Boats Against the Current (Reis) [Import]

Eric Carmen | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 12, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Bmg Int'l
• ASIN: B00004U8TX
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #174,067 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Boats Against the Current

2. Marathon Man

3. Nowhere to Hide

4. Take It or Leave It

5. Love Is All That Matters

6. She Did It

7. I Think I Found Myself

8. Run Away

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Carmen's Masterpiece, November 4, 2004

By 

MF Regan "Seth" (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Boats Against the Current (Reis) (Audio CD)

I was a huge Raspberries fan (unfortunately discovering the group 'after' they had disbanded). They had offered so much in talent, it seemed unbelievable that they could be ignored or denied the success they should have found. For Eric Carmen to rise (momentarily) from those ashes was remarkable.

Boats Against The Current was his masterpiece and also, strangely, the one that stalled his career. There was a conflict of interest with the origional producer and Carmen had to take over, becoming producer, as well as the artist.

The record went over budget and I personally think what really stalled his career was press (at the time) that began to paint him as a prima dona (his first album succeeding- they looked at the time and the money being spent here, then suggesting that it was going to his head). I remember some reviewers actually comparing this to the worst 'middle of the road tripe' of the time.

This record was (and remains) a work of art. Apart from Take It or Leave It and She Did It (the commercial/catchy offerings), it's a moving, reflective piece of work that studies the real highs and lows of life, love and the pursuit of dreams. Carmen indicated at the time that it was inspired by Fitzgerald's writing. Well... it's inspired work all on its own, too.

If you're looking for something that you'll find yourself listening to, time and time again; work that will take on added meaning as each year passes, this is music to be heard.

Masterpiece isn't a word to be offered lightly. This remains a masterpiece- from the melodies, to the lyrics, to the arranging, musicianship and engineering.

I'll guarantee you- it will lead you to a wealth of work- from his Raspberries offerings, to other solo efforts with some real gems.

But this is the one that artists hope to make. And it's the one audiences should listen to.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ONE OF THE BEST POP ALBUMS EVER, November 7, 2001

By 

R. Penola (NYC, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Boats Against the Current (Reis) (Audio CD)

This album was mysteriously dismissed by record critics everywhere in the late 70s -- as an orchestral pop record, it could hardly be better. Eric Carmen infuses his original songs with borrowed phrases from classical music that give them a lasting melancholy and a powerful melodic hook. This album evokes, with best kind of urgent passion, the tender lost romance of young love (Runaway) and the wistful loss of innocence (Nowhere to Hide). Over time, this album has developed a burnished glow, and, inexplicably, is only available on CD as an import. A dark, romantic gorgeous album, this record also has its share of kicks -- She Did It has a lively bounce, and Take It Or Leave It again treads familiar Carmen territory, music-industry betrayal and the search for one's original voice. Boats Against The Current has been covered by many artists, and enchantingly incorporates the simple Row Row Row Your Boat melody as its intro hook. Buy this, you will love it. I've never stopped playing it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars rediscovery, June 15, 2001

By 

Tony Hedrick (Kokomo, Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Boats Against the Current (Reis) (Audio CD)

Boats Against The Current was one of my favorite albums throughout high school. Somehow, I could identify with what Eric Carmen was tryig to convey through these songs. I found and purchased the CD as a 41st birthday present to myself, and rediscovered the songs, and the true passion he put into this project. Quite simply.....an absolute pop masterpiece!! If anyone needs any proof that great music really does stand the test of time, look no further. I highly reccomend this CD to anyone who loves Eric's music as I do, or just loves great music!