Customer Reviews

11:59

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been following Ryan since 2003 when I saw his band Stage as an opening act. I bought their self-titled album and fell completely in love with it, I highly recommend picking it up. Unfortunately, Stage broke up but it lead to Ryan becoming one of the final contestants on the show Rockstar Supernova. He then released his first solo album, "Songs From The Eye Of An Elephant," which was a beautiful collection of 20 songs. The album was mostly nothing more than Ryan's voice and a piano, as he wanted to digress from his rock sound and get back to the way his songs sound when they're first written.

After hearing about 11:59 for over 2 years on Ryan's website and MySpace page, the album has finally been released, though a handful of these songs have been heard in media for quite some time now. This very under-rated artist has once again picked up the electric guitar, but instead of following in the footsteps of his idols (Live, Pearl Jam), these songs are more pop-rock driven. The good thing about this album is that it shows Ryan's variety as a folk singer, a rock star, and now a pop star. The big single is Breathe, an extremely uplifting tune that has the potential to be a big radio anthem. Last Train Home is another gem on the album, it's a U2-style power ballad that you may have heard in the film P.S. I Love You. Another favorite of mine is Brand New Day, a very catchy tune that serves as the theme to TV's Lie To Me. It uses more electronics and showcases Ryan's awesome voice. Right Now was released as a video over a year ago, it's a pretty good song but I admit that I was initially thrown off by the "go-go-go" chants from the cheerleaders. I dare you to listen to Start A Fire without at least tapping your foot or nodding your head, it's way too catchy and it's one of the best blends of rock and pop music that I've ever heard. This Could Be The Year has been heard on WWE's Survivor Series, and while I enjoy it, it's not the strongest song on here. Unbreak is another rockin' sing-a-long, and 11:59 is a mellow yet upbeat closing to the album. The album also features 2 songs that previously appeared on Ryan's last album; We Might Fall and Losing Your Memory. These songs are incredibly beautiful and moving, but I have to say I strongly prefer the original versions.

Ryan seemed both angrier and sadder with Stage and on his first solo effort, but this time around he seems to be in much brighter spirits. I think I'll always prefer Ryan's last 2 albums since they've become so special to me over the years, but this is still a very solid effort. My only real complaints is that I wish he hadn't re-recorded those 2 songs, and I wish there were more than 10 tracks on here. If you're a fan of Lifehouse, Daughtry, or U2, then I'm certain you'll enjoy this album. Purchase a copy and give this guy the support he deserves!

11:59 is an uplifting, inspiring and just all around amazing debut CD from Ryan Star. Every song is lovely. Amazing lyrics sung by an amazing voice from an amazing guy. Every time I listen to this CD, I'm left feeling great. Inspired. Understood.

Definitely give this record a chance.

Such a talented musician!!! I first saw Ryan on Rock Star: Supernova (a CBS reality show with drummer Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe), bassist Jason Newsted (Voivod and ex-Metallica), guitarist Gilby Clarke (ex-Guns N' Roses), looking for a lead singer for their band Supernova), in 2006. Ryan did a cover for REM, Losing My Religion (youtube it) and it blew me away!!!! His piano playing mixed with his sexy voice made me an instant fan. He ended up writing and playing some of his own music and proved to everyone to be a stellar musician. He made it to the end of the show but did not get the gig. It was for the better, in my opinion, because he needed to write and play his own stuff. Then, I was watching tv one day, a new show at the time, Lie To Me comes on and it was Ryan's voice that comes streaming out of my speakers for the opening theme song, Brand New Day!!!! Loved the song (and the show :). Then I had the opportunity to meet Ryan when he was coming through town doing a promo for Breathe and the guy was completely down-to-earth and just plain cool to hang out with! So, I'm a HUGE fan and I know that he will catch on big and become a super-"Star" :)

I bought this just for it's theme song to "Lie To Me" and fell in love with the whole album. Would like to see/hear more from Ryan Star.

I went with a friend tonight to hear the Goo Goo Dolls in Greensboro, NC. Ryan Star opened for them and I was not familiar with Ryan. I was completely blown away by him. His songs and live performance were unbelieveably good. Everyone around me in the audience kept talking about how great his vocals were and how powerful & tight the band was. His music was extremely dynamic mixing both melodic power drive with softer passages. I bought the CD after the show in the venue lobby and just got finished listening to it. I immediately went to Atlantic Records and bought the CD for a friend through Amazon. Ryan Star is TRUE talent. This is a real musical artist who belongs at the top.

Great CD, all of the songs on the CD are good ones, and I've been listening to 11:59 over and over again in my car. Ryan Star is AMAZING and I hope he makes it big. This was a great music purchase!

Update: I am still listening to this CD and still LOVE IT!!!!! We just saw Ryan Star on the VH1 Best Cruise Ever (like, 3 times) and he is truly an amazing artist. Buy his CD, go to his concerts, he doesn't disappoint. Also, he is very approachable to his fans -- what a nice guy, and hot, too... and my husband now has a crush on his keyboard player, Dallin Applebaum (she is adorable in person, and multi-talented, like Ryan).

So, 11:59 remains in my car's CD player...

Does Ryan Star seem familiar to anyone and you aren't quite sure why? One, has anyone watched the TV series "Lie to Me"? Well the first song, Brand New Day, a brilliant and uplifting song, is the theme song to that show. Also, Ryan appeared on Rockstar Supernova when he tried to become the lead singer for the newly created band of superstars. Ryan gained the momentum he needed to carry his name to a new label and produce an all around great CD. The arguably main hit of the CD, Breathe, makes you believe you can get through anything. If you like uplifting rock music, this is the CD for you. There isn't a bad song on the entire album. Somehow he mixes soothing-ness with power and excitement. Masterful...

I'll be honest, I only found out about Ryan Star after hearing Brand New Day in the opening credits of Lie to Me, but since that moment, I have become a HUGE fan. His vocals are amazing and he has a ton of natural talent! The power and passion that comes through when he sings is so refreshing especially when compared to the over processed music that's currently very popular.
There's also a nice variety on the album. Everything from more acoustical pieces like "We Might Fall" to the energized "Right Now" or "Start a Fire." It really showcases his versatility as a singer. On the whole a fabulous album and I can't wait to hear more!

i already knew ryan star from the band stage and was familiar with his type of music but this album is way better than that of his album with stage. the only downside for me, listening to the album, was that i already heard more than half of the songs before 11:59 was even released.. it spoiled the album for me in a little way but hey im glad this album still pushed through. having said that, i wouldnt take away the impressive songwriting and melody from the album just because i heard most of them before, the ones that are new to me are the songs "start a fire" "unbreak" and "11:59", these are some of the best songs from the album aside from the previously released "last train home", "losing your memory" and "breathe". i am mostly impressed with ryan's strong vocal performance in each of the songs, he brings a unique and different feel to each song whether it be a ballad or a rocking song..powerful and controlled. highly recommended and one of the better alternative rock albums that have come out so far in 2010. **by the way, its worth picking up the bonus tracks just for the song "you and me", this song is awesome and i would have wished for it to be included in the album and not just as a bonus track**

I bought this CD based on one song off the radio. I think every song on this CD was great. I have really enjoyed listening to it. It is well written and composed very nicely. I would recommend this to anyone who likes pop rock.