Customer Reviews

Four

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Four stars for an above-average studio album from an excellent live band. I tend not to listen much to the studio albums of bands that are known for their live shows, but recently rediscovered this one in my archives and enjoyed it. Not too many Blues Traveler songs are catchy, but certainly "Run Around" is and to some extent "Hook." When "Hook" first started getting radio time in the mid-nineties, I noticed it sounded very familiar but was not sure why. Then it came to: It is Pachelbel's Canon in D. It is. Same exact chords, slightly different melody. I made this observation once at work, when it first struck me, back in my file clerking days (KBCO on softly in the background), and- I swear- my boss said: "Well they better watch out, Pachelbel is going to sue them." She wasn't trying to make a joke. I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep it together.

But anyway.

This is a good album. Popper is a tremendous harp player so, for those of you that don't get the extended jamming thing, their studio albums may be the most palatable way to experience it. Thumbs up.

If I was to name quality bands that started making music in the 1990's, I would most likely have fingers left on at least one hand. Blues Traveler is one of the those bands that makes the grade. Four definitely got them in the public eye and deservedly so. The energy is very high and Johnny Popper's Harmonica playing is excellent and as a rule I don't like harmonicas in music. The sounds like that come out of that Harp are incredible. Although the songs stick to a somewhat repetitive pattern, overall they are fairly catchy especially Hook, Stand, Runaround, Price To Pay, and Look Around. A very worthy purchase indeed.

The last time I heard this CD was nearly 10 years ago and coming into possession of it once again last month, it put quite a smile on my face.

This is a great example of 90's rock before it went completely corporate. John Popper's harmonica playing is wicked and his lyrics remind me of Meatloaf.

I don't know about anyone else but it takes alot for me to like an entire cd and "Four" makes the cut. I can listen to it from start to finish and enjoy it more each time. And I can't help but sing to the cd, especially getting a kick out of the bridge to "Hook"-

"Suck it in suck it in suck it in
If you're Rin Tin Tin or Anne Boleyn
Make a desperate move or else you'll win
And then begin
To see
What you're doing to me this MTV is not for free
It's so PC it's killing me
So desperately I sing to thee
Of love
Sure but also rage and hate and pain and fear of self
And I can't keep these feelings on the shelf
I've tried well no in fact I lied
Could be financial suicide but I've got too much pride itself
To hide or slide
I'll do as I'll decide and let it ride until I've died
And only then shall I abide this tide
Of catchy little tunes
Of hip three minute ditties
I wanna bust all your balloons
I wanna burn all of your cities
To the ground I've found
I will not mess around
Unless I play then hey
I will go on all day hear what I say
I have a prayer to pray
That's really all this was
And when I'm feeling stuck and need a buck
I don't rely on luck because..."

Also, check out the bridge to "Stand." Nice and mellow and Popper's voice rocks even more.

To the ever growing list of record company creations - This is what you call M U S I C.

Sure, this is Blues Traveler's most commercial effort, but that's just because of the success of Run-Around. Musically, Four is no glossier or more commercial than their previous three albums. Prior to Four, Blues Traveler had a following on the college rock circuit, built by their incessant touring throughout the late 80's and early 90's. It wasn't until Run-Around broke that the mainstream took notice of John, Chan, Bob (RIP) and Brendan. I love all of Blues Traveler's albums, but I would have to say that Four is their best. Commercial effort or not, I love this album. The band truly perfected their sound on this album. It has rockers ("Stand", "Crash Burn"), it has ballads ("Look Around", "Just Wait") and a whole lot of awesome harmonica soloing. The whole band is great. Chan Kinchla's guitar is great wether pounding out rock riffs or just simple rhythm strumming. The late Bobby Sheehan was a great bassist, he will truly be missed.

This is such a great album. Everyone should own this. Don't just listen to it for the hits ("Run-Around" and "Hook"), it's great from start to finish. Track number 3, "Look Around" is one of the greatest ballads I think I've ever heard. A great vocal performance by John Popper, meaningful lyrics, and a great guitar solo (also played by Popper).

Four is easily one of the 90's best rock albums, up there with Automatic For The People and Shake Your Money Maker. Even if you don't like Blues Traveler, buy this album!

This is one of two Blues Traveler CD's that i own. Now most of you are going, "oh yeah so what does he know." Well i will tell you what i believe, not what i know. And that is, that this is an awesome album. I baught their first CD and i was one of the people that loved, "But Anyway." Care free, full of energy, and of all things, one of the best harmonica solo's i have ever heard. In 1994 everyone was pretty much still obsessed with Grunge. And them comes along this album. My opinion on this, is that it was very well made. For Blue's fans this album maybe a slightly dissapointing if you loved Blues Travelers early work. But if you just want to listen to good quality Blues with a harder edge, this is your Album. John Popper sings harder than ever, and with raw emotion. In some tracks its almost as if he is about to scream. The lyrics are well exspressed, you can really feel the emotion when he sings. If he wants you to dance.. you dance, if he wants you to take his advice.. you take it, and if he wants you to just pure rock out, you will be head bangings. Scary huh? That is the main reason why i give this 5 stars. Cus this is pure raw music. Guitar Solos, Harmonica Solos, and Bass Solos! What more could you ask for? And my favourite part is the guitars. Wether they are funky, Bluesy, Heavy, and even some hints of distortion. Any rock fan will truley appreciate, and grow to love this album. Stand Out Tracks on this album are; ("Run Around") which is a fast pased track with is full of energy and passion. ("Stand") Which is a funky blues song. Then you have ("Look Around"), a great song about relationships with a wonderful guitar solo midway through. And those are just the first 3 tracks. Honestly i find the rest of the album to be just as good, if not better. There is just something about these songs that makes me want to sing along. Some may say that Blues Traveler has gone to "pop". But that is a very sad statement. What pop have you ever heard which contains the amount of pure talent and musicmanship. Along with the thought provoking lyrics and sheer energy on instrumentation throught this album. If you like Blue's, Rock, or even Funk in your music buy "Four" And Enjoy :)

Alright... Someone has really struck a chord in complaining about Blues Traveler not having enough "blues." One must just question why people can't just enjoy good music...

Anyway, I must be honest and say that some songs are less than enjoyable, but that's all made up by the rest. From the well-known pop hits like "Run-Around" and "Hook" to the less-heard favorites like "The Mountains Win Again" and "Just Wait," Blues Traveler's unique blend of pop and blues makes for an excellent trip, and the addition of the harmonica is a welcome departure from the usual pop scene.

Over all it's a good album but others are better. Also the cd is alittle short 56 mins long. I think the best song on here is "The mountains win again". Also "Run-Around" is really a good song too. If you like the group you will like the cd, but not as much energy in this cd as some of their older stuff, but good!!

Blues Traveler is one of the most talented bands today, and they are a nice change from the monotous pop/rock cluttering up the radio these days. The thing that stands out most about this album is obviously the harmonica solos and unigue vocals of headman John Popper. Bassist Bobby Sheehan adds a lot to the songs with his fast, moving bass parts, and the drums and guitar blend together very nicely to form a unique and pleasant sound. There is not a single bad track on this CD, and it never gets old. The Moutains Win Again is one of the best songs I have ever heard, and the harder Rock/Blues sound of Crash Burn and Stand display their obvious musical skill. This album is worth every cent, and is absolutely essential to any substantial music collection.

One of the hardest things about being in the world of popular music is that you are considered by the masses to only be as good as your last album. On this album, Blues Traveler once again proves that they are at the top of their game.

Containing the hit singles "Runaround" and "The Mountains Win Again", this album does more to highlight the band as a cohesive unit than the group's earlier recordings. Long jams that have been a part of the group's live shows are more in evidence on this album as well, though you really owe it to yourself to take in a few of their concerts.

John Popper's harmonica playing really shines through and he simply gets better as the years go by. No longer satisfied to dazzle us with speed runs on the harmonica, Popper is experimenting with slower leads and effect work worthy of Jimi Hendrix.

For those who have been Blues Traveler fans for years, this is yet another vindication of their loyalty. For those who are just beginning to listen to the band, this is great jumping off point to learning about this incredible musical outfit.

I highly recommend purchasing this album.

This album has some of BT's best and worst work. Crash and Burn & Brother John rank in my top five tunes from this amazing band. Quite honestly I can't sit still when I listen to them. I live 7 hours away from "home" and when it is midnight and I have been in the car for 6 hours, these tunes really pick me up. However, I can't listen to the whole album, it kind of makes me queesy. Every time I see BT live, they just plain rock. Too many of the songs on this album fall into what BTers like to call BT Lite. If it is lite, it better move me. Plenty of songs on their other albums move me. Other than a few songs, this album fails to do that.