Customer Reviews

20/20

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Don't listen to the haters. There's substantial musical value on this album. Love the 80s DX synths, and great songwriting, melodically and harmonically. If someone can provide a legitimate critique of the actual songwriting and production on this album, I'm all ears. Until then, it's my favorite Benson--even more than "Breezin'" or "Bad Benson." If you're not afraid to admit you like stuff that other people think is "cheesy," please buy this. The opening track alone is worth it--I'll never forget the first time I heard it. In fact, I like all the songs except the throwback "Beyond the Sea," which is actually the one track the haters seem to like the most, steeped in traditional jazz and arrangement techniques as it is. To me, it is the worst track on the album, in the sense that it is completely out of place in the midst of all the other mid-80s awesomeness.

Highly, highly recommended, especially for those who understand and appreciate jazz but aren't snobs who only want acoustic instruments and "swinging."

I was in England when Glenn Medeiros had released Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You. At the time, it was a very special song for me. I was surprised to find that George Benson had actually written this song and Glenn Medeiros used it to win a talent show with. Gleen won the talent show. He recorded and released this song. And as of 1999, it sold over 10 million copies.

Even the reviewers who trashed this album are right in a way. It is very soul/pop/light jazz oriented and to me that is just fine. Benson does that type of music so much better than most artists. The first 5 songs (or 1st side of the original album) are flawless. "Hang Around You" is a wonderful song which got airplay on lightrock radio. This song should have been a major hit. It is light and breezy and Benson sounds like he is enjoying himself. He displays his jazz chops on "Beyond the Sea" very nicely. "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love" is a wonderful ballad which I like even better than the Glen Medeiros version which was a hit. The 2 album openers are uptempo numbers and yes are very synth oriented but they are very enjoyable songs.

The title track "20/20" is the only flawed track on the album, though it isn't bad. His voice sounds a little sped up and the song is mildly overproduced. His lovely duet with Roberta Flack is a joy to hear as is the haunting "New Day." For his guitar fans, he also gives us a good instrumental.

Yes, the album mostly focuses on Benson's vocals and fans of his guitar work will be disappointed. Of course, I love hearing him play guitar, but also enjoy his singing as well.

Really, even though I love Stevie Wonder, I thought that this album was better than what Wonder himself was doing at the same time.

A must to avoid for jazz purists, but should be a delight to soul/pop fans like myself. A nice album to relax to.

This is a talented man--able to play the guitar, as well as a beautiful singing voice. His music is very nice.

My father got me listening to George Benson and this is my favorite album. I ruined the first cd I had and lost my mind. This album is special. It eases tension, it sets the mood and even at work, it's light and right. So now that I have it in my collection again, I'm taking great care of it because I've missed it so much...

This is not only the best George Benson album ever but one of the best all round albums I've ever heard. If your a romantic, this album is a must have!

Just buy this album. That's all I've got to say. It's bloody brilliant. If you don't like it, you're not a true George Benson fan.

What can I say... just another well performed and exceptionally produced album by George Benson. The remake of Beyond the sea is outstanding in my opinion. The sound quality of this CD is very good!

AWESOME!!!!! This album is a winner. LOVE IT!!!!! Been listening to this for over 20 years and its still a favourite.

George Benson's 20/20 is a strong solid affair. This cd contains light rock with jazz tinged playing and sensual vocals.
Every song on here rocks me to my core. My Faves are: No One Emotion, I Just Want To Hang Around U, Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You, 20/20 & New Day. Actually, I enjoy the entire album. Now for the person who did not like this cd should keep their mouth shut. I am totally offended by their lack of sensitivity, not to mention their lack of musical knowledge.
George Benson is an innovative artist and because he changes his style, people start hating. Shame! Grade: A++++++++++++++