Customer Reviews

Everything Matters

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I can't get this CD out of my CD player (and I'm at work!!) I bring 4 or 5 CDs to work and listen to this one all day! The haunting lyrics and melodies and the superb musicianship of not only Pierce but Steve Brewster, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Phil Madeira, Blair Masters, Jimmie Lee Sloas as well as the production talents of Gordon Kennedy make this one of the best projects I've heard in a LONG time. His ode to his daughters (My Little Girl) is so touching it brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it. Certainly as good as "Butterfly Kisses" and not half as smarmy. "Comet" gives me chills. One complaint: it's too short!!! As a matter of fact I'm listening to it right now and tapping my foot to "Kingdom Come". Keep it up, Pierce. We're out here listening and appreciating!

"Everything Matters" is another terrific effort from one of the greatest, and unfortunately overlooked, talents on today's acoustice music scene. Pierce Pettis writes songs that force you to search your heart, to confront your demons, and come through on the other side filled with hope. As with his four other CDs ("While the Serpent Lies Sleeping," "Tinseltown," "Chase the Buffalo," and "The Light Inside" -- check them out!) "Everything Matters" is filled with beautiful melodies, subtle lyrics, Pettis' soulful voice and skillful guitar work. Two of my favorite cuts are "Comet," an elegant examination of the sometimes randomness of found love, and "Hole in My Heart," a haunting, sad song about lost love. I heard Pierce sing "Just Like Jim Brown" in a concert about 4 years ago and was happy to see that he finally included it on a CD. One the surface, it may just seem a clever tw! ! ist on a bad relationship, but the song contains wise words about knowing when it's time to go. "My Little Girl" is a sweet statement about a father's love for his child. Like all Pierce Pettis songs, these are real and true, full of life and emotion. The great thing about the music of Pierce Pettis is that he writes about little events, small details, one man's emotion. But these songs reveal a greater truth about life and man's place in the world. Don't overlook Pierce Pettis -- his work is a soul-soother.

...I decided to look up this CD on Amazon and saw that it was rated their number 31,116 seller! 31000!! ...to see Pierce Pettis, or an album of this quality languishing in obscurity is outlandish. I was turned on to some of his earlier stuff by his nephew, and although I bought some of his Windam Hill recordings... he never really grew on me. But a while back I bought State of Grace on a whim, and absolutely loved it. I had heard that this one was better but was surprised to hear how good it actually was. This is the type of CD you not only want to recommend to your friends, but buy it for them! You will be glad to have spent the money on this one, and you will be amazed...

As a listenter to contemporary Christian music from 1976 - 1995, with the possible exception of Phil Keaggy, I have never heard a more honest heart express faith, doubt and human love with such complex simplicity.

Pierce sets the standard of a love song with "Love Will Always Find A Way." In it he shows that the power of love between two humans is a most profound force. In the following song (on the CD) "God Believes in You," the first line is worthy of a doctoral dissertation: "When you start to doubt if you exist...God believes in you."

I'm impressed with Pierce's ability to be honest with his contrasting acknowledgement of thanks to his "Joy-giver" in the credits and the words from "Comet" that express the doubts that, though feared, are a completely natural part of human existence: "I gaze up at the stars and wonder...I can see the lights are on...is anybody home."

Of course, these are just the words to the songs, but when you combine them with the incredible musical talent that Pierce and his accompanying musicians express, simply put, this CD is a beautiful work of art. Thank you, Pierce.

This is a unique accomplishment from a one-of a-kind artist. Pettis is a must-own for anyone who loves American acoustic music (gussied up with bass, percussion, and occasional amps), and likes a little meaning with their melodies. These tunes climb inside you and won't go away. Pettis's lyrics are elegantly crafted, and thoughtfully and soulfully conceived. "Neutral Ground" is a hummer of a smile-song that takes you so close to New Orleans you can feel the humidity and sense the sensuality. "Words Said in the Dark" is quite simply a near perfect love song. "God Believes in You" is an anthem for agnostics, and may become a contemporary Christian classic. (Secular humanists [the rest of us] should not be frightened to find there are spiritual meanings to some of these songs. The boy's not preaching - he's praying - You'll see.) And who could turn the NFL's all time greatest running back into an emblem of lost love? Pettis could. Be the first kid on your block to get to know an artist/poet who is going to make a big impact on American music.And tell your friends. . . . If anything matters, this album matters.

3 years ago, this CD was stolen from my car by hoodlums on Interstate 85 across from Turner Field (where my car had broken down); it was a signed copy. Now I'm buying it again.

Pierce Pettis is as good as he is because he settles for being nothing less. _God Believes In You_ is one of those songs that pushes the evelope of excessive mushiness without ever breaking through the flimsy paper. _Just Like Jim Brown_ will simply rip you a new one (don't let thy mind wonder too far aft).

Buy this CD. And while you're at it, buy Making Light of It. And while your still at it, go see this wonderfull performer LIVE.

Unlike most CD's available these days, Pierce Pettis's songs get better and better the more you listen to them--and they are great the first time. Pettis's music has a depth of quality that has me relistening to the same song several times in a row to catch something I almost missed. This man not only has great talent, he clearly has a big heart too. Do yourself a favor, listen to this CD.

Pierce Pettis has really outdone himself with this effort. He continues the lyrical growth shown with "Chase The Buffalo". The obligatory Mark Heard cover (Tip Of My Tongue) is well done as usual, but don't sell him short. His music compares with Brooks Williams in his ability to tell a compelling story without overbearing melodies and background fluff. Although not the best Pettis disc to start with, I highly recommend it to any fan of Brooks Williams, Mark Heard, and even VoL.

I've got a copy (actually two) of Pierce's first album (a large black vinyl disk played on a 'record player') recorded at Sound Cell studios in Huntsville, Alabama. I have two copies because I literally wore the first one out. Thanks to amazon, we can get the newest stuff without leaving the house. Pierce's music is great. He's ignored the pop trends and remained true to his form - a needed breath of fresh air. His beliefs come through in sincere and real words amidst mighty fine guitar playing. Glad to see he's joined the other artists on Compass records...

I did not think "Making Light of It" could be matched, but "Everything Matters" lives up to my expectations. A wonderful album. Every track is brilliant, especially "Neutral Ground, and "Just LIke Jim Brown" His music touches my Irish soul.