Customer Reviews

Closer

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Reading Mike McGonigal's review of Ms. Ashton's foray into country music leaves me wondering why he didn't do his homework. The singer's 1993 self-titled album was in fact not her debut, but her third album in the contemporary christian genre. Having heard and read numerous interviews with Ms. Ashton, I can safely relate that her reasons for waiting to name her third album after herself were that the songs on this work most closely reflected her personality and artistic style. Having grown up in a country environment, and with more than average equestrian skills, Ms. Ashton clearly feels at home in the country music realm. "Susan Ashton" the album makes that evident. Mr. McGonigal should have spent the time to listen to this album. He also should have listened to 1992's excellent "Angels of Mercy," which spawned one of the biggest hits ever for a female CCM artist, "Here In My Heart." (Which, by the way, was later covered by country music's Martina McBride.) He also would have been wise to get to know 1996's stirring "A Distant Call," featuring two numbers co-written by Sheryl (sp?) Crow. Mr. McGonigal would have certainly been impressed by the singers vocal and emotional range, even when she does try, and succeed, in "rocking out." Ms. Ashton has remained one of the most respected artists in the CCM category on the sheer level of her musical talent and quality. I, as a Christian and fan of contemporary christian music, applaud her effort at "crossing over."

The greatest blessing I've received from Susan's music has been the spiritual aspect of it. I fell away from my faith for a number of years, and when I came back, I was searching for music to listen to and stumbled upon Susan's. Her lyrics have always been so real and rich with meaning. If I were to come across this album without knowing her other music, I'm sure I'd love it. But my husband and I have waited years for her new album and had no idea she was only going to put one very generic spiritual song on the album. We sat on the couch, read the scripture on the sleeve, and couldn't wait for each song. Then we realized - it wasn't what we expected. Susan - please, we can get this kind of music from anyone else! Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Patti Loveless, etc. They're good at what they do. You've always been good at what you've done! Stick with what blesses your brothers and sisters in Christ...or at least put a FEW songs on your CD that express your faith. I listen to my cd-player at work and need all the spiritual uplifting and challenge I can get - not another "new country" set of music. Wow. So disappointed. Don't think we'll even bother listening to it again. What a waste of $.

This is a good album but I like her first 2 best. They were poetic and heartfelt and showed her intelligence and incredible voice. The faith she sang about felt real and not pablum like a lot of other christian artists.

I'm sorry she wanted to cross over.

So many have commented that Susan Ashton's previous work in the contemporary Christian genre is superior to this crossover release. I agree wholeheartedly, but the previous reviews here amply speak to that.

The voice is such an incredible gift. It is truly compelling. While I'm not really impressed by the bulk of this album, there are two songs that make it worth owning: "Shot for the Moon" and "Can't Cry Hard Enough". "Shot for the Moon" is a spare yet lush ballad that lets Susan's voice shine, and the ballad "Can't Cry Hard Enough" is a work of art -- the range of emotion here is heartbreaking.

I hope another album is forthcoming, because it would be a shame if we never hear her sing again. I am so grateful for her career in contemporary Christian music, though -- in my opinion, those releases truly showcase her talent, conviction, and artistry -- they are still some of my very favorite music.

I have followed Susan Ashton for years. What always struck me was her choice of songs. Most of her songs were written by Wayne Kirkpatrick who is a master songwriter. He stays away from cliches which is a breath of fresh air. This album seems full of cliches and without any real meaning. Even the love songs end up being trite. Susan is a gifted writer herself and I would have loved for her to have used her skills to show us what is deep within her rather than on the surface. I was deeply disappointed.

I can't believe some of the harsh reviews of this album. I could care less whether you want to call it Pop, Country, Christian, or anything else. It is a soothing and fun CD with lots of emotion. As for the guy who bought the album because the cover was "hot", but was disappointed by the music, it isn't surprising that the music may be a tad beyond what you expected. I would suggest sticking to your Mariah of Brittney CD's.
I hope Ms. Ashton continues down the road she is on. Since the unfortunate death of Eva Cassidy, there is a larege void in adult music that Ms. Ashton could fill quite admirably.

As others have said, this is a well done and fun album. Susan Ashton's voice is clear and strong, and it is encouraging to see a Christian artist reaching into the mainstream. I'm sure it doesn't mean that she will leave the Christian message of her previous work behind. Instead, expanding her audience will mean that many more will be willing to hear that message. Enjoy the album, it's worth the purchase.

...I discovered Susan's "Closer" CD somewhat byaccident. I heard and saw her perform on PBS's Austin City Limits andwas immediately impressed... I was not expecting it to stay in my CDplayer for weeks on end. I couldn't get enough of it. Susan'sbeautiful voice and the gorgeous songs she sings grabbed me andwouldn't let go. I imagine that someone used to Susan's contemporaryChristian music would be disappointed by this crossoverattempt. However, those of you looking for a "new"country/adult contemporary female vocalist, please look no further.In the same category as Trisha Yearwood and Martina McBride, SusanAshton proves with "Closer" that she is a force to bereckoned with. Please try "Closer." Especially such movingballads like "Shot for the Moon" and "Can't Cry HardEnough." I am very upset that this CD never got much countryradio airplay, but I am not surprised. Once an artist is pigeon-holedin a specific genre, it's difficult for her to break out of that moldand grow. Check out this CD, Susan Ashton's "Closer," and Ipromise that you will not be sorry. :-)

I've been listening to Susan Ashton for years. I own all of her CD's (previous to this one). I love the music, the lyrics, and her voice. It has always been so uplifting. When I heard "Closer" was coming out, I anxiously awaited its arrival. Then it was released and I rushed to the music store . . . but I couldn't find it in the usual location: Christian music. No, it was in the country music section. That raised an eyebrow, but I bought it anyway. Unfortunately, I didn't then nor never have been able to listen to the CD all the way through. As a matter of fact, I almost threw it out of the car window I was so disgusted! Instead, I gave it to a friend who likes country music. (I warned her first.)

Whatever possessed Susan Ashton to make this album? It's so unlike her. Even her voice sounds contrived. Sadly and obviously, the only answer can be money and fame. And that's very disappointing to someone who would buy her music without hearing it first and without questioning its integrity. Such will be the case no more. So, if you're like me and loved everything released by Susan Ashton before "Closer," don't buy this CD! It's a waste of money!

I admit, I had not heard of Susan Ashton before this disc, so I only learned aftwerward that she mainly makes christian music, so I believe I can say I am judging this disc solely on its own merit.

I bought this disc after seeing her do a live performance on CMT (Country Music Television). I expected a few nice songs, but go so much more! This is a disc that I have listened to often, and can listen to from start to finish. "Come On Out Of The Rain", and "You're Lucky I Love You" and "Think Of Me" are just pure pop/country gems as good as they come, one of which was released as a single, and the others easily could have been too. "Faith Of The Heart" (from mega-writer Diane Warren) may be recognizable to you from commercials, or you may recall the song being sung by Rod Stewart, but in my opinion much more beautifully done here.

"Our Little World" and "Getaway Car" are relaxing, soulfully beautiful songs that are just pleasing to listen to. "Closer" and "Breathless" are the two most upbeat songs on the disc and break up the tempo perfectly to round out everything else. "Supernatural" is another great song which has since been remade by country star Sara Evans.

As if that wasn't enough, "Shot For The Moon", "Can't Cry Hard Enough", and "I Ain't Gonna Fall For Love Again" for a bit of classic country heart-wrenching, and you get one completely solid disc.

The only disappointing thing is that there has not been a follow up to bolster this "diamond in the rough".

If you like the music of Faith Hill, or Sara Evans, or Martina McBride, give this a listen you will probably like this equally, if not more!

This disc is Out-of-print so buy one from someone before it gets too hard to find!