- Audio Cassette (24 Aug 1999)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Import
- Label: Umvd Labels
- ASIN: B00000K1G4
- Other Editions: Audio CD
- Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
Amazon.co.uk allows you to pay for your items in your local currency. Restrictions apply. Learn More. |
Product details
|
Track Listings
| 1. I'll Take Her - Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey, Calvin Richardson |
| 2. Lovin' You |
| 3. Trust Me So Much |
| 4. Vibe |
| 5. Never Knew Love |
| 6. True Love - Chico DeBarge, Calvin Richardson |
| 7. Half the Time |
| 8. Looks Like (You've Been Crying) |
| 9. Close My Eyes |
| 10. Nightmare (Her Love) |
| 11. Coming Home |
| 12. Country Boy |
| 13. Disrespectful Ghetto |
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Audio CD
There is a lot to like about this debut album by Calvin Richardson. The man has a great voice and it seems knows just how far to go with his vocals to avoid 'over singing' a song a la Mariah or Freddie Jackson. While most of the lyrics revolve around the usual soul subjects of love and relationships, Richardson does manage to put his own distinctive slant on things by adding in various references to his country boy roots. Vocally, he reminds me very much of Bobby Womack and in places a little of Donny Hathaway (no bad thing!!) but the songs sound more like a cross between Womack and Marvin Gaye because of the use of layered backing vocals and harmonies.
The oddest thing about this album however is the fact that the three strongest songs are all on last. 'Coming Home' is a very powerful and emotional song about loss. It's the kind of song to really grab at your heart strings and make you go a bit teary. Everyone in this life sooner or later loses someone they love and dealing with how to go on when you miss that person or persons so much is one of life's toughest challenges. 'Coming Home' is so heartfelt and genuine that it leaves the listener with nowhere to hide and in today's R&B world of songs about money, guns, glory and violence a REAL song like this is a rarity. The title track of the album comes next and while it may not have the emotional impact of 'Coming Home' it is particularly sweetly sung and has an unusual dreamy quality to it that will engage your attention. Last song on the album is also a gem. 'Disrespectful Ghetto' is a socially conscious song and in a lot of ways is exactly what you might expect it to be. Here again though Richardson has a way of really putting his heart into his lyrics and his vocal performance and this manages to lift the song to a much greater height.
Not all of this album is great and the tempo of the middle part of the album does get a shade repetitive but the album has been sensitively produced, the musicianship is top draw throughout (including some beautiful, subtle guitar licks) and the songs are performed with real feeling and passion and so, overall, 'Country Boy' is a very good and mature debut indeed.
Worth exploring.
The oddest thing about this album however is the fact that the three strongest songs are all on last. 'Coming Home' is a very powerful and emotional song about loss. It's the kind of song to really grab at your heart strings and make you go a bit teary. Everyone in this life sooner or later loses someone they love and dealing with how to go on when you miss that person or persons so much is one of life's toughest challenges. 'Coming Home' is so heartfelt and genuine that it leaves the listener with nowhere to hide and in today's R&B world of songs about money, guns, glory and violence a REAL song like this is a rarity. The title track of the album comes next and while it may not have the emotional impact of 'Coming Home' it is particularly sweetly sung and has an unusual dreamy quality to it that will engage your attention. Last song on the album is also a gem. 'Disrespectful Ghetto' is a socially conscious song and in a lot of ways is exactly what you might expect it to be. Here again though Richardson has a way of really putting his heart into his lyrics and his vocal performance and this manages to lift the song to a much greater height.
Not all of this album is great and the tempo of the middle part of the album does get a shade repetitive but the album has been sensitively produced, the musicianship is top draw throughout (including some beautiful, subtle guitar licks) and the songs are performed with real feeling and passion and so, overall, 'Country Boy' is a very good and mature debut indeed.
Worth exploring.
Format:Audio CD
Very shocked and disappointed to see someone gave this 1 star. In my opinion this album is littered with quality songs and together they make a very enjoyable album that is soulful and relaxing. His gritty voice and heartfelt lyrics make him stand out from amongst the crowd. My favourites are:
I'll Take Her
Lovin' You
True Love
Country Boy
I'll Take Her
Lovin' You
True Love
Country Boy
Format:Audio CD
This is Calvin Richardson's 1999 debut - a must for fans of the "2:35PM" his 2003 album. Calvin's vocal style is reminiscent as times of Bobby Womack, Charlie Wilson, Donny Hathaway and Jodeci/K-Ci & JoJo. There is a lot of gritty, gospel and neo-soul over tones which is refreshing coming from such a young talent.
To be fair, there is nothing earth-shatteringly new here and there is an element of a "same sounding" theme. That said, what you do get are some signs that Calvin is a "Soul Man" at heart. For me the following tracks are worth their weight in gold:
1. True Love - Chico Debarge composition and another well arranged song. (9/10)
2. Close My Eyes - A superb duet with Monifah in a classic laid-back soul ballad setting.(9/10)
3. Lovin' You - A great song and arrangement of unrequited love. (8/10)
4. Trust Me So Much - A respectful remake of Bobby Womack's "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much". This will be a definate favourite for old-school soul lovers.(8/10)
5. I'll Take Her - A great duet with K-Ci who also co-writes the song with Calvin. This song especially sounds very much like a Bobby Womack/Sam Cooke tune. (8/10)
6. Coming Home - A very personal sounding and at the same time philosophical tribute family and friends who have passed on. (8/10)
Buy it - you won't be disappointed!
To be fair, there is nothing earth-shatteringly new here and there is an element of a "same sounding" theme. That said, what you do get are some signs that Calvin is a "Soul Man" at heart. For me the following tracks are worth their weight in gold:
1. True Love - Chico Debarge composition and another well arranged song. (9/10)
2. Close My Eyes - A superb duet with Monifah in a classic laid-back soul ballad setting.(9/10)
3. Lovin' You - A great song and arrangement of unrequited love. (8/10)
4. Trust Me So Much - A respectful remake of Bobby Womack's "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much". This will be a definate favourite for old-school soul lovers.(8/10)
5. I'll Take Her - A great duet with K-Ci who also co-writes the song with Calvin. This song especially sounds very much like a Bobby Womack/Sam Cooke tune. (8/10)
6. Coming Home - A very personal sounding and at the same time philosophical tribute family and friends who have passed on. (8/10)
Buy it - you won't be disappointed!
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
- Music > Pop
- Music > R&B & Soul
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
