Rockapella 2

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
What, exactly, is Rockapella? While the thought of an unaccompanied vocal quintet might bring to mind a finger-snapping doo-wop or close-harmony jazz, they are that and more--a pop-rock band complete with bass (Barry Carl), percussion (Jeff Thacher), and mostly original material that just happens to use only their voices and appendages as instruments. Despite a rabid international following that's particularly strong in Japan, Rockapella didn't attract all that much attention in the U.S. until a now-famous Folgers TV commercial and the 1999 release of their first widely distributed album, Don't Tell Me You Do. Again, member Scott Leonard contributes most of the songs, but unlike the previous album, Rockapella 2 is an all-new collection. "This Isn't Love" and Squeeze's "Tempted" show off the group's R&B groove, while "People Change" and "Where Would We Be" are solid ballads. Note also that while the Folgers commercial was a hidden track on a limited number of copies of Don't Tell Me You Do, it's a permanent part of Rockapella 2, along with a holiday version. --David Horiuchi

Tracks:

That's the Way (Greg Clark & Scott Leonard)
People Change (Scott Leonard)
Tempted (Chris Difford & Glenn Tilbrook)
This Isn't Love (Scott Leonard & Greg Clark)
Is It in You? (Scott Leonard)
Doorman of My Heart (Scott Leonard)
Bring Some Love (Kahlil Jahi & Scott Leonard)
Where Would We Be? (Elliott Kerman & Kevin Wright)
One Day After Day (Scott Leonard)
All That Comes to Mind (Scott Leonard)
Blah Blah Blah (Scott Leonard)
Folgers "Rockin' Morning" [original ad! :45 second edition]
Folgers "Forest Morning" [holiday ad! :30 second TV edition]

Amazon.com

What, exactly, is Rockapella? While the thought of an unaccompanied vocal quintet might bring to mind a finger-snapping doo-wop group or close-harmony jazz, they are that and more--a pop-rock band complete with bass (Barry Carl), percussion (Jeff Thacher), and mostly original material that just happens to use only their voices and appendages as instruments. Despite a rabid international following that's particularly strong in Japan, Rockapella didn't attract all that much attention in the U.S. until a now-famous Folgers TV commercial and the 1999 release of their first widely distributed album, Don't Tell Me You Do. Again, member Scott Leonard contributes most of the songs, but unlike the previous album, Rockapella 2 is an all-new collection. "This Isn't Love" and Squeeze's "Tempted" show off the group's R&B groove, while "People Change" and "Where Would We Be" are solid ballads. Note also that while the Folgers commercial was a hidden track on a limited number of copies of Don't Tell Me You Do, it's a permanent part of Rockapella 2, along with a holiday version. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Very good album.......2006-08-23

While I miss Sean's vocals, this album is very good. Original compositions like "That's the Way" are great classics. I personally love the "Rockin' Morning" and "Holiday Wake Up" for the commercial for Folger's Coffee that regained Rockapella's fame in 1998. This is a very unique album full of nothing but Rockapella's voices and their wonderful unique sounds. Great album for any a capella music fan.

Another Amazing CD from the AMAZING Rockapella!!!.......2004-07-19

I truly recommend this CD to anyone. I grew up with Rockapella from their moments on Carmen Sandiego to their commercials for Foldgers. This CD is amazing with fresh new sounds, amazing harmony, and a great song collection. If you want to hear what real music should sound like... you need to buy this CD as well as Rockapella's others!

Rockapella 2 IS as good as previous works.......2001-12-27

I am a fan of all of Rockapella's work. It is true that this album has a different feel than previously released albums... but it is also *I think* the first album without any influence from Sean Altman who has been a dominant influence on the "feel" of Rockapella. I personally feel that this album is as good, if not better than previous works. It pioneers a cappella into new styles, sounds, rhythms and sophistications.

They've been better.......2001-03-17

I agree with the other reviewer out here when he says this CD is not as good as their other CDs. I LOVE Rockapella, and have dilligently tried to collect all their CDs including the ones from Japan. But I have to say my husband and I are disappointed in this particular CD compared to Don't Tell Me You Do, Primer, Rockapella and basically all their other CDs. Whereas we felt they had a particular "sound" with the other CDs, this one is a different sound (which in itself is not a bad thing), but we feel these songs make them sound blandly mainstream. They are a talented group of gentlemen, and we're still fans... but we hope this CD is not an indication of the direction they are going in as the music is not nearly as interesting as they've had before. Our favourites off this CD? Where Would We Be and Tempted. If you've not heard any of their other CDs, but you've bought this one and liked it, you must DEFINITELY try at LEAST one of the three mentioned above. Their music will blow you away!

My "2" Cents on "Rockapella 2"..........2000-11-27

This CD was my first exposure to the "new" Rockapella, and while there are a few flaws, overall I am delighted with this disc. Compared to earlier Rockapella CDs, "2" has more of a "mainstream pop" feel. (The best example of this is the song "Where Would We Be" - it's a beautiful song, but I can easily see N'Sync or the Backstreet Boys performing it also.) In my opinion, highlights from this CD include "Blah Blah Blah," "That's the Way," "Where Would We Be," and "This Isn't Love," though I like almost all of the tracks. On the bad side: It's not a bad song, but the weakest track, in my opinion, is "Doorman of my Heart." It's probably just my musical tastes, but this song is my least favorite of all the tracks. Also, there are no lead vocals by Elliott or Barry in any of the songs - all they received was a line each on "Tempted." That's not to slam Kevin and Scott, but I do enjoy listening to Elliott and Barry sing lead as well. Still, I can overlook these flaws, and give this CD five stars. Good job, Rockapella!

Average customer rating:

One of the Best
Invest in your music collection...
These guys are the best!!
One Of The Best... If Not The Best
Very upbeat !

Rockapella, Vol. 2: From N.Y.
Rockapella
Manufacturer: For Life Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Rockapella, Vol. 1: To N.Y.
Smilin'
Rockapella 3
Rockapella in Concert
Rockapella, Vol. 5: Out Cold

ASIN: B0000073DO
Release Date: 1995-02-07

Tracks:

Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress
Zombie Jamboree
I Like You Vey Much
Change in My Life
Crazy 'Bout an Automobile (Every Woman I Know)
When You Came
Just You, Just Me
Why
Bed of Nails
Fliptop Twister
Heart of Gold
Sixty Minute Man
Oh, Pretty Woman
Hound Dog
Tokyo Yo-Yo [*]

Album Details

This 1992 Release from the Jazz / Accapella Quartet Rockapella Contains a Bevy of Rock Standards Performed in the Group's Own Unique Vocal Style. Features 'Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress', 'Oh, Pretty Woman' & 'Hound Dog' (Performed Live), plus a Special Bonus Track, 'Tokyo Yo-Yo'.

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best.......2001-07-20

I own all of Rockapella's CDs, and this one is one of my top favorites. From NY is a feel-good album; I love to listen to it during my daily commute, singing and bopping along all the while! While Jeff Thacher's VP is missed (he wasn't with the group at the time this CD was recorded), the fifteen tracks are absolute gems, each standing out in its own way. Of Rockapella's import albums, and of their entire catalog, From NY is an absolute standout CD.

Invest in your music collection..........2000-10-14

This is one of Rockapella's collections that best captures the joy of performance in the air at their concerts. If you're a Barry fan like I am, you'll back Hound Dog up over and over just to hear "bow wow wow ruff ruff ruff" a million times. If you're new to Rockapella, this CD, Vocobeat, and Primer are your must-haves. Just awesome!

These guys are the best!!.......2000-07-22

From the opening vocal arrangement to the last note, enjoyment through and through. The arrangements are tops and the origanls are very catchy and makes you want to sing along (if ya can keep up with Scott and his high tenor voice!) Check the new version of "Hond Dog" toooo funny and again amaizing!! Buy this now!!! Get the rest later!!

One Of The Best... If Not The Best.......2000-06-03

This is by far, my favorite album of their's so far ! It has a little of everything. You get wild and crazy with "LONG COOL WOMAN IN A BLACK DRESS" and "CRAZY 'BOUT AN AUTOMOBILE" but then slow down with "HEART OF GOLD" and "A CHANGE IN MY LIFE". Then you're gettin' sexy with "SIXTY MINUTE MAN" (One of my favorites), but mysterious with "WHY" and "BED OF NAILS". And of course... "ZOMBIE JAMBOREE"... A Classic Great !

I HIGHLY recommend this album to any A Cappella fan or to anyone just looking for Great Music ! --Ross

Very upbeat !.......2000-05-28

Out of the three Rockapella CDs I play for my customers I get by far the most requests for this CD. It seems to put everyone who walks in in an instant "feel good" mood---even on a Monday. The selections are very upbeat, many of them great for dancing and great for rockin' out on your commute to work!

Music:

Music

Music