Customer Reviews

Devotion

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Since hearing Aaron sing the Lord's Prayer on an earlier disc I have longed for him to do a full complement of spiritual music. Here the Brother has done just that. In scanning the titles I knew that I would be in for a sensational and uplifting musical journey; I was absolutely right! On the Lord's Prayer Aaron confirmed that God has endowed him with an incomparable musical instrument --his voice. He is a natural musical minister. There is purity and sincerity that confirms that he is speaking from his soul. The entire disc has a striking transformational impact for me. On a day that I find myself spinning in circles " What Would Jesus Do? " shines a radiant light on my pathway forward. -- I have a sense that no matter what one's religious persuasion may be; hearing this divine musical talent will be an unforgettable blessing! Enjoy and be blessed!

This was one of the first DVD-Audios released, and although there is also a CD of this available, I believe this remains one of the only DVD-Audios recorded from the start with surround in mind. Neville's famous voice (especially his well developed falsetto) is in fine shape here. The words and music on Devotion are entirely spiritual, and while I am not at all religious, the emotional sincerity of these mostly gospel selections pack an undeniable impact and I enjoyed hearing this soulful music. The high resolution DVD-Audio sound is excellent, and the use of the surround channels (such as placing backing vocals in the rear) is appropriate and effective. As you listen, slides relating to the spiritual content steadily change as the music progresses, making use of DVD-Audio's visual capabilities beyond some other pop DVD-Audios I've experienced. There are also some video extras that may be more suitable only for truly dedicated Neville fans, but some will certainly savor these. An extra I have not seen before is an "Artist Commentary," where, for each piece, Neville mentions his connection to the music, what it means to him personally, etc. This is an excellent idea, and I would hope other DVD-Audios will start to also do this. There are even other extras explaining DVD-Audio, home speaker setup, etc. If you are a Neville fan, or if you are interested in DVD-Audio surround sound, or if you care about the spiritual message here, I think you should definitely check out Devotion. Overall, this is one of the best produced DVD-Audios I've encountered so far. It's interesting that small labels (like Silverline and Starkland) are turning out DVD-Audios that are better and more sophisticated than what the major labels are doing.

I am sitting at my computer listening to one of the new "jewels" in my CD collection! Aaron has a voice that reaches out, grabs you, and takes you into his heart. This may be the most personal release he has ever done. We got a sneak preview of this on his "To Make Me Who I Am" release, but on Devotion, he bares his soul. The second track, "Jesus Is A Friend Of Mine" has Aaron giving testimony of his own journey and the highs and lows of his life. My favorite cut on this CD is "Banks Of The River Jordan". Gospel soul at its very finest! If you need a little "pick me up", buy this CD and let Aaron Neville share with you where his hope comes from!

I originally bought this DVD-A disk for my Mom, who is very religious. I listened to it at her house and immediately knew I had to have a copy. I've always know what a unique and beautiful voice Neville has, but I'm not a huge fan of religious music (other than Christmas music). This is just great music. Period. Some songs are superb and some are merely very good. Not a single bad song in the bunch. The teriffic surround sound makes the album that much more enjoyable. Also check out the Neville DVD-A "Believe," it is just a good as this one, but with completely different songs. What a talented performer!

Aaron Neville doesn't fail to disappoint!!! This is the most awesome gospel CD! I usually only enjoy country gospel, but I have always thought that Aaron had the MOST amazing voice, and such a range also! His music will inspire you, and has actually given me goosebumps! Highly recommended! Listen with your eyes closed and just go with Jesus via Aaron! Brenda from Texas

What a great voice Aaron Neville has, could anyone not like it! I love this CD, its sang with such feeling and emotion, as is all his music. "Jesus is a friend of mine" really makes you think about the value of life, and Banks on the river Jordan has got to be my favorite on this CD. There are also some more traditional songs that I like. I found it very inspiring. It certainly encourages my faith in Jesus. I have passed it on hoping that it will inspire others.

i am not a big gospel fan, bought this on the strength of knowing that aarons voice is without compare! the spirituality transmitted through song as his voice soars over these songs gives me goosebumps. this collection is the perfect sampling of this mans magnificent vocal instrument!!

If I could have only one CD, this would be the one!

My taste in gospel leans towards the blues and the traditional. But the opening track ("Mary, Don't You Weep") was enough to make me willing to place Neville among the great stylists - Sam Cooke, Mahalia Jackson, Pops Staple, Rev. Farris, Sister Roberta Tharp ....

Three tracks are masterpieces of vocal interpretation - "Mary, Don't You Weep", "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" and "Jesus Loves Me". There are no bad tracks, although some are noticably weaker - "Jesus Is a Friend of Mine" and "There Is Still a Dream".

While much of the material is traditional, Aaron makes each piece his own with absolutely perfect pacing for his vocal flourishes. He does so while keeping the message of the song more important than his performance - he is the transparent instrument through whom the music comes. This is the mark of a superb gospel singer.

Yes, this is recommended.

Devotion is one of the first DVD Audio discs I purchased, and I was rewarded with a soulful, spiritual trip to Aaron's own gospel tent. Mr. Neville's angelic voice both soars in the solos and blends beautifully into the choir arrangements, which are almost eerie in the DVD Audio mix. Simple, traditional songs take on a new life under the album's rich vocal and instrument arrangements. "Let It Be", "Jesus Loves Me" and "Banks of the River Jordan" are particular standouts, although each track drips with sincerity, spirituality and, at the risk of sounding trite, devotion to God from a man who has both soared with the eagles and crashed to the ground in a way few can appreciate. If you are not an Aaron Neville fan, one listen to this DVD Audio disc will quickly transform you.