Customer Reviews

Don't Tell Me You Do

5 star:		(72)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Actually, the above headline may be misleading, considering many of Rockapella's fans are the former viewing audience for "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego." It was on this show that I first discovered the group, but I never realized I could buy their CD until "Don't Tell Me You Do." Since that fateful purchase, I have been receiving strange, sidelong glances from friends who wonder from what neurosis i am suffering; namely, that I have been unable to stop spewing forth the praises of Rockapella. The CD presents a wide variety of songs that cross all musical thresholds. Nearly all of my music tastes were satisfied on this compilation: there was everything from jazz (I am Your Man), to gospel (Change in My Life), to R&B (Why), to good old sappy pop (I'll Hear Your Voice, and the title track--my two personal favorites). Those of us who are a capella-savvy can appreciate the little nuances, ad-libs, and harmonies that abound on these tracks; while those of us a cappela-challenged can sit back and enjoy the catchy melodies. What suprised me most about the CD was the amount of original songs, as most a cappella repertoires stick with covers. The hitmaking songwriting of Scott Leonard rivals that of the top 20 songs on the radio now, except without the cheesiness. Because all the solos are taken by the two tenors, it was not until i saw a live Rockapella performance that i truly appreciated what each member brought to the CD. There was the soulful wailing of Scott "I-can-sing-my-butt-off-for-a-blond-white-guy" Leonard; the sweet, you-can-bring-him-home-to-momma voice of Kevin Wright, the deep, resounding bass of Barry Carl (is this guy for real? or just a chain smoker?); the beat-box of Percussion King (I prostrate before you) Jeff Thacher, who I can only logically conclude has some strange, gutteral birth defect, or a detached tongue, that he has been able to capitalize on in order to emulate a drum machine; and finally the smooth, blending style of baritone Elliot Kerman, who can probably make someone with a tin ear sound good. Besides, fans have him to thank for partially founding the group. What I liked best about the CD was that it accomplishes what it sets out to do--that is, exist for your listening pleasure. It truly is music for you ears, sans instruments. If talent were truly an indication of commercial success (which we all know usually isn't the case), then these guys will start playing to sold-out venues in the U.S. like they do in Japan. If so, I count myself among the lucky ones who were able to catch an intimate performance. I have even contemplated (gulp!) paying twice the amount for an import CD of theirs. Oh well--I guarantee you that once you become a Rockapella convert you'll be one for life.

...and I never get tired of listening to them. These five guys have amazing clarity and range. Lucky for J-Bird, they were smart enough to pick them up. I have two favorites, I'll Hear Your Voice and Don't Tell Me You Do, although all songs on this cd are well-worth the price. This CD is a must have for anyone that loves crystal clear, pure harmony.

I've owned this CD for less than a week, but I'm totally in love with it already! Unlike "Rockapella 2", the songs on this album encompass many musical styles - from jazz ("I Am Your Man"), to pop ("On The Last Night" and "Ellie My Love"), to smooth R&B ("So Much Better"). Different emotions are also invoked... "Song 9," while a little nonsensical, is a flat-out fun ditty that puts me in a good mood; "A Change In My Life" is inspiring; the funky, appropriately titled "Lift Up" is, well, uplifting; and the beautiful title track is heartbreaking.

If, like me, you missed the now out-of-print "Rockapella" CD, this one is a must have. This album won't disappoint.

YOU MUST HAVE THIS ONE! There are not enough stars to do this CD justice. Rockapella is the best CD I have ever had - or the best album, lp or 45. Every song is just great! And, the last song is a SURPRISE!!! That's all I'll say! I just found out about this amazing group when I saw them on Fox & Friends in the morning on TV and was immediately hooked! Even though I saw it, I still just can't believe they can make all the sounds they make without ONE instrument.

From the early 1950's growing up the South, I feel privileged to have heard many, many great artists of rock, soul, blues, country, etc. Since the early '80's, I have found little music of interest, particularly in the rock field. Only Elton John, Michael Bolton, Natalie Cole, Toni Braxton.....real singers singing music you just let take you away.

After this RAP, Hip Hop, etc., what a breath of fresh air Rockapella is!! You cannot sit still when you are listening to them. This music makes you HAPPY!!! You can understand the words!

This is for all ages - you can dance, sing along, party or just listen!

Please get this CD and tell your friends about it - I can't believe this group was only recorded abroad and not here in the USA until now. They are from Michigan. Someone in the US missed the boat on this one, until now!

Rockapella is simply amazing. I did not believe that they didn't have instruments behind them till i went to one of their concerts just yesterday. Rockapella is simply one of the best groups i have EVER heard. THis CD goes in my CD player almost nonstop and is one of the best CDs i own. Well worth the money.

I've had this CD for 6 months now, and I've almost bought another copy so I can keep one in my car all the time. I still play it often. If you like acapella, but 'Take 5' is not quite your cup of tea, try this! Similar to the 'Blenders', these tunes are catchy and stick with you. Only one or two tracks drag a bit (hence 4 stars instead of 5), but there are some absolute blockbuster tracks worth the price of admission by themselves. One of my better Amazon purchases.

This album, while not entirely awful, only consists of a few new tracks. Being a long-time Rockapella fan, back to the early Carmen SanDiego days, and having bought all their albums (even the imports from Japan), I can only say that the absence of Sean Altman has made their work suffer. The new arrangements of the older songs, such as "Why" and "Ellie My Love" are completely unneccessary! I do realize they want to give Kevin the chance to perform these songs, but why change the arrangements? I also do not understand why the same song must be on 3 albums in a row. Had it not been the desire to maintain my Rockapella collection, I would not have bought this album, and that decision would have been based purely on looking at the track list. I understand that groups go through musical changes over the years, however, judging by this album, I have to say that they are not changing for the better. Every track on this album, except the hidden 14th track has that "electronic" sound to it - I might as well be listening to guitars or synthesizers, and I believe any a capella purist would agree with me. The hidden 14th track (The Folgers song) is the only song that echoes the past Rockapella sound, and that's a shame. Sadly, I do not recommend this album - if you have the last two or three Rockapella albums, you already have most of the tracks on this one. Save your money.

Such beautiful harmonies and such catchy rhythms. Rockapella is about to make it big - J-Bird was a super smart label to snag 'em. I never tire of this album and love hearing friends reactions when I give it as a gift.

Many of you have heard them and did not even realize it - Rockapella was the group that made Carmen Sandiego famous and they were seen in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade (two years running)on the Folger's float (and in two of their own Folger's comemrcials) but now you can enjoy Rockapella without having to invent excuses to watch a kid's TV show (many a friend of mine has suddenly begat an imaginary niece or nephew).

While they have released numerous albums for import from Japan and two other albums here - this is their first wide release (as far as I know).

Run, don't walk to go buy this album! Their mix of old favorites and funky, catchy original songs will make you hunger for more - they are even more addictive than Krispy Kreme donuts and are popular favorites on radio stations across America.

They are funk, pop and soul all rolled into one - Rockapella has a unique sound that you will never tire of - songs like Ellie My love and Lift Up are fresh and fun alternatives to the whiny, angst ridden music we tend hear on the radio over and over again.

This is one album that will always have a place in your CD player - trust me once you hear this album you will hunger for more...

This CD has the honor of being the 1st item I purchased from Amazon.com, way back in 1996. But it wasn't until recently that I really discovered the true beauty of this album. The vocals of these guys are simply amazing!! Anyway, my favorite songs are as follows: "I Am Your Man" (neat little jazz number), "Song 9" (nonsense makes for an interesting groove), the title track (just a great song in general), and probably the most underrated track on the whole thing, "Hold Out For Christmas." When I listen to it now, it really gets to me better than 5 years ago. All in all, BUY THIS CD, NOW!!!!