Change It All

Goapele | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 11, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Skyblaze/Sony Urban/Columbia
• ASIN: B000A2APVW
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (68 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,967 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I Wouldn't Want To Change Much!!!, February 2, 2006

By 

Charles L. Hubbert "of Urban-Reviews.com" (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Change It All (Audio CD)

Goapele is a phenomenal artist in every sense of the word. She paints vivid pictures of the stories she tells, a craft that few singers can truly do since they all tend to resort to whatever catchy hook is going to get them a Top 40 hit. The socially-conscious vibe as well as the wistful antidotes shape the very essence of who Goapele is and what her music is about. Even Closer (the revamped version of her independently released Closer) was released in 2002 and helped get her name out there to the contemporary soul crowd. Now over three years later, the sultry songstress returns with her second album Change It All. Luckily, she sticks to a similar formula on this album and doesn't adjust her sound too much.

The title track "Change It All" is the most melodic piece on the whole album, resorting mostly on a simple piano riff and Goapele's deep thoughts on the problems of the world and of your neighborhood. "First Love" takes a look back at the magical feelings we all felt with our initial relationships. "Different" talks about the how couples that start out okay can result in both sides drifting apart and hoping things can be worked out. "Crushed Out" talks about the warm feeling you get from being with your significant other. "Find A Way" is a mid-tempo cut about how we all need to start acting right and doing things for the greater good. "If We Knew" reflects on things we've learned about that we should have handled differently. "Battle Of My Heart" is a soft serenade about following your feelings without giving much thought to what the true consequences of your actions will be. "Darker Side Of The Moon" is a spirited anthem penned by longtime songwriter/producer Linda Perry.

There are a few experimental tracks like "Love Me Right" "4AM" and "Fly Away." But considering this is her second album, she has a little wiggle room to try some things without losing the listeners' interest. With a solid sophomore effort, Goapele has the material to capture new fans of her music. I've had the chance to see her perform live twice and both times she was phenomenal. If you get a chance to hear Change It All (see the Media Center to hear the entire album now) or catch her as an opening act, you will see that Goapele is a truly blessed singer. Hopefully you'll be as blessed as I am for hearing her music in the first place.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than the First!!, January 14, 2006

By 

B. Wilson "Neosoul maven" (Berkeley, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Change It All (Audio CD)

In an ideal world, this cd would go platinum several times over, but we do not live in such an imaginative reality but in one where artists like Mariah, Ciara, and Beyonce garner all the praise and record sales, while artists like Goapele fall beneath the radar. Granted, there are female singers out there with more powerful pipes and vocal range than Goapele; however, few artists have Goapele's knack for writing thoughtful, socially aware lyrics that emote and inspire. And the groove she creates with her back-up band - it is absolutely amazing! I mean, listen to "Different" and "4am," and if you cannot feel the deep groove running through these excellent songs you simply do not have a pulse. They remind me of being in dark lounge with hip neo-soulsters bobbing their heads to the deep bass blasting from the lounge speakers. The organ coupled with Goapele's call to arms in "Find a Way" is downright inspirational, makes we want to go out and protest against all forms of inequality and unjust wars. Her sound, electro-soul like, is particularly distinct, an attribute that does not obatin in other artists' music. The bottom line is that if you loved her first cd, you will definitely adore this one, as her lyrics have dramatically improved, and the songs are more accessible and consistent throughout. Do not sleep on this! Also, pick up Anthony Hamilton's new one while you're at it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enticed by the Voice, the Lyrics, the Music, December 27, 2005

By 

Corey in LA (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Change It All (Audio CD)

Once in a while I stumble upon a CD so enticing with its melodies and lyrics, it becomes addictive. Goapele's "Change It All" is my most recent discovery. From the hypnotic Intro, Goapele manages to reel you in with rhythms and beats so mesmerizing, it's hard to let go. What separates Goapele from the rest is that she knows how to tap into your soul by exploring a plethora of subjects -- from a call to social activism ("Change It All") to first loves ("Crushed Out") to growing pains of the past ("If We Knew.") Goapele runs the gamut and through her willingness to tackle such an array, you'll feel as though you've come to know the artist firsthand... her likes, her fears, her joys and her frustrations with life and love. Other standouts on the project include the mid tempo "Find a Way", the rap induced "Different" and "You" -- a ballad featuring talented crooner Dwele that's so powerful, it'll give you goosebumps. Goapele is even kind enough to include a hidden track of her popular tune "Closer." Kudos to Goapele for offering such thought provoking and uplifting soul music for the New Year.