Customer Reviews

2

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

...because of these guys' incredible and as yet underratedtalent. The arrangements are fresh and their performance style alwaysconveys this joy for music that you can't help but catch. There is not one "forward through" song on the disc, but I can already tell which ones are going to get a lot of play during my commute: "People Change" is heart-wrenching and a gorgeous display for the group's vocal ability. "Doorman of My Heart" with its Latinish feel and "All That Comes to Mind" are both fun to listen to... I'm a big lyrics fan and have to give Scott kudos for his ability to make vivid word pictures that are also esthetically perfect (there's one such phrase in "Blah Blah Blah"... it uses what is not technically a word and shouldn't exactly make sense, but you can put yourself exactly where they're singing about). This is my favorite collection since "Primer." No matter what kind of music you like, get this CD. If you're not already a Rocapella fan, you will be soon! Scott, Barry, Elliot, Jeff, and Kevin: Thank you for keeping at this for so long! You are unbelievable and deserve the success that is most certainly just around the corner. Yes, the last two are Folger's commercials>* END

The Rockapella faithful vividly remember the days of Altman and Leonard swapping leads on the covers, pumping out originals that became classics, and rocking PBS' "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" at 5PM every day of the week. Many will agree that the vintage Rockapella sound culminated with the 1995 live studio release of "Primer," which featured countless hits. But that was then, and "2" is now. This new disc is almost entirely original, the lone exception being the cover of "Tempted" by Squeeze. Yet while the music is original, the style of Rockapella's new set seems a little too familiar; that is, it seems that they are trying to get a piece of the boyband pie. Too often the chords remind the listener of an N'Sync interlude or a Backstreet breakdown. It's tough to argue with the success of the teen idols, though, so one can't fault "2" for gearing towards being successful with the pop audience. Style aside, the production value of this album is astonishing. At no point does one feel as though they would sound better with instruments behind their voices. The arrangements and the studio manipulation manage to fill in any gaps one might expect from an all-vocal group. Jeff Thacher displays why he is universally regarded as the leader in the growing field of vocal percussionists. His drumming is so diverse, so refined, and so precise that one would swear they used a drum machine. I've seen him do it face to face, and it truly must be seen to be believed. The rest of the band members play their parts perfectly. Barry Carl lays down bass lines that are felt as much as they are heard. Elliot Kerman and Kevin Wright consistently provide smooth backing vocals and sneak in a lead every now and then. And Scott Leonard coolly re-asserts himself as one of the premier lead vocalists in the country, regardless of the genre. The new disc is fantastic, but more for HOW it is done, less for what is done. The new style of Rockapella hasn't been embraced wholeheartedly by the old school fans, but no one can question their sophistication, which makes "2" a worthy album for the collection.

Rockapella is by far the most talented group of singers you will ever hear. With a combination of Scott and Kevin's voices automatically you find yourself in complete awe. When you add Barry's ground shaking vocals,Elliots smooth tones and Jeff's unbelievable beat,you have a sound that is beyond comparison. Not one other group can come close to this talent. This album offers a variety of beats and chords that are undoubtedly amazing. I recommend this to anyone and everyone who enjoys talent because you haven't heard it until you listen to Rockapella.

Hats off to Scott's song writing, Jeff's vocal percussion, and Kevin's sweet voice!

This CD is a must have for both old and new fans but old fans may feel something is missing. Acutually, I did. This album makes me feel like "Scott with Rockapella". I could not find Elliott and Barry so often on this CD. It is kind of sad thing.

Still, Rockapella is the King of musicians. Go get this CD now!

Wow! That's what I've got to say about this CD. I must admit that even though it didn't give me the same impression as the first CD, it is still a great CD nonetheless. The songs still follow the great harmony stylings of Rockapella and they stick to the same formula that made them so great. The songs range from slow acappella to upbeat songs like "Is It In You?" and "This Isn't Love". I dunno, if you never really liked acappella and are willing to have that opinion changed, I suggest getting this CD and their first "Don't Tell Me You Do". With a few listens, you'll be hooked like the rest of us.

So if you want the same great tunes and singing styles of Rockapella, they've done it again with their 2nd cd "Rockapella 2". The only thing, in my opinion, some of the songs will take a little getting used to (not like "Don't Tell Me You Do" whereas all the songs were dang good). But still, it's a great CD to own. Any Rockapella fan shouldn't be without this wonderful CD.

Rockapella 2 is a fantastic CD, with the talents of the great acappella rock band, Rockapella, clearly displayed on each track. This CD is a must have, with everything from poignant ballads, "People Change" to funky beats, "Doorman of my Heart" to the best cover of "Tempted" ever!

I am a fan of all of Rockapella's work. It is true that this album has a different feel than previously released albums... but it is also *I think* the first album without any influence from Sean Altman who has been a dominant influence on the "feel" of Rockapella. I personally feel that this album is as good, if not better than previous works. It pioneers a cappella into new styles, sounds, rhythms and sophistications.

This album, in my opinion, is one of the few "exceptions to the rule." That rule being that you, no matter how you try, will always find a lackluster song on even the most popular albums of all time. I believe every single song on this album has something new and intriguing to offer the listener. In doing so, Rockapella accomplishes one goal of any singing group: using their music to get the most diverse audience possible to listen.

Quite simply, Rockapella rules. Every single one of these songs are really solid and have the potential to be a hit (if only radio stations would wake up and get a clue). Put em all on one CD and you have a great a capella CD. GET THIS CD! It will be worth your time and money.

This CD was my first exposure to the "new" Rockapella, and while there are a few flaws, overall I am delighted with this disc. Compared to earlier Rockapella CDs, "2" has more of a "mainstream pop" feel. (The best example of this is the song "Where Would We Be" - it's a beautiful song, but I can easily see N'Sync or the Backstreet Boys performing it also.) In my opinion, highlights from this CD include "Blah Blah Blah," "That's the Way," "Where Would We Be," and "This Isn't Love," though I like almost all of the tracks. On the bad side: It's not a bad song, but the weakest track, in my opinion, is "Doorman of my Heart." It's probably just my musical tastes, but this song is my least favorite of all the tracks. Also, there are no lead vocals by Elliott or Barry in any of the songs - all they received was a line each on "Tempted." That's not to slam Kevin and Scott, but I do enjoy listening to Elliott and Barry sing lead as well. Still, I can overlook these flaws, and give this CD five stars. Good job, Rockapella!