Customer Reviews

Cigarettes & Gasoline

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

 

 

Too many times with solo break-out artists, the first album tends to sound forced and overproduced. With the exception of a few tracks, the production quality is excellent and remains understated on this album. The focus remains were it should with a singer/songwriter, on the lyrics and the guitar. I was fortunate to see Emerson play most of these songs live in January and was pleased that I didn't have to wade through excessive backing vocals and session players to recognize the songs on the first listen.

The high points of the album include the acoustic song, "Green Hills Race For California", the first single, "If You're Gonna Leave", and the awesome lyrics of "Flyin'" and "When She Loves You". This CD may not leave my player for weeks.

If you enjoyed the band Tonic for the lyrical depth and vocals, you will not be disappointed with this album.

Honestly, this is by far my favorite album of the year, and one of my favorites in a long time. The songwriting is simply sensational, the music is diverse and offers something for everyone. There are some very acoustic, bare-sounding tracks, some very well produced full tracks, and lots in between. If You're Gonna Leave is everything that a hit single should be, and Cigarettes and Gasoline is a ballad which is a heartfelt remembrance of a simpler time. I would highly recommend this as "chill" music. If you want hard rock, go elsewhere, but if you want mellow, but catchy riffs along with well-written and inspired lyrics, you want this album.

Like other reviewers, I've been a fan of Emerson Hart since Tonic first hit the airwaves. I love his lyrics and music, and the amazing things he can do with his voice. I wasn't as in love with the music of Tonic, after the first CD, but Hart remains a favorite. (Although like many, I believe Tonic was underrated and underplayed, I think it may be going too far to say they were the MOST underrated! Close to it, maybe - but they did have platinum sales, so hey, they did better than Nick Drake when he was alive!)

All the songs on this CD are solid, with great music and great lyrics, and none, thankfully, suffer from over-production. I think the first single, "If You're Gonna Leave," will soon suffer from over-air-play, and I already hear faint distant criticism of it as puff-pop with a great hook. It is MUCH more than that, and I hope the critics see that. Although I like them all, two of my personal favorites are "Green Hills Race for California;" the guitar work is brilliant, and mixing it with the cello was the perfect touch; the lyrics are both subtle and sad. My other favorite is the title track, "Cigarettes and Gasoline." It takes us back to Hart's Irish roots, much as "Celtic Aggression" did on Tonic's Lemon Parade, but with less aggro and more wistfulness, as he recalls fishing boats in the Irish morning. I miss, just a little, Tonic bassist Jeff Russo's harmonies, but Hart has assembled a fantastic line of musicians here and his voice is all that's needed.

One thing that struck me is that this sounds like a break-up album - yet Emerson Hart thanks his wife Nicole: "You are and will always be my inspiration" and he means it. Amazing. This is, and will be for many fans, one of those rare CDs where you like every song, and don't want to fast-forward past any of them to get to that "one song." If you buy this, you won't be sorry!

I bought this cd on a whim after listening to the previews. I liked the sound of his voice and the titles of the songs. After I received and began listening to the whole cd, I found that I just love it! On the very first song, you hear shades of Better Than Ezra and the style of Howie Day throughout. The songs are well written and the music is refined. If you like to be able to understand the words, you will like this cd!

I've had the pleasure of hearing Emerson Hart live...

I have never heard a song that was sung with such heart as Greenfield Hills Race for California.

Trully a beautiful song that will, no doubt, be underated and under appreciated by those that never had the pleasure of hearing it live.

Always loved Tonic, and Emerson Hart has not disappointed with this solo work. Incredible songwriting, fantastic vocals, soaring instrumentals. Standout tracks: "If You're Gonna Leave", "I Wish the Best For You", and "Green Hills Race For California". GET THIS CD TODAY....you won't be sorry you did!

As a fan of Tonic for years, I was expecting very good things from Emerson Hart's first solo effort. Upon hearing "If You're Gonna Leave" on the radio I anxiously awaited this album's release. I had no idea, however, how the album would completely blow me away, both with Emerson's earnest lyrics and his masterful melodies. The songs are not contrived or overly "pop-ish", as with many solo debuts. Too often artists tend to dumb down their artistry in an effort to gain a greater fan base or more airplay. It's evident that Emerson stayed true and allowed his past experiences to filter into his music. I find these nuances to be very touching.

My current favorite tracks include "Cigarettes and Gasoline", "If You're Gonna Leave" and "Run To" but since this album is not leaving my iPod anytime soon, I know the other tracks will be growing on me as well. Buy this if you're a Tonic fan, or buy it if you're just a fan of well-crafted music that sounds as good on the 1,000th listen as it did on the first.

I'm listening to "Cigarettes and Gasoline" as I write this and have worked my way down to Track #9 ("When She Loves You"). I truly don't remember the last time I instantly loved a CD from start to finish upon the first listen.

I admit...I'm a Tonic fan from all the way back to "Lemon Parade", but believe that Emerson recorded three albums with Tonic to prepare creatively (and fiscally) for his career AFTER Tonic.

If you're tired of the commercial machine that powers the music industry and the "music" it turns out (knowing, of course, that Emerson Hart records for major label Manhattan), buy this album. It sounds like the label believes entirely in Hart and allowed him an "album" instead of more "product."

With songwriting SO far above average, scaled back but creative production techniques, and simply some of the best songs of the last several years, "Cigarettes and Gasoline" is an incredible start to an already great musical history.

In other words, you won't be disappointed. ;)

I went to see Big Head Todd and the Monsters and Collective Soul in concert and Emerson Hart opened up. I didn't recognize him and he didn't introduce himself until after the 2nd song. I was immediately taken by his powerful voice, catchy lyrics and riffs. It seemed simple yet powerful. I was an instant fan of Emerson Hart even though I had never been a fan of Tonic, if only for lack of knowledge about them.

I hadn't bought a CD in years but I bought this on. His voice is as powerful in person as on the recording. No overproduction, no covering for weakness... Emerson is the real deal. When I played the CD for the first time it felt like an old favorite. Definitely worth the purchase.

I got the album 2 weeks ago and saw Emerson perform at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville a few days ago...Emerson is such a talented artist, sounding almost better live than in the studio.

One of the most underrated artists formerly of one the most underrated bands (Tonic), Emerson has created a magnificent collection of songs for us to enjoy...straight from his "Hart".

Thanks, E.H.