Customer Reviews

Awake

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I reviewed this CD for my school newspaper, and was pleasantly surprised! I originally thought it would be just another trendy emo band, but was amazed when I read that it was just one man and his acoustic guitar. I'd normally be bored with just acoustic music, but his songs are really melodic and catchy. My one complaint is that a lot of the songs sound the same. If he adds a bit more variety to his music, I can see him being a huge hit!

Secondhand Serenade is actually not a band - it's just John Vesely. John makes this incredibly refreshing, raw, acoustic, emotional, and honest music himself. Oh and did I mention AMAZING??? It's definitely worth a listen because it will draw you in and refuse to let go. I strongly recommend you experience real music such as Awake by Secondhand Serenade.

I found Secondhand Serenade on MySpace, where I have recently found great artists who are not in the mainstream (Joshua Radin & William Fitzsimmons). I technically do not have this version of "Awake" (the version I bought on MySpace does not have a few of these songs, but it is still the same versions of the other songs). With that said, these songs are great. I love the songs "Maybe," "Half Alive," "Vulnerable," and "Broken." Secondhand Serenade is similar to early Dashboard Confessional, but not as bitter sounding. He has excellent vocal range and harmony ability, better than Dashboard actually. And I think with experience, he will be able to write songs as good as Dashboard (this debut is better than DC's first - not as good as Dashboard's second, but few albums are). This still feels like a fresh, unique album, though, and is worth every penny. If you love acoustic music that is passionate and makes you want to sing along, then go buy this now!

This acoustic album is loved by almost everyone who listens to these songs of love, deception and desire. They are sweet and meaningful, which I find intriguing and addicting. I know the words to every song. Even people who like other kinds of music will love and appreciate Secondhand Serenade.

Songs like Awake, Broken, Your Call, and Vulnerable all connect to people's inner feelings and make them think of their own love life and loved ones. Even the names of the songs relate to the human emotions we use to describe our feelings. The soothing music in only adds to the appeal of this album.

GREAT LEAD VOCALS, BOUGHT THIS AND THE FOLLOWING CD. LOVED ALL THE SONGS. A SURE BET FOR THE MUSIC BUFFS. NO DISAPPOINTMENT ON THIS CD.

Awake By Secondhand Serenade is awesome..the whole album is full of great catchy memorable acoustic songs that we all have been wanting to comeback since dashboard Confessional hasn't released a decent album in god knows how long..Secondhand is in my opinion better than dashboard..the music just catches me more you know..its a solid effort..a must have.

I bought this cd with A Twist In my Story, the other Secondhand Serenade Cd. They both came way faster than i thought they would and they were packaged nicely too! The Cd's are great though all the music sounds kind of similar, but since i love the sound i am very satisfied! If i could go back and do it again i would!

I just bought this cd a few days ago off of amazon because I heard Fall For You on the radio and fell in love with it. All I can say is that the whole cd has been on repeat on my ipod. I cannot get enough of John's soothing voice and great lyrics. Reminds me of Dashboard Confessional which I LOVE as well. I also bought A Twist in my story..another great cd. I def reccomend both cds!

Both of John Vesely's (aka Secondhand Serenade) albums are AWESOME! Like someone else had said, BOTH albums are rare gems in which you love EVERY song, not just a few. His lyrics and the way in which he sings them are so real, so passionate that one cannot help being drawn in. You can palpate how much heart went into writing each song - which makes John a truely special artist/songwriter. Definitely looking foward to his future works! BUY NOW! =)

Secondhand Serenade aka John Vesely, is truely an amazing talent. I bought his first CD "Awake" when only he was selling them and before it was re-released on glassnote records. It was one of those CD's that I can honestly say I like all the songs. For me, that never happens. His music and lyrics are able to touch any soul. I was so impresses with the music, I went to Target and bought my sister the CD for her birthday and had to buy another one for myself since the re-release came with 2 extra songs. His music is a cross between Five for Fighting, Tracy Chapman, Sheryl Crow, and Ben Harper.