Customer Reviews

Breakin Away

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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...

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!

It was my 2nd year of High School and as I was trying to do homework and my older brother threw on this album he'd just purchased. I thought wonderful, he's going to wreck my concentration now, hope he keeps the volume down! But of course, he didn't, couldn't! As I sat there, I suddenly realized I couldn't concentrate because of the music! I was hooked instantly! Found myself toe tapping, finger popping and just swaying with the melodies! My favorites on this classic masterpiece are: Teach Me Tonight and Roof Garden! There have been many wanna-be Al's over the years, but there is still only one!

My older brother introduced me to some great music in those days and this is one of those Classic Masterpieces!

I just heard WE'RE IN THIS LOVE TOGETHER on my headset at work.

It's still as good as it was the first time I heard it (on vinyl) in the early 80's...

I've seen Jarreau in concert and he's quite the entertainer.

The songs on this CD will make you smile...you can't help yourself...when you hear ROOF GARDEN, you'll be tapping your toes and grinning from ear to ear.

Enjoy!

I bought this for Jarreau's classic "WE'RE IN THIS LOVE TOGETHER" but discovered so much MORE. Every cut is just TERRIFIC! The venerable "TEACH ME TONIGHT" has never been arranged or performed so beautifully and "OUR LOVE" is a sensuous treat for the ears. Listening to this CD is like a moonlit evening on a Caribbean beach - warm, breezy, and unforgettable. Bring your margarita, settle back on the sand and enjoy.

This was the second album Al Jarreau did with the multi-talented Jay Graydon. Not only is Jarreau the star but many of the big name L.A. session players of the day take part: David Foster (who played on four of the Graydon-Jarreau album) the Pages (Richard Page and Steve George), Dean Parks, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Lukather, Jerry Hey and the so called Seawind horn section, Bill Champlin, etc. Highlights include "We're in This Love Together", "My Old Friend", "Our Love" and "Roof Garden". This along with Bill Champlin's Runaway, Boz Scaggs' Middle Man and Airplay is one of the true west coast masterpieces of the day.

I first heard this album when I was 14. I am now 32. I can still remember exactly where I was. I hadn't listened to my cassette for a long time, but when I listened to the samples, I realized that I remember all of the words to all of the songs. My favorite is "Roof Garden". That isn't even one of the samples, but I still remember it. I have all of Al Jarreau's records, but this is still my favorite. He is the only person I have ever seen in concert. I think that says a lot for his music.

Breaking Away was released in the early 80's and I was a senior high school student who bought the tape on the strength of the song "Breaking Away". I never regreted it. Some of Al's finest work in included here and should you be looking for a first CD to sample his work, THIS is the one!

This is definitely one of my favorite albums and the 1st album I got introduced by him. He really can sing, scat, and do whatever u can think. This album is way off the top who loves the sound of smooth jazz. I still have it on LP and cassette. But sooner or later I get it on CD ASAP. Peer to me, Al Jarreau would always be my mentor growing up in jazz since I got involved with others like Grover, Donald Byrd, Miles, Dizzy, Wynton, Guru, Impromp2, Anita, and everybody else. The most thing I like 'bout this album is that it gives me the craves, know I'm mean. It's so relaxed, so jazzy, so mixed with funk, a lil hip-hop in between. Also features the introduction to the Dave Brubeck classic "Blue Rondo a la Turk" from his 1959 most-classified album TIME OUT which I may go pick up. Yeah this always be Jarreau's best breakthrough ever 'cuz it'll rock the nation of pop history.