Customer Reviews

Days in Avalon

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3 star:		(2)
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Richard Marx, the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter/producer and darling of MTV from the late 80s through the mid 90s, returns from behind the scenes with his most sophisticated album to date. After the music industry veered away from Marx's style of slick well-constructed songs, he became an adult contemporary chart-topper. His R&B oriented CD Flesh & Bone, his last real album, could have been capitalized upon by Capitol Records into huge commercial success in the re-remerging VH-1 scene, but instead the album was promoted lightly; Capitol Records wanted to limit Marx and market him as a one-dimensional ballad singer. This led to internal bickering that resulted in the music veteran bailing out of his contractual obligations with the record company by allowing Capitol to release a Greatest Hits CD.

Meanwhile, Marx started his own record company (Signal 21) and worked behind the scenes writing and producing for artists ranging from Sarah Brightman, N sync, Kenny Rogers, Barbara Streisand, 98 Degrees, SheDaisy, Shane Minor, Jamie O'Neal, The Tubes, Keith Urban, Chely Wright and many others. His contributions anchored their albums with skillfully constructed songs and furthered his growing reputation as an elite craftsman in the music industry. Now, he seeks to apply his talents once again with his own heralded singing ability to revive his own career in his newest release "Days in Avalon."

Richard Marx's early albums tended to have songs that were true gems mixed in with cuts that were comparatively mediocre. But Marx demonstrates his musical growth by putting up an entire solid album that takes listeners into a musical journey of rock, country, funk, and the occasional ballad or two. This album contains catchy hooks, memorable lyrics, and musical variety. Every single cut wafts sweetly around the earlobes and tickles the senses. In an album this well-balanced, fans of Marx will have difficulty picking a favorite track; expect the mysterious "Boy Next Door,", country influenced rocker "Power of You And Me,", haunting duet with Chely Wright "The Edge of Forever,", and the alluring vocals and pleasant melodies of "Straight From The Heart" to join the cool as autumn title track and masterpiece "Someone Special, " as favorites and ultra radio-friendly surefire hits. Marx surely gives the Capitol Records executives reason to feel silly.

Billboard Magazine asserts that "in an environment where few mature artists are still creating great musical moments..."Days In Avalon" could easily send this timeless artist back to No. 1 splendor." I concur.

Richard Marx' new CD is a breath of fresh air on todays pop-music landscape. Days of Avalon is a smooth journey of guitar laden rock songs, mixed in with signature Marx power balladry. After hearing Nsync perform Marx' "This I Promise You," it was only a matter of time until the real thing returned. Richard Marx's title track lead-off new single should do well at Adult Contemporary radio. Special highlight of the CD is "One More Time," a song originally covered by Italian diva Laura Pausini on the Message In A Bottle soundtrack (as well as a song Marx has been performing on the road for some time now). Marx delivers a spellbinding performance, with a haunting melody that will give you shivers by the time he uses his falsetto at the end. Few artists have the staying power that Marx possesses, and this new material shows that he has grown lyrically and musically as an artist. If you haven't done so already, pick up his Greatest Hits collection which is a musical journey through the sensational career of this artist, who has proven time and time again to be one of the greatest songwriters/performers around.

I must admit that after hearing Richard Marx's greatly disappointing 1997 release, "Flesh and Bone", I was beginning to wonder whether this musical genius had somehow lost his touch. All of his albums leading up to "Flesh and Bone" were excellent, but the rather dull songs on "Flesh and Bone" made me question whether "Days In Avalon" would be similarly disappointing. I couldn't have been more wrong.

"Days In Avalon" shows that Richard Marx hasn't lost a thing since his 1987 self-titled debut. The songs on this album are filled with exceptional lyrics, catchy melodies, and vocal performances by Marx that rival his best. Unlike "Flesh and Bone", every song on this album is worth listening to over and over again. Standout tracks include "Someone Special", an inspiring yet uniquely humorous song about finding that "special someone". No Richard Marx album would be complete without a great ballad, and "One More Time" delivers nicely. Though slower than most of his previous ballads, it's no less effective. In fact, I don't think Richard Marx's voice has ever sounded better than it does on this song. "Boy Next Door" is Marx's "Hazard" for the new millennium. Like his former hit single, this song tells the tale of murder, this time in the form of a boy who goes on a shooting spree. Though the song's message is dark, the song itself isn't, as it has a catchy melody and a surprisingly lighthearted air about it. "Days In Avalon", the title track, is also a catchy tune with powerful lyrics. The song itself is kind of a "semi-ballad" about a man reflecting on his life as death approaches.

Although all of the songs on this album are great, one track stands out above all others. "Straight From My Heart", the album's final track, is the perfect song to close out this exceptional album. This song was written for Marx's deceased father, and anyone who's recently lost a loved one will find this song to be a real tear-jerker. I have never heard someone's feelings about the loss of someone close to them put into words as eloquently or as beautifully as Marx does in this song. While the lyrics are exceptional, the music surrounding them further enhances the deep feelings Marx is trying to convey. This song really is straight from his heart. This is the best track on the album, and I certainly hope Marx decides to release it as a single.

Overall, "Days In Avalon" is light years beyond "Flesh and Bone". Any fan of Richard Marx's previous work will not be disappointed by this album. For those of you that may have given up on him after "Flesh and Bone", give him a chance at redemption. "Days In Avalon" will deliver.

I've had time to listen to Days In Avalon for about 2 months now. I recieved a promo copy, and I was blown away. For about a month I was unable to listen to anything else. As a matter of fact, I'm listening as I write this.

This album marks Richard Marx first effort since he parted ways with Capitol Records and it shows brilliantly. His voice seems to soar as it never has before. There is a cloud of saddness that seems to hang over this record, but that is obviously Marx' attempt to grieve for his father, who passed away in '98.

Every song on this album is of the utmost quality. There is not one song you have to skip by as you listen to the disc. Personal favorites of mine include "Boy Next Door", with it's rich "Hazard"-esque flavor, "Almost Everything", with it's powerful vocal performance, and "Someone Special", with it's brilliant story. All in all, a terriffic record that I reccomend with the essance of my being.

I have to admit, I hadn't been listening to Richard Marx for awhile, until a friend of mine reintroduced me to his incredible sound by playing his music over and over when I was around. I had almost forgot how amazing a singer/songwriter this guy was! After I got reacquainted I had to get Days In Avalon. This album is just as wonderful, if not more so, than all of his earlier stuff. The songs range from the slow love ballads like "One More Time" to the more upbeat, positive songs like "Too Early to Be Over." The music is good, but the lyrics are even better. I have listened to it over and over since I got it and it just keeps getting better every time. My favorite songs are "Days In Avalon," "Almost Everything," "Someone Special," "Power of You and Me," "The Boy Next Door" (I always was a "Hazard" fan), "Too Early to Be Over," and "Straight from My Heart" (very country!) In conclusion, I recommend this album for anyone looking for good music written by a truly underrated and talented man.

I'm a college student, and Richard Marx is still my favorite singer. His voice is very emotional and pleasing. Same to be said about his lyrics. I find him an exceptional song writer. As for this Album, he does not disappoint or get old. Let's go through the tracks...
Days In Avalon*****- this is a great song and choice for the title track. It has a subtle, but uplifting tone to it. "You were the one thing worth livin' for", how great is that to hear flowing out of his lips?
Shine****- This is a slower track on the album. Not a favorite, but it still works.
Someone Special*****- This is a good song to listen to if you want to stop feeling bad for yourself and start feeling for the character Richard is singing for. It has a moderate tone to it.
Almost Everything*****- I enjoy listening to this song. It is one of the most powerful songs on "Days." He describes gaining everything the world offers, except for his lost love, and he states it by saying, I'd have almost everything. Good message.
Edge of Forever*****- Slow, love song sang with Chely Wright. If you enjoy his duets, i.e. "At the Beginning"- Anastasia, then you'll hold tight to this track.
Power of You and Me*****- Most upbeat song, very fun to sing along with. If you're in a relationship, this song will make you two feel strong enough to beat anything the world throws your way.
One More Time*****- Classic Richard love song. Follows suit of "Riht Here Waiting." That should say it all.

Waiting on Your Love*****- My most listened to track. It has R&B influence, and its own original tone that sets it apart from the Album. It creates a flow that you have to move to.
More Than A Mystery*****- Another good, upbeat chorus. He's telling his lover, straight up that he wants to be their one and only.
Boy Next Door*****- Another fun mystery song, such as "Hazard." I enjoy this track more, has a bit of Sci-Fi sound to it.
To Early to Be Over*****- Can be easily compared to "Power of You and Me." The difference, is that he's singing of a another story.
Straighr From My Heart****- You can feel the country influence as soon as the track starts playing. It has an acoustic feel to it.

Richard Marx is one of the few artists that will get me to buy an album without having heard a single song. With 'Days in Avalon' he doesn't let me down. The day it was released I rushed to Border's on my lunch. My particular favorite on this album is 'Someone Special'. It is uplifting and gives hope to the listener. Of course, all of the songs are great! He chose some great talent to record with in Chely Wright and Alison Krauss. I hope radio picks up on this CD because it shouldn't be ignored. Listen and enjoy!

Richard Marx returns with a powerful, soulful, melancholy sound that shows not only his sophistication as a musical artist, but reveals the edginess and aching left in his heart following the death of his father two years ago. Marx continues to prove that he was truly the finest singer/songwriter to come out of the 1980's musical scene with the pointed "Boy Next Door", the dark, slick, and catchy "More Than a Mystery", the heart-tearingly beautiful "One More Time", and the nostalgic-melacholy of the title track "Days In Avalon". Although Marx seemed to disappear in the late 90's, he was in fact displaying his prolific songwriting by writing hit songs for a number of today's most popular groups including *NSYNC, 98 Degrees, SHeDAISY, as well as songs for Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, and others. When you look at Marx's considerable musical accomplishments, he will go down in musical history at the end of his career along side other singer/songwriters such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Billy Joel, and Burt Bacharach. I recommend "Days In Avalon" for anyone who likes to listen to songs and music both. Marx's beautiful, memorable melodies stand up to anyone's, and his sweet, soulful vocals can't surpassed. Don't miss this album!

The man who sang those hit ballads of the 80's and 90's is back at it again! The latest effort from Richard Marx, "Days In Avalon," is a gem! Songs such as the title track, as well as "The Power Of You and Me," and my personal favorite, the heartfelt "Straight From My Heart," a beautiful ballad Richard wrote about the loss of his father, are just a few of the songs that could have been potential hits for Richard, had radio embraced this album. The import version of the recording not only includes all of the songs from the original album, but also includes a few bonus tracks, including the song that N'Sync originally made a hit, and that Richard wrote, "This I Promise You," which is worth buying the import version for alone!
Richard is one of those artists who is often overlooked, but should not be, as he has had a major influence on music from the past and present; his catalog of number one hits and albums should speak for themselves. Richard started off as a backup vocalist for such artists as Madonna, Whitney Houston and Lionel Richie, and is now a top song writer and producer, having worked with Josh Groban, Luther Vandross, Barbra Streisand, Vince Gill and Natalie Cole, just to name a few.
For old and new fans alike, do yourself a favor and check out this album, as well as his "Greatest Hits" compliation, and enjoy the sounds of a master at work.

"Days In Avalon" is definitely Richard Marx's best CD to date. It really shows what a musical genius he is. Every song is a masterpiece. There really is no way to describe the CD, except by telling about each song:

1. "Days In Avalon" - This was the first single and is a mid-tempo song with powerful lyrics about a man looking back on his life.

2. "Shine" - Once again, this slow song has absolutely wonderful lyrics and music. Richard once said the bridge is his favorite he has ever written: "Sometimes the sun shuts down the little I can see, and I remember what it felt like to be me. But all at once I know that nothing is the same, and all I'm left with is the pain."

3. "Someone Special" - Anyone can relate to this mid-tempo song about trying to find that special someone. It would make a great single and sounds like something that would be heard on the radio...

4. "Almost Everything" - Like all the other songs, this has beautiful lyrics. It's about how he could have all these things, basically the whole world, and still wouldn't have everything unless he has his love.

5. "The Edge of Forever" - A beautiful duet with country singer Chely Wright, "Edge of Forever" is the perfect song to dedicate to a loved one.

6. "Power of You and Me" - One of the up-tempo songs on this CD, this song has a little hint of country in it that will make you want to tap your foot at the least.

7. "One More Time" - This is one of his biggest hits among his fans, even though it has not been released as a single yet. This is the type of song that person would just get so engrossed in that they start crying and get goosebumps. The lyrics are so sad and the music is haunting in a way, making it a masterpiece.

8. "Waiting On Your Love" - Another song we can all relate to. Richard's voice, especially, is beautiful on it with all its ranges. The lyrics are funny, yet so true.

9. "More Than A Mystery" - Another true song about loving someone and wanting to hear them say they feel the same....

10. "Boy Next Door" - When most people hear this, they will probably think of the Columbine tragedy, although it was written before it. His voice, once again, is amazing.

11. "Too Early To Be Over" - In my opinion, though it's catchy, this is the worst song on the CD (not that it's bad). It's another up-tempo song, and the lyrics are so true and excellent, but the best part is the fun "ge ge gows!" near the end.

12. "Straight From My Heart" - This country ballad (with Alison Krauss singing backup), his second single, really needs no explanation for those who have heard it. But for those who haven't, it is the best song on the CD. It is a heartbreaking dedication to his late father and shows how much he misses him. R.M. has said this song helps him deal with his father's death, and it will most likely be the same for many other people. It truly shows his undying love and admiration for his father. If any song is PERFECT, this is it! The best line, to me, is "If I could I would gladly trade a thousand tomorrows for one yesterday." It is sure to turn your spine into spaghetti and have tears streaming down your face. It's worth the money for this song, alone. Certainly the best song to end the CD, it will leave a lasting impression on listeners....

With all this, "Days In Avalon" is my all-time favorite CD. It's so great, in fact, that I had to buy my mother - who bought it for me for my 16th birthday - her own copy for Christmas because she loved it so much!! There is not a single song on this CD that fans will want to skip over. In fact, my only complaint is that he doesn't get enough airplay, except with songs he writes for other artists, such as 'N Sync's "This I Promise You." So, buy this CD and you won't be disappointed!!!!