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In fact, this is the first (and only at the moment) album I own from him, but I'm truly impressed, so much so that I'm going to pick up another this week. The musical arrangement alone adds a nice `twang' to the track.`Bottom of the Barrel' lacks some of the polish of the rest of the tracks (it almost sounds like it was recorded on a porch) but it's a fun song (totally Redding). `Seen it All Before' is beautifully sung and perfectly captures the style this man possesses. `Dreamin' is one of the only tracks I'm not a huge fan of (it's just a tad bland and forgettable). `Soul Suckers' is another song that I really, truly adore. His intriguing mix of jazz, soul and folk rests easy on my ears and definitely gets me excited for more.You can throw comparisons at him ranging from Norah Jones to Ray LaMontagne or Otis Redding and Bob Dylan.
He covers all bases quite nicely.For me, Lee is best when he allows his inner crooner to lace its smooth voice over soft and subtle arrangements. The earnest power behind `Arms of a Woman' (just as tender and sincere as LaMontagne's own `Trouble') is just one example of Lee at his best. I'm new to the `Amos Lee Fan Club' but I don't think it'll be too long before I'm a more established and respected member. `Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight' is a song I want to like more than I do (it opens the album, so I want it to grab me). He has a different blend of playfulness on `Lies of a Lonely Friend', calling to mind a near country vibe that sets easy on Lee's vocals. I only wish it were a tad longer. I just find it rather mediocre, but I don't even really understand why.I just kind of shrug that one off.All in all though, this is a stellar album and one that I will listen to over and over and one that has motivated me to investigate this singer all the more.
The closing track, `All My Friends', really embellishes Lee's folksy side with stellar results. Like my title suggests, Amos Lee is an old soul, but I love that. `Colors' is sincere and stunning in parts, but it follows `Soul Suckers' and just can't really hold up when compared. There is a beautiful tenderness to this song, Lee's vocals reaching a softness that is comforting while maintaining an air of loss and almost antagonizing criticism. It's tracks like this that pay perfect homage to his idols and inspirations without losing a modern appeal.The funky, catchy playfulness of `Give it Up' has a perfect `chill' factor to it, one that is infectious and unforgettable. `Black River' is a tad too mellow for its own good and it kind of gets swallowed up by the rest of the album (they say `spiritual' and I see that, but it just doesn't offer enough for me). I highly recommend this to any fan of the genre (whether that be jazz, soul or folk) because this album nearly nails it all.
Thirty-two year old Amos Lee's self-titled debut is impressive - soulful, souring vocals, methodical rhythms, all sustaining songs that plant themselves firmly in Folk/Mellow Rock territory, all seasoned with R&B. The production is distinctly low-key and bare bones. GENRES: Contemporary Folk.BUY IF YOU LIKE: Martin Sexton, Tracy Chapman, Ray LaMontagne.MUST HEAR TRACKS: "Black River," "Lies of a Lonely Friend," "All My Friends."
I enjoy hearing his voice throughout all his albums, but this one is truly my favorite because it captures the depth and vulnerability of his lyrics and sound. I hate to make comparisons, but I tend to tell people that if you like Norah Jones' style then you will like Amos Lee. I love Amos Lee. My favorite song on this album is "Colors," followed by "Seen It All Before." If you are looking for a tremendously talented voice, unique soulful/jazz/acoustic style, and thoughtful lyrics, this is the perfect album for you. Although he tends to take more chances with his vocal range than Jones (which I like), the soothing soulfulness is a commonality. His voice is soulful, passionate, soothing, and original. Now, if I could only get Mr. Lee to personally sing me to sleep every night.
I burned a copy for my 30 year old daughter and she loves him too, so I believe he has broad appeal and honestly this album doesn't have a looser on it. In the past some of my favorite artists included John Lennon, Jackson Browne, and James Taylor to name a few, so as I was browsing Adult Alternative, I came across Amos Lee and thought I would down load the MP3 collection just to get more of an idea of who he was being somewhat impressed by the samples here. I lost most of my music recently, and wanted to add some new blood into my aging collection of music. I have a couple of favorites, that are pure and soulful songs that compete with well with any of my favorite singer song writers. I can't tell you how pleased I was when I burned a copy of this album. The samples just do not due justice to the moving sound of this young artist. Honestly get this I can't see anyone turning their nose up at this outstanding artist. One last note, with the lights down low this album is magic.
Very talented musician, soulful voice, and an authentic music of his own. This is a great album.
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