Customer Reviews

Everything Is Everything

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While it is true, that Donny truly shines in live performance, this was my first introduction to Mr. Hathaway as an impressionable 18-year old longing for a male musical identity. Before, it had been all females, most notably, Aretha. However, when I first heard "Thank You Master For Saving My Soul" I KNEW that I had found the ultimate model. His piano playing is quite simply flawless. He also established his reputation here as one who covers whatever tune he feels he can lend something to, and prime examples were "Misty" and, of course, "To Be Young, Gifted, And Black." Each and every time I listen to him (or today, his daugher) I am reminded of what an awesome talent he was and a definite loss to the industry he was. To be sure, some cuts stand out more than others, but when you look at his body of work as a whole, you can see how he made a lasting impression on serious musicians. Above all, I recommend any of his live recordings and to make your collection complete, you owe it to yourself to give a listen to anything this man recorded.

Every time I hear Donny Hathaway, I am so moved
with both great joy and awe of his god-given gifts
as well as sadness over how his career bascially went
under the radar while he was alive and of course,
how his life ended so tragically!
I often think about how pleasantly surprised he would
have been to see his work have such an influence on a
whole generation of younger talents who were but embryos
when he was doing his thing all those years ago!
I also imagine him being pleased by his daughter
Layla and her success!
This was his best and most cohesive studio album
and it has some great gems on it..my faves are:
"Je Vouz Aime Vouz (That Means I Love You)", "Misty",
"Sugar Lee" and "Thank You Master For My Soul"
all which kill me in their own unique ways!
Of course, I prefer the live versions of "The Ghetto"
and "Young, Gifted & Black" to the ones on here.
Donny was one of the few artists who could create
something live that was better than what he did
in the studio!
Donny Hathaway is the invisible every man of
R&B / Jazz / Soul with a strong gospel-inflection,
and his influence, both vocal and instrumental-wise is eternal!

Donny Hathaway is one of the most vital figures in 1970's soul music. This album is nothing short of excellent, with the heart-moving "I Love You." In this day in age where male r&b singers get more and more trendy, we need a vocalist like Hathaway more urgently than ever.

Listening to this disc reminds me of why I love music - Donny Hathaway is gone too soon from this world. I wish he could have gotten the help he needed to deal with his inner demons but his musical legacy definitely helps ME get through my own Tryin Times and battle my own demons and for that, I am forever greatful.

This entire album is exquisitely excellent, there's not one bad track but there are some that stand out to me:

Voices Inside (Everything is Everything) - great musical production!! 10/10

Je Vous Aime (I Love You) - so soulful, such a beautiful love song. 10/10

Misty - excellent remake 10/10

Tryin Times - timeless song expressing commentary about what was going on then but also speaks to what is going on in today's times 10/10

Thank You Master For My Soul - excellent soulful gospel song that doesn't overpower 10/10

The Ghetto - although I prefer the live versions of this song, it's pretty damn close to a masterpiece & just as powerful as any song on Marvin Gaye's 'What's Goin On' 10/10

To Be Young, Gifted & Black - one of my favorite Donny tracks, picks up my spirits every single time I hear it 100/10

A Dream - words can't suffice for how much I love this song - the arrangement and Donny's phrasing throughout...make this song heaven for me. 100/10

Donny Hathaway is the most under-rated R&B male singer of our time. He is not mention with Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye, which is sad. Stevie and Marvin only became political after Donny did. I am for one mad that radio or other artists are not real about this man's influence on music. I had to search high and low about this man and his life. This album showcase a man of immeasureable talent and at the same time displays his torture soul. If you want REAL soul music with both meaning that teaches you about life, GOD, the human spirit, and the world. This album is for you. A MUST HAVE!!!!

I just love this album. I have so much respect for Mr. Hathaway. It's too bad that he was taken from us too soon. Everything is Everything is an album that I listen to for so many reasons. I listen to it at the office when I need inspiration (Thank You Master For My Soul, To Be Young, Gifted & Black), when I reflect on how fortunate I am to live in a world of opportunity when others aren't (The Ghetto, Trying Times) and when I realize the true power of love (I Believe to My Soul, Je Vous Aime Beacoup).

Overall, this album is timeless and depicts true soul music. All of the songs carry powerful messages and there is no one better suited to convey these messages than Mr. Donny himself. God Rest His Soul...

Donny Hathaway is best known to most for his duets with Roberta Flack. Those songs are great, but Mr. Hathaway has released some great soul music on his own. Everything Is Everything is an album about love and positivity, but also cautiousness and struggle. Love songs include the sweet "Je Vous Aime" & "Misty" while "To Young, Gifted & Black" & "Thank You Master (For My Soul)" are teeming with pride. He tempers the positivity with cautionary tales such as "Tryin' Times", "Voices Inside (Everything Is Everything)" and the classic "The Ghetto". Mr. Hathaway left us at too young of an age, but he lives on forever in his sweet soul music.

This album is one that I always end up returning to. Donny Hathaway's vocal and piano talent really shine on this one and that combined with the strong song selection made for an impressive debut album. I don't usually like instrumentals that much, but "The Ghetto" remains one that I never tire of. The addictive groove of Donny Hathaway's keyboard work and the drums have made this a favorite of mine. "Thank You Master (For My Soul)" also remains one of the most moving songs I've ever heard. Donny Hathaway's vocals are simply amazing, and he attains just the right touch of gospel delivery in this thank you to God. Donny Hathaway is someone who deserves more credit than he gets for his contributions to music, and any fan of R&B should own this. His live CD is also highly recommended if you enjoy his music. When Donny Hathaway died the world not only lost a talented musician, but also lost a very spiritual and caring brother. Thank God he left us with this music to remember him and his message.

It's everything you would expect from Donny Hathaway. Thank you Master feeds the soul.

Anything by the late Donny Hathaway is highly reccomended, and this 1970 LP is among his best. The title track is a timeless, funky tune and starts things off in fine fashion. "Thank You Master (For My Soul)" is straight gospel but without the annoying histrionics that mar most spiritual-tinged music. This album is a fine example of Hathaway's restless, eclectic spirit as no 2 songs sound the same, but they all cohere into a very strong and moving whole. A Brilliant LP, by a brilliant and sorely missed musical genius.