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Album Details
- Artist: J.j. Crowne
- Album: Songs Of Innocence & Experience
- Label: Essential Media Group
- Year of Release: 2011
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: mark_morton on 2011-12-07
RecommendThere are musicians out there who utilize their instruments as a sort of weapon, wielded to make a musical statement come hell or high water. And then there are musicians in the world who employ their instruments as a sonic paintbrush, stroking and splashing an autobiographical soundscape, and transposing each chord and string-pluck into an emotive experience.
The latter only touches the surface of what a listener can absorb from JJ Crowne's latest release, SONGS OF INNOCENCE AND EXPERIENCE. A singer-songwriter for the 21st century, Crowne is bringing back the road-weary, scholar-of-life art of musical storytelling that seemed to die off in the early 1970s. However, his tact is not dated.
While the DNA of his music is definitely rooted in the works of Cat Stevens, Simon & Garfunkel, and the like, his delivery transcends the pillbox of time and is relevant in this decade. Perhaps it is his open-hearted approach to the lyrics; perhaps it is his bold, uninhibited vocal delivery; and perhaps it is the design of his songs that strums away at our heartstrings. Whatever it is, he is a true troubadour, weaving tales of life and love, and we sit patiently and soak in as much as we can, like children staring in awe of the gift-laden tree on Christmas Day.
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on 2011-08-03 Michael_Morrison Said:
Artist J.J. Crowne
CD Songs of Innocence & Experience
Rating 8 of 10 stars
Over the years we've seen rock & hard rock slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows providing music that is extremely sing songy, predictable, popish & highly corporate. I hereby call this new breed of music "Poser Rock" & I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming "Sex Drugs & Rock n Roll" into "Yoga, Vitamins, & Nikelback" Of course millions of musical lemmings don't know the difference, but not everyone is amused. Talking to many music fans out there the response is overwhelming. Give me something new, something raw, something that pushes the envelope with a fresh sound that doesn't leave it soul at the door. Something that doesnt sound like Nikelback, Daughtry or Lifehouse.
So across my desk slides the new CD by Floridian J.J.Crowne entitled Songs of Innocence & Experience. What I heard put a smile on my face. It's a nice easy flowing record that delivers solid songwriting with a nice rock feel. Crowne reminds me of a modern day Cat Stevens, with maybe a hint of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers & even a touch of Jack Johnson & Rob Thomas. You will also hear a side of Classic Rock & even Modern day Pop. If you like the above bands you should definitely check out this CD. My favorite track is probably 'Everything About You.
If I could say anything to Crowne right now - it would be step back from the mic a bit on some of the slower parts, find that emotional pocket & ride down the intensity. I really like the voice, the passion & the raw intensity, but he comes on way to strong across the board. Even when the music doesn't call for it, like a bold font in your face. Its fair to say Crowne is guilty of over singing some parts very much like an actor overacts. In most cases "under singing" is actually way better than "over singing" Kind of like comparing Jim Carrey to Meryl Streep.
Overall 'Songs of Innocence & Experience' by J.J. Crowne is clearly a solid release with many feel good rock grooves with a pleasant rock driven guitar sound that is a pleasure to listen to. I also like the passionate messages contained on the album very uplifting & overflowing with wisdom. It's a record that gives us a fresh glimpse at an amazing artist & takes us back a few years before everything started sounding like - well Nikelback.
Michael Morrison
August 2011
Rating: 8/10
