Customer Reviews

Better Days Ahead

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

 

 

This was the first Jazz CD that I purchased. I was fortunate enough to have seen Norman on BET on Jazz some years ago. I was immediately taken. Because he is intertwined with George Benson, I knew he would instantly become one of my favorites. Anyone who is a lover of R&B and Jazz will adore this album. Norman has established himself as not just a Jazz artist, but as an artist that can intergrate a plethera of different styles of music and incorporate it into comtemporary Jazz that can be loved and appreciated by all. Go'head wit yo' bad self!!!!!!

When I first listened to this album, I was very stressed out about my college classes. I listened to Better Days Ahead, and I just totally relaxed. This song truly inspired me to take the good with the bad and know that the road won't always be so tough. When the pressures of life get you down, you have to think of Better Days Ahead! After the Love is a great track as well, Mr. Brown really knew how to make it sound a bit more romantic and exotic. When you listen to this track, you don't think of the love being gone; you only think of when the love will reach you! Overall all the songs were great, but those are my two FAVORITE tracks. Does anyone know if Norman Brown is coming to Dallas anytime soon, if so let me know!! BUY THIS ALBUM! Support Norman!

If you enjoy Lee Rit, Peter White, George Benson and Larry Carlton, you'll enjoy Norman Brown. A smooth jazz guitarist with R&B. Most tracks are upbeat and relaxing to listen to.

How good is it? It's great! I've purchased it twice it's so good! It is definetely a classic in my opinion! Besides the great covers of R Kelly and Earth Wind and Fire, it has some well written pieces like: "This Time Around", "Better Days Ahead" (the title track), and my personal favorite, "Places in the Heart" which has a smooth fine wine type of flow. It's amazing how good he is at such a young age! Most guys I've heard that are this good are 50+ years old. If you like smooth Jazz with a funky R&B flavor, you won't find a better album!

The R. Kelly cover is a nice nod to mainstream/commercial/modern soul music, but the flawless, majestic title track is the real star in Norman Brown's crown! His tone is fluid and clear as a bell and his precision (especially the runs on the bridges before each chorus)is a marvel to listen to. The rest of this collection runs the gamut from old EW&F covers and a fine set of original compositions, but "Better Days Ahead" is a new classic that I never tire of...it's simply too pretty to forget, no matter what the genre, a great song is a great song, period.

I think this is his best CD. "Better Days Ahead" is completely smooth, not too much singing on here. His best melodies are played on the guitar. Preview the audio samples and you will hear how Norm played the lines sensitively, and with light touch. This is a tight band and crisp production. This is a very sensual CD. No cheap synth-sounds on here and No drum machine.

I bought it used here at Amazon for $2.00 sealed CD. What's the problem?
I don't want all the singers and R&B commercial stuff, just give me the Guitar Jazz and "Better Days Ahead" doesn't disssapoint. BRAVO!

Norman Brown is my favorite "groove" jazz artist, along with Chieli Minucci / Special EFX, Boney James, and Incognito. This album has a number of unique, interesting, and sophisticated tracks. My favorite is "Third World" which is one of the singles that got significant airplay on the jazz stations.

This is another classic from Norman Brown, one of my all time favorites on this track is "Better Days Ahead" although this CD dosen't top "After the Storm"
"Better Days Ahead" can still hold it's own.

Okay, let me begin by saying-I LOVE Norman Brown.I am a true fan.And having listened to all of his work, I must say that this CD is his absolute BEST!!! This is my third purchase of this particular CD-because I have worn the others out!His guitar is flawless on this work.Places in the heart is my favorite track,-very sensual-as if he poured his soul into it. If you want to discover Norman Brown, this would be the best introduction.

The title track, "Better Days Ahead" is one of the best Smooth Jazz guitar-driven tunes released in the last ten years. It is always at or near the top of my playlist! It has a great melody and velvet harmonies. It's Norman Brown at the top of his game!