Customer Reviews

Beneath the Velvet Sun

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was nervous about buying Beneath the Velvet Sun because I was afraid that it wouldn't live up to Soul's Core. Like Soul's Core, this new CD speaks to many different people on many different levels. Mullins has created more music that can inspire people, help them through hard times, help express their feelings, help them feel good; Beneath the Velvet Sun just touches the soul, draws it out, comforts it. 'Somethin' to Believe In', 'Valentine', 'Lonesome, I Know You Too Well' are a few of the more touching songs. However, Mullins doesn't lose all of his 'folk' sound; that's represented too. I think it's a well-rounded CD that shows Shawn's growth in his art, as well as discretely revealing what many of us are unable to do, even if we won't admit it.

It just gets better every time I listen to it. I think it's a must for any Shawn Mullin's collection. Enjoy the feeling.

The return of Shawn Mullins after a 2-year recording break brings a more polished, pop, and a definitely more corporate Shawn trying to reach a broader audience. Is this another Soul's Core? - no, there is no Shimmer or Twin Rocks Oregon. Is this an Eggshells? - no, there is no Joshua or Where's Johnny. But make no mistake of it - this CD has unique and strong qualities and exhibits some potential classics in "North on 95", "Valentine" and the catchy "I Know" (Shelby Lynn on background vocals-wow!). The pop exists in the single "Everywhere I Go" and "Up All Night" (why they failed to have the jazzy/blues ending carry on longer is too bad) - both solid strong top 40 type tunes. "We Run" is a strong gospel like powerful ballad written with his wife and "Santa Fe" actually sounds like late 1970's Eagles revisted - who has ever managed that? In any event, this CD is the next step - in the right direction - for an extremely talented singer, songwriter capable of something innovative with every new recording.

I became a Shawn Mullins fan when I bought "Soul's Core" a couple of years ago. I liked "Soul's Core" so much that I also later purchased "The First Ten Years" when it came out. On both of these albums, Shawn's talent as a consummate singer/songwriter is manifested.

It was an instant decision for me, therefore, to buy "Beneath the Velvet Sun" as soon as it was released. I am continually impressed by this disc because it is nothing less than a continuation of Shawn's growth as an artist. Every song on this album is excellent. Shawn has paid a lot of attention to packaging his songs here, so the sound is more "big band" and polished than his earlier work, but it it sounds SO GOOD. His straight, honest lyrics and his trademark acoustic guitar, coupled with soaring melodies laced at times with his exquisite falsetto -- it's all here. These songs showcase his strength and versatility as a songwriter.

From the beginning, Shawn has been a musician who is more interested in art than in pleasing the masses. Although he achieved great success with "Soul's Core," (due mostly to one song, "Lullaby") this album is evidence that Shawn hasn't sold out to the recording industry. He has obviously maintained his emphasis on writing songs because they are good songs; he's not writing songs that are merely replicated sounds from the narrow confines of FM radio.

Hats off to Shawn for his achievement on this album. I highly recommend it.

This latest CD from shaun Mullins is like a road trip across country. I was pleasantly suprised by just how far this cd had surpassed my expectations. I enjoyed Soul's Core, but to be honest there were a few tracks I skipped over. Not this one. Each one is a great story, sung with heart and soul by Mr. Mullins. I have a great deal of respect for this songwriter. Take a listen!

I first fell in love with Shawn Mullins with "Lullabye". That got me into "Soul's Core", "Eggshells", "The First Ten Years", and "Big Blue Sky." And anything else I could get my hands on. I was somewhat worried that Shawn's sound might have changed slightly since his "discovery" but those fears were groundless. This album is top-notch, better if possible, and definitely worth listening to over and over again. I really connect with "Something to Believe In", but all of them are just good and fun to listen to. If you read the album sheet, you see that he recently married his long-time love, Kelly, and in a way, I think this album shows it. It's not sappy, but a lot of the songs are a little more upbeat and happy; as though it's a valentine to her and to their new marriage. Best wishes, Shawn, and may you keep on keepin' on!

Looking at the cover of Shawn Mullins' latest release "Beneath The Velvet Sun," Mullins tends to be thinner and has a clean-cut image than his pervious album covers. Although his latest album is more polished than what he has done doing his 11 years of recording and performing, Mullins does not compromise his musical integrity. His mix of Folk, Rock, Blues, Country, mixed in with a tad of Hip Hop makes this record a godsend for those who enjoy intelligent music.

Highlights include his recent hit "Everywhere I Go," a contemporary rock piece in which Mullins promises to take the one he love with him everywhere he might go, yet he is doubtful if she has the same feelings for him. "If I toss were I lay, I might turn her away. So I try to fall dreamin' someday."

The Atlanta Symphony String Quartet performs with Mullins on the songs "We Run" and closing piece on the CD "Time." While the entire string section of the Atlanta Symphony performs on the upbeat Country-Rock tune "North On 95."

For those who enjoy down the earth country music, check out the tracks "Lonesome I Know You Too Well" and which Mullins deals with loneness while playing in a bar in some unnamed town, and "Yellow Dog Song" is about three strangers that Mullins sees on his journeys. A young man driving an old car, an old man working the nightshift, and a girl walking a yellow dog. Naturally.

"Up All Night" uses the all too familiar rhythmic track used in hits by Alanis Morissette (You Learn) and Meredith Brooks, but the use of a ragtime piano and Mullins spoken rap makes this song a worthwhile gem. He also incorporates Trip Hop bests along with his usually Folk Rock style in the songs "Valentine" and "Santa Fe."

Beneath The Velvet Sun is a continuation of what Shawn Mullins did before he signed to a major label. If you enjoyed "Soul's Core" or any of his independent releases, you will enjoy going "Beneath The Velvet Sun."

I just got this CD and I LOVE it. I have Shawn's HIT album: Soul's Core. This album is (I think) very different. It is much more instrumental. Shawn is carving his name out slowly but surely as one of our great singer/songwriters today. It is a breath of fresh air listening to his music. It is rare these days to hear good stuff like this, these are the days of bad RAP, N'SYNC (N'SUCK), Hole, and Brittany. Goooood Music is rare, then there is Shawn Mullins.

When I heard "Everywhere I Go" on the radio, I must say that I was disappointed. A friend gave me Beneath the Velvet Sun; I listened to it, and was turned off by the very "produced" sound that I heard. I've always been a fan of Shawn's singing and songwriting; so anything that overshadows those basic things, I am reluctant to accept. I couldn't get the songs out of my head, and after listening to the CD a couple more times, I have come to face the fact that I love his new CD. I'm glad that I didn't just discard it after finding it to be different from what I was expecting; I have come to believe that this is his best CD yet. Shawn's words and voice have always moved me, and they continue to do so.

I was looking at cd's in the store the other day and was really enjoying the music in the background. I finally asked who the artist was, and it was Mullins. I'd never heard his music before, but I've really enjoyed this cd. It's very mellow, very smooth. I really enjoyed the emotions Mullins put in each of his songs. I can't really compare this to any of his previous cds, but I will definitely check out some of his earlier releases now. I think this is a cd that will bring Mullins a lot more attention. If you've never heard him, I would recommend you listen to some of the songs on this album.

From the OBJECTIVE reviewer...overall a better and stronger outing than "Core" but doesn't have any masterpiece songs like Shimmer and Lullabye. Up All Night and Everywhere I Go are stand out tracks.