Customer Reviews

Duncan Sheik

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I see the reviewers can't decide what this cd is. I see Duncan Sheik as a generous artist. This debut is stunning. So heartfelt is his singing and songwriting, it's a moving cd. Few musicians have the ability to write and sing emotionally intimate songs, but Duncan, trained from childhood as a musician, is brilliant. His second cd is just as good, but I decided to review his debut instead. Just listen to songs such as "She Runs Away", "In The Absence Of Sun", "Barely Breathing", "Reasons For Living", "Days Go By", "November" and "Home" and you'd have to try hard not to understand him. This is a sad, moody recording, but it's brilliant just the same. Few artists can evoke a mood and stay with it for an entire cd. His second cd, Humming is not as sad, and he even shows off his wit in songwriting. I believe Duncan Sheik will be around a long time if the record company doesn't drop him because his sales aren't what they want. Even so, perhaps he'll go to an idependent label and continue his career. Both Duncan Sheik and Humming are must haves for any rock collector.

Though this will probably not be seen, I thought it would be cool to write something nice about the cd and artist that has changed my life. I first heard Duncan with the song Barely Breathing... it took me about two years after to finally break down and buy the cd. I was totally blown away when I heard the cd. I am amazed how beautiful and meaningful Mr. Sheik can write. It inspired me to start writing folk-rock. That will probably be the musical genre I will forever play. I was a musician before hand but this turned everything upside down. I always thought to illistrate sadness I have to use distorted guitars... not according to Duncan. Every song no the cd is a perfect portrail of an emotion. I love it. I don't know what to say if you like blah blah you should buy this... all I can say is, no cd collection would ever be complete without this cd, period. Get it, listen to it, live it. It's freaking great.

What? He is so much deeper than the "teen idol"! Sorry just had to vent towards another's opinion. I can understand why some people might find the rest of his cd boring, but if you like kinda slow acoustic music with a heavenly soft voice and songs about love-lost then this cd is great. I put it on whenever I just want to chill on the bed on a rainy, grey afternoon. Beautiful meloncholy. And if you like Duncan Sheik, check out Nick Drake as well. (I am not depressed) : |

This CD is by far one of the best CD's I have ever purchased, and as a debut album for Duncan Shiek a truely amazing piece of work.

Amazingly I purchased this CD shortly after breaking up with a long term girlfriend at the time. I must say every song on this album related to some emotion I was feeling. The writing on this album is top notch!

To the people that rated this album bad, try listening to the intelligent writing, the original guitar riffs, or the amazing sound engineering. Like most albums the first listen might leave you hesitant, it isn't thoughtless Limp Bizquit, give it a few rounds.

I recently saw Duncan Sheik in concert at a free outdoor venue in Chicago. He was with a four piece band and had a shaggy beard, but he still gave an absolutely breathtaking performance. Afterward I was lucky to meet Duncan and purchase an EP of his upcoming CD, "White Limousine." While standing in line, I thought about what I was going to say to him. I have never met a musician like this before, and while he isn't as "big" as he was nearly 10 years ago, I can't deny that his music has touched me in some sort of way, and I still enjoy it today.

This album, while classified as a "debut" is most definitely one of the greatest pop albums ever made in my opinion. Duncan Sheik has the ability to excite, soothe, and invigorate the senses through the use of his velvety voice, his intricate melodies, and stunning use of imagery in his lyrics.

As I have read the reviews of this album posted here, I can't help but notice that, over time, from the first review in 1998 to the latest just a few days ago, the scope of opinions has gone from "It's OK" and "Boring" to "One of my all-time favorites" and "I would want this with me on a deserted island and nothing else." I concur with the latter of the two comments, and all other 5-star reviews.

I've memorized this album from start to finish. Before the advent of the iPod, I would put this CD in my "music bag" regularly and give it yet another listen, or add a song from it to a mix CD. They have that much value to me.

I can't list my favorite tracks, because each song has a place of meaning to me. "Barely Breathing," of course, is a classic, as timeless today as it was in 1996. "She Runs Away" evokes memories of driving with the windows down singing at the top of my lungs "She runs awa-a-a-a-a-ya ya yaaaay" and loving the sounds coming out of my car stereo. "Reasons for Living" remind me of relationships ended and the ability to cope and move on. "November" haunts with images of longer nights, shorter days, and dying leaves on the ground.

The Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley comparisons are accurate and honorable. Thankfully, however, Duncan is still with us to continue to produce magical music today. And upon hearing a sampling of his latest, I can attest that he still has the magic in his veins.

When I finally got to meet Duncan, he was friendly and completly approachable. I told him that I have admired his music for years and am a big fan. What else could I say? He smiled, shook my hand, thanked me, signed my CD cover and posed for a picture. And then it was over.

It all started here with this album. Buy this. Give it time. Let it sink in. And you'll see what we all mean.

I played in a band that did "Barely Breathing" and everyone
came up to us and said "what was that great song you just played?". Half the time they forgot the name. This person,
I just discovered all of his works. Most of the time, being a bass player,I would listen to the "flow" or how the piece moved.
Well,at this time I was going through a bad break up with my girlfriend. Somehow his words actually stood through the music.
He writes the best lyrics I have ever heard. And of course every
song made me think of her.......Getting back to the CD,
Sheik has a lot of things "running through his mix". the orchestration,using a "raw" sounding guitar that fits in perfect.
The band that he has is more than "in sync" with his lyric
work. You have to discover this man's pure talent. In some
of his songs ,he makes reference to Nick Drake,check him out
too. So after I listened to this cd I bought them all.
No my girlfriend,is sadly history ,but I learned a lot

from this man and his words.

In a world where television and radio is dominated by bubble gum pop and fluff rock, Duncan Sheik is a refreshing change of pace. This is the perfect CD for every mood and emotional state. The lyrics touch the heart and the rhythyms move the soul. I am completely floored every time I listen to this CD. To non-Donuts (obsessive Duncan fans)who may read this and decide to buy, beware. Duncan Sheik's music is extremely addictive. If you love meaningful, passionate lyrics and breathtaking musical arrangements, BUY THIS CD.

buy this CD! I bought this disc way back in 97' and still listen to it. (In fact, my husband and I just saw him live at a small bar in Philly, and I must say, it was probably the best concert I've been to.) Duncan's voice is so calming, but powerful at the same time. His music is great therapy after rough day at work. This is certainly one that you can repeat in the disc player and not get tired of. My personal favorite, "Home".

This is one of those CDs that I pick up every few months and listen to 10 times in a row. It's one of those "Like every song on it" cds for me. Worth every penny just for the two hits, "She Runs Away" (which gets stuck in my head for days) and "Barely Breathing".

On my website I used this album to describe John Mayer, and People magazine recently said he's like Mayer's older brother. I think anyone who likes Mayer would love this CD.

I first heard DS's Barely Breathing on the radio (who didn't?), and liked it's catchy melody and angry-sad lyrics.

When I bought the CD and heard the rest of the songs, I was blown away. As somebody said here, not only are the lyrics beautiful poetry, but the boy can sing (and play)!

I've been hearing this CD over and over again for the last few months. Several of the songs' words and mood are perfect for those whe are going through the "blue" phase of a breakup, and the rest are great for the next phases: anger and final acceptance :-).

BTW, anybody who likes Duncan Sheik and slightly "harder" music will also LOVE Dave Matthews Band's "Everyday."