Customer Reviews

Amanda Marshall

5 star:		(81)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For those of us who have discovered Amanda Marshall, the world is a mellower place - I love this album, which is at different times exuberant, thoughtful, or sad, but never commits the crime of being insincere. I'm glad she didn't try to go the angry-girl way of Alanis Morissette and Fiona Apple - it wouldn't have suited her. If you've only heard the wonderful "Birmingham" you may think this is Amy Grant - though their voices are similar, Marshall is less peppy and more satisfying. This album is definitely worth your while.

There are a few, and I do mean only a few albums (yes, I used the A word), that are perfect. This album is one of them. Every track is both beautiful and moving. It is a three act opera of humanity in 10 songs. Like listening to Shakespear sung. You only have to listen once and you'll be a lifelong fan too. Why don't we hear her songs on the radio everyday? I suppose some record exec doesn't think he can make enough money promoting her.
And that is the part just amazes me; that in this world of Snoop-Doggy-Poop-Dogs and Jessica Simpletons that the talentless hacks are the sucess stories and someone with honest talent goes unpromoted and ignored.
Maybe someday, someone will realize just how really true and clear Amanda's voice is and promote her gifts above these other brainless Bozos...yeah, I guess about the time MTV starts playing music again instead of creating more UN-reality shows.
Where are you now Amanda? Tell us, we'll listen.

I received this album from a friend who thought I'd like it -- neither of us had ever heard of this artist, Amanda Marshall. That was 1998 and only recently did I realize this album was released a couple of years before I got it.

Marshall's voice soars through all the songs. "Birmingham," "Trust Me (This Is Love)," abd "Fall From Grace" stand out. Marshall didn't write most of the songs -- in fact, the only song I don't really care for all that much is the one song Marshall wrote, "Sitting On Top Of The World."

Marshall sounds a bit like Amy Grant or Vonda Shepherd, so if you like either of those artists this album may be for you. You've already heard her sing if you've seen "My Best Friend's Wedding" (I forget which song she did) or "Tin Cup" ("This Could Take All Night").

I first discovered Amanda Marshall on accident, I was trying to find a version of "I can't stand the rain" that I used to play at dances back in the '70s. On a download site I got a live version of "I can't Stand the Rain/ Let it Rain" I wish I still had that recording, as it amazed me. Soon after, I began buying everything I could find that Amanda Marshall recorded. Here is her self titled debut album, which is many peoples favorite (if they've even heard of AM) I love this album but it is mostly dark compared to the next two CD's. "Birmingham" for example, is a song about escaping an abusive husband, "Last exit to eden" is a song about wondering if you've made the biggest mistake of your life, But "Trust Me" is a song about the way love can turn it all around, so there you go.

So here's the deal, while this is the Amanda Marshall album I play the least, I still play it often. It is a keeper!

This is a great debut album from a very talented Canadian artist named Amanda Marshall. She's had big success in Canada, but not so much in the US. I don't understand why that is, and if you listen to this CD I think you'll agree with me. There was 6 big singles from this album, and even the non single tracks are awesome. The closing track "Promises" is stunning and raw in emotion. "Let It Rain" was the first single and it's definately a powerful song that resonates with listeners, a song about searching for redemption. "Dark Horse" was also a big hit. "Birmingham" is a great song about a woman in an abusive relationship who finally leaves her man. "Fall From Grace" and "Beautiful Goodbye" were also singles and other favorites of mine. I highly recommend checking this CD out if you haven't already.

The first time I heard Amanda Marshall sing was at a concert in Camden NJ, probably about 3 years ago. Amanda was the first singer to go on before the main act - John Mellencamp. When she opened her mouth and started to sing, I knew that I had heard her voice before. Then she started singing 'Birmingham' and I knew then why she had sounded familiar. I had seen her video on VH1 for this song and thought to myself then what a unique, powerful, wonderful voice this woman has. It was refreshing to hear 'music' for a change, compared to all of these rap artists that seem to absorb our radio stations constantly.

'Tuesdays Child' was the first CD I purchased, immediately after the concert. Shortly after, I was shopping with a friend, looking for CDs to buy, and out of curiosity, thought I would look and see if she had anything else out. That's when I bought 'Amanda Marshall'.

I have lent my CDs to a friend who really enjoyed them and who has since purchased her own.

Amanda truly has a gift for music.

My sister and I saw Amanda Marshall in concert when she opened for John Mellencamp in 1996(?). We were blown away by her talent and her voice. We both went out and bought this album the very next day. And we have listened to it constantly ever since. My favorite song is "Promises". My sister's favorite is "Beautiful Good-bye". I found out last night that Amanda has a new release out and I logged on immediately to order it and get it shipped here quick!

Amanda Marshall's debut CD has always been my favourite album. Ever since I heard the first single "Let It Rain" in 1996, I haven't stopped listening to this CD. There is not one weak track on this album - each song has a differnt feeling, and is pulled off magnificintely. Here are my track-by-track reviews of the album. Compared to other CD's, each track deserves a perfect rationg of 10 out 10. But instead, I've decided to compare the tracks to eachother:

Let It Rain - 9/10 - an amazing vocal performance. The last half of the song is rather chilling. Instantly catchy

Birmingham - 8/10 - Amanda's biggest US hit. An upbeat and catchy song with uplifting lyrics.

Fall From Grace - 10/10 - the catchiest song on the album. You'll sing along right away. A classic

Dark Horse - 9/10 - Amanda's biggest hit in Canada. #1 in many places. A stunning love song.

Beautiful Goodbye - 10/10 - a chilling ballad. Slightly depressing and amazingly moving.

Sitting On Top Of The World - 7/10 - My least favourite track on the CD. It's still great, though. It has a country feeling. Very upbeat.

Last Exit To Eden - 9/10 - a beautiful song. amazing powerful chorus

Trust Me (This Is Love) - 9/10 - a sweet love song. simple and touching.

Let's Get Lost - 8/10 - This track took me the longest to enjoy. But it's a great rock song.

Promises - 11/10 - one of my favourite songs ever. The best track Amanda has ever recorded. A perfect ballad centered upon the LA riots. It may take a few listens, but you will become entranced.

You must buy this CD. Anyone who enjoys quality pop/rock music would love this album.

If you like insightful lyrics. If you enjoy great music. If you want to known what wonderful music is all about. Amanda Marshall is your lady.

This is nothing short of a magnificent debut album. From the defiance of "Birmingham." to that "Beautiful Goodbye" this album is wrought with emotion and craftsmanship. Ms. Marshall has a phenominal voice which will only be heard if more people find her. So find her already!

I first purchased this CD in 1996 after seeing the "Birmingham" video on VH1, and it quickly became one of my favorite cds of all time. There is an overwhelming amount of talent on this CD, which was not fully recognized as it should have been in the US. Yes, it has its pop sounds, but a beautiful voice paired with such beautiful melodies is all that matters. A definite recommendation.