Customer Reviews

Edge

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

 

 

"Edge" is a near-perfect collection of songs that express a deep thirst for social justice. Surprisingly, however, there is quite a bit of variation in style (vocal, instrumental, and lyrical).
Virtually every song becomes what one may well consider the "signature song" for a particular social issue.

"If It Were Up to Me" offers a rapid-fire litany of excuses for school gun violence ("...maybe it's the drugs, maybe it's the parents, maybe it's the colors everybody's wearin..."). One wonder just how many of these excuses have been earnestly offered by the NRA (maybe all?). "Standard White Jesus" is a bluesy, satirical look at those who prefer to cling to the delusion of a homogenous (and white) world in which to live. "Uh-huh" pays homage to all of us who have gotten so fed up that we have felt the need (but fortunately chose not to) strike out.

And then there is "I Ain't Afraid," my vote as the signature song for the September 11 terrorist attacks. Many will not believe that this song was written and performed BEFORE those attacks.
Holly Near puts fanatacism in its place here, whether it takes on Christian, Islamic, or Judaic trappings. What I like is that she sings about not being afraid of "your churches, your temples, your prayers" but then goes on to sing of having no fear for "your culture, your music, your dances." So the message is, don't fear the fanatics, but continue to embrace those who are different. To my mind, that is the ULTIMATE weapon against terrorism. An extremely powerful song here.

Finally, I must say that I had the pleasure of hearing Holly Near perform at a concert hosted by our small college. She also gave a presentation to some of the students on how to extend their artistic capabilities. She urged them to take risks, and resist backing down from opportunites and projects that would seem daunting or too challenging. Extending ourselves beyond our perceived limits is how we grow. Great message, Holly!

I've been one of Holly's straight, but not narrow, fans for well over a decade and have most of her CDs (and tapes and LPs from the old days). This is her best in a long time and my favorite CD that I've purchased in the past year. Holly excells at topical music, singing of peace and positive social change. I bought this CD in August and loved it then, but (as other reviewers note) it's especially poignant after 9/11. "I ain't Afraid" of your God/Jesus/Allah, your Bible/Torah/Koran, or your church/temple/mosque -- "I'm afraid of what you do in the name of your god" seems written for that event. It's nicely balanced with "Kids are Gonna Love", which starts with a Jew and Moslum falling in love. The CD has a wide variety of musical styles, from jazzy to folk, beautiful harmonies, and, above all, great lyrics. I was listening to this again this morning and again got chills from some of the songs; not many CDs evoke that response. If you like music that makes you think about the world around you sung in a gorgeous voice, you'll love this CD.

It's unbeliveable that Holly Near continues to turn out such extraordinary work for what has to be a devoted group of fans. This woman actually has the guts to TRULY say something and she shies away from nothing. It's to be admired and emulated.

Holly's work here is a fantastic mix of style and substance...sacrificing neither in pursuit of her art and message. The sound is totally up to date and could have been released by someone half her age.

The only sad thing in all of this is that she flies under most people's radar and many people simply don't know about her. And that's the real tragedy because the world is in such need of hearing what she has to say.

Double click right now to order this CD!

Is it possible for a long-established singer to make a new album --- and have it be her best ever? Apparently so!

These are, I think, Holly Near's best songs to date. The lyrics are fearless, political, and catchy. Each song presents a different, creative musical style.

Not sure she can still hit the high notes like she did back in SKY DANCES, but who needs to, when you're writing songs this exciting? And her well-trained voice is still a treat.

You don't want to miss, "I ain't afraid ..." Just when everyone else is shying away from the political! Holly sticks right in there, and with her characteristic optimism and cheer.

I bought this album the day after September 11, 2001, because a cut my indie radio station had played *weeks* before started running a continuous sound-loop through my head, while I watched the dreadful events of that day unfold. The song is "I Ain't Afraid". It's an anthem to hope when confronted with the worst that fanaticism has to offer.

This is powerful stuff, folks. "I Ain't Afraid" is just one of many cuts that simultaneously cry out with rage at injustice, and plead gently for a better world. If you think this is contradictory, then you haven't heard Holly Near!

If you're easily offended by having your preconceptions about race, religion and gender challenged, I'd advise you to avoid this album. But if you enjoy hearing a woman with the voice of an angel, the soul of a poet and the mind of a revolutionary sing her heart out, this is for you.

Holly Near usually sings to my soul but this is more than that. Her "I Ain't Afraid" is my lifeline to sanity now.

Blesings to her and all of us.

Holly Near is a musician and person I have admired for many years. This compilation of songs seemed too self rightous for my taste. My view of course is subjective based on my personal view of life. I still admire Holly's compasion for her beliefs but I didn't care for this collection of her work.