Barefoot on the Beach

Michael Franks | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 1, 1999)
• Original Release Date: June 1, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Windham Hill Records
• ASIN: B00000J7A9
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #128,757 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz

Countless musical trends have steamrolled by since the mid '70s when this wry singer-songwriter first graced the adult-music world with his cryptic hit, "Popsicle Toes." Since then, Franks has stood his ground. On Barefoot on the Beach, he remains charmingly cool and collected; his voice, still wistful and onionskinned. And he has continued to grow as an observational lyricist.

Franks just doesn't buy into the top-40 school of "hook or forget it" songwriting. He's more interested in weaving quirky, esoteric images over solid grooves. (His backing music - Bob James, Dave Samuels, Chuck Loeb, Bob Mintzer - varies between classic, subtly brassy Steely Dan and colorful smooth-jazz vibes.) "You could jump a DC-8 and probably be here by eight" sets the tone for the frolic of the title track. Everything is fair game, from references to Ingrid Bergman and Rhett Butler on "Heart Like an Open Book" to congratulating Ponce de Leon for the youthful drive of his lover on "The Fountain of Youth."

He's quite the humorist, too. On "Double Talk," he tells a cheating mate, "Each time you lie, your profile grows... it looks just like Pinocchio's." "Mr. Smooth" is a crisp commentary on a stuck-up man. But even when Franks is expressing displeasure, his heart is light. He covers all the aspects of love from the supreme joy of "Now Love Has No End" to "Why Spring Ain't Here," but the minute he starts to boil over, he's back to the beach, having a blast. This is the kind of spring-in-your-step music Franks fashioned his career upon.

--- Jonathan Widran, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Product Description

Special 24bit K2 Japanese limited edition issue of the album classic in a deluxe, miniaturized LP sleeve replica of the original vinyl album artwork. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Michael Franks raises the jazz vocal bar again!!, June 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Barefoot on the Beach (Audio CD)

Barefoot on the Beach, the latest release by Michael Franks is sure to be one of the best loved by his fans. Franks continues to grow as an artist and explore new avenues of jazz. With this release , he climbes gracefully into a sound that can be best described as 'traditionally smooth.' All of these new cuts combine very rich melodies of piano, vibes, and a terrific horn section. His new songs seem to embrace the more quiet and meaningful lyrics of albums past, with a more smooth sound. Not to dissapoint though, he still adds a few cuts that remind us of his earlier work-less instrumentation, and more vocal. His wonderful voice shines through!! A real please and a must for any M.F. fan.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars michael franks re-defines one- of- a- kind jazz roots, July 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Barefoot on the Beach (Audio CD)

for michael franks fans the newest release "Barefoot on the Beach" is like another wonderful visit from a family member with whom you'd like to spend more time.his lyrics consistently weave in out of a mucial web which continues to be spun by a who's who of contemporary jazz musicians.a case in point is the title track.after a short intro...the first few words...instantly its a franks connection.the long time franks listeners already feel familiar with the pilot and the vehicle..wanting to ride wherever the smooth ride is going. track three includes a beautiful duet with valerie simpson (of ashford and simpson).once again franks goes with an interseting choice of voice and the outcome is soothing...two voices distinctive yet in the chorus blend as one.(you may know that franks has also recorded duets with brenda russell, and peggy lee! long time franks fans (i'm one)will hear hints of musical references to some of his past work. but there is a freshness of application in each case.he continues to seduce his listeners to take journeys with him...regardless of how intimate or sarcastically light-hearted.and, with the end of each selection the traveler wants to be taken on the next excursion. with his new (and highly respected) label, franks would be well served to add a few more dates to his existing tour schedule.that will serve a two fold purpose. first,show the new label the continuous and incredible base of fan support.and secondly,reunite fans with a musical icon with whom we've grown over the years.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars VINTAGE MICHAEL FRANKS, September 19, 1999

By 

[e-mail] SHAHEED (CHESAPEAKE,VIRGINIA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Barefoot on the Beach (Audio CD)

THIS CD IS A MUST HAVE FOR TRUE MICHAEL FRANKS FANS HE IS AS SMOOTH AND SILKY AS EVER THE TRACK(EVERY TIME SHE WHISPERS)IS MY FAVORITE AND MUST BE LISTENED TO WITH HEADPHONES.BUY THIS CD!!!