Customer Reviews

Back From the 80's

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

George Benson had better watch out, because U-Nam is definitely nipping at his heels to take over the King of Smooth Jazz Guitar throne. This CD is totally off the hook and I absolutely love it. U-Nam came out of nowhere and he has instantly become one of my favorite smooth jazz and R & B artists. If you decide to purchase "Back From The 80's", please be sure to purchase the import version that includes the bonus CD. The bonus CD is also excellent and definitely worth the extra 3 bucks. Don't cheat yourself out of a special treat by purchasing the version that does not have the bonus CD.

There's no doubt about it. In fact U-Nam out-Benson's Benson throughout, particlarly on George's own Turn Your Love Around. Uh, no he's not singing, his guitar is though. So yeah, do yourself a favor and pick this up, put it on, and let it play. Be secure with the knowledge that you won't reach for the fast forward button. Now I will say that I've actually purchased the Special Limited Edition 2 CD set, which features remixes from his first release. They are awwwwwriiiight, however, I really don't think it's worth the investment, so stick with this one. On the Limited Edition, all tracks have vocals, and deep into most songs, the melodic way is lost, well it's lost on me, and being a melodic kind of guy, that turns me off. I'd also like to point out that Phil Perry is on one of these re-mixed tracks, Right Here, Right Now, and his screaming is starting to get on my nerves. All his songs seem to end like fire alarms, and that is worrying. He needs to calm down.

Street Life set the tone for the whole CD. Up tempo, mid tempo as smooth as the meringue on a lemon meringue pie. I can see why a lot of the songs were played on smooth jazz stations. U Nam, what can you do for an encore. A must buy for any smooth jazz listener.

This is awesome listening. I really enjoy listening to this work of art. This is my first recording of U-nam and I am very impressed. If you love jazz guitar this will definately rock your world.

The lack of reviews is very disturbing to me because this cd screams quality in every possible way.The guitar playing is first rate and is equal to George Benson in expertise.The production of this album is amazing due to highly top rated musicians and the recording quality is absolute audiophile standard...what more can you ask for...highly recommended.

I'm always fascinated with the difference between musical competence and the kind of musicianship that creates monster hits. I think what it comes down to is a combination of strong, compelling compositions, a brilliant support team, and perhaps most importantly, a positive vibe that's a perfect match for the times. Enter native Parisian U-Nam (Real name - Emmanuel Abiteboul - "Manu" for short -- Note the reversal for his stage name U-Nam) and his new album BACK FROM THE 80's. It's got all the ingredients, and it's gonna be a smash. It's really the quintessential Smooth Jazz guitar album for today, with all the ingredients I just mentioned locked solidly in place. U-Nam's main musical influence is George Benson, which will be immediately apparent when you hear his playing. George himself has got to be impressed! I certainly am. This is an awesome collection of tunes, from the first hit single (a killer remake of the Crusader's classic "Street Life," featuring Jeff Lorber on Fender Rhodes) to an absolutely stunning instrumental version of the Benson hit "Turn Your Love Around." Actually there's not a single track on this disc that doesn't deserve airplay. This is a totally fresh, energetic tour de force into some 80's nostalgia and tasty originals... all with a very hip musical patina. U-Nam calls his music "Classy, Jazzy, Funky, Frenchy." I call it essential for this format right now. If you're a Smooth Jazz programmer and you're not playing something from BACK FROM THE 80's on your station, then your programmer's license should be revoked! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN

U-nam Music style is amazing. Excellent from beginning to end!! Great job U-nam!!!!!You got a fan on me.