Customer Reviews

Civilian

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anyone who has listened to the cast albums of RENT or AIDA knows that armed with the right material Adam Pascal has a wickedly talented delivery. "Civilian" featuring songs penned by Pascal himself shows glimpses of his singing talent, but also demonstrates a need for growth as a song writer. There are moments in a handful of songs that spotlight Pascal's talent, but none of the songs manage to channel that brilliance for a full 3 minutes. There are not "hit songs". Jon Bon Jovi, one of Pascal's admitted idols, struggled with a similar problem early in his career and solved it by collaborating with hit writer extraordinaire Desmond Child who was able to give his songs the hooks they needed to jump from mediocrity to greatness. Once Pascal finds the right mentor/collaborator such as Child, he will be able to begin fulfilling his promise.

You're going to be blown away. "Civilian" is a great mix of uptempo songs and ballads, some nice bluesy tunes like "The Ringing in My Ears" and really strong, interesting lyrics. The poetic phrasing in "Something of Ours" is particularly haunting.

Pascal's influences are pretty clear here in the melodies-- rock pioneers of the late sixties and early seventies will hear their impact on this disc. However, the lyrics are unique and original.

Oh, and by the way, if you weren't aware of it already, this guy has a voice that can reach down into your soul and rip your guts. Absolutely fantastic vocals.

Well worth the money-- I've become hooked on this CD!

Being an Adam Pascal fan since his work on Aida, I've seen him through many stages of his career. After the Rent movie, I fell even more in love with his voice and acting, I finally decided to buy this. Wow!! His writing skills are top notch and his voice sounds gorgeous. The lyrics deal with everything from politics to lost love to his children. A must buy!

If you have just seen RENT in movie theaters you no doubt fell in love with Roger and the actor who portrays him, Adam Pascal. This is Pascal's second album and it's not to be missed. A voice so powerful I'm hard-pressed to compare him to anyone. An equally talented songwriter as he is a performer, "Civillian" is not to be missed. Check it out!

For those looking for a more hard-rock sound (like you heard in School of Rock), you will be somewhat disappointed. Thankfully, I was not. Every song on this cd is wonderful and displays the pure talent that Adam Pascal posesses. According to his website (over at Sh-K-Boom), the cd is inspired by his two children, and perhaps this explains the depth and the heart to the cd. After listening to it a few times you will find yourself singing along to it. The long wait between "Model Prisoner" and this one was definately worth it because it shows just how much work was put into this effort. It shows that he cannot be typecast into "just another Broadway singer," because he didn't start off that way. He was a singer long before he entered the Broadway sphere. Anyone who appreciates good music, good lyrics, and good singing will definately like this music. And anyone who likes Adam Pascal will definately like this cd.

I thought that this album was very good. One: It's unique. This album is rock, yet not like the rock you think of normally. The way he made the music was brilliant, its like he made a whole new genre. Two: The lyrics are very touching, and written so well. Three: He can sing VERY well! On a couple of tracks he sang very high notes and achieved them. Just because he is not a "popular" singer, doesnt mean he isnt good. I think he's actually VERY talented. Thats what makes this album so good, is that it sets him aside from about 99% of artists in America these days, not to mention names. Finally not the normal rock that we listen to, but a whole new sound. Everyone should atleast give this album a chance.

With his second album "Civilian," Adam Pascal demonstrates his talent as a writer of rock ballads (many touch on political themes, while others are anthems to his children) and as a singer with a powerful rock voice that theater fans will recognize from Rent and Aida. "Beautiful Song" and "Book of Endings" are my favorites, but the whole album is a great purchase for fans of rock musicals or rock music in general.

Adam Pascal, notorious for "One Song Glory" or "Elaborate Lives", is definately underrated. It is always nice to see a true and multifaceted musician create a successful work. Although I have loved him since RENT, I think this cd is better than (different than) MODEL PRISONER, as his voice has grown and life experience is reflected in his songwriting. Plus, as a Tony nominated actor, he is an excellent live performer. He is a refreshing change from other pop or rock stars, who have only been groomed by the likes of reality tv or MTV. His songwriting is true poetry. I loved this one!

After listing to Civilian a few times I realized how strong the music and the lyrics really were. He brings rock music to a whole new level. When you have all those pop tarts lip synching and having their voices alerted in the studio to sound like what you here on their CD's and aging rock stars still trying to come up with new material - or constantly reviving themselves through tours of their "classic hits" -- Adam Pascal's voice is real, strong and definitely his. I think Adam is a new face of rock and roll. Someone who is fresh, mature, evolved and definitely on the rise. This CD is a cool, hip experience that everyone will enjoy and you will not have had to see him on Broadway to love what this CD has to say.

Loved this album, if you are a fan of Adam I would recommend a purchase for the CD rack