Customer Reviews

Dream of a Child

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"Dream of a Child" stands tall among long-overdue CD releases. This disc reflects the depth and variety of a gifted songwriting talent with a gifted voice. And the extra tracks are not fodder. Cummings' vocal range and dexterity always have been truly impressive, and on this album they have a chance to shine. From the story in "Break It to Them Gently" to the true country sound of "Takes a Fool to Love a Fool" to the pop rock of "Meanin' So Much" to the romantic ballad "I Will Play a Rhapsody," Cummings' full range is explored. The remakes, particularly "When a Man Loves a Woman," are truly enjoyable. And, for pure vocal "wow", "Shiny Stockings" shows just how stellar Cummings' vocal gymnastics can be. This album was an overlooked pop gem--at least in the U.S.--on its relase. Its first release on CD in the U.S. ought not be overlooked The inclusion of the bonus tracks (particularly "Wild Child")and the excellent liner notes make this a truly worthwhile purchase. Perhaps the CD release his first four albums will prompt the long overdue release of "Sweet Sweet" and "Heart," two albums not available on CD even in Canada. Meanwhile, this disc will remind listeners of what a true talent Cummings is--and hopefully spark anticipation for the Guess Who reunion tour.

DREAM OF A CHILD sold more units in Canada than anything else, including all those smash Guess Who & BTO releases, to that point in time. "Break It To Them Gently," the song which opens the CD has received more Canadian airplay than any other GW or Burton Cummings single. Yet stateside, few of us are aware of any of that. I prefer the preceeding the CD, MY OWN WAY TO ROCK, and the subsequent WOMAN LOVE, due largely to my personal preference to the more rocking side of Burton, but DREAM certainly contains some quality Cummings. My favorite cut, "Shiny Stockings" is the ultimate snazzy-styled vocals as only BC can deliver over a simple trio arrangement which includes very nimble, tastful fills by this, the Real Piano Man. "I Will Play a Rhapsody", opens sounding rather Gary Wright, but is another unique and elegant gem where our favorite smoothie harmonizes with himself with perfect precision on both vocals and keyboards. "Guns, Guns, Guns", redone from the GW's ROCKIN' LP doesn't have the same passion or spontaneous feel of the original, but is cleaner, with a tighter rhythm section with the unique guitar stylings of Skunk Baxter (he's all over the early Steely Dan tunes). The title cut is the best cover, an ideal marriage between lyical content (looking back), musical composition & arrangement (very dreamy), and vocal delivery (he sang it with such feeling, people have mistaken this to be a Cummings original). The bonus tracks are among the best of the reissues, songs which are plenty good to belong on any album. The 2nd bonus cut, "Wild Child" (not to be confused w/ the Doors' song of the same name) with a little enhancement could have been a very good single.

Dream of a Child is a fastastic album featuring the crystal clear vocals of former Guess Who lead singer, Burton Cummings. His voice is, as always stellar and unique. His outstanding powress on the keyboards is legendary. If you enjoyed the old Guess Who hit "These Eyes", you'll love this CD.

Anything Burton Cummings!!
Solo or with the Guess Who, he can't be beat.
Saw him in concert this past summer (08) with Randy Bachman and that concert was every bit as good (if not better) then seeing them together with the Guess Who. Now that was talent at its very best.

FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW BURTON WAS THE OTHER HALF OF THE GUESS WHO WITH RANDY BACKMAN. FROM JAZZ SCAT ROCK BLUES THEY DON'T GET ANY BETTER

Burton Cummings at his best; rivals his first solo album as best since the Guess Who.