Soul Journey

Soul Journey

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Blessed with a soulful and expressive voice and an innate grasp of the melodies and themes of traditional country music, Gillian Welch has made three beautiful, often brilliant, albums. Yet, one can make the case that she's still searching for her own true artistic voice. Soul Journey brings her ever closer to that elusive goal. After 2001's austere, solemn, at times inscrutable Time (The Revelator), this follow-up finds Welch showing more warmth, ease, and openness as both singer and songwriter. As the title portends, the concept of travel (physical and emotional) is a prevailing thread throughout these 10 tracks; she sings of rolling stones "on the road to sin," travelers on "black highways," girls "running around with the ragtop down" and "at the station rolling slow." These characters, perhaps autobiographical, are simultaneously searching for and running away from their pasts, while soft drums, fiddles, organs, and Dobros add a welcome bit of lightness. With the trusty David Rawlings again at Welch's side, the songwriting and production till the earth between their old-time heroes and more modern troubadours like Townes Van Zandt and Neil Young (both the bucolic strummer and, on the closing "Wrecking Ball," the ragged electric wanderer). For Welch and for us, Soul Journey is yet another fascinating rest stop on the never-ending road to self-discovery. --Marc Greilsamer

Product Description
Soul Journey, Gillian Welch's fourth album, features solo, duo and band performances - a departure from the 2001 release Time (The Revelator). Contributors to the album include Greg Leisz (Beck, K.D. Lang ) and Jim Boquist (Son Volt). Produced by long-time collaborator David Rawlings. Acony. 2003.

Tracks:

Love To Love You Baby
Could It Be Magic
I Feel Love
I Love You
Last Dance
MacArthur Park
Heaven Knows
Hot Stuff
Bad Girls
Dim All The Lights
No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)
On The Radio
The Wanderer
Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)
State of Independence
She Works Hard For The Money
This Time I Know Its For Real
I Will Go With You (Con Te Partiro)
Thats The Way
Dream-A-Lots Theme (I Will Live For Love)

Customer Reviews:

Donna Summer.......2007-08-03

I would like to thank the people behind the sending of this CD. I love it and, thanks for your promptness...

a good collection of songs,the jouney's not over.......2007-07-13

the journey;the very best of donna summer is a good collection of songs.from the '70s there are the songs hot stuff,bad girls,love to love you baby,last dance,heaven knows,and i love you.from the '80s threre are the songs on the radio,she works hard for the money,love in control(finger on the trigger),and this time i know it's for real. the journey is not over for donna summer,she has a lot more music to make. ed wilson

Everything You'd Want.......2007-06-12

This is a great compilation of Donna Summer's works. If you're old enough, it'll take you back to your youth and fun times at the disco.
I thank the powers that be for this gift and reminder of how great Donna Summer is.

very best of donna summer.......2007-05-14

its a double cd and it is excellent listening. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes fast music.

I Luv Donna.......2007-04-06

Excellent CD! Donnas voice is timeless. The second CD is all 12" dance mixes. I forgot how great the MacArthur Park Suite was. If They included the Hot Stuff/Bad girls Mix (Anthology) in the CD, It would have got 5 stars from me!.

Average customer rating:

She is superb!
Her best.
Painfully Brilliant
I think this one's my favorite
Not her best, but still better than most

Soul Journey
Gillian Welch
Manufacturer: Acony Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Revival
Time (The Revelator)
Hell Among the Yearlings
Gillian Welch - The Revelator Collection
O.C.M.S.

ASIN: B000094AV5
Release Date: 2003-06-03

Tracks:

Look At Miss Ohio
Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor
Wayside/Back In Time
I Had A Real Good Mother And Father
One Monkey
No One Knows My Name
Lowlands
One Little Song
I Made A Lovers Prayer
Wrecking Ball

Amazon.com

Blessed with a soulful and expressive voice and an innate grasp of the melodies and themes of traditional country music, Gillian Welch has made three beautiful, often brilliant, albums. Yet, one can make the case that she's still searching for her own true artistic voice. Soul Journey brings her ever closer to that elusive goal. After 2001's austere, solemn, at times inscrutable Time (The Revelator), this follow-up finds Welch showing more warmth, ease, and openness as both singer and songwriter. As the title portends, the concept of travel (physical and emotional) is a prevailing thread throughout these 10 tracks; she sings of rolling stones "on the road to sin," travelers on "black highways," girls "running around with the ragtop down" and "at the station rolling slow." These characters, perhaps autobiographical, are simultaneously searching for and running away from their pasts, while soft drums, fiddles, organs, and Dobros add a welcome bit of lightness. With the trusty David Rawlings again at Welch's side, the songwriting and production till the earth between their old-time heroes and more modern troubadours like Townes Van Zandt and Neil Young (both the bucolic strummer and, on the closing "Wrecking Ball," the ragged electric wanderer). For Welch and for us, Soul Journey is yet another fascinating rest stop on the never-ending road to self-discovery. --Marc Greilsamer

Album Description

Soul Journey, Gillian Welch's fourth album, features solo, duo and band performances - a departure from the 2001 release Time (The Revelator). Contributors to the album include Greg Leisz (Beck, K.D. Lang ) and Jim Boquist (Son Volt). Produced by long-time collaborator David Rawlings. Acony. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

She is superb!.......2007-03-09

Gillian Welch is a major talent, no surprise to anyone familiar with her writing and singing. "Soul Journey" may be her finest album to date.
Her work with other artists on non-Gillian CDs has always been excellent, as well. "Soul Journey" is more than worth the cost.

Her best........2007-01-10

This is a gorgeous album that is also more "fun" and upbeat than her others. There isn't a bad song on here!

Painfully Brilliant.......2006-10-31

Gillian once again pulls at your heart strings, for an all to close to home album. Her songwriting is very personal, yet universal, and the guitar work by David Rawlings is just stunning. Her voice can be warm, heartfelt, and comforting on some songs, and sad and distant on others, with harmonies from Mr. Rawlings that are just spot on. Like a comment previously posted on this page, you can really feel yourself exhale, almost a sigh of relief, at the end of most songs. This is just one of four incredible albums in her catalog. This is truly one of my favorite voices, songwriters, and albums. You won't be dissapointed.

I think this one's my favorite.......2005-11-16

Some reviews I read of this record suggested it was a lightweight effort compared to their earlier work. That's sorta true, but not in a bad way. Revelator hit you so hard in the gut that it was almost hard to listen. I remember when I saw them do the title track, the entire audience exhaled at once at the end of the song, so tranfixed had they been by Rawlings' guitar solo anw Welch's soul plumbing lyrics.

Soul Journey is alittle easier to listen to - it combines the aching beauty of their earlier work with a more accessible sensibility not seen since Revival. These are fantastic songs from a duo that just keeps surprising me with how great music can be.

Not her best, but still better than most.......2005-09-19

For somebody who's not even a Southerner, Gillian Welch sure has the Southern mentality down pat. This one isn't as good as her previous three albums, but it's close. The strongest song is the opener, Miss Ohio, which I believe is not an original. That shows that the songwriting is flagging just a bit. So if you don't know Gillian Welch at all, listen to the other three first, and if that's not enough, get this one.

Average customer rating:

The Who Classic Masterpiece AS YOU NEVER HEARD BEFORE
A Landmark Classic Now Made Even Better.
A Milestone of Early Rock!
I Love it !
The Who's classic rock opera gets a 35th birthday celebration fit for a king!

Tommy

Manufacturer: Geffen Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Who's Next (Deluxe Edition)
Live At Leeds [Deluxe Edition]
Avalon
My Generation (Dlx) (Dig)
The Who by Numbers

ASIN: B0000DJZAH
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

Overture
It's A Boy
1921
Amazing Journey
Sparks
Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker)
Christmas
Cousin Kevin
The Acid Queen
Underture
Do You Think It's Alright
Fiddle About
Pinball Wizard
There's A Doctor
Go To The Mirror!
Tommy Can You Hear Me?
Smash The Mirror
Sensation
Miracle Cure
Sally Simpson
I'm Free
Welcome
Tommy's Holiday Camp
We're Not Gonna Take It
See Me Feel Me/Listening To You

Tracks:

I Was
Christmas (Out-Take 3)
Cousin Kevin Model Child
Young Man Blues (Version 1)
Tommy Can You Hear Me? (Alternate Version)
Trying To Get Through
Sally Simpson (Out-Takes)
Miss Simpson
Welcome (Take 2)
Tommy's Holiday Camp (Band's Version)
We're Not Gonna Take It (Alternate Version)
Dogs (Part 2)
It's A Boy
Amazing Journey
Christmas
Do You Think It's Alright?
Pinball Wizard

Customer Reviews:

The Who Classic Masterpiece AS YOU NEVER HEARD BEFORE.......2007-06-12

The Album is a masterpiece of all time rock n roll, even if this is "the less Who album" of the Who... but nevermind!
The Sound in both Stereo (from the original master tape discovered in the vault of UMG) and 5.1 (mixed by Pete Townshend himself) is great...
As you put the disc in your player you'll hear the great differences from the 1996 reissue even if you have only a "simple" CD player..
If You're a great Who fan and you a have SACD player buy ABSOLUTELY this album and enjoy it 'til the laser of your player won't work anymore...
The second disc is clearly for fans only but the quality of some track even if are demos or outtakes is very very good!!

A Landmark Classic Now Made Even Better........2006-12-26

One of the most important, groundbreaking amd influential albums in the history of rock and roll, The Who's 1969 magnum opus "Tommy", a rock opera about a deaf, dumb and blind kid who sure plays a mean pinball, is now better than ever thanks to the brilliance of SACD and DSD remastering techniques.

Every song on the cd sounds like it was recorded just yesterday. It is 100 % crystal clear, perfectly remixed and remastered. It gives you a clearer view of the story as well as a more pleasurable than ever listening experience. Pete Townshend and the people involved in this truly put their hearts into making "Tommy" better than ever.

The bonus disc is also worth it. A lot of awesome raritis. The liner notes are an interesting read, and the album itself is of course a masterpiece nobody should be without.

A Milestone of Early Rock!.......2006-09-29

"Tommy" is beyond question one of the big milestones of early rock. Musically the band were at the peak of their creativity.

All band members were obviously extremely talented musicians and both Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend were/are great singers. Apart from few exceptions like "Cousin Kevin" all songs are outstanding; and it's really great to have the whole story on one CD - compared to the old double vinyl album.

Though the storyline may seem a little weird today ( to me it always did ), there is so much great music on this album.

The second bonus CD gives a very interesting insight in the developement of some of the songs. Though the sound quality is exellent CD 2 will mainly be of interest to hard-core Who fans. None of these alternate versions are better than the ones chosen for the album, though a few come close. The studio version of "Young Man Blues" which did not appear on the original album is a nice addition too!

I Love it !.......2006-09-06

I was so blind-sided by this reissue - really. I have looked at this for a few years now, but I never picked it up. My impression of this was that it had some very good music along with some dated sounding tracks, so it wasn't a high priority. I'd been having very good luck buying hybrid SACD's even though I don't own a SACD player; the CD layers benefit greatly from the DSD mastering, making them stand head and shoulders above the latest PCM remasters (there are a few exceptions), so I decided to take the plunge.

The CD layer is stunning. I must have been sitting there with my mouth open after "Overture" began. I experienced emotion that wasn't there on previous listens to this on CD and vinyl. Yes, some of the tracks still sound dated, but most of this album is very good indeed, and this remaster is so incredible. If you own a great stereo rig, I highly recommend buying this - in fact, even if you don't have a great rig, I recommend it!

The Who's classic rock opera gets a 35th birthday celebration fit for a king!.......2006-08-13

The Who's fourth studio(and fifth overall) album Tommy was released in May of 1969.
The Tommy album by The Who was the make or break for the group because if Tommy had failed, The Who would have probably disbanded due to lack of funds despite their concerts selling out based on Pete Townshend's guitar smashing and Keith Moon's drum kit demolishing at the end of each gig.
Guitarist Pete Townshend, under the gun after I Can See For Miles failed as a single in the UK(although it was their biggest ever hit here in the US) came up with a rock opera about a deaf, dumb and blind kid named Tommy whom becomes those aforementioned things after witnessing an event as a child that traumatized him(his father killing his step-father whom he considered his father).
Originally considered to be a single length album, the band felt it didn't make sense so they expanded it into a double album and the result is one of rock's Top 10 greatest double studio albums in history(alongside other classic double albums like the then-already released Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland and The Beatles' White album and would help pave the way for more classics like The Rolling Stones' 1972 masterwork Exile on Main Street, The Who's 1973 release Quadrophenia, Elton John's 1973 classic Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Genesis' 1974 masterwork The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Led Zeppelin's 1975 classic Physical Graffiti, Pink Floyd's 1979 masterpiece The Wall and Bruce Springsteen's 1980 classic The River among many others).
Alot of classics appear on this album like the Overture, the classic Top 20 hit Pinball Wizard, Amazing Journey, the Underture(best instrumental on here which is basically a repeat of the album's other instrumental Sparks), Go to the Mirror, I'm Free, Cousin Kevin(one of bass player John Entwistle's greatest compositions), Fiddle About(about the perverted Uncle Ernie), Tommy's Holiday Camp(another excellent ditty written by drummer Keith Moon whom did an excellent rendition in the film version of Tommy in 1975) and the classic finale We're Not Gonna Take It/See Me Feel Me.
The other tracks on the album It's a Boy, 1921(You Didn't Hear It), Eyesight to the Blind, Christmas, The Acid Queen, Do You Think It's Alright, There's a Doctor I've Found, Tommy Can You Hear Me?, Smash the Mirror, Sensation, Miracle Cure, Sally Simpson and Welcome are all great pieces as well though tend to be overlooked.
The album made The Who legends for good and peaked at #4 on the Billboard chart and was their first Gold seller(eventually Platinum).
In 1996, the album was re-released as a remastered CD but used different masters for the remixed reissue.
In October of 2003(just in time for Tommy's 35th Anniversary), Geffen Records(formerly known as MCA) re-released the album as a 2-disc Hybrid SACD with the original mix on the CD layer and a killer 5.1 mix on the SACD layer and this version uses the very original tapes that were found in Universal's vault after being said that the original tapes were destroyed by Kit Lambert in a fire. As a result of the discovery of the original tapes, the sound quality is amazing on here.
Disc two has great outtakes and demos like I Was, The Who trying to record Sally Simpson with hilarious results and instrumental versions of Tommy Can You Hear Me and Tommy's Holiday Camp among many other rarities plus a cool booklet with rare photos.
Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

a must have for all REAL r n b LOVErS
An impressive journey!
Oh Yes!
Don't Sleep!!!!
He has never let me down!

Journey Of A Gemini
Donell Jones
Manufacturer: La Face
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Director
In My Own Words
Jagged Edge
Ghetto Classics
Where I Wanna Be

ASIN: B0000DZ3FV
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Tracks:

Special Girl
Better Start Talking- featuring Jermaine Dupri
I'm Gonna Be
My Apology
Spend The Night
Portrait Of A Woman
Cry
Ooh Na Na
Feelin' You
Can't Wait
Lust Or Love
If You Want- featuring Bun B
Cuttin' Me Off
Another Life
I'm Gonna Be- featuring Clipse

Amazon.com

With Journey of a Gemini, R&B smoothie Donell Jones bounces back after a four-year lapse famously littered with personal and professional fiascos. Where a lot of artists might overthink such a momentous return to the spotlight, though, he displays an astrologically correct tendency to let his instincts guide him, and the result is a disc that sounds both tight stitched and effortless. The song cycle follows a beguiling pattern: when Jones isn't seducing somebody, a la the shamelessly sexed-up "Apple Pie," "Can't Wait," or "Ooh Na Na," he's emptying his heart into a dusky ballad like "Portrait of a Woman." Or else he's just reminding the world that he can crank out a hit and have a near-criminally good time doing it. While "Better Start Talking" gets backing from Jermaine Dupri and the other standout selections here boast top-tier production talent--Tim & Bob hook him up on "I'm Gonna Be" and Ryan Leslie lubes up the Bun B number "If You Want" till it's perfectly squeakless--Jones commands a distinctive kind of cool throughout. This journey may not lead him where his last disc did, which would be to the No. 3 position on the Billboard 200, but it's way worth following his trail markers anyway. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

a must have for all REAL r n b LOVErS.......2007-06-06

my boy has done it again i am completely satisfied with his latest cd. although i fell the cd doesnt get as much as promo as it deserve any true music fan should have this one in their collection. with songs like "my apology" and "cant wait" this is a most definately a hit. im surprised more people dont know about donell jones as far as most know is "where i wanna be" but his music goes much deeoer than that...if you dont know you BETTER START TALKING and find out what a real r n b sounds like not that garbage you hear on the radio.

An impressive journey!.......2007-01-28

Donell Jones was always a gifted singer even though his first album My Heart was a soso effort. Albums like Where I Wanna Be and Life Goes On show that Donell Jones gets better with time. The first single Better Start Talking is good but it is not as spectacular as Im Gonna Be(the remix with Clipse is a nice touch too)and it does not have the replay value that Im Gonna Be does. Other standout tracks are My Apology, Portrait Of A Woman, Cry, Feelin You(Darkchild better watch his back because Tim and Bob might give him a run for his money with production like this), Cant Wait, Spend The Night, If You Want(great duet with Bun B), Cuttin Me Off and Another Life. Skip material: Special Girl is not a garbage record but it is inferior to the other songs on this album. Bottom Line: Journey Of A Gemini is Donell Jones's best album and is one of the best R&B albums of 2006. The smooth production, the soulful singing by Donell and songs like Im Gonna Be, Cry, My Apology, Portrait Of A Woman etc make this album a worthwhile experience. Donell Jones is in a class by himself.

Oh Yes!.......2007-01-20

I'd always been a big fan of Donnell Jones, but like others I was wondering what had happened to him. I was excited when I'd heard "Better Start Talking" but, then I didn't hear anything else. Well I'm glad that his long anticipated cd has finally been released! Let me tell you, those who are long time fans, you won't be disappointed. Those who are wanting some grown up music to grove to...buy this album!! I love every single song on the cd. You can easily play this cd from start to finish. I do have favorites of course like "Ooh Na Na". Thanks Donnell for the cd...next time don't make us wait so long!

Don't Sleep!!!!.......2006-12-19

The album is tight! "Where I Wanna Be" got me hooked on this cat. If you liked that CD, you also dig this one, it has the same flavor. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed.

Shame his label is not pub'ing up this release....

Keep at it D.J. you have fans that dig good solid Beats, Rhythms, Groove/Bass lines and lyrics with a story to tell.

My head is bopping to "I'm Gonna Be" right now, love that high harmony...

He has never let me down!.......2006-11-17

I have always been a huge fan of Donell Jones, ever since the release of his debut album "My Heart." Since then, each album seems to get better and better. "Journey Of A Gemini" has a genuine R&B sound that many artists out there today just can't seem to find. The only thing I dislike about the album is that it definitely doesn't get enough play on the radio or enough publicity. Someone as talented as Donell should be in heavy rotation. My favorite songs on this album (although I LOVE them all) are 1. Ooh Na Na, 2. Feelin You, 3. I'm Gonna Be, 4. Better Start Talkin. So if you love R&B with a classic sound, you can't afford not to have this in your collection.

Average customer rating:

Positive Charge
Enjoyable
Beautiful!
SOUL GROUP FOR THE FUTURE
My kind of music!

This Journey in
Rebirth
Manufacturer: Kajmere Sound
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Kajmere Sound, Vol. 1
Choklate
The Revelation is Now Televised
Sing (If You Want It)
Bold and Beautiful

ASIN: B0007Y8876
Release Date: 2005-11-27

Tracks:

This Journey In
Stray Away
Mark of His Ways
Shake It
Common Ends
Talking Me Down
Sinkin'
Walk Talkin' Mizell
Got Your Madness
Every Body Say Yeah
Revolving Door

Product Description

On this compelling new 11-track album recorded in the band's hometown, The Rebirth matches its musical vitality with a gift for lucid poetry and songwriting, creating a rich sound built on an organic blend of new and traditional soul, hip-hop, jazz, and funk. These elements make the group's music both highly progressive and a throwback to the classic soul bands like: Earth, Wind & Fire, Ramp, Pleasure, Rotary Connection, Side Effect and Roy Ayers. Over the last few years, The Rebirth has celebrated the successes of several smashing singles: "This Journey In," "Every Body Say Yeah," "Got Your Madness," and their critically acclaimed cover of The Might Ryders' "Evil Vibrations." The release of "This Journey In" quickly garnered airplay on radio stations from Los Angeles to the U.K. and Japan, and appeared on numerous CD's including: King Britt's Black to the Future, Gilles Peterson's Trust the DJ 9 and the Norman Jay MBE compilation entitled Giant 45. In addition, Gilles Peterson included the song on his list of "20 Best in 2003" and Norman Jay called it, "The anthem of the summer 2003." Poignant tracks that appear on This Journey In include "Shake It," a catchy mid-tempo jam that encourages one to feel uninhibited about getting out to the dance floor to simply let loose and enjoy the moment; the smooth dance song, with a funky base line, "Stray Away"; "Common Ends," an uplifting track that talks about the experiences in life that unifies people; and the funky, disco-Brazilianinspired song, "Talking Me Down," plus many other stellar compositions. The most recent release, "Evil Vibrations," was recorded exclusively for Ubiquity Records to appear on its innovative compilation, Rewind! 4. The result was a high-energy, textured sound in the original retro style that included some new lyrics, mixed with De La Soul's version of the classic track. Nominated for "Song of the Year" at Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Awards and concluding in 2004 at #6 on his playlist, "Evil Vibrations," continues to gain accolades for the group as one of the US' most promising neo-soul collectives. "A fabulous CD and a contender for album of the year!!" - Blues & Soul (London) "Evil Vibrations" & "This Journey In" named Gilles Peterson's Top 5 All Winners List 2003 & 2004 "The Rebirth explores the space between soul, ambient and jazz with refined musicianship to spare. Tight music. Period." - The Urban Network "...a storm of jazzy live action out of LA....solid R&B tinged tracks that remind us of the good old days of The Brand New Heavies and Jamiroquai's first albums and the original Giant Step parties...lots of thick, layered vocals mixed with inner city heat." - URB Magazine

Customer Reviews:

Positive Charge.......2007-05-23

Im a "Cog" head (Incognito fan) and The Rebirth give that same vibe. I had the same experience as another reviewer had where I played this durring a small gathering and everyone was like "WHO IS THIS? I GOT TO HAVE IT". I love when I score with some new music that my friends havent heard yet and it knocks them out!!! I'm such a big kid. Thanks Rebirth, my friends and I are waiting for your next one.

Enjoyable.......2007-05-14

The Journey was pleasurable however longwinded. Don't get me wrong the
songs are good but I think the CD was too long. Most times CD's are short with only 12 tracks which is typical but when it is good you don't want it to stop. THis Journey was good songs but somewhat redundant towards the end. When you relay a message you have to let it stand and move on. I think some of the messages were repeated, it may be that they really wanted the people to understand their position (stance0 in the music world. But definately a nice collection of music especially for the neo-jazz inspired listeners.

Beautiful!.......2007-01-30

This is a beautiful project and should hold a place in anyones collection. I placed this on during a dinner party, and in a short time everyone was "Wow! Who's this?" and groovin' to it. It's Great! GET IT!

SOUL GROUP FOR THE FUTURE.......2007-01-26

THE KAJMERE COMPILATION WHICH FEATURED THIS GROUP, WON ME OVER, HAD TO OWN THEIR CD , IT IS EXCELLENT RETRO SOUL, THROWBACK TO THE DAYS OF EWF,DONALD BYRD, HERBIE HANCOCK, THEY ALSO INCORPORATE MODERN GROOVES FOR THE NU-SOUL CROWD. OVERALL GOOD CD.

My kind of music!.......2006-12-23

My best friend, who's a singer and has a very sound knowledge of what kind of music I like, introduced me to this band. I only had to listen to the first few bars of the opener, "This Journey In" to know that I needed to have this CD. I immediately ordered two copies - one for me and one for him.

This seven-piece band with Noelle Scaggs and Carlos "Loslito" Guaico doing most of the lead vocals give us funky, jazzy modern soul at it's very best with a distinct retro vibe. If you're a fan of early Incognito or early Brand New Heavies, you'll like these guys. I really don't know what else to say. This album reflects everything I love about music - Jazz-inspired, and led by beautifully played electric piano; pleasant vocals and positive lyrics - and it's shot right to the top of my best buys for this year, (excluding jazz) even above albums from the likes of the Brand New Heavies and Frank McComb. I haven't stopped playing it since it arrived earlier today. I also haven't felt like dancing in a long while, due to this, that and the other but I tell you, with this on the player, I've been finding it very hard to stay still. I put this CD on and it just takes me away. It's almost as if the CD has lifted my spirits. From beginning to end, this is my kind of music!

Why we don't see more bands like this on so-called music television channels, I'll never know but this is one band I'll be looking out for with a keen eye from now on. This is also another band I cannot wait to see perform live. One (wo)man's meat can often be another's poison but I'll be shocked if anyone reviews this album with anything less than the five stars they deserve.

Heck, just like an earlier reviewer, I'd give them ten stars if I could.

Average customer rating:

Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations
Cornel West
Manufacturer: Hidden Beach
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Poetry | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

We'll Never Turn Back

ASIN: B000QUCPZ2
Release Date: 2007-08-21

Tracks:

Bushanomics (Talib Kweli)
America (Black Thought, Rah Digga, Iriz, Lucky Witherspoon)
Still Here
Dear Mr. Man (Prince)
911
N Word (Tavis Smiley & Michael Eric Dyson)
Welcome to Chi (Rhymefest, Neo Abassy & Malik Yusef)
Mr. President (KRS-1 & M-1)
Keepin It PI (Killer Mike, Doey, Roc & Lucky Witherspoon)
Chronometrophobia (Andre 3000)
Gonna Be Alright (Dave Hollister & Chuckii Booker)
Matter of (Lenny Williams)
Soul Sista (Daryl Moore)
The Man's Gonna Getcha (Gerald Levert)

Album Description

Dr. Cornel West, one of America's most prominent black intellectuals, has teamed up with Hidden Beach Recordings to produce one of the most important and socially-conscious music projects to be released in 2007. On the heels of the Don Imus controversy, topical debates on the political and sociological effects regarding the use of the N Word and our country searching for answers to the question "Now What?" all are addressed in the context of this CD. This compelling body of work features Cornel West as a conductor who orchestrates a symphony of hip-hop and r&b recording artists and producers in the delivery of a resounding message that offers music as a positive force to effect change, awareness and solidarity.

Tracks:

Othar Turner & The Rising Star Fife & Drum Band - Shortnin' / Henduck
Lightning & Group - Long John
Mamie Smith - Crazy Blues
W.C. Handy - St. Louis Blues
Bessie Smith - Muddy Water
Blind Lemon Jefferson - Match Box Blues
Furry Lewis - Billy Lyons & Stack-O-Lee
"Ma" Rainey - "Ma" Rainey's Black Bottom
Blind Willie Johnson - Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground
Louis Armstrong - Savoy Blues
Frank Stokes - Downtown Blues
Mississippi John Hurt - Frankie
Henry Thomas - Fishing Blues
Leroy Carr - How Long How Long Blues
Tommy Johnson - Canned Heat Blues
Blind Willie McTell - Statesboro Blues
Tampa Red & Georgia Tom - It's Tight Like That
Pine Top Smith - Pine Top's Boogie Woogie
Lonnie Johnson - Guitar Blues
Charley Patton - Pony Blues
Blind Blake - Diddie Wah Diddie
Memphis Jug Band - K.C. Moan
Jimmie Rodgers - Standin' On The Corner (Blue Yodel # 9)
Mississippi Sheiks - Sittin' On Top Of The World
Son House - Preachin' The Blues

Tracks:

Skip James - Devil Got My Woman
Lead Belly - C.C. Rider
Big Joe Williams - Baby Please Don't Go
Roosevelt Sykes - Dirty Mother For You (Don't You Know)
Billie Holiday - Billie's Blues
Robert Johnson - Cross Road Blues
Sonny Boy Williamson - I Good Mornin' Little School Girl
Bukka White - Shake 'Em On Down
Joe Turner & Pete Johnson - Roll 'Em Pete
Robert Petway - Catfish Blues
Count Basie Orchestra with Jimmy Rushing - Going To Chicago Blues
Big Bill Broonzy - Key To The Highway
Memphis Minnie - Me And My Chauffeur Blues
Big Maceo Merriweather - Worried Life Blues
Tommy McClennon - Cross Cut Saw Blues
Lionel Hampton Sextet with Dinah Washington - Evil Gal Blues
Sister Rosetta Tharpe - Strange Things Happening Everyday
Joe Liggins - Honeydripper Pt.I
Johnny Moore's Three Blazers featuring Charles Brown - Drifting Blues
Louis Jordan - Let The Good Times Roll
Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup - That's All Right Mama
T-Bone Walker - Call It Stormy Monday
Wynonie Harris - Good Rockin' Tonight
Jimmy Witherspoon - Ain't Nobody's Business, Part One
The Johnny Otis Quintette with Little Esther & The Robins - Double Crossing Blues

Tracks:

Memphis Slim - Mother Earth
Percy Mayfield - Please Send Me Someone To Love
Jackie Brenston - Rocket 88
Elmore James - Dust My Broom
Rosco Gordon - No More Doggin'
Little Walter - Juke
Big Mama Thornton - Hound Dog
Lowell Fulson - Reconsider Baby
Guitar Slim - The Things That I Used To Do
Professor Longhair - In The Night
Muddy Waters - (I'm Your) Hoochie Coochie Man
J.B. Lenoir - Eisenhower Blues
Fats Domino - Blue Monday
Ray Charles - Hard Times
Smiley Lewis - I Hear You Knockin'
Elvis Presley - Mystery Train
Sonny Boy Williamson II - Don't Start Me To Talkin'
Howlin' Wolf - Smokestack Lightnin'
Bo Diddley - Who Do You Love
Slim Harpo - I'm A King Bee
Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode
Bobby "Blue" Bland - Farther Up The Road
Otis Rush - So Many Roads, So Many Trains
Buddy Guy - First Time I Met The Blues

Tracks:

Freddie King - Hide Away
Junior Parker - Drivin' Wheel
John Lee Hooker - Boom Boom
Albert Collins - Frosty
Muddy Waters - You Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had
Howlin' Wolf - Killing Floor
Son House - Death Letter Blues
Mississippi Fred McDowell - You Gotta Move
Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited
Junior Wells - Hoodoo Man Blues
Koko Taylor - Wang Dang Doodle
John Mayall's Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton - All Your Love
Paul Butterfield Blues Band - I've Got A Mind To Give Up Livin'
Jimi Hendrix - Red House
Albert King - Born Under The Bad Sign
Magic Sam - Mama Talk To Your Daughter
Etta James - Tell Mama
The Jeff Beck - Group Ain't Superstitious
Taj Mahal - She Caught The Katy (And Left Me A Mule To Ride)
Fleetwood Mac - Black Magic Woman
Janis Joplin - One Good Man

Tracks:

B.B. King - The Thrill Is Gone
Johnny Winter - Dallas
Derek & The Dominos - Have You Ever Loved A Woman
Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers - Give Me Back My Wig
The Allman Brothers Band - One Way Out
Z.Z. Hill - Down Home Blues
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - Pride And Joy
Robert Cray - Smoking Gun
Fabulous Thunderbirds - Tuff Enuff
John Lee Hooker & Bonnie Raitt - I'm In The Mood
Ali Farka Toure - Timbarma
Keb' Mo' - Am I Wrong?
Luther Allison - Cherry Red Wine
Peggy Scott-Adams - Bill
Susan Tedeschi - Just Won't Burn
Los Lobos - Voodoo Music
Bonnie Raitt - Round And Round
Cassandra Wilson - Vietnam Blues
Robert Cray & Shemekia Copeland - I Pity The Fool (Live)
Keb' Mo' & Corey Harris - Sweet Home Chicago

Amazon.com

This is by far the best and most comprehensive introduction to recorded blues ever assembled, drawing styles, record labels, and eras together with the efficiency of a spider's web. These five discs--tied to the hit-and-miss PBS film series Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues--embrace field hollers, early queens Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith, the music's first composer W.C. Handy, Delta slide guitarists, string bands, piano barrelhousers, jazz geniuses Count Basie and Lionel Hampton, Texas hotshots, lyric poets Percy Mayfield and Willie Dixon, Chicago powerhouses from Muddy Waters to Buddy Guy, Howlin' Wolf and howling white boys, soulkittens Etta James and Janis Joplin, juke joint brawlers like Hound Dog Taylor, African torchbearer Ali Farka Toure, modern guitar heroes Stevie Ray Vaughan and Luther Allison, and even recent hit-makers Peggy Scott-Adams and Susan Tedeschi. And that's just a smidgen of the talents represented across more than 100 cuts. Nonetheless, there are grave omissions in disc five, which focuses on contemporary blues. The raw electric sound of present-day Mississippi, embodied by R.L. Burnside and other artists on the Fat Possum label, has done much to open the ears of college-age audiences and should be included. Also absent are the music's most important contemporary innovators: Afro-blues fusionist Corey Harris, psychedelic folk bluesman Otis Taylor and rap-blues proselytizer Chris Thomas King. Still, it's obvious this collection is a work of devotion and intelligence as well as commerce. --Ted Drozdowski

Album Description

Full title - Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues - A Musical Journey. Five-CD deluxe boxed set includes a comprehensive collection of the music from the seven films airing on PBS. A definitive overview of blues, from its earliest recordings over 80 years ago, to contemporary artists and new recordings made specifically for The Blues. Music from the PBS Series The Blues, executive produced by acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese. 116 tracks on 5 CDs, plus 60-page collector's booklet with stunning photos and illuminating essays. Features introductory essay by Martin Scorsese. Gatefold digibox. Hip-O Records. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Synopsis of the Blues.......2007-03-18

This collection is an excellent synopsis of the Blues from its earliest roots on the rercording medium to modern times. It also shows how far and wide this genre covers in the musical landscape with its influence on rock-and-roll and jazz. Besides having over 115 songs, there is also a companion booklet that documents every track. I really recommend this collection to anyone not familiar with the Blues, because it can be a great starting point for you to expand on an area you find more interesting, like the Kansas City blues in the 30s, Chicago blues in the 50s, or diverse individuals such as Lead Belly, T-Bone Walker, Howlin' Wolf, John Jee Hooker, and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Best blues compilation.......2006-07-13

IMO, this 5-disc set is par none the best blues compilation spanning over 50 years. Not everything noteworthy has been included, but it is the best bang for your buck you're going to find anywhere for a wide blues selection from early to recent, and Marty Scorese did a fantastic job in selection. I have given it as a gift several times and it is the gift that keeps on giving. Some very great tunes.

Raw.......2006-06-19

This box set compliments the film series very well. Musically, the set is wonderful until the middle half of the fourth disc and wans quite considerably on the fifth disc. This is not only a matter of bad taste in choosing appropriate music for these parts of the set, it is merely a matter of musical history: the blues at the time in which these portions of the set cover was simple not very good music.
These portions would have been much better off if they included work by the likes of Carey Bell or RL Burnside instead of The Fabulous Thunderbirds and the Cock Rocker of Blues, Stevie Ray Vaughn.

The Best Compilation on Blues Ever Made.......2006-06-03

One day in early 1968 I bought the album Wheels of Fire by Cream. Cream of course featured Eric Clapton.
I put on the live disc and listened to a song called "Crossroads" and became hooked.
At that time I didnt have a clue who Robert Johnson was or what blues was.
I over the years listened to blues through "White" artists like Eric Clapton, The Allman Bros and others.
One day I broke down and bought a Robert Johnson album and a whole new world was opened up to me.
I had no idea what "Mississippi Delta" blues was compared to "Chicago Blues" etc. For years I have listened to these recordings and was never able to hear the originals.
People like Eric Clapton have changed the arrangements on many of these songs to suit their styles. Now through this recording I am finally able to hear what the song was originally like. I personally love the slide guitar of the Mississippi Delta. I love the "rawness" of those recordings. I am also able to hear the electric side that came from Chicago as blues players migrated there. This Cd has the finest songs by the best blues artists ever.
This set includes Mississippi Fred McDowell, Robert Johnson, Skip James, BB King, Buddy Guy, Maceo Merriweather, Big Bill Broonzy, Muddy Waters, Son House and the list just goes on and on.
It also includes the "White" side of the blues including Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaugh, Bonnie Raitt and many others.
This is a celebration of the blues, and is a must for any collector, or fan of the blues. This CD is for people like me who have listened to the blues for so many years and now want to listen to the real thing.
You will never find a better collection in your lifetime....

The best collection of blues I've ever heard. Period........2005-09-05

So much to love here--from fife and drum bands to rare acoustic blues recordings, to citified modern-day blues artists. These discs teach you a lot, but never come across as preachy or academic. When you hear Percy Mayfield or Guitar Slim you just want to turn the volume way up.

Average customer rating:

Underated artist
An ultra-smooth CD from a great crooner.
The Master of the "re-make"
Sensual Journey Indeed
First time............

Sensual Journey
Will Downing
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

GRP | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Emotions
Pleasures of the Night
Moods
Invitation Only
All the Man You Need

ASIN: B00006316X
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

Cool Water
I Can't Help It
Home
Don't Talk To Me Like That
Almost Like Being In Love
Maybe
If I Ever Lose This Heaven
Drowning In Your Eyes
Just Don't Wanna Be Lonely
Brooklyn Breezes
Bolero Nova

Customer Reviews:

Underated artist.......2005-05-16

This is one of his best cd's. You really have to listen to the words on the cd, he takes you to whole another level. He is one of the best r&b singers ever, just close your eyes and listen to the song "maybe" and think of that special place for you and your lady.

An ultra-smooth CD from a great crooner........2004-11-24

By itself, Will's velvet-smooth and truly superior cover version of Michael Jackson's hit "I Can't Help It" more than justifies the entire CD's price--it's an ever-beautiful gem you'll return to time and again. This gorgeous CD proves that Will is a true crooner in every sense of the word.

The Master of the "re-make".......2004-04-07

Will, Will, Will!!!! I have been his #1 fan for the past 14 years, have met him twice.....got that coveted signed photo, but Will still never stops astounding me with his musical talent! Will is the master of the re-make....from Angela Bofill, Marvin Gaye, and Bonnie Raitt....and now, Michael Jackson, and Average White Band! He has taken these songs and bought a whole new meaning to each of them. I will forever love him for this ability!!!

My favorite on the cd is Bolero Nova....Thank you for bringing it "there", Will.....That voice and Brazilian rhythms at the same time! Ohhh, pure Heaven!!!

Sensual Journey Indeed.......2004-02-27

This CD is the kind of CD you put in the player, get in the tub and soak to. It's just wonderful!!! If you have not seen him live, you really need to do so. He sounds awesome on his recordings, but live he is 1,000 times better.

First time...................2003-11-15

This is my first time listening to Will Downing. I am sorry that a friend had to turn me onto this man. This cd is soooo soothing... and relaxing. I am glad that I took my friend's advice.

Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants

Average customer rating:

beautiful music, rich with imagery and color.......
Better than I remember
A movie soundtrack.
Weirdly great!
Criminally Overlooking, This album is Worth a Critical Reassessment...

Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants
Stevie Wonder
Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

Motown | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

R&B | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Songs in the Key of Life
Music of My Mind
Characters
In Square Circle
Hotter Than July

ASIN: B000024C7W
Release Date: 1993-04-05

Tracks:

Earth's Creation
The First Garden
Voyage To India
Same Old Story
Venus' Flytrap And The Bug
Ai No Sono
Seasons
Power Flower
Send One Your Love
Race Babbling

Tracks:

Send One Your Love
Outside My Window
Black Orchid
Ecclesiastes
Kesse Ye Lolo De Ye
Come Back As A Flower
A Seed's A Star/Tree Medley
The Secret Life Of Plants
Tree
Finale (Stevie Wonder/Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants)

Album Description

Full title - Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants. 1993 reissue of 2 CD set originally released on Motown in 1979. 20 tracks in a standard double jewel case. Lyrics included in sleevenotes.

Album Details

Actually a Soundtrack for a Film that May Never have Been Released (Few People Even Say They've Seen It), this Mostly Instrumental Double Disc was Issued on the Heels of Wonder's Supreme Milestone 'fulfillingness' First Finale'. Not an all Out Pop Project, Yet it Yielded Two Hit Singles of 'send One Your Love' and 'outside My Window'. It Merely Marked Time Between It's Predecessor and 'hotter Than July', which Released in 1980.

Customer Reviews:

beautiful music, rich with imagery and color..............2007-05-13

I was honestly surprised how underrated and underappreciated JOURNEY THROUGH THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANTS was, upon first release in 1979. Stevie Wonder, who received glowing reviews for his classic SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE, was riding the high of well-deserved positive musical critiques, and veered off in a new, innovative direction that he hadn't explored until PLANTS.

JOURNEY THROUGH THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANTS was music composed for a documentary (of the same name) based on what was originally a very engrossing book. The film celebrated and explored the "secret" world of plants, their mating habits, interactions and cycles in a way that was previously unexamined in quite the same way in nature films and on public television. This film sounded fascinating.....unfortunately, it was unreleased to the general public, and remains unreleased today. Except for the two weeks it was in the theatres, and its rare appearances at smaller film theaters, it remains unknown and impossible to find. Through this beautiful album, we are transported to that secret world. Wonder's innovative and beautiful attention to detail in his distinctive percussive numbers, that incorporate African-derived rhythms, djembe drum and chants in songs like "Kesse Ye Lolo De Ye" (on disc 2), Japanese-inspired melodies ("Ai No Sono") and synthesized dance numbers, illustrating the journey and (even) social life of the plant ("Power Flower" and "A Seed's A Star/Tree Medley") are just beautiful. A song particularly worthy of more appreciation and airplay is the beautiful and haunting "Come Back As A Flower" (Stevie's duet with Syreeta Wright), and sounds like a life affirming anthem, promoting love, peace and environmental awareness.

The lyrics in many of these songs are rich with double meaning, alluding not only to the environment, the life cycles of plants ("Black Orchid" and "The Secret Life of Plants"), but also to the African/African-American experience in the world. The lyrics make reference to appropriation, forceable possession and exploitation. I truly don't think the critics were ready for Stevie, when he took on such strong subjects. It's surprising to me, because in SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE, he sang about ghetto life, growing up and the like and the album was received far differently. I only hope that we one day have the privilege of seeing THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANTS, the documentary that this music was inspired by. It couldn't come at a better time. What's more, the book is definitely overdue for a reissue. Don't overlook this beautiful album! It's poetry set to music.

Better than I remember.......2007-03-24

I had this on LP decades ago, and have been looking for the CD set (or MP3/AAC) for years. I am so happy to have found it. The sound is so much clearer on CD--even after all these years. As for content, I didn't buy it for "Send Her Your Love"... you can get that cut anywhere. I got the set for "Outside My Window" and "Come Back as a Flower". Both have such clarity. You can hear the fingers stick to the accoustic guitar strings between chord changes, and the vocalist breathe.

A movie soundtrack........2007-01-28

This was meant to be a movie soundtrack, not a regular album. Stevie isn't trying to increase his melodies-per-square-inch count here, but HAS written some marvelous music, spread across 4 sides of vinyl. There is some uptempo music, and some pretty low key stuff as well, but for a movie you NEED the low key, his music obviously can't be the focus all the time but simply something nice in the background. This isn't necessarily an album to bring out for a party, but playing on your car stereo as you patiently, carefully pick your way through a wintery drive. There is some great music on here, I don't care much for the Chinese and Indian influenced songs especially "Voyage to India", "Ai No Sono", but if something interesting was going on onscreen, you'd hardly notice.

The overall themes, summarized at the start and end, are pleasant enough. Race Babbling is an interesting funk/disco experiment (how often does disco get to be experimental?) Send One Your Love is a nice ballad along Stevie's usual lines, the instrumental version of it is just as nice as the one with a vocal. Flower Power is a nice bit of soft R&B, hinting the direction he was heading. My favorite songs are 'Outside My Window' with a very catchy singalong chorus, the spooky, weird, solemn instrumental "Eccliastes", and the "Seed's a Star" medley, these would have been good picks for an album of pop songs. "Black Orchid" is pleasant, but sounds to me like a somewhat inferior rewrite of "I Believe When I Fall In Love" (especially in the verses with his voice doing the big melodic jumps), "Power Flower" is an acceptable song with nice harmonies. "Venus and Flytrap" is another rehash of the themes in this album, with interesting arrangement.

I think you could have taken the best from this album and from his next, "Hotter Than July" and come up with an album of 10 songs that stood with his best works (i.e. everything from 1971 to 1976). People don't realize that Stevie Wonder is also an ordinary person whose tastes and motivations change over the years - do you listen to exactly the same music now that you did ten years ago? For this album, he got to experiment and try things out, not caring if it was a hit or not. I mean, when you have millions of dollars, probably scoring the next big hit is a lot less pressing then when you're living dirt-poor, hoping for a breakthrough. So he gets to indulge himself here, sometimes it's really good, and even when it's not, it's far from 'terrible'.

Weirdly great!.......2006-10-01

I remember waiting for this album to hit the UK stores after just loving "Songs in the Key of Life". Quite a surprise, but a few plays later I was hooked. This soundtrack is more like a journey, serenading us with some of the most beautiful ballads and instrumentals Mr. Wonder has recorded (IMHO).

"Come back as a Flower" still gives me goose-bumps, "Same old Story", the title track and "Black Orchid" are stand-outs.

At the time, critics panned this work, but almost 30yrs later, things have changed. This title is well worth tracking down or splashing out for an import. There are still some new ones out there!!

Criminally Overlooking, This album is Worth a Critical Reassessment..........2006-06-27

Between the period of 1971 - 1976, few could argue that brilliance of Stevie Wonders musical output. A period that saw such groundbreaking releases such as: "Talking Book", "Innervisions", "Fulfillingness' First Finale", "Songs in the Key of Life"....all albums that took driving funk & Motown Soul, and mixed them with warm keyboards, and lyrical content that touched upon: Politics, Love, Social injustice, Joyous Good times, and religion, and self-belief....to conquering effect. Which is what made this release of after 1976's "Songs in the key of Life", all the more curious and bizarre. Because instead of following on, from the ambitious wide-ranging arrangements, exuberant synthesizer, and tightly sequenced funk of "Songs in the key of life". Stevie instead bucked all current convention, and released this...a meditative mostly instrumental album of quietly intimate sounds, Precious moods, and reflective arrangements. Gone were the finger-pointing political statements, Biting Funk, and celebratory grooves. This was an album that was a decidedly much softer proposition, with an overall sound, that was considered, too intimate and inward-looking to suggest Radio air-play, and a cycle of loosely themed (semi-linked) songs, that were too downtempo, to be really considered hit single material (although "Send One Your Love" and "Outside My Window", were released as singles). What followed was mass confusion, on the radio/Critics part....with most, simply baffled by Stevie's musical direction, and large-scale indifference on the part of consumers. And so, this left the album, largely ignored by the general public, and quickly lead to Stevie reverting back to type, with 1980's upbeat soul/funk workout "hotter than July".

Looking back on "Journey through the secret life of Plants", and giving the album a much need re-evaluation, it's not hard to see why, it was so off-handedly dismissed on its release. This was such an unusual release from what had gone before, it's a soundtrack to a film (that may or may not have been released) and at the time it was like throwing a musical `Curve-ball', to the record buying public. But, that doesn't mean that it deserved to be largely passed over. No, in fact it's quite the opposite....looking at this album now, long after his most recognised work, has become familiar to us all, highlights what (with hindsight), is a massive mistake on the critics/buying public. What was tight and edgy in his previous albums, has become a softer, more reflective sombre mood, the instruments take the centre stage here, with the few vocals tracks that are contained throughout the album, mostly limited to assisting the instrumentals (rather than being at the forefront). "Voyage to India" is probably closest to a regular Stevie track, "Ai No, Sono" features a lovely children choir, and "Power Flower" has the vocal pushed firmly into the background, and sounds like a vocal instrument that complements the instrumentals. I defy anyone to not be moved by the sheer elegance of the arrangements, the contemplative mood, and gentle lush keyboard work, that runs throughout this album. For a rough idea of what to expect, if you are familiar with the track "You've got it bad, Girl" from Stevie's "Talking book" album, well imagine the warm electronic arrangements, sentimental template, and innocent conception of low key R&B, without the vocals. Then that will give you a rough idea of what to expect. I don't know if it's because it's a (mostly) instrumental soundtrack album, but it sounds like Stevie worked long and hard to get these arrangements, up to such a highly proficient level. This is probably because, seeing as this music would be judged on a purely musical level (with no lyrics, as such to fall back on). That this release really had to be able to stand up on its own, without Stevie's lyrics to fall back on, and it is arguably some of the most gorgeously expressive (instrumental) music that Stevie has committed to record. With such stylistic exercises in composition, and a beautifully subtle kaleidoscope of contrasting textures, this is a unique, and peerlessly melodic sounding record, that stands on its own, as something vastly different, from anything that Stevie had attempted before (and probably one, of the reasons, for its commercial failure). But looking back on the album some twenty odd years on, it's a truly remarkable sounding record that, rewards each listen with little sounds and glistening moods, it's a soundtrack that sounds unlike anything else (although how well suited to the film, is hard to ascertain, as nobody seems to have seen the film). And if that sounds like something you'd want to listen to, they you really owe it to yourself, to give this a listen. Sure!!...there will be those that think this album is a pointless exercise, like listening to a "Marvin Gaye" album minus his singing. But it'd take a cold, cold heart not to acknowledge that Artistically, Stevie has taken the bold step of creating something that pushed his music into an entirely new (although unsuccessfully commercial) direction. And listening to it today, without having judged it, after having come off the back of an incredible run of albums, this is one of those albums that will rope in new fans, that are prepared to put any preconceptions to one side and meet the music on its own terms (rather than what came before it), and although it probably can't quite stand up as well as his peak-period albums, this is arguably, deserving of almost as much recognition of any of Stevie's other landmark releases.

Africa to America: The Journey of the Drum

Average customer rating:

AAA-"Anointed/Appointed and Approved"
One of The Most Uplifting Recordings In History
Their best album!
I Have It Again
Better Than Their Debut Album of Three Years Earlier

Africa to America: The Journey of the Drum
Sounds of Blackness
Manufacturer: Perspective Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

$7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 R&B | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Evolution of Gospel
Time for Healing
Soul Symphony
Very Best of Sounds of Blackness
Unity

ASIN: B0000012SX
Release Date: 1994-04-19

Tracks:

Hold On (Pt. 1)
I'm Going All The Way
Ah Been 'buked
I Believe
Hold On (Pt. 2)
Everything Is Gonna Be Alright
Sun Up To Sundown
The Lord Will Make A Way
He Took Away All My Pain
A Place In My Heart
The Harder They Are The Bigger They Fall
The Drum (Africa To America)
African Medley: Royal Kingdoms
A Very Special Love
Strange Fruit
Black Butterfly
You've Taken My Blues and Gone
Livin' The Blues
Ah Been 'buked (Pt. 2)

Customer Reviews:

AAA-"Anointed/Appointed and Approved".......2006-03-26

I've had this cd twice and would lend it to others-never to see it again!!! I can't say how happy I am to have found it on Amazon. The music/the words are all inspiring. "I'm going All The Way" has gotten me through some "trials and tribulations" and "He took away all my pain" helped me to continue on. Whoever buys this cd will not be dissappointed-it supplys whatever you need!!!

One of The Most Uplifting Recordings In History.......2005-03-04

This is one of those albums that I could just play from start to finish and over and over. The music and spirit in these recordings is just incredible and the lyrics are among the best I have ever heard. I believe that everyone, particularly African-Americans, should own a copy of this album. There are a least 5 potential hit singles in this collection. This album affects me emotionally as much as any album of the last 25 years. I can be in any situation or mood and listen to "Black Butterfly" and be instantly invigorated and filled with power. I hear this song and get chills. One of the greatest albums in decades -and actually of all time.

Their best album!.......2004-11-27

Africa to America: The Journey of the Drum is the Sounds of Blackness' best album! It is their finest collection of music to date. I love all of their albums but this is a must-have for anyone who enjoys urban gospel music and wants to be uplifted!

Many songs hit home for me, especially when I'm having a bad day. My favourites are: "Lord Will Make A Way", "He Took Away All My Pain", "Livin the Blues" and especially "A Place in My Heart".

"A Place in My Heart" should have been a single. Next time you listen to this song, listen closely to the words. Very inspiring message from mother to daughter. No better singer could deliver the message on this song than Ann Nesby.

Purchase this CD if you like the Sounds of Blackness. The whole CD tells a true story with a very happy and inspirational ending. Enjoy and God Bless!

I Have It Again.......2001-10-19

I was so happy to receive this CD after I had lost it a few years ago. The CD is absolutely excellent. If you have never heard Sounds of Blackness before, I guarantee that the first time you hear it you won't be able to stop. If you like their first CD, "Evolution of Gospel", you will like this CD twice as much. I play my CD at least 3 times a day (notice "at least"). You will love Ann Nesby, the lead vocalist on most of the tracks. You might almost mistake her for someone like Aretha Franklin. You will love songs like "I'm Going All The Way" and "The Harder They Are The Bigger They Fall." Other good songs are "I Believe" and "A Place In My Heart" in which Ann Nesby sings a tribute to her daughter. "Strange Fruit" and "Black Butterfly" might actually bring tears to your eyes as you hear about the struggles of African-Americans in the slave days. Get "Africa to America: The Beat of the Drum" if you haven't already and also get "Evolution of Gospel" if you don't own that already.

Better Than Their Debut Album of Three Years Earlier.......2001-08-26

Usually, the sophomore effort of a group pales somewhat in comparison to the first; but Sounds of Blackness scored a coup by releasing one that is definitely an improvement over "The Evolution of Gospel." And that is a monumental achievement. The release, like its predecessor, mixes the old with the new. The selection of traditional spirituals ("Hold On," "Sun Up to Sundown") and a Billie Holiday classic ("Strange Fruit") complement the contemporary tracks. The latter are outstanding with great production and vocals from the talented singers. The Al Green-sounding "The Lord Will Make a Way" and the Curtis Mayfield-like "He Took Away All My Pain" are excellent testaments of faith. Poignancy reigns in the beautiful "A Place in My Heart, a mother's testimony with a passion-filled performance from Ann Nesby, and "A Very Special Love" with Billy Steele and Carrie Harrington sharing the lead. "The Harder They Are The Bigger They Fall" is a funk-driven selection featuring lead vocalist Jimmy Wright. "Black Butterfly," though not as memorable as the Deniece Williams' classic of the same name, is still a wonder to behold. All should hear the "sounds" of this underrated ensemble!

Music Review:

Recommended Music:

Live at Teatr Wielki, National Opera Warsaw, May 14, 1999

Jazz in Paris, Vol. 1: Champs-Élysées 1917-1949 [Box set] [Original recording remastered]

Plays and Sings/Nobody's Favorite [Live]

Senior [Import]

Parakeet Island

Oleg Kagan Edition, Vol.19

Rainbow

Nuestras Mejores 30 Canciones [Import]

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark [Import]

Raúl Barboza - Juanjo Dominguez

Pies [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]

Grace

Birds of My Neighborhood