perform the part three times and there is NO better Jean ValJean (seen the play 14 times). It's an international cast and some of the accents do take time getting used to. But the power of the music supercedes it all. Listen with your heart people. It's so incredible.

Bought it used - thank God!.......2005-06-17

"Les Miserables" is a marvelous musical; a stunningly faithful interpretation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece, with an inspiring storyline and unforgettable characters. There are 2 reasons for buying a Les Mis CD - (1) you've seen a performance and want ONE CD to remind you of it or (2) you've become a les Mis junkie (like me) and want multiple versions so you too can hold forth on the rival merits of Andy Warlow vs Michael Maguire, Patty LuPone vs Ruthie Henshaw, Frances Ruffelle vs Kaho Shimada vs Lea Solonga. If you are in the first category, you really want the Tenth Anniversary Concert. The TAC has the complete storyline (albeit slightly abridged), it was recorded live (so there's an unique intensity and chemistry between performers), and from top to bottom it has by far the best cast.

However, if you're a serious Les Mis fan, you should buy this CD (in addition), simply because it does have the complete score. (The trouble with THAT is that it includes practically the only misstep in the whole script - if Jean Valjean has his number branded on his chest, then how is it credible that someone else will be convicted in his place?) I bought it for that reason and to hear other interpretations of the roles (in particular Andy Warlow's). I have all 4 versions, and they have all have their pluses and minuses, but frankly, I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this one. This version has a rather weak cast in general, but that does add to the fun arguing about it. On the plus side, it has Philip Quast ( THE BEST Javert, but he's even better on the TAC), Michael Ball (THE BEST Marius, also on the OLC and TAC versions), and Andy Warlow (a stirring Enjorlas for sure, but not THAT much better than Michael Maguire on the OBC and TAC). The scenes at the barricade are the best part of the CD. Kaho Shimada is an uneven Eponine, OK sometimes, less so at others. Debbie Byrne (Fantine) is OK, but I don't find her as moving as Patty LuPone (OLC) or Ruthie Henshaw (TAC). Tracy Shayne (Cosette) is irratating, not nearly as sweet as Judy Kuhn (OLB and TAC) or even Rebecca Caine (OLC). I find Barry James and especially Gay Soper (M. and Mme. Thenardier) grating as well.

I really miss Colm Wilkinson (OLC, OBC and TAC). OK, he has a unique singing style, but such heart. Not always perfect, but so powerful and emotional. All his solos and "Confrontation" just stop me dead in my tracks. The sweetness and purity of his "Bring Him Home" and "Epilogue" move me to tears. But really, there must be someone else who can do at least an adequate job or the show wouldn't have run so long in so many venues. I am willing to listen to another interpretation, but not this one. This is the central role in the play, it really can't survive without a good performance here. Gary Morris is horrible as Jean Valjean, cringe-provoking at times, merely weak at others. He's totally overmatched by Quast in "Confrontation" and by everyone in "One Day More" and "Epilogue". I haven't tried the recommendation of one reviewer of listening while squinting and shaking my head hard, but I don't see how that will help. Morris's "What have I done?", "Bring Him Home" and "Valjean's Confession" make me cover my ears or send me running for the fast forward button, although "Who am I?" isn't so bad. (I just tried the head shaking trick, it didn't help.)

magnificent!.......2005-06-15

Ok, I admit it. I have long been a fan of musicals, but I was only exposed to Les Mis a few months ago. My roommate loaned me this recording, and I fell in love. I played nothing but this soundtrack for the next several weeks.

As this is the only recording I've heard fully, I cannot give any comparisons between the performers here and those on other versions, but I do wish to give my general impression of the cast.

*Gary Morris (Valjean) - he has a strong, clear voice with which it is hard to find fault. He sings with emotion and passion, and I cannot imagine ever tiring of hearing him as Jean Valjean. If I had to give a complaint, it would be that I could imagine a voice with a little more distinct character...something a little riskier for the part of someone so complex.

*Philip Quast (Javert) - wow, I love deep voices, and his is so rich! I love when he hits the low note near the beginning of "Confrontation" ...I've seriously replayed that part over and over again just because it sends shivers through me...haha, I think you get the idea. This guy is good.

*Debbie Byrne (Fantine) - her voice took some getting used to because at first it seemed to me a little uncontrolled, almost like she could capture the fullness of the sound but not quite hit the notes. However, the more I listen to her, the more I enjoy her. Her voice has a wonderful texture, something you totally miss when listening to the super-clear, trilling sopranos that seem to be found all over most other musicals.

*Kaho Shimada (Eponine) - her voice took a little getting used to as well. I was a little confused until I realized she was Japanese, for though I wouldn't say you hear an accent, her voice does have a very different quality to it. Still, I enjoyed her performance very much. Her voice is trembling with emotion the entire time, almost like she can hardly control it...it is quite moving.

*Tracy Shayne (Cosette) - wow. I'm sorry, is Cosette supposed to be this shrill? Turn it off! While I'm impressed at some of the notes she hits, I don't think it's supposed to make you want to cover your ears.

*Michael Ball (Marius) -Ball makes Marius, a rather annoying character if you ask me, into someone actually likable, if not lovable. He's passionate and romantic, but not vapid. Probably my favorite vocal performance.

*Gay Soper and Barry James (the Thernardiers) - their voices are rather grating, but that's the point, right? Very entertaining performances...particularly in "Master of the House" (which, it's true, somehow manages to be stuck in your head all day).

*Anthony Warlow (Enjorolas) - very appropriate voice...manly and vibrant. If he doesn't make you want to go out and fight, then there's no help for you!

Overall, the performances were wonderful. I highly recommend this CD. A great recording of a great musical!

Mixed Feelings.......2005-04-20

I bought this recently, and it was an object lesson in why I ought to research an item before purchasing it.

For me, it's truly a toss-up as to whether this is a recording worth purchasing. The main benefit-a far from insignificant one-is that it is a complete recording full of much more materiel than can be found on the London or Broadway cast recordings. Basically, I was far from satisfied. The liner notes are error ridden, and the casting was not as good as possible. Gary Morris struck me as too young for the part, and Gay Soper (Mme. Thenardier) has a voice akin to the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard. But, in the absence of a complete Broadway recording, this still may be the best version available to buy. Be sure, however, to supplement it with another version. (The Tenth Anniversary recording might be the best.)

Average customer rating:

Another feast for Handelians
Excellent music

Handel: Saul
John Eliot Gardiner , Ruth Holton , Lynne Dawson , John Mark Ainsley , Donna Brown , Derek Lee Ragin , English Baroque Soloists , Philip Salmon , and Neil Mackie
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000412J
Release Date: 1991-09-12

Customer Reviews:

Another feast for Handelians.......2003-12-25

Here's another astonishing piece for all Handelians. Many of Handel's great pieces have sadly been neglected - just like many of Richard Strauss' operas which have only recently received attention from people like Botstein, Korsten and Sinopoli (deceased). Thankfully, Gardiner and his team took the trouble to record this astonishing masterpiece. I simply love this piece - Saul!! The Monteverdi choir is the best in the world - listen to their stunning virtuosity here. Thank you, Gardiner!!

Excellent music.......2003-09-14

Saul is one of those lesser known works by Handel. I certainly prefer Solomon, the Messiah or Israel in Egypt. Nevertheless, there is plenty of glorious music in Saul. The Monteverdi sings with their customary virtuosity. Casting of solo parts is superb. A bit on the pricey side but this is an investment that will yield rich dividends over a long period of time. Instead of listening to the Messiah all the time, or Solomon or Jephtha, why not be more daring and explore this lesser known work by Handel?

Average customer rating:

great, great!!!
ALL THE MUSIC YOU EVER NEED!!

Sacred Music Complete
Purcell , King , and Kings Consort
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Complete Odes and Welcome Songs of Henry Purcell / King's Consort
Complete Secular Songs (3cd)

ASIN: B00006RHQJ
Release Date: 2002-12-10

Customer Reviews:

great, great!!!.......2006-12-05

This is the way ,I think, Purcell should sound. No pomp and surcomstance but only great music.

ALL THE MUSIC YOU EVER NEED!!.......2003-05-23

This boxed set is by far one of the best purchases I have ever made. As a Purcell freak, this hits every button I have. The cast of characters include the inequitable Robert King, New College Choir, Bowman, and a host of other venerable persons. Likewise the attention to period performance of these works makes it an essential addition to the library of any serious anglophile/Musicologist etc. Now if only the Britten Realizations of all Purcell's songs could be recorded alongside the originals! You will Love this set!

A.E. Housman: A Shropshire Lad, Complete in verse and song

Average customer rating:

A.E. Housman: A Shropshire Lad, Complete in verse and song
Alan Bates , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , and Graham Johnson
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005S85Q
Release Date: 2001-12-11

Average customer rating:

Tell Me What I Want to Hear
Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets
Manufacturer: Black Top
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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That's What They Want
Rack 'em Up

ASIN: B000005YX8

Tracks:

Tell Me What I Want To Hear
Ways Of Man
I Done Quit Getting Sloppy Drunk
I Want A Wife
I'm Innocent
Shedding Tears Of Laughter
Rent Man Blues
I Need You So
Waitin' On You, Mamma
It'll Do
The Amateur (She's Gone)
Missing Person
Happy Man
Down At J.J.'s

Average customer rating:

Overlooked (Ha!)
THIS IS A KILLER METAL ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!
Almost a breakthrough album.
...
'I Hear Black' shows a good other side of OverKill

I Hear Black
Overkill
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

From the Underground and Below
Horrorscope
The Years of Decay
Under the Influence
The Killing Kind

ASIN: B000002IV8
Release Date: 1993-03-09

Tracks:

Dreaming In Columbian
I Hear Black
World Of Hurt
Feed My Head
Shades Of Grey
Spiritual Void
Ghost Dance
Weight Of The World
Ignorance And Innocence
Undying
Just Like You

Customer Reviews:

Overlooked (Ha!).......2006-03-29

Well, I've written a lot of Overkill reviews, and I dunno if I have anything new to say. 'I Hear Black' is perhaps there most reviled album, and while it certainly isn't in their upper tier this is still a solid metal album. I imagine it's largely hurt by the fact that it was preceded by their two best albums. Though this does mark the end of classic Overkill this is still a thrash album, more or less. It's got some more groove elements, a seeming Pantera influence, but Overkill has always been good with the groove, and they don't let it get in the way of the rocking too much. Lotsa people hate this album's production, but I think it's an interesting chang of pace. 'Horrorscope' had some very standard metal production, while "I Hear Black' is a bit more unusual, with a fuzzier, more ominous guitar tone and a just generally distant sound making it sound a bit darker. I really like the thin, snappy drum sound too.

As usual, there are no real bad songs here, though it doesn't have as many classics as some of the better Overkill albums. This album is a bit front-stacked, opening with the three strongest cuts. 'Dreaming in Colombian' is one of the fastest, thrashiest things here but it's still got a cool chorus. The title track is one of the slower, more atmospheric songs, but it's got some awesome vocals and still plenty of crushing riffs. 'World of Hurt' is probably my favorite track here, just very fun and driving with a solid collection of riffs. I also particularly like the drumming on this album. 'Weight of the World' is probably the most notable song after this point, and it's just the most pouding piece here, with some really intense drumwork. I also particularly like the power-ballad 'Shades of Grey'. Fairly standard stuff, but well executed.

Yeah, I like this album. Not their best one, but still worth owning, just like everything else they've recorded.

THIS IS A KILLER METAL ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-11-16

i love OVERKILL, they are a great metal band! one of the few metal band's from the eighties, that is still metal! i own 8 OVERKILL, c.d.'s. but I HEAR BLACK, is by far my favorite OVERKILL, album! this albim is probably their most underrated album to date! it is so underrated that it has been out of print for awhile!? it is not you typical fast, thrash, speed metal album that OVERKILL, is famous for. but this album has a heavy groove through out the album, that just makes it awesome. i rank it very high on my fav metal albums. with bands like, PANTERA, SLAYER, TESTAMENT, SEPULTURA, & FEAR FACTORY! i would recommend this album to anyone interested, before they are all gone! fav songs, I HEAR BLACK, SPIRITUAL VOID, FEED MY HEAD, & IGNORANCE AND INNOCENCE! OVERKILL RULES!!!!!!!

Almost a breakthrough album........2003-01-16

When guitarist Bobby Gustafson departed, Overkill made the wise decision of replacing him with two talented axe men. As a result of this personnel change, the band's compositions began to exhibit some new elements... such as two-part melodies and adventurous lead trade-offs. These changes first became apparent on Overkill's fifth release, "Horrorscope" (arguably the group's finest album). It appeared as though the veteran thrashers were going in a more progressive direction (a trajectory wisely assumed by some death metal musicians, like Chuck Schuldiner).

On "I Hear Black," however, the band amalgamates the groove/thrash elements of Pantera with the grunge style of Alice in Chains. The final product is an album that oscillates between the ferocity of metal and the mundane tedium of contemporary Seattle rock.

Now, don't misunderstand. There are definitely some great tracks on "I Hear Black." "Dreaming in Columbian," "World of Hurt," and the title track are some powerful songs with interesting melodies. Merritt Gant and Rob Cannavino exchange some impressive runs. Bobby Blitz explores a wider range of vocal choices, occasionally shifting to a lower register. D.D.Verni lays down heavy rhythms replete with creative embellishments. "I Hear Black" is certainly a work of substantial merit.

Yet, it becomes evident with this sixth effort that Overkill is somewhat restrained. They fail to fully exploit their newly acquired dual axe attack. Radical though it may sound, the group could have amalgamated its traditional thrash style with the progressive guitar interplay common to bands like Queensryche and Crimson Glory. Overkill come close to breaking new ground with "I Hear Black," but don't stretch far enough.

..........2002-11-04

I love Overkill, but my dissapointment is imeasurable. This album has the guitars, the vocals and beats that made Overkill famous, yet it lacks the heart of good music. Simply put, it [reaks]. In hindsight, I should have known by the really cool cover art. In the metal word,saddly, the better your album cover the worse the music. This is a prime example. Buy this album if you need a nice silver sided coaster for your drinks. But do not let this this disc anywhere near your CD player!

'I Hear Black' shows a good other side of OverKill.......2002-09-01

This album was about 5 bucks when I bought it, so I thought I couldn't leave the store without getting it.
'I Hear Black' was often criticized for being too "grungy" or not Thrash enough. Though I understand people saying that, I wouldn't say that it's a bad thing. The desperate Heavy Metal of 'World Of Hurt' and the ultra heavy blues of 'Spiritual Void' still are on the OverKill-set today, but the album has other great songs, take 'Dreaming In Columbian' or the sensitive 'Shades Of Grey' for instance.
For the Thrash fans there still are songs like 'Weight Of The World', 'Just Like You' or the Sabbath-like 'Ignorance And Innocence' (which are all at the end of the album).
'I Hear Black' is maybe not what many fans expected from it, but it's the most varied album they released.

Music Info:

Music Info

music info

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Promises

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