( 25 reviews )
-
Posted: May 26 2009
Beautiful songs, beautiful performance, ??`m glad to have it, VERY... 5 stars is not enough.
-
Posted: May 22 2009
I heard Broken for the first time while watching Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. This isn't a review of that movie, but I was like - if it weren't for that scene in the beginning with the kids and this song I'd be like - why'd I just see this movie? The song completely covered my fresh memory of that movie like a warm blanket. In other words, the movie left me cold, Robert Downey, jr.'s song at the end made me think - oh my god, maybe I can fall in love again. Then, I bought the CD. In the thank you notes, Robert Downey, Jr. mentions Susie Q's samurai feedback. At first I was like, who? Then, I was like - Eureka! I get it! If you speed up the beats in a lot of his songs, then you practically got a city-boy's version of swamp backwater music. I was like! I love CCR! Susie Q is like one of their best songs! And, anyone who knows CCR music has to appreciate a) their natural images in their lyrics, aka poetry and b) they make you want to sing along. Robert Downey, jr.'s songs are great because well, I want to see along. Very, very, touchy feeling in a "I've been places you've never seen, man" kinda way. And, I'm like "Actually, I've been to some of those places myself." I even have my own Yes story. They are quite the hypnotic yet inspirationally positive band. I really, really wish he'd do another CD. Though I want more swamp. Or, alley way runoff. Whatever works. He's a courageous singer and I look forward to the next CD I hope will be named - It's down to Syracuse. Cause I heard a rumor he might change his last name to one that suits his more natural image of an affectionate redneck born in the city. He's so not a junior anymore. My only criticism is that although I felt like I'm ready for love again when I listen to his CD, Robert sounds like he is almost going the other way. I feel a bit selfish in that wow I feel good and ready, yet his lyrics often lend themselves to a man who actually is broken - not in a good way like a wild horse, rather the bad way like a wild horse. I'd like to hear more sexy lyrics coming out of him like "hey sweet momma; come any closer and I'll steal some that brown sugar from you" and stuff like that. I know he is capable. He just needs to be in love himself. He'll drive women crazy for sure. First those eyes then that flirting! I can't wait for his next CD! The bottom line is everytime I listen to his voice I wish I had a dark larger in one hand and a pool stick in the other. And, then, I'm like - I either listened to his voice too long or drank too much because I'm in love again and want to make out with somebody. That's about as good of review as I got.
-
Posted: Feb 24 2009
It's not very often that multitalented artists like Robert Downey, Jr. come along--and when they arrive it's a pure joy. This album, entitled The Futurist by Robert Downey, Jr., is quite strong and the songs offer an intimate look into his soul and the emotional experiences so many people also share. The music isn't always completely melodious but it works very well just the same; it's very much like a fine piece of modern art that grows on you and takes on extra significance every time you look at it once more. The cover art is exceptional and the liner notes include the lyrics to most of the songs. The album starts with Robert singing "Man Like Me;" he also plays one of the pianos for this number. Robert's excellent diction bolsters his performance and I really like this opening tune. It's thoughtful, introspective and well executed. Listen also for "Broken;" this ballad is very pretty. The guitar work at the beginning is fine and when Downey comes in this number becomes very meaningful and pleasant to the ear despite a few unexpected chord twists to keep it all interesting and very creative. "Broken" is clearly a major highlight of this album and I think you'll enjoy it very much. "Kimberly Glide" explores love and, if I understand the lyrics correctly, Robert Downey, Jr. sings of a love that sadly goes unrequited. Maybe there was a bright light of love before but it no longer exists. Robert never misses a note when he sings and I'm very impressed. Similarly, "5:30" scores a big goal for this artist; the percussion starts the music off just right and when Robert Downey, Jr. comes in he really makes this number quite strong with his passionate delivery. You can really hear him singing with all his heart and soul; and that's exceptional. "Your Move" again features Robert Downey, Jr. squarely front and center--right where he belongs! The music fits in well with Robert's lyrics and Robert even performs his own background vocals--this is very well done. "Details" moves me with its beauty; and I also think that "Hannah" is a major highlight of this album. "Hannah" has great keyboard work and Robert Downey, Jr. does this one up right! The CD ends strong with Robert Downey, Jr. performing a most passionate rendition of Charlie Chaplin's classic ballad entitled "Smile." Not only did this close the CD with a number that left me wanting more, it also made me fondly recall Robert's outstanding portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in the biopic "Chaplin" from several years ago. Robert Downey, Jr. needs to put out more great CDs like this one! The Futurist grows on you; I loved it more every time I listened to it. He's quite a talented singer. If we're lucky he'll be around to give us much more very special ballads for quite some while to come.
