Customer Reviews

Because of You

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album really excites me for this include one of my favorites "Someone to Watch Over Me". Kenny really did a good job here, very sexy and smooth. His new version of "Haven't We Met" is awesome. So glad that he finally did an album like this, which took me 5 yrs. of waiting for this to be released here in the Philippines. Lucky me! I was able to get a copy. How I wish he did these 2 songs when he was here for a concert.

Combining the audiophile techniques of Chesky Jazz (miminal miking and processing) with the voice and composition of Kenny Rankin makes this a Must Have for both Chesky and Rankin fans. For those who have never heard Kenny Rankin, listen to this purist collection of prime Rankin compositions captured clean and crisp in the Chesky Studio. For Rankin fans, this disc is a Must Must Have.

The "Kenny Rankin Album" was a milestone for jazz vocalization in America, so much so that it took Mr. Rankin almost 20 years to equal it, which he finally does with "Because of You". Smooth, sexy, disarmingly mellow, Mr. Rankin proves he's still on top of his game. All of the tunes on this album, including the delightful repise of "Haven't We Met" are all stunning but it's the final cut, the title track, that will absolutely stun you with its luscious simplicity. Mr. Rankin performs "Because of You" a cappella which only serves to magnify the raw, voluptuous, romanticism of the lyrics. This is an album that goes well with red wine, a small fire, and vivid imaginations.

"Because of You" is one of Kenny Rankin's many remarkable albums. It's a collection of eleven of the loveliest songs he recorded, four of which are his original compositions - "Erienda," "Haven't We Met? (the song that turned me on to his wonderful music and became an instant fan), "What Am I Gonna Do With You... Aime?" and an emotional tribute song for his father William Henry Rankin, "This Old Man." It also includes two Bossa Nova numbers, "Doralice" and "Berimbau."

Among my highlights are three of the most exceptional standards ever written: "Someone To Watch Over Me" by George and Ira Gershwin, "I Could Write A Book" by Rodgers and Hart, and A Capella of "Always" by Irving Berlin. Mr. Rankin's extraordinary interpretations of these chestnuts are so pure, lovely and so pleasing to the ears. He made them so special and enchanting with his own unique vocal style.

In this album, which was recorded in New York in 1991, he is supported by a crew of fine musicians - George Young on sax and flute, Danilo Perez on piano, David Finck on bass, Dave Ratajczak on drums and Steve Kroon on percussion.

My number one favorite is the title track, a beautiful and meaningful song by Arthur Hammerstein and Dudley Wilkinson, "Because of You." He sings it with an old-fashioned charm that is simply mesmerizing!

"Because of you there's a song in my heart

Because of you my romance had its start

Because of you the sun will shine

The moon and stars will say you're mine

Forever and never to part

I only live for your love and your kiss

It's paradise to be near you like this

Because of you my life is now worthwhile

And I can smile . . . because of you

I only live for your love and your kiss

It's paradise to be near you like this

Because of you my life is now worthwhile

And I can smile . . . because of you"

This album has a timeless appeal! It's a worthy addition to your collection of fine music. You may also want to check his other notable CDs out - Kenny Rankin Album, Professional Dreamer, After the Roses, Bottom Line Encore Collection, Haven't We Met? and A Song for You for more delightful listens.

Wholeheartedly recommended for your listening pleasure always and forever.

Another winner by Kenny Rankin. Though I love "After the Roses," I think this album lets more of Rankin's personality show through. The Latin influence is infectious. Sounds great live in concert, too. Think I'll go home and listen to it tonight!

Kenny Rankin is known for being one of the best male vocalists out there, but this album is where all the elements of an excellent recording come together - great vocals, understated musicianship that does not detract from or drown his voice out, and last (but not least), fantastic songs. Of final note, Mr. Rankin is finally on a label that puts the highest value on sound quality and production value; Chesky. If you're at all interested in what all the fuss is about Kenny Rankin, give this CD a try. Birembau!

This album proves once again that Kenny Rankin is the greatest singer in America.

Besides Mr Rankin possessing one of the most beautiful tenor voices in the world,it is also among the sexiest.

The formula for a guaranteed romantic evening with your significant other:

one of his CDS, candlelight, a light dinner, a bottle of good wine,perhaps a fire in the fireplace.

Need I say more.

From the first track, this album seems to set itself apart from earlier works by Kenny Rankin with the more-than up-tempo Berimbau. However, the bulk of the album is reliant on Rankin's honey-smooth vocals, with sparse instrumental accompaniment. Any one who is familiar with American Idol has been exposed to the nebulous term "pitchy", overly-prattled by 2 of the judges for off-key singing. On the other hand, some singers have been blessed with perfect pitch: Doric Day was able to correct the offender if one instrument in her band hit a sour note. And so it must be with Kenny Rankin, as well. What else can explain hypnotic renditions of 'Round Midnight, Because of You - and especially - Always, on this album? All are performed with one, or, as in the case of Always, no accompaniment. Always, especially, rocks in it's sheer virtuoso smack!

A very jazzy album in the purist sense of the word, Because of You is easier listening than "The Bottom Line" live recording of 1990, if only because it's a much better recording without the tiresome drawn out applause after each performance. Kenny Rankin sounds as though he's found his comfort zone with this release; it's cozy for his fans, as well.

Kenny Rankin was a unique talent that will likely never be seen again. The chance of melding that perfect blend of intelligence and talent genes must be so far off the probability scale as to stump a consort of all the super-computers on earth. RIP, Kenny Rankin. Thanks for all the wonderful gifts you left us.

This CD should not even be reviewed.......

Its to good..........

Just deserves an automatic 5 stars!!!!!!!!!!

Audiophile recording to boot!!!!!!!!!

TREMENDOUS~!!!!!!!