Breakin' Away

Al Jarreau

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: 1981
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B000002KMG
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,162 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #19 in	Music > Jazz > Smooth Jazz
  #51 in	Music > Jazz > Vocal Jazz
  #75 in	Music > Broadway & Vocalists > Traditional Vocal Pop

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Does anyone wanna go waltzin' in the garden?, July 15, 2001

By	Clarissa Bolding "clbzone" (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I first borrowed the vinyl of Breakin' Away while in high school and never gave it back. This was my introduction to a man who would later make up a great portion of my music collection.

Al Jarreau's songs are timeless. He has a unique, rich sound and it's almost impossible to name only one favorite. Breaking Away has incredible tracks. "Roof Garden" has a funky groove with that famous break down and scatting. "Blue Rondo a la Turk" is a musical masterpiece refreshed in a style all his own. "Teach Me Tonight" is a laid-back, relaxing on a summer night kinda song that still gets massive air play.

Lyrics and delivery are what make us love Al Jarreaus music. ("and like berries on the vine, it gets sweeter all the time", he sings on "We're in This Love Together"). "My Old Friend" is simply beautiful.

I could go on and on here but won't. This is what makes a wonderful artist; when there is a story behind each song. Get this album if you don't have it already. It's "Easy" to see why Al Jarreau is one of the best loved performers in the world.

Peace. CLB.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breaking Away Will Take You Away, August 15, 2001

By	Todd Peterman (Greenland, NH United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's a shame that anything that is pleasant is dismissed immediately as being shallow or inferior. But anyone who dismisses Al Jarreau is simply ignorant of great music. Al Jarreau is one of those rare vocalists who actually seems to be creating a song as he sings it. And this album has many fine creations, even when they are not written or co-written by him. The favorite 'We're In This Love Together' still shines even though it is and was an obvious single. The wonderful 'My Old Friend' and 'Breaking Away' can evoke images from a perfect fall day or the best summer day. And 'Blue Rondo A La Turk' is fantastic in it's lyrical and vocal gymnastics. But the song that is the absolute highlight to this album for me is "Our Love". This song entwines the lofty ideal of love with the uncommon poetry of lovers. The melody slowly builds until the listener is soaring with the song. In concert, this is one of the most powerful songs I have ever witnessed, and all the time Al was singing as if he were creating the song on the spot, the gift of some divine muse.

I first heard this album when I was 14 a few years after its release. Not a year goes by without me near wearing the tape out. Fortunately, the cd wears out a lot more slowly...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Vocalists, September 2, 2004

By	Melissa (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

Many moons ago, I lived with the man I was destined to marry and a big hearted room mate, both whom were Marine Lts at the time. We would play this CD over and over again... it was our 'Morning Music' of choice.

I've sung all my life, professionally for much of it, currently perform, work as a Vocal Coach and remain inspired by the excellent work of Al Jarreau. His vocals demonstrate examples of what's possible.

Had the glorious opportunity to see/hear him perform last weekend and am happy to report, he continues to grow and amaze... he is at the top of his game.

This is positive music, in its truest sense. For those who realize the importance of filling your soul with good fuel, listen in!