Customer Reviews

Before I Speak

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I saw Kyle Riabko perform live at an outdoor stage during Winnipeg Canada's Jazzfest the other day. I went immediately to the store the next day to buy his CD. WOW is all I can say. He had the entire crowd speechless, then on their feet, then dancing, then all remarking to themselves "Good Lord, that guy can PLAY and SING! Who IS he?" My jaw was on the floor for at least the first 3 songs of his set. When I recovered enough to listen with a discerning ear, I heard a guitar prodigy, a master in the making, with a great voice, singing with the widsom, maturity and vocal stylings of someone 20 years older than he is. His guitar playing was so intense and awe inspiring, that listening to him play felt like he was plucking strings from inside my own chest. His performance on stage was authentic - this guy is a true musician, not an entertainer. I mean, he was feeling his own performance and was totally into it, he wasn't just just putting on a show. This cd, his debut, reflects that exact same intensity and authenticity. It is a MUST have in any true music lovers collection.

Okay, so I will admit I bought the CD as a risk because I never heard of Kyle, but just the song named Miss Behavin' had me intrigued that he had talent with lyrics and words at least. Well, I put in, and listened to some child talk on the CD and I thought how I wasted good money. Then, after about 30 seconds, the real Kyle starts in and WOW - here is talent that will knock on your (well the part of the body you use for sitting). Miss Behavin' is my favorite track, along with Before I Speak, but I cannot stop listening to all of it. It is a bluesy type of rock, in the style of John Mayer, and Jack Johnson, but he has more talent in his lyrics and riffs. Now, I listen to it at least once a day, and when other people hear it, they ask "who is that, it's pretty cool", and when I say Kyle Riabko, they all say WHO????? But then they listen and now they too are buying. He is an acquired tatse, and not for your typical high school socialite, but more for those who like "different", but GOOD. I could not believe he was 17. When I hear him on the CD, I thought he was older and the picture on the cover was his "early day", but I guess he is 17, but would fill the blues and rock houses of Chicago or parts of New York, and deffinately the college campus scene. I am glad he is 17, because it only means years of more and better CD's, but this is well worth every penny and although I like rap and metal (which CD is NOT), Kyle has me singing his tunes as I walk down the street. I am sure he will get all the bumps and lumps John Mayer did from critics when he started in Birmingham, as well as Johnny Lang, but here is talent that you can hear. I would love to see him perform in concert. The dude rocks. This time the universe was on my side when I took a blind leap and paid for a CD I never heard. But as a warning, you have to get past the little kid talking on the 1st and last track, it is short in time, but annoying as heck that you just have to ignore. But don't miss out on great talent because of a bad creative decision that someone actually thought a person would like to turn on a CD an have a kid talk to you like to stepped in to day care. Keep misbehaving Kyle. I need more music from you because 1 CD is NOT enough!

Three and a half stars would be more accurate, but Amazon doesn't have half-stars. :-/
I had the pleasure of seeing this young man perform at Borders, and although one could tell from his stage presence that he was an old adolescent (or maybe that's just the teacher in me noticing), his music proves that there's a slightly older soul inside. He mixes blues, R&B and John Mayer-ish folk-rock well. Some of the songs are "I'm-the-best-man-for-you" sap, but the second half of his album shines with funkier grooves, such as "Chemistry" and "Miss Behavin." A couple songs, such as "Do You Right," remind me of a less deep Remy Shand. I think he's on his way to being a star, and I definitely recommend him for those who like John Mayer, Maroon 5, and singer-songwriter young adults. His soulful edge gives him "a little something more" than some other adolescent singers out there. If he's like this as a seventeen year old, I can't wait to hear what comes forth from his lips once he hits college-age and beyond.

We've much to be thankful for when it comes to our neighbors to the north, especially Kyle Riabko. At the tender age of 17 he has gifted us with a debut album that swings, croons and rocks. I first heard the immensely danceable "What did I get myself Into?" on the radio and was transfixed. Although the lyrics belie an insightful plea, "I didn't realize the compromise I put you through," the guitar and bass chops (all Kyle) will have you bouncing around the kitchen. This is a very contagious tune. "Miss Behavin'" is a delightfully nasty bit of hip-twisting teen angst that grooves and pops as if it were being played in the back of a low-riding Cadillac. The title track is a lyrically smart autobio of the sweat and vulnerability it takes to lay your life down in them grooves. I highly recommend this CD to those who walk on the other side of the mall when confronted by packs of teenagers-Kyle's got something to say and we should all take a minute to chill, groove and think. This kid is the real thing.

Kyle Riabko is really amazing! He has the most awesome voice and when I'm not listening to his CD I watch the acoustic version of 'What Did I Get Myself Into?' on the AOL Music on Demand station on tv. He's really awesome, and I'm almost heartbroken that the only time he's going to be on tour in NY is when I'm going to be away. This CD is one of the best things I have ever bought, he is really amazing and has the sexiest voice ever!

I overall enjoy this cd because of Kyle's mature voice. I bought this cd only having previously heard a few songs, but knew i would like it just from hearing "Do You Right"--love this song. But hearing his voice, i would never think he was 17. Lyrics are good, reminds me of John Mayer type songs, nice mix of slow and up-beat tunes on the album. My favs are Do You Right, Miss Behavin, Carry On, Before I Speak. Have not seen Kyle live.

i had this cd when i first came out, and so glad to have found it on amazon! they dont even sell this on itunes. such a GREAT album!! love it!!! BUY IT!!

What a gem! Kyle's really incredible. He's got taste, style, and real talent. This is a great album. Each listen is more fun and enchanting than the time before. A real pleaser. This album grabs you.

The tracks Carry On, Miss Behavin', Waiting, Do You Right, and Half As Much really highlight Kyle's writing and vocal talents.

I'd have to say it's honestly the best debut album I've ever encountered. It's as if he's been doing this for decades!

I am thoroughly enjoying this CD. From Do You Right to What Did I get Myself Into and Miss Behavin', Before I Speak and Paranoid these are very infectious tunes that make me want to hear more each time I listen.

Hope Kyle plays in my part of the world as I'd like to see him live.

I own hundreds of CDs, but I don't think I have ever before had this experience:
-Hear a song on internet radio from someone I have never heard of
-Click on the CD image and read a couple reviews
-Decide immediately to buy the CD
-Find that the entire disc is good, not just a couple of songs
This guy is fantastic -- the writing, the singing, the playing, the whole package. Well, almost; his lyrics betray his youth, but hey, he's got more time to mature before he hits 25 than anyone since Stevie Wonder. The comparisons with John Mayer will be inevitable; if you like Mayer's stuff, you will like this just as well.