Customer Reviews

Been Found

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

 

 

I bought this, unheard, as the combination of these artists seemed so perfect and I was so right. The CD has hardly been off my machine since it arrived. A true little prize.
I have always loved Valerie Simpson since I heard her solo album a gazillion years ago and now totally unavailable(unless there is somebody out there knows different?!) Maya Angelou's voice is one of planet Earth's most prized possessions I would listen to her reading the telephone directory. This combination which probably should not work, so works. The counterpoint between Maya's spoken words and A&S soulful vocals must find its way into your collection. This is a true must-have album

I purchased the CD in 1997 and played it so much, it wore out. I am desperately looking for another copy. I can't understand why it didn't get any airtime on R& B stations. Ashford and Simpson are one of the premier songwriting teams of all times. With Maya thrown into the mix, this CD was something special. This one should have "Been Found" by a wider audience.

Legendary songwriting team of Ashford and Simpson and literary luminary Maya Angelou have woven a seamless blend of lyric and music in this most satisfying release. From the opening strains of the title cut to the last beat, "Been Found" makes the listener experience every carefully crafted nuance, every soulful phrase, and every stimulating word that borders on the uplifting and the sensuous. Ms. Angelou's distinctive voice is complemented by the passionate vocals of the husband and wife team who always sound as if they are really soulmates for life. I cannot believe that this four-year-old composition did not spawn a follow up. It certainly deserved Grammy recognition upon its initial release. Although all tracks are suberb, the cuts "Where We Come From," "What If," and the final "Why Shouldn't It Be Me" are reminiscent of the classic tunes penned by the couple for themselves and many other artists. Why they aren't being utilized by contemporary singers is one mystery to me. I guess there isn't "Nothing Like the Real Thing."

I consider myself very lucky to have discovered this CD almost by accident, when it was first released in about 1996 or 1997. It is still in my top two or three CD's ever. The combination of lyrics too moving to be called simply songs, the soulful sounds of Ashford & Simpson and Maya Angelou's amazing voice is incredible. This must be what angels sound like!

Ashford and Simpson have not lost their touch. Their music is still the best, and they still put emotion into their lyrics and voices better than anyone else. I have nothing against Maya Angelou, but I think they made a mistake by recording this album as a trio. I find spoken lyrics in songs to be very annoying. One or two lines is okay, but two of three verses is too much. Some songs sound like Nick and Valerie are just singing backup to Maya's poetry recitation. "Made for Me," "It's Your Love," and "Keeps on Getting Better" are the best songs on the album. Those are also three of the four duets. "Been Found" is an overall good album and worth buying. I will definitely try to replace my CD if something happens to it.

Here it is the year 2011 and Ashford and Simpson still move my very soul with lyrics and timing that allows me to go back and forth to special time in place in my life. From the first song to the last... WOW. Nick you will be missed and I won't forget!

The duo, Nick and Val became a trio with Ms. Angelou. What a marvelous combination. The music and poetry written more than 10 years ago, was like a breath of fresh air. The great music of Nick and Val and the poeetry of Ms. Angelou, is as new and fresh today as it was when it was written. You'll get more than your monies worth when you purchase this CD.

Doris Moore
Greensboro, NC

This CD give me a special lift to my spirits! Love of mankind and each other is felt in this music and with Maya Angelou's imput it adds a very special touch!