Customer Reviews

Donny Hathaway

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

 

 

Not as entertaining as his first album Everything is everything or as complete as Extension of a man, Donny Hathaway's self titled album is still a very strong album featuring some great songwritng and of course Donn'y wondeful voice. The first track Giving Up is as touching a ballad from Donny as I've ever heard. He was a singer who definetely put all of his emotion into his music. Then there's the lovely a song for you which shows how well he was at adapting the original work of other into making it his own. Then ther's the inspirational he ain't heavy he's my brother which is on par with his version of to be young gifted and black. Not only could Donny sing about love he also could sing a song about just about anything. The remainder of the album isnn't as strong as the first five songs. it seems as though Donny was experimenting with different forms of music but there are a couple of standouts Ibelieve in music and be there. Still this is a very good album for fans of Donny Hathaway. He was an underappreciated Genius. He had a voice that was like magic, that could sing in almost any genre. Worth every penny just to hear his voice!

Sometimes I wonder, why people could be so callous hearted. Donny Hathaway was gifted with a voice from the very High Holy Cooridors of Heaven. With a smooth execution of "vocalnastics" and impecable interpretation of how to weave in and out with the phrasing he possessed.

I feel that he has left his stamped approval on many of the vocalists and musicians in the secular, as well as the church world.

His singing almost hypnotized you to the point of literally wondering "where did he get all the variations in his tonality and execution. A fine honed instrument that was well seasoned to perfection that left you in daze, trying to remember every note and embellishment that he implemented.

I don't believe he was really appreciated to the full extent of his almost supernatural gift.

I really wish he was still here.

...is what this album's subtitle should be. If Donny's final studio album was the 'Extension of a Man', then this album should be the parts that make up the man, namely his vocals an' unbrideled passion. It's simply called 'Donny Hathaway', an' the reason is because that's what it is. Nothing more, nothing less. It's a lush, lavish, an' poetic body of music that has more strength and endurance than almost anything that's come out in the past ten years or so. There's a yearnin' an' burnin' for love an' life that so many artists try to capture in the studio, but that so few have been able to. The great thing about Donny Hathaway, an' the thing that makes him my all-time favorite, is that the very SOUL that contemporary artists strive for comes to him so easily, an' so naturally. It was all a part of him, the man. An' here on his second album, which is, in my opinion, his first REALLY outstanding album, all his talent, ability, and all the power in his voice that was for the most part only hinted at on his first album, came flooding out of him.

In all honesty, this album is worth buying for the first four tracks alone. As soon as you put this in an' press play you will be hooked, as a soulful church moan echoes through your speakers, an' 'Giving Up' begins. This opener is jus' one'a the most heart-wrenching songs I've ever heard in my life, an' Donny pours himself, heart, mind an' soul, all over the number. There's a haunting aura around it, as Donny describes the pain an' heartache of having to let go of your one true love, an' the misery that it leaves you with. This is WAAAYYY beyond blues, trust me. I needed a handkerchief for that song alone. What follows is a chance for redemption in 'A Song for You', a beautiful song where he sings of the mistakes an' missteps he made in a relationship, coming to terms with the loss, clearing his mind, an' realizing that nothing can ever, an' WILL ever break the bond he has with this girl ("I love you in a place where there's no space or time, I love you for my life, you're a friend of mine..."). From the first time I heard this song, I knew this would be a number I would constantly revisit an' play whenever that special lil' girl I once had came on my mind. Not only are Donny's vocals on this song powerful, but his piano playing is beautiful an' distinct, perfectly in synch with the highs an' lows of the melody. The next song 'Little Girl' is a somewhat-preachy number with Donny singing to a girl who left home without a word to anyone, urging her to come back. Is' got some killer keyboard work, an' Donny straight GOES OFF on that organ, fa'real, 'specially on the build-up at the end. This song keeps things rooted in wisdom some, but none like the following song 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother', a popular standard that Donny completely turns around an' makes his own. As he sings the lyrics about reaching out to help your fellow man, an' the long, hard road that is ahead, I couldn't help but get chills at the spirit an' soul in his voice. Is' jus' one'a the most inspirational lyrical an' vocal performances I've ever heard in my entire life. The piano an' bells build to a crashing finish, before quietly fading out, along with all your tears, hopes an' dreams. Those first four numbers right there are the REAL reason to buy this album. Don't get me wrong, there are no BAD songs on this album, but the remainder is jus' not nearly as good. The only TRUE exception is 'She is My Lady', a beautiful love song dedicated to the righteous ways the right girl can affect your life. When he sings lyrics like "She came to me when I knew I'd lost the meaning, lifted the shadow from across my way" and "Sometimes when my burdens jus' seem too overbearing, the girl turns my tears with a single sigh" it's like he's taking the words right from my mouth an' putting them to poetry, then mustering up all his passion an' heart into singing them out to me. On 'Take a Love Song', a beautifully-written ballad, Donny sings in dreamy an' hypnotic tones, an' never once wavers from the initial mood. Then he takes you to straight church on 'Put Your Hand in the Hand'. This stuff is pure Gospel - sanctified rhythms, hand claps, piano, organ, verse modulations, and all. Donny's two Christmas songs 'Be There' an' the widely-known 'This Christmas' both appear as bonus tracks at the end of the album, and are essential for fans, as well as for holiday music lovers. Donny's music was something special, somethin' spiritual, somethin' that could cleanse your soul, an' make you glad to face a new day. It's for that very reason, he is my favorite singer, an' for that very reason I seek my comfort an' solace in his words an' music. I'm so sick of this man bein' overlooked in the hallowed walls of soul greats. If you don't have this, do yourself one'a the biggest favors you'll ever do, an' pick it up.

Donny indeed had a voice that moved people. As a sign of what you can expect, the album begins with the song "Giving Up." You feel his every word and heartbeat. It touchs your souls and reminds you of the situation that he addresses in song; namely, trying to give up on the love of a woman. He was one of the great musical genuises of his time. I am delighted that there is somewhat of a rediscovery of his music. His voice radiates above the music and even the melody. Buy this album. It will be one of your favorites.

I can not more strongly disagree with anyone that claims the other Donny albums are better or should be preferentially purchased. If this CD stopped after track number 3, it would be worth the money. Giving up has got to be one of the most powerful songs ever recorded. The hint of gospel power the pervades this album, the lyrics, and the incredible play and vocals of Donny are the quintessential combination of musical pieces. I strongly agree in the purchase of Extensions of a Man or any of the other Donny CD's (even the compilation CD is worth 5 stars), however not at the expense of this CD.

WHEN I HEAR ARTIST IN THIS DAY SPEAK ABOUT WHO INSPIRED THEIR DESIRE TO DO MUSIC, DONNY HATHAWAY'S NAME IS RARELY MENTIONED...THAT'S A SAD, SAD COMMENTARY.

This is another great project by one of the most talented artist ever to be recorded.

I had this album in vinyl form in 1971 and loved it! First heard it on a vacation to Los Angeles. The album was a favorite for many years. Then years went by and stopped listening to vinyl. When I looked up this album on a CD I was excited to find it. I have been enjoying the new, clear sound again and am taken back to many years ago to a very magical,musical time.Every word,instrument and sound has come flooding back.I highly recommend this Donny Hathaway album!

Although NO hit Singles were released from this project, unless you want to count the Edited version of the Billboard Top 40 Charted Single "Giving Up" that was released almost a year later due to FM Radio's Airplay. "Donny Hatrhaway" also included excellent Cover Versions of "A Song For You" & "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother". The entire project really showcased Donny's Deep Gospel Roots throughout. This expanded Compact Disc version includes 2 (Two) Bonus Tracks "Be There", and the much covered "This Christmas" BOTH in First-Time Stereo!. Although Donny lived long enough to release 4 (Four) Albums, THIS is the one you want to start with. A Box Set of his Complete Recorded Works would be real nice to see someday (Soon!).

this man is a true artist.this disc like his others showcase the genius and depth of his material.this christmas alone is a year round song played in my crib.he is what soul is all about.folks should know his work.his voice&organ work are deeply missed.