Bealtitude: Respect Yourself (Stax)

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
In the 1960s, the Staple Singers began to make music that spoke to a wider audience than their core gospel fans. Gospel had served as the musical backbone for the Civil Rights movement from the beginning, but Pops Staples was spurred on by the inspirational messages of Martin Luther King Jr. to address more explicitly these issues. This 1972 record, an apex of groovy, mellow soul music (thanks to Al Bell's production and the definition-of-funky Muscle Shoals rhythm section), landed the group three Top 10 R&B hits and their first pop chart-topper, the joyous, bouncy "I'll Take You There." The Staples were always a one-of-a-kind gospel group; they managed to be the only one to inhabit the Top 10 without ever diluting their messages of tolerance, respect, and love. Who can fault any great preacher for wanting to spread the word to as many people as possible, especially when it sounds this glorious? --Mike McGonigal

Tracks:

Headlock
Goodnight and Go
Have You Got It In You?
Loose Ends
Hide and Seek
Clear The Area
Daylight Robbery
The Walk
Just For Now
I Am In Love With You
Closing In
The Moment I Said It

Amazon.com

If the voice sounds familiar, that may be because a couple of tracks have been featured on The O.C., while Frou Frou's "Let Go" appeared in Garden State. (Frou Frou is a collaboration between Heap and producer Guy Sigsworth.) Her sophomore release, after a UK-only debut, is a fine showcase for the singer/songwriter's swooping vocals. Her style, which incorporates layers of multi-tracking, lies somewhere between Sinead O'Connor's banshee howl and Jem's more delicate musings. There's more of a groove to her ouvre, however. At times, she almost sounds like Norway's Annie--by way of Kate Bush. The overall effect is plush and luxurious, if occasionally generic (a more stripped-down approach would really allow that instrument to shine). The one song that doesn't quite fit the electro-pop pattern is the vocoder-saturated "Hide and Seek," in which Heap enters Laurie Anderson territory (specifically 1982's "O Superman"). It's a risk that pays off, although its placement midway through the recording threatens to throw the balance off. (It would have made more sense at the end.) Aside from writing and singing, the multi-talented musician also recorded and produced Speak for Yourself. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

Rich, Passionate, and Fun.......2007-07-09

After listening to "Frou Frou's" "Details" (produced by Guy Sigsworth), I was interested in hearing more Imogen Heap. So I bought "Speak for Yourself" and I loved it. It continues to inspire whenever I listen:

...marvelously expressive and sensual audio experience painted largely with two pallettes of nearly infinite range - electronic instrumentation, and Imogen's incredible voice.

Let me try to describe that voice:

-Her inhales and exhales are an important part of the performance and adds to the sensuality.
-Wonderful layering of harmonic and accent tracks.
-The rhythms are perfectly timed.
-Passionate, erotic, angelic.

And the lyrics are worthy of the sounds.

I always wonder about the people behind the music, including the impact of the producer. Listening to "Speak" (produced by Imogen) seemed to imply that Guy Sigsworth's contribution to "Details" may not have been as sig-nificant (I love puns), or perhaps it was very sig-nificant, and what she learned from him she incorporated into "Speak."

However, I have also since listened to Imogen's "I Megaphone," which is entirely more free spirited and undisciplined, and I did not enjoy it as much. This gave me the impression that Guy Sigsworth's contribution to "Details" and perhaps by inspiration, to "Speak," might have been much bigger than I imagined. Who knows.

I do know this - Imogen Heap is a huge talent, worthy of your time and money, regardless of the production style she's using to express herself.

Terrific, joyful and uplifting.......2007-07-01

I had not heard of this young talent until a friend of mine sent me a You Tube link to a live performance of one her songs. I went to the link and heard her do "Just for now" before a live audience (there are several; the one I heard was "live at Studio 11 103.1FM" . I am a trained musician with a fine ear for what I consider to be greatness. Within 30 seconds of this tune I was simply lifted up into some higher vibration within my self and I just was overwhelmed with tingles of joy. It is rare that I come across someone who makes such effective and deliberate use of her God given gifts. It is such with Imogen Heap. After a tough childhood, she emerged herself in musical education with a special emphasis on technology. This is a young lady with a gift both vocal and on several levels of music. I have yet to pay much attention to her lyrics but I will eventually sit down and get my reading glasses on to see what she has to say. It's that voice and what she knows what to do with it that just grabbed me. Listening to "just for now" even as I write this reminds me of the joyous sounds of African singers such as Miriam Makemba and others. I am reminded of the spontaneous and effusive solo piano work of Keith Jarrett.

Heap is a talent to be reckoned with and I can only expect more wonderful sounds to come. The album I am reviewing here is full of delights on almost every single track. I have listened to it at least 4 times now and it continues to grow in my estimation with each play. What a tremendous joy it is to listen to so much light and harmony. Richly rewarding.

Unique.......2007-06-27

I found Imogean Heap to be wildy unique in contrast to the bland music generated on our radios each day.

Great music!.......2007-06-27

This CD is truly remarkable! Imogen Heap may perhaps be one of the most creative and experimental newer mainstreamish artists out there! Her pieces are unique and each song keeps the listener captivated and listening. My personal favorite on the CD is Hide and Seek, which is a nonmetric piece with a lot of flow and musicality. Her lyrics are slightly melancholy and nostalgic and her voice is truly unique in the sense that I have heard no one like her yet. She seems to sing from her soul and holds herself as some sort of enigma. I really loved this album because it is so different from anything I've heard which makes it satisfying as well. It will really diversify your CD collection. However, if you are a very traditionalist type of music appreciator, I wouldn't necessarily recommend her. She pushes the musical envelope and dares the listener to step out of their comfort zone. She is trying something new and unconventional and I believe she is succeeding at it. For those of you willing to experiment with new artists or looking for a breath of fresh air, here it is. I highly recommend the purchase of this album.

Not copy protected any more!.......2007-06-24

My CD received is absolutely not copy protected. I believe Sony has made a change with regards to this.

Great CD, one of the best I've ever bought.Imogen Heap is very talented.

Average customer rating:

Back to Good
Transformative and Moving
Lots of energy throughout the album - MAJOR talent
MB20 Is Someone Like You
Matchbox 20

Yourself or Someone Like You
Matchbox Twenty
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mad Season
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ASIN: B000002JWU
Release Date: 1996-10-01

Tracks:

Real World
Long Day
3 AM
Push
Girl Like That
Back 2 Good
Damn
Argue
Kody
Busted
Shame
Hang

Amazon.com

The sound of Southern rock gets a facelift for the '90s on Yourself or Someone Like You, the record that made Florida's Matchbox 20 a success story. Rob Thomas's charismatic and passionate vocal delivery carries this collection of captivating, personal-story songs, based on honest, heart-felt lyrics rich with cathartic emotion. Anyone who's felt so scarred by love that they can't imagine taking the chance of getting hurt again will relate to a song like "Push" (an exhilarating feminist anthem disguised as just another relationship-on-the-rocks song). A much-needed break from the alternative pack. --Gail Worley

Customer Reviews:

Back to Good.......2007-03-13

Great Album. I was dating my current wife in late 1997 when she surprised me with a private table dance in my living room. Needless to say, that song was played at our wedding and to this day holds a memory that I will never forget close to my heart and somewhere....

Transformative and Moving.......2007-02-27

My musical tastes are quite eclectic to say the least. I move from Bach to Rock and all places in between as long as its quality. However, whenever I listen to "back 2 good", I feel like I am actually transported into the body of a person who has deep pain and sorrow. This song continues to have an effect on me over 10 years later from the first time I heard it. Most of the other songs are great for the unusual mix of depth and pop appeal. This album is highly recommended!

Lots of energy throughout the album - MAJOR talent.......2007-01-11

I just bought this yesterday. Very impressive vocals. This album will keep your head moving and fingers tapping the whole time- lots of energy. I like how it doesnt seem like they are trying to copy the trends.

MB20 Is Someone Like You.......2006-10-03

Southern rock band: Matchbox 20 made their Mainstream debut with YOURSELF OR SOMEONE LIKE YOU. The album was released in late 1996, and it was a major breakthrough in the sound of popular rock. Vocalist Rob Thomas fronted the rhythm section with gritty and yet very melodic lines. His sound and style is what would have made or broke the band. Luckily, Thomas' sound was a style people liked and were soon in demand for. Single after single, and performance after performance, the public could not get enough of the band's southern gritty rock. It is quite clear that Thomas' parts are the foundation to the band, and all the other instruments' parts are written to fit his sound. The end result is a standard I-IV-V progression with a passing chord thrown in here and there, but the guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards are in sync with each other almost perfectly. Dynamics are a big trait with this group, and the musicians know how to use this aspect just right for their pieces. YOURSELF OR SOMEONE LIKE YOU is a good record and one for any Matchbox 20 fan.

Stand out tracks include:
"Real World"
"Long Day"
"3 AM"
"Push"
"Busted"
"Shame"

Matchbox 20.......2006-03-20

I am a late comer to Matchbox 20 and Rob Thomas. I am sorry I lost so much time getting to admire and enjoy their talents. Get the music and enjoyment now if you have not yet. >^.^ <

Average customer rating:

Make Yourself
An Incubus lovers dream come true
Thilthy and Awesome
Catchy CD, but it has its downsides
With deeper listens...

Make Yourself
Incubus
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Morning View
S.C.I.E.N.C.E.
A Crow Left of the Murder
Light Grenades
Enjoy Incubus

ASIN: B0000296JB
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Tracks:

Privilege
Nowhere Fast
Consequence
The Warmth
When It Comes
Stellar
Make Yourself
Drive
Clean
Battlestar Scralatchtica
I Miss You
Pardon Me
Out From Under

Amazon.com

Young, aggro, and from Los Angeles--it's tempting to put Incubus in the already crowded category populated by Korn, System of a Down, and their other loud and heavy brethren. But that would sell Incubus short, because Make Yourself, the quintet's sophomore album, is a strong progression beyond their 1997 debut, S.C.I.E.N.C.E.. More like Faith No More than Limp Bizkit, Incubus still have that teen-mosh appeal, though the songwriting and instrumentation on Make Yourself is diverse and thoughtful, both lyrically and musically. "Drive" is an easygoing, slightly trippy acoustic-based outing, while oddball scratching (courtesy of DJ Chris Kilmore) and trip-hop funkiness make "Battlestar Scralatchtica" aptly titled. "Nowhere Fast" is vaguely 311-ish with a reggae tinge and lovely melodic interludes, in contrast to the furious intensity of "Out from Under," which gives Make Yourself a surprisingly cohesive diversity that's hard to categorize. Ultimately, singer Brandon Boyd is not a vocal genius, but lyrically and in performance, he's sensitive, charismatic, and unique. Ditto for the 13 cuts that make up Make Yourself. --Katherine Turman

Customer Reviews:

Make Yourself.......2007-05-03

This album is great. Awesome music...cool to hear Incubus still scratching on their albums...they kind of lost that in the newest albums,

Favorite Songs:
-Privelege
-Stellar
-Make Yourself
-Drive
-Pardon Me

An Incubus lovers dream come true.......2007-02-12

Of all the Incubus albums released, "Make Yourself" is pure genius. It is wll written and the music is what we all have come to expect from them. All in all, this is one album I would recomend any music lover have in their collection.

Thilthy and Awesome.......2007-01-18

This album is far dirtier, but not to be confused with darker, than I imagined it would be. For that I am very greatful and this album rules! However, there are other reasons this is great. Sure, I love the song Make Yourself, but there are other sides of this, too. There is no song quite as thrashing as Megalomaniac here but there is also no song as lame as Circles here. What it does have is thooughtful hits like Drive. It also has weird techno-style artwork, sweet turntable action (especially in it's own scratch track Battle...), an infectious voice, some dirty lyrics, and singable lyrics like "you better not blink or breathe cuz you never know what's commin' around the bend". Most of all, more lively than the follow-up to this (Morning View).

Catchy CD, but it has its downsides.......2006-11-06

Im more of the person who reviews it based on letter grades, so....

Privilege - A
Great way to open a CD. More of a SCIENCE song than the steriotypical new Incubus.

Nowhere Fast - A-
One of the first Incubus songs I'd ever heard. Always caught onto me. Great Bridge and Drums

Consequence - B-
Maybe my least favorite song on the CD. Guitar part bugs the crap outa me.

The Warmth - B+
Sick song. Adds a sort of dark side to the CD.

When it Comes - B
A pretty cool song, but it isnt the kind of song that i choose to listen to. I let it slide in with the CD

Stellar - A
I hated this song at first, but I have really changed my mine since. Guitar part is impossible as heck to play, and it just has a cool rhythm to it.

Make Yourself - A-
This was the song that got me to like this CD. It was the first one I listened to, and its just a cool song.

Drive - B
Overplayed. It's a good song and all, but it just gets boring.

Clean - B
Another one of those songs that just never caught onto me. Its ok though.

Battlestar Scralatchtica - B+
A Great jam song. Amazing scratching by Kilmore.

I Miss You - B
Blah. Soft side of Incubus that bores me.

Pardon Me - B
One of my least favorites for some reason. This song is so much better played live and acoustic, but it just isnt that good on the CD.

When it Comes - A+
Favorite song on the CD. Hard rock song with great lyrics.

Overall, good CD

With deeper listens..........2006-10-02

....I have found that Incubus' masterpiece "Make Yourself" is much more of an obscure Progressive Metal album than a Nu-Metal album. Take some deep listens into this album, and you will see that the musical progression of each song fits perfectly into the moniker of Progressive Metal,with a lot of funk, Hip Hop and Nu-Metal tossed into the mix. Each song progresses with perfection and every note played is placed in just right. Even Brandon Boyd's amazing vocals are progressive, as is the concept of the album, which is making yourself out of your own ideas, thoughts and beliefs, not letting the Government, Authorities and the world shape what you believe and feel.
The guitar riffs are intricate and amazing, as is the funky bass lines and the tight drumming. The DJ adds much atmosphere and ambience to the record as well.
Brandon's vocals are superb, having a wide range and deep metaphoric lyricism.
I took this album for granted ever since I first picked it up, but in the new perception that I am in now, I appreciate it much more. I feel that it takes time for the true goodies hidden in the compositions of this album to come to the surface, and a face value listen won't reveal anything beyond a great "Nu-Metal/Rock/Funk" record.
I think this is Incubus at their finest(which many would argue with, citing "Science" as their best. True, I feel that Science is amazing as well and shows elements of Progression, but its "Make Yourself" where they reach their pinnacle).
Do yourself a favor and pick this album up, if you can get past the whole Nu-Metal Stigma, you will find a true gem that is worth many repeated listens.

Average customer rating:

A rock record with poppiness
Smooth
Well It Is
If only I could play the cello ...
Perfect in every way

Set Yourself on Fire
Stars
Manufacturer: Arts and Crafts
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Heart
Nightsongs
You Forgot It in People
The Crane Wife
Broken Social Scene

ASIN: B00061F8M8
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

Your Ex-Lover Is Dead
Set Yourself On Fire
Ageless Beauty
Reunion
The Big Fight
What I'm Trying To say
One More Night
Sleep Tonight
The First Five Times
He Lied About Death
Celebration Guns
Soft Revolution
Calendar Girl

Amazon.com

Sure they look pretty and sound pretty and all, but is this Montreal-based quartet ever going to amount to much, you know in the course of "rock history"? Very likely, if their captivating third album, Set Yourself on Fire, is any indication. Vocalists Amy Millan and Torquil Campbell have never harmonized better together, and the whole keyboard-heavy band is at that delectable place where they transcend their influences. Great pop music is not about "originality" (nor has it ever much been); it's a passionate marriage of idea and conviction. Sure, you can still hear the mark of Beulah, the Smiths, New Order, Broken Social Scene and Super Furry Animals in their songs. But the group has never been as confident with their marriage of lush, exuberant dreampop and dark, clever lyrics as they are here. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

The third LP for this Canadian band, following their amazing sophomore set, "Heart;" a critical smash. "Set Yourself on Fire" is a self-proclaimed Sex, Death, & Robots record, with rich and ornate depths. Produced by TONY HOFFER (Beck, Air, Grandaddy, Phoenix).

Customer Reviews:

A rock record with poppiness.......2007-06-15

In many ways, a band like Stars, Broken Social Scene or the New Pornographers somehow manage to make very accessible records without feeling like they were recorded solely because they knew it would sell. Sure songs on this record are quite hooky yet you can instantly tell the difference between these songs or ones from say Good Charlotte or a Simple Plan. Stars last release before it got the remix treatment, Set Yourself on Fire is a very likable record and easy to sing along with and love, that is if you want to.

The album starts off with "Your Ex-Lover is Dead" with vocalists Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan trading verses before they come together at the end. This is an example of a song that gets in your head despite the lack of a proper "chorus" that repeats. "Ageless Beauty" was the big hit of the record and while musically it's quite basic, it's propelled largely by Millan's vocals which are quite ethereal in a way on the song. "Reunion" is another likable track largely sung by Campbell with Millan adding in some flavor. This is another one of those catchy tracks that will become a favorite over time. The rest of the songs are just as memorable although, some like "The First Five Times" aren't that stellar.

My absolute favorite track on the record and probably of their career is the album closer, "Calendar Girl". When taken at face value, lyrically it's very honest in that "life sucks but I'm trying" message and musically it's really 3 chords but damn if Millan doesn't sing it beautifully. When she sings the line "I'm alive" at the end, you're almost not sure if she's celebrating this fact or she's just pointing out the irony considering the subject matter: living without nothing special about it.

Like a lot of bands with duel vocalists, you tend to prefer one over the other (aside from everyone's fav Fab Four). In this case, Millan has one of the best female voices in rock today but Campbell, while no slouch in his own right, doesn't really have the emotive power Millan brings. Kind of reminds me of Oasis' Gallagher bros. with Noel being the more range-y singer but Liam being the most emotive. Granted, a lot of songs on here such as The Big Fight or Your Ex-Lover is Dead work for the trade-offs but when they're primarily Campbell-led, such as the aforementioned "First Five Times" or "He Lied About Death", despite Millan's additions, don't work as well.

All in all, it's probably one of the best records they've done and one of the better "pop rock" releases lately.

Smooth.......2007-03-02

It only took a couple of seconds listening to 'Your Ex-Lover is Dead' for me to decide that I needed to own this album. To be honest, that track stands out for its beautiful orchestration and tone. The instrumentation is well done, with a complementary mix of strings, brass, and your traditional band bits to create a beautiful, uplifting, and sombre tone.

Each song on this album is carefully produced to create a smooth tone which is mostly laidback and embracing. This is music fully imbued with uplifting melancholy.

Well It Is.......2007-02-03

This is a GREAT album if you like that sort of thing.

If only I could play the cello ... .......2007-01-12

I own every Stars albums and eps and I'd have to say they broke every expectation that I had before listen to this ... and this was only after the first 30 seconds of your ex-lover is dead.

Every song here is lyrically written with songs of love, passion, nostagia and hurt with a lush overlay of melodies. By the end of the album, you'll surrender and give yourself in to continual listens. This is the soft revolution!

You must own this album!

Perfect in every way.......2007-01-09

Seriously, this is one of the best I've purchased in a very long time. Every single song is great.

Average customer rating:

GOOD MELLOW TUNES
Chill and Funky
Good album
Frankenreiter didn't disappoint
Awesome!!

Move by Yourself
Donavon Frankenreiter
Manufacturer: Lost Highway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Donavon Frankenreiter
Some Live Songs
Lemonade
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ASIN: B000FBFT96
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

Move By Yourself
The Way It Is
By Your Side
These Arms
Let It Go
Fool
Every Time
That's Too Bad
Girl Like You
All Around Us
Beautiful Day

Amazon.com

Former pro surfer Donavon Frankenreiter rides a new wave on his sophomore effort. A change in labels from mentor Jack Johnson's Brushfire to Lost Highway finds the bearded, long-haired, doe-eyed singer/songwriter channeling his inner Talking Book-era Steve Wonder on this occasionally funky and consistently engaging keyboard-dominated album. His dreamy, near-falsetto voice floats through these soulful slices of pop perfection. The low-boil funk and nonchalant vocals sometimes recall Curtis Mayfield or Boz Scaggs in their casual, yet distinctive approach. An offhand natural warmth oozes from this recording that finds the singer and his band tapping an earthy groove. Nothing seems rushed or forced, as the musicians lock into the sunshiny, blue-eyed, melodic R&B vibe. A few more upbeat cuts like the irresistible title track and the riff-driven "That's Too Bad" might have added more supple firepower, but even the ballads connect with a rootsy low-key charm. Frankenreiter hasn't entirely forsaken his tropical beach-boy charm, as shown by the closing "Beautiful Day," but Move by Yourself is a refreshing twist that proves the artist is far more than a surf bum who picked up music to occupy his downtime on a rainy day. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews:

GOOD MELLOW TUNES.......2007-06-28

This is my first Donavan CD and I am in love with the soft mellow tunes that you could just sit and relax to. This will be the first of several cd's that I will purchase by him.

Chill and Funky.......2007-01-20

Chill and Funky... what elese is there to say? Perfect for a sunny afternoon hangin out, driving, relaxing. Donavon keeps getting better and better. Can't wait for the next one.

Good album.......2007-01-20

In my opinion, the most beautiful song is "The way it is" and reminds me Barry White's earlier groovy compositions.

Frankenreiter didn't disappoint.......2007-01-03

This is a bit of the 70's groovy music beat...but his soothing voice still comes through. I liked this one due to his voice and tone, but prefer his more folkish beats in other of his albums.

Awesome!!.......2007-01-01

Love it!!! Can't speak to the technical side like some of the other reviewers but just listening to the album makes me happy, it's nice and mellow and if you love Jack Johnson (like I do) then you will also love this album! Can't wait for more!!!

Average customer rating:

Total Garbage
c'mon now
Nice little debut
Could not get past Baby Mama
I didnt know the chipmunks won American Idol

Free Yourself
Fantasia Barrino
Manufacturer: J-Records
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Binding: Audio CD

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Fantasia
I Need an Angel
Destiny Fulfilled
Life Is Not a Fairy Tale
The Way It Is

ASIN: B00065BYAY
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Tracks:

Ain't Gonna Beg
Free Yourself
Truth Is
Selfish
Summertime
Baby Mama
Got Me Waiting
It's All Good
You Were Always On My Mind
Good Lovin
Don't Act Right
This Is Me
I Believe

Amazon.com

Few would accuse Fantasia of a reluctance to abide by the wisdom that what you've got, you should flaunt, and the vocal gusto she slathers over her full-length debut gets partial credit for earning--and keeping--your attention. To a greater extent, though, the high-wattage help heaped over the Idol 3 champ and Patti LaBelle-sound-alike makes the disc dazzle. In addition to pitch-ins from Missy Elliott, who produced and co-wrote three tracks and busts out a two-snaps-up rhyme on "Selfish (I Want U 2 Myself)," Jazze Pha duets on the ultra-mod "Don't Act Right" and Jermaine Dupri wrote and produced the smolderer "Got Me Waiting." Surprisingly, though, it's not those tracks or even the Idol-propelled cover of the Gershwins' "Summertime" that will stick with listeners most. Instead, first single "Truth Is," a sweet, old-school R&B lament directed toward a lost love, and "Baby Mama," a spirited shout-out to hard-working single mothers, snare standout status with their from-the-gut authenticity. Keeping it real is what won Fantasia the hearts of millions on TV, and despite Free Yourself's likable slickness, it convinces that--hot commodity or no--she's not about to forget it. -Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Total Garbage.......2007-02-27

This album and this artist should never be heard. There were sooo many more talented people on American Idol when she won. This album is a perfect example of that. All the studio effects in the world can't help this over-rated, so-called singer. You can't make chicken salad out of chicken s$%^.

c'mon now.......2007-02-16

what happened to that voice we wanted to hear from American Idol? maybe it was the choice of songs but I really was disappointed.

Nice little debut.......2007-01-02

When the three diva's Jennifer Hudson, Latoya London and Fantasia Barrino
were killing the competiion on Amercian Idol in 2004 it was almost a given that an female R&B singer would take the crown that year. Well Fantasia ended up taking the crown and lived up to her promise on her first CD. Her first single Truth Is was an excllent R&B single and the song Baby Mama was catchy and fun.

Could not get past Baby Mama .......2006-12-29

I am sorry but I could not get past the Baby Mama song. Unlike some of the other complaints it does not bother me if people are single moms or had a child out of wedlock. The whole "baby mama" stuff is just so played out and ignorant sounding. There must have been a more classy way for her to get her story across and empower moms. She has a great voice but this song was beneath her, it ruined it for me.

I didnt know the chipmunks won American Idol.......2006-12-22

Although the music porition of the cd has potential, the singer has a horrible voice. I am surprised not more people have noted that she sounds like a chipmunk. Like past AI winners, this is a sore loser in the end. Bleh!

Average customer rating:

One of the best ever!
Kristen Chenowith
Has its moments
Great CD!
This woman has what it takes, and then some...

Let Yourself Go
Kristin Chenoweth , Jule Styne , George Gershwin , Richard Rodgers , Jeanine Tesori , Kurt Weill , Jerome Kern , Vincent Youmans , Ricky Ian Gordon , Richard Dworsky , Lawrence Ellington Duke / Brown , Harry Warren , Bobby Troup , Jason Alexander , Irving Berlin , Rob Fisher , and The Coffee Club Orchestra
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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As I Am
Still I Can't Be Still
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 Broadway Revival Cast)
Leonard Bernstein's Candide (Great Performances)
Meredith Willson's The Music Man (TV Film)

ASIN: B000059T4T
Release Date: 2001-05-29

Tracks:

Let Yourself Go
If
How Long Has This Been Going On?
My Funny Valentine
Hanging Around with You (with Jason Alexander)
The Girl in 14G
I'll Tell the Man in the Street
I'm a Stranger Here Myself
Nobody Else But Me
Nobody's Heart Belongs to Me/Why Can't I?
Should I Be Sweet?
He's Just an Ordinary Guy
Going to the Dance with You
On a Turquoise Cloud
You'll Never Know
Daddy

Amazon.com

Kristin Chenoweth won a Tony for the supporting role of Sally Brown in the 1999 revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, made a memorably vampy Lily in the 1999 television film of Annie, and had an NBC sitcom created for her, Kristin! Now she grabs the spotlight in Let Yourself Go, her first solo recording. She mixes torchy standards ("My Funny Valentine," "How Long Has This Been Going On?") with Faith Prince-style sauciness ("If"), gets to show off her operatic and scat chops in the miniplay "The Girl in 14G," and shares a light duet with Jason Alexander (reviving his musical theater career post-Seinfeld). Perhaps her "Stranger Here Myself" isn't the weightiest you've ever heard, but this is an enjoyable album with a good deal of old-fashioned class, expertly accompanied by Rob Fisher and the Coffee Club Orchestra. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

One of the best ever!.......2007-04-24

Do I mean the best album or the best singer? You are correct if you said both! I saw Kristin Chenoweth on a PBS show "Broadway's Best at the Pops," (though it was not the first time I had heard her) and decided to check out the offerings here. This is a collection of the kind of music and performances I love. She has a great range, a precise pitch, and a great style that is at the same time true to the music and to herself. In an era when singers try to outdo each other re-interpreting the composer's original work, not usually with great success, she is a blessing!

Kristen Chenowith.......2007-02-26

I bought this CD for the Girl in 14G. Yes, it's that good...

Has its moments.......2007-02-19

After watching Candide endlessly and going to see Ms. Chenoweth in The Apple Tree, I was hungry for something more portable to listen to. At times this fits the bill, but what surprised me the most is how thin her voice comes across on this recording. Perhaps it was the joy of seeing her live that has ruined this listener; perhaps I need to upgrade my aging music system. Then again, maybe the recording is just not as good as Ms. C singing Bernstein or as good as staring at Ms. C command a Broadway stage.

Great CD!.......2007-01-19

I truly enjoy listening to this CD. Kristin Chenoweth's vocal style and abilities are very well-matched to the songs selected for this album. If you enjoy classic, older-style Broadway/popular tunes, I would highly recommend this CD. Ms. Chenoweth has a bright, expressive voice and does a fantastic job with this material.

As with any full-length CD, there are a couple of songs I am not as crazy about, but that has to do with the songs themselves, not Ms. Chenoweth's vocal performance. Overall, I love this album and have listened to it several times now, since receiving it as a Christmas gift last month.

This woman has what it takes, and then some..........2007-01-12

Kristin Chenoweth brings new life to some timeless Broadways tunes while introducing a few wonderful new ones. This high pitched vocal goddess effortlessly provides for a nearly flawless and easy listening experience. I definitly recommend this CD for anyone who enjoys jazz vocals, showtunes, or just a new spin on some old classics.

Average customer rating:

Long time ago...
Dropping Daylight - Brace Yourself
I know it's been said, but seriously AMAZING
I was amazed seeing these guys live
One of the best new bands out there

Brace Yourself
Dropping Daylight
Manufacturer: Octone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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This Is Where You Belong
Step Outside Yourself
Albatross
Don't You Fake It
Take a Photograph

ASIN: B000EQ47TA
Release Date: 2006-06-13

Tracks:

Tell Me
Brace Yourself
Waiting Through the Afternoon
Apologies
Take a Photograph
Lucy
Soliloquy
War Song
Blame Me
Answering Our Prayers
Til You Feel Something

Customer Reviews:

Long time ago..........2007-04-12

I first heard Dropping Daylight about 4 and 1/2 years ago when they were known as Sue Generis. They played in a small coffee shop in St. Cloud, MN. They are an unbelieveable band to see live. There new album Brace Yourself is an amazing album and it was nice to see them throw in some of there old songs from there first CD Back To Nowhere in the album.

Dropping Daylight - Brace Yourself.......2006-12-10

The Forward: Although I've heard many people classify Dropping Daylight as a "punk" band, it couldn't be further from the truth. If you're looking for quality punk music, try Rise Against. Moving on...

The Up Side: Tell Me was the first song I'd heard from Dropping Daylight, and it's probably one of the best tracks on an already solid Brace Yourself. The gritty vocals mesh well with the hard rock guitars and tasteful piano melodies, building up to an over-driven, anthemic chorus Creed only wish they could have written. The hard rock meets piano style continues for almost the entire record, save for a ballad towards the end, giving Brace Yourself an accessible flow the entire way through.

The Down Side: Although the whole piano angle gives Dropping Daylight a unique flavor, I can't help but feel like they're a little bit too similar to other, more famous bands. Heavy traces of Breaking Benjamin, Nickelback, Ben Folds Five and of course Creed, can be heard the entire way through. Since Brace Yourself is a debut, this isn't really a big deal, but if DD really want to make a name for themselves, they'll have to break the mold and come with a style all their own next time around.

The Conclusion: Brace Yourself is a very safe, commercial hard rock record. Almost anyone into rock or pop can find something to enjoy here, and those who say they can't are just being stupid.

The End.

I know it's been said, but seriously AMAZING.......2006-11-03

We seen these guys in concert about 2 years ago when they opened for Simple Plan. We had never heard of them, but we were blown away. We became instant fans. At the time only their 4 song EP was out. We got it and listened to it over and over. Several months later we had the opportunity to see them in concert again. It was a small show, but they performed like they were playing in front of thousands, giving it their all and rocking their hearts out. These guys are very talented and you won't be dissapointed if you buy this CD. Every single song is a winner. Trust me, this will become one of your favorite CD's.

I was amazed seeing these guys live.......2006-07-12

Hey everyone,I'm from mexicocity and I remember I saw dropping daylight 1 and a half year ago opening for Trapt in Boston,MA. When this guys appeared on stage they didnt cause any emotions to the people, they looked like amateurs who were just trying to have an opportunity. Nobody was paying attention to this guys when they came out on stage, but as they started to play, everybody got in complete silence, including me. I was amazed, seriously amazed. The way these guys mix the piano and the rock riffs, they move amazing on stage. I remember they opened with the song take a photograph, and I liked it, the second one was my favourite,War song, This song sounds amazing live, i was really in shock. When the show finished everybody bought their EP, and I asked the singer when were they going to have an debut album. He told me summer 2006, and i promised him to buy it, and since that day I waited a lot of time, and now that I have the album in my hands, all I can say is buy this great album.

One of the best new bands out there.......2006-07-12

I saw these guys when they opened up for Mraz in Mesa, AZ and were blown away by their music and stage presence. I had never heard of them, but was very impressed. I immediately bought the demo they were selling at the show. When Brace Yourself came out, I wasted no time in purchasing it either. Hard driven, melody-laden tunes highlight this very strong breakout album by this Minnesota foursome. Led by pianist/singer/songwriter Sebastian Davin, it's easy to make comparisons to Ben Folds, but this album has much more depth. Many bands come to mind when I listen to these guys: Ben Folds, Incubus, Hoobastank...I even heard stuff that sounded Dream Theater-ish. The well-crafted, energized songs play one after the other and it becomes apparent that this is one of the best new bands out there. You should definitely pick this CD up ASAP, and if you get the chance to see them live, dont miss it!

City of Angels (1990 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Fun Show, Average Score
Cleverness personified
Fantastic Jazz Musical That's FUN!!!
Great Jazz-Oriented Score
I love it!

City of Angels (1990 Original Broadway Cast)
Cy Coleman , David Zippel , James Naughton , and Randy Graff
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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City of Angels
On The Twentieth Century (1978 Original Broadway Cast)
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ASIN: B00000272K
Release Date: 1990-02-09

Tracks:

Prologue-Theme From City Of Angels
Double Talk
What You Don't Know About Women
You Gotta Look Out For Yourself
The Buddy System
With Every Breath I Take
The Tennis Song
Ev'rybody's Gotta Be Somewhere
Lost And Found
All You Have To Do Is Wait
You're Nothing Without Me
Stay With Me
You Can Always Count On Me
Alaura's Theme
It Needs Work
L.A. Blues
With Every Breath I Take-Duet
Funny
I'm Nothing Without You
Epilogue-Theme From City Of Angels
Double Talk Walk

Amazon.com

Cy Coleman and David Zippel's City of Angels is a seductive depiction of 1940s Los Angeles, capturing swinging jazz, torchy ballads, witty lyrics, and even a Manhattan Transfer-like Greek chorus (arranged by ManTran guru Yaron Gershovsky). James Naughton and Gregg Edelman star as Stone and Stine, respectively a tough Raymond Chandleresque PI and the writer who dreams up his adventures. Randy Graff plays Stone's long-suffering secretary and Dee Hoty the requisite femme fatale. Loads of atmosphere and tasty songs such as "What You Don't Know About Women," "With Every Breath I Take," "You're Nothing Without Me," and "You Can Always Count on Me" make City of Angels a modern classic. It won 1990 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Leading Actor (Naughton), Featured Actress (Graff), Best Book (Larry Gelbart), and Best Original Score. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Fun Show, Average Score.......2007-02-21

Fun show, ingenuos concept, so-so score, with one exception. The ballad With Every Breath I Take is brilliant. One of Coleman's best pieces.

Cleverness personified.......2006-10-16

A duet between an author and the character he created, each claiming "you're nothing without me," is just one example of how sharp, witty and clever show is, with an unusual score, jazzy and bluesy and very 1940s, and some of the best lyrics I know.

Fantastic Jazz Musical That's FUN!!!.......2006-04-14

City of Angels is an incredibly fun, classy, and jazzy musical that delivers. Stellar vocal performances are provided by the entire cast, particularly the female end. The fact that Randy Graff was the only female from this cast nominated at the Tony Awards that year floors me. Kay McClelland and Rachel York deserved nods for their powerful solos, With Every Breath I Take and Lost Found, alone. These two songs are also the type of sultry, jazz solos that one would expect in the 40's, which is why the show works. The music is completely period with when the show takes place, and that's why I love it. The best tracks are:

3) What You Don't Know About Women
6) With Every Breath I Take (destined to be a classic)
9) Lost and Found (wonderful solo)
10) All You Have To Do Is Wait (FUN! FUN! FUN SONG!!! Hilarious as well)
11) You're Nothing Without Me
13) You Can Always Count On Me (Randy Graff's Tony!)

Great Jazz-Oriented Score.......2005-06-25

1990 Tony winner for Best Musical, "City Of Angels" contains a great score, filled with jazz-oriented melodies & torch songs. Not all the songs are terrific, but most of the score lends itself to repeat listenings. Best tracks include:

Double Talk
What You Don't Know About Women
With Every Breath I Take [beautiful song!]
Lost And Found
You're Nothing Without Me [the show's hit]
You Can Always Count On Me
Funny

Great cast ... great buy!

I love it!.......2005-02-22

This is one of my favorite soundtracks ever! Since I'm going to be working on music for the show, I'm happy that this is the case. It has been in my CD player for a few weeks now, and there's enough variety for it not to get old. But having read through the script makes the lyrics infinitely wittier. Musicals are supposed to rely partially on the lyrics and partially on the script. This show does that perfectly. Without the script, the lyrics are (apparently) lacking. But without the lyrics, the script is missing something. When you put the two pieces together, however, it's really easy to see why this show won a Tony.

Average customer rating:

Look At Mott
Criminally underrated, indeed....
A little excessive for my tastes..
Underrated Classic - Perfect for a July Morning!
Didn't disappoint

Look at Yourself
Uriah Heep
Manufacturer: Mca Special Products
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Demons and Wizards
The Magician's Birthday
Salisbury
Sweet Freedom
Uriah Heep Live

ASIN: B000001F4O
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Tracks:

Look At Yourself
I Wanna Be Free
July Morning
Tears In My Eyes
Shadows Of Grief
What Should Be Done
Love Machine

Album Description

1996 remastered reissue from Castle of the band's 1971 albumfor Mercury with two bonus tracks: 'Look At Yourself' (Single Version) and 'What's Within My Heart'. Nine tracks total. Also features faithfully restored artwork and is a limited edition picture disc.

Customer Reviews:

Look At Mott.......2006-07-21

There has been a band going under the 'Uriah Heep' banner now since 1969, and no one can take away their influence on hard rock music, only Mick Box survives from the original line up. But combining his undeniable popularity, with musical skill on his chosen musical weapon the modern electric guitar, a great vision of what the customer wants, and an incredible faith in his ability to succeed within the band, he has kept the band going through all the sticks and arrows that have been thrown at them. (A certain journalist from America's prestigious rock magazine 'Rolling Stone' said she would commit suicide if the band made it, when she reviewed their debut album. Fortunately for her after millions of album sales later including 19 studio albums and countless live albums and compilations, playing concerts to thousands of adoring fans all over the world, the band has not held her to her word).
The line up of the band today, Mick Box on lead guitar, Trevor Boulder(ex-David Bowie's Spiders from Mars, and Wishbone Ash) on bass guitar, Phil Lanson on keyboards, Bernie Shaw on lead vocals and Lee Kerslake on drums (Lee has been with the band since the fourth album only missing one along the way after a spat with keyboardist Ken Hensley, but when he left the band it left an easy way for Lee to come back as he had just been evicted from 'Ozzy Osborne's Blizzard of Oz')Have now been together for over twenty five years but it certainly was not like that at the beginning.
In their early days 'Uriah Heep' were one of the main bands who gave the inspiration to the 'Rockumentary' Spinal Tap, one of the finest comedies ever made about rock culture, with it's self combusting drummers, revolving stages, and dramatic band break ups.
'Uriah Heep' had five different drummers before their fourth album, to be fair the fifth was Lee Kerslake, who became the fifth and seventh drummer after Chris Slade stepped in for the 'Conquest' album, before going off to 'The Firm' with Paul Rogers and Jimmy Page. Throughout their career 'Uriah Heep' have had five lead singers, four keyboard players, six bass players, but only one lead guitarist good old Mick Box who today looks more and more like one of the wrestlers from the American wrestling series than ever, although he still plays a mean guitar.
'Uriah Heep' were formed in 1969 by taking the four members of the band 'Spice' David Byron on lead vocals, Paul Newton on bass, Alex Napier on drums, Mick Box on lead guitar, and adding Ken Hensley on keyboards to add an extra dimension to the instrumentation and the writing skills of the band. Ken Hensley had been in 'Toe Fat ' with Cliff Bennett and a certain Lee Kerslake.
Their first album 'Very 'Eavy, Very 'Umble' (1969) had a very good cover! It also contained the opening track 'Gypsy' which is still in the live set list today, which does have a certain appeal in it's opening riff, but then rather fades away as an excuse for a long complicated keyboard solo, which to be fair it still is today. After that things rather went downhill with the rest of the album searching for direction and including an ill advised blues work out imaginatively titled 'Lucy Blues' a cover of 'Come Away Mellinda' which would of been better left in the hands of a Tom Jones wannabe, and some other assorted plod rockers. Six months later the band came out with their second album (and third drummer, second drummer Nigel Olsson got an offer from Elton John, which he could hardly turn down) 'Salisbury' (1970) (Even the cover was awful). This started in fine style with a song called 'Bird Of Prey' with it's harmony vocals, excellent soloing from both guitars and keyboards, giving hints as to what the band were capable of. This was then followed by a rock ballad which had a very stop start rhythm, clever but a bit confusing for the new fan, then it was back to hard rock for the flat out 'Time To Live', next was the now classic 'Lady in Black' an acoustic sing-a-long which had wonderful harmonies, and was great for a sing song at concerts, then when you turned the album over (Ah The good old days of vinyl) there was another rocker in 'High Priestess' before a sixteen minute piece which was the title track, it had brass sections, sweeping violins, you name it 'Uriah Heep' added it onto the song, listening to it now it really was a mess. Leaving the record buying public in complete confusion.
Things had to be put right, and ten months later that year they were. `Look At Yourself' (1970) still is to many the ultimate Uriah Heep and hard rock album. The cover is great, it's a mirror, look at yourself! Get it? Opening with the title track it hurtles out of the tracks like some demented heavy metal demon, Hensley and Box thrash out the songs riff before the wonderfully strong voice of David Byron calls his brethren to the cause, the rest of the band harmonizing behind him, then after a rampaging guitar solo, the riff is picked up again to bring the song to a rousing crescendo with the percussionists from 'Osibisa' brought in to add their sound to the climax, this time the session musicians were used to good effect. The pace is not let up by the following song 'I Wanna Be Free' as the chorus is driven along by a pounding beat, but with sympathetic vocals, and fine musical flourishes, with all the guitars in the band standing out. At track three is probably Uriah Heep's most famous song 'July Morning' a song that no version of the band could ever contemplate going on stage and not playing before they leave, it must of also been licensed out to every 'Best of Hard rock albums' ever made. After Ken Hensley's strident organ chords open the song up, Mick Box takes the song to a higher level with some truly rockin' guitar, before the whole thing is brought down to allow the vocals of David Byron to take over, the song is a loving ten minutes long, showing the full range of all the soloist's, building to many crescendo's before reaching a dramatic conclusion with everybody having a go at the solo's and Manfred Mann brought into the studio to add his deft touch on the moog syntherziser, a classic rock song.
The following songs on the album are not an anti-climax 'Tears In My Eyes' is a great little rock 'n' roll song lots of loud guitars, and the harmony vocals would not do shame to any of the great American vocal groups of the Fifties. 'Shadows Of Grief' is another epic song that perhaps never gets the recognition of some of it's peers, maybe this is because there just was not room for it in the live set with all it's twists and turns, but it is like a hidden treasure on the album. It has aged very well even though it still glorifies in the use of stereo with all the instruments and vocals switching from one speaker to the other in dramatic fashion, as if the band had found a new toy to play with. Finally the band drop the pace a little as if needing to catch their breathe, with the beautiful ballad 'What Should Be Done' there is nothing wrong with having one ballad on a rock album as long as they do not dominate proceedings. The album is brought to a rollicking conclusion by 'Love Machine' a number that just rocks, bringing the music to a conclusion as it did Uriah Heep's live set at the time. A job well done, 'Look At Yourself' was the first 'Uriah Heep' album to break into the American Top 100 and the British Top 30. Of course the band would hit pay dirt with the next years 'Demons and Wizards 'album but would it all of been possible with out a good look at yourself?
Over the next thirty years 'Uriah Heep' did make some awful yawn inducing albums (Like 'Fallen Angel' in 1978). But make no mistake 'Look At Yourself' is a diamond hard jewel
Mott The Dog.

Criminally underrated, indeed...........2006-01-12

Uriah Heep was my very first concert!! 1973 Magician's Birthday tour in Boise. WOW!! Talk about a lasting impression: great show, Dave Byron was fantastic, and the songs...well, if you're a fan, I don't need to tell you. I think they opened with Sweet Lorraine - - can it get much better??

Back then, my brother & I didn't have a lot of money for records, but we bought every one of theirs, including Look At Yourself, which is undoubtedly one of their heaviest, while still being melodic...July Morning being a stellar example.

By the 80's, it was a guilty pleasure if you liked Uriah Heep, because they were not considered cool ('course, if someone else's only sampling of them was Ken Hensley's truly sorrowful solo effort, "Proud Words On a Dusty Shelf", who could blame 'em for thinking Heep probably sucked, as well?)

It's great to know there are so many other Heep fans out there, still. Dave Byron's singing inspired me later to become a professional singer myself, and the indelible mark this band left on me had a big impact on my preference to this day for melodic, hard rock and progressive/European influences with a bit 'o fantasy thrown in.

This album, their first with Gypsy, Demons and Wizards, and Magician's Birthday are their best efforts. Buy 'em all and enjoy a trip back in time with a band who managed to write some true classics in spite of what the nasty critics said, and gave us a classic singer many of us thankfully can never forget.

A little excessive for my tastes.........2005-10-29

The first two songs 'Look At Yourself' and 'I Wanna Be Free' fall in the ranks of pure hard rock genius for the early 70s; sizzling guitar solos, heavy hammond playing that puts Jon Lord to shame (IMHO) and solid explosive drumming that holds everything together. What's more, David Byron is at his finest exhibiting great vocal range and dynamics without one embarassing moment.

However, after these two songs, the whole thing slowly slides into a horrible art rock nightmare. July Morning sounds like it was building into something strong with the instrumentals getting progressively intense and when you think the climax is about to happen, it turns into a ballad. Tears in My Eyes actually has a good slide guitar riff and some catchy 'LA LA LA' vocals from Mr. Byron. But there is still an odd feel to the song. Shadows of Grief has a real akward if not grating operatic hook which repeats itself tiresomely throughout the whole song. What should Be done is a nice funky little soulful mellotron ditty which gives us a break from the artsy dronings. Lastly, Love Machine doesn't fit with this album at all. It's your basic boogie-rock baby baby song with nothing interesting happening. Why they would think to lump this 'foghat' type thing into an art-rock album is beyond me.

I would still get this album for the first two songs, but for good solid albums, I would recommend Sweet Freedom, Magician's Birthday, and even the first self titled one. In my opinion, those albums contain better composed hard rock / progressive experiments. STAY AWAY FROM SALISBURY!! WHAT A DISASTER THAT WAS!

Underrated Classic - Perfect for a July Morning!.......2005-05-08

Look At Yourself (1971.), Uriah Heep's third studio album

Uriah Heep, in the early 1970's were very much the band which everyone but the fans of the band themselves, loved to hate. They got loads of stick from critics often calling the heavy rock band the 'Poor Man's Deep Purple'. However, in my opinion, these are particularly unfair criticisms on a band who have produced some excellent music during their career and 'Look at Yourself', Uriah Heep's third studio album, released in 1971 stands as one of their finest and most accomplished efforts.

Its particularly sad that this band is so underrated, because, if this album made sales based on the quality of the music, it would have sold quite a few million copies. The tag which Uriah Heep gained of being very similar to Deep Purple is a little unfair. I will not deny that they are in a very similar mold to the great Deep Purple, employing a thick hammond organ and heavy guitar style but nevertheless, Uriah Heep have their own trademark sound and I would not waste a second in dispelling any claim that they were Deep Purple rip offs. Instead, what you have with Uriah Heep is a group of excellent musicians who, certainly with this album made some amazingly powerful music. Dave Byron, the lead singer with Uriah Heep at the time is an excellent and much underrated vocalist, as is the guitar playing of Mick Box and the diverse instrumental abilities of Ken Hensley, who also proves himself to be a great songwriter on this album. 'Look at Yourself' is a masterpiece from start to finish, with loads of explosive moments of power.

Thankfully also, the 'Look at Yourself' album has undergone an excellent remaster by Sanctuary Records. I would definitely recommend the deluxe issue over the standard 7 album track issue. The deluxe edition is one of the best remaster efforts I've seen. The original tracks are of excellent quality but what you also get are 7 bonus tracks, giving you double the music from this fruitful time for Uriah Heep. The bonus tracks include BBC session versions of the 'Look at Yourself' title track and 'What Should Be Done'. Theres alternate versions too of these two tracks and an extended version of 'Tears in my Eyes'. However, perhaps the best additions are the two session outtakes which have only been discovered in the last 15 years. 'Whats Within My Heart' is one, an excellent acoustic track and 'Why' is a remarkable 12 minute jam. The liner notes within the CD sleeve are also excellent with pictures, interviews and lyrics all included. So, the deluxe version is definitely the way to go if its available readily and is of a reasonable price.

The seven tracks on the album are masterpieces in their own right. The album opens with the title track, 'Look At Yourself', a blasting, guitar and keyboard heavy rock song with a great chorus build up. 'I Wanna Be Free' is a bit more like a ballad but is just as heavy as the first track. 'July Morning', the 10 minute epic, is worth the price of the album alone, often acclaimed as Uriah Heeps best song, its a killer from start to finish. The band themselves recorded it on the first take - some great lyrics sung with heart by Byron builds into a long keyboard and guitar interlude which is brilliant. 'Tears In My Eyes' is another great rock song and 'Shadows of Grief' is a more unusual, 8 minute epic, with a heavy vocal sections and an interesting harmonising finish over lots of keyboard. 'What Should Be Done' is a piano based, lighter track - written in quick time, this is no filler, its one of the best tracks on the album. 'Love Machine' is a 4 minute hard rocking finish to the album in typical Heep style.

'Look at Yourself' deserves much more recognition than it deserves. I often say Deep Purple are criminally underrated but this band are even more so. It always amazes me how this album stayed in the charts for just 1 week and reached only #39 - its a classic with plenty of great songs within. Any fan of heavy rock should not overlook Uriah Heep's music and especially not this masterpiece album.

Didn't disappoint.......2005-01-23

I was a young college student when this was released, and am in agreeement with other reviewers that this is a classic! I might be a little biased in reminiscing to a different generation, but think that newcomers will appreciate this too. "The more things change, the more they remain the same."

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