Customer Reviews

Are You Looking At Me?

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's great to have new material from Colin Hay. The variety of styles on this album is a real strength, and it's great to hear him with a band again despite his great acoustic sound. The sound here is fleshed out but not over-produced. Try the beautiful and melodious "Pure Love," the quirky "What Would Bob Do?" and the dynamite "No One Knows." "Me and My Imaginary Friend" sounds a little like Camper van Beethoven, while there's a little Stray Cats sound in "Lose to Win." This album is eclectic and enjoyable all the way through!

I ordered this along with an acoustic album by Colin Hay, "Going Somewhere". I listed to "Going Somewhere" first, and was mesmerized by its lovely acoustic vocals and guitar, which really let the songwriting shine. Then I popped in "Are You Looking at Me?" expecting more of the same. I was surprised to hear full arrangements on this album, but listened attentively to see if I was struck again by the songwriting and performance. I really wasn't. I feel the arrangements/production choices on several of the tracks contain distracting sounds or background vocals, and that they really take the focus away from the songwriting. Having recently discovered Colin's solo work, and read some about his love of songwriting, I have a genuine respect for him. So I certainly don't want to take anything away from him. But listeners who enjoyed his acoustic work should know that this album is very different, and in my opinion - not in a good way.

If you've never had the opportunity to listen to Colin Hay as a solo artist, you are missing out on some brilliant pieces of music. This latest CD of Colin's is no exception. In the title track, 'Are You Lookin' at Me?' you will find yourself humming the chorus over and over in your head long after the music ends. In 'Pure Love', I dare you not to fall in love with the song when the horn section begins to play. All of his songs have a unique feel all their own with honest, thought-provoking, beautiful lyrics and melodies.
If you have the opportunity to see Colin in concert this year, take my advice - GO! I saw him at the Black Orchid in Chicago on May 2 and it was the best time. He gives of himself to his audiences whether sharing hilarious stories or singing 'Overkill' or 'Down Under' for the billionth time for the demanding audience member. But it's his music after Men At Work that has truly defined him as one of the best artists out there.

I was lucky enough to see Colin Hay and his lovely wife perfom here in an outdoor venue last evening. The rain kept too many people away (although it did clear up for the entire performace). I bought his newest CD and it's a perfect listen. Thoughtful, funny,and beautiful. A great showman, a genuine nice, approachable guy and one of the most talented song writers that deserves so much more attention. Keep it coming Colin. I hope to share this CD with my friends who haven't rediscovered you ... yet!

Such a great CD. I came to know Colin Hay the solo artist via his song on the Garden State soundtrack. Then I picked up Man @ Work and Going Somewhere and have since become a huge fan of his work.

This album took a bit to grow on me and once it did, I couldn't stop listening to it. I think my favorite song is "Lonely Without You" but honestly, there's not one song on this CD that I skip past. It's a great listen from top to bottom and one of those CDs that you can have on in the background as you're chilling out or blaring through your speakers as you head out out of Hollywood and drive into the hills.

I bought this album at a Colin Hay concert in Sellersville, PA and was lucky enough to have Colin sign the CD. When we spoke he said that "this is the best of my records" and I didn't think much of it because of course he isn't going to say anything different.

The CD has been in my car ever since, and I can say that Colin nailed this album. The album isn't typical Hay; it is a bit more produced but not overly so, and has more pop melodies than most of his ballad-centric albums. The record sounds like a mixture of David Gray and Elvis Costello. The tunes are catchy and I have been going around saying "Are you looking at me, pal?" and "What would Bob do, what would Bob do?"

So, I highly recommend this album if you like witty, charming and mature songwriters who can carry a tune. Also: see him in concert if you can.

I've been saying for years what a lost treasure this singer/songwriter is (check out my previous reviews of Colin's work). Let me just say that "Are You Looking At Me?" adds more credence to the argument. Buying this album is risk-free. The title song is catchy fun and is probably autobiographical. "Imaginary Friend" and "Land of the Midnight Sun" are excellent. I also loved his not-so-subtle jab at President Bush in "I Wish I Was Still Drinking." Come on...give it a chance. If you believe in the survival of the singer/songwriter, Colin deserves your support.

I've been a huge Colin Hay fan since I stumbled upon and bought Wayfaring Sons way back in 1990. I marveled at the complexity of his lyrics and music, and his unforgettable voice which is instantly recognizable as Men at Work. I saw them in the 80's and I was a fan, but I rarely listen to them anymore, instead choosing Colin's solo material to rotate in my CD players. This album deserves a spot next to all the others which have all been fantastic. Sometimes it takes a few listens to "get into" an album, but this one sunk in after the very first listen. 5 stars! My wife and I are looking forward to seeing this criminally neglected by the mainstream artist in July in Ohio -- $5 per ticket, when I would gladly pay $200. Thanks for the great music, Mr. Hay.

Just saw Colin Hay in Washington DC last night 4/25/07 and bought the CD after the concert. The work here is comparable to his Man@Work CD except this is all new materal. The title song is a wonderful introspective piece. His voice is so unique and phrasing so interesting its impossible not to like his work. How a major label can not be looking to promote someone with name appeal, baby bommer hits, and new material is beyond me, but I'm glad that I get to see him with just an acoustic guitar and small (500) venue. If you get the chance to see him do so, the stories behind the songs are so entertaining.

How someone this talented goes virtually unnoticed as a solo artist for 20 years is beyond me, especially when he had the springboard of being in one of the most popular bands of the early 80's, but I've long since given up on trying to figure out why what's good is so rarely the same as what's popular. All I know is: Colin Hay hasn't put out an album that wasn't worth owning since he went on his own, and "Are You Lookin' At Me?" isn't any different. Buy it. Hear it. Enjoy it. Love it. Just like me. And if you get a chance to see him live, with or without an accompanying band, do it. Unlike many big headline artists these days, it's easily worth the price. Just like all of his albums.