Customer Reviews

Geoff Tate

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Now don't get me wrong I love Queensryche and I'm eagerly awaiting there next CD. But for now lets talk about "THE VOICE" that is Tate, Geoff Tate. His solo debut is solid and very polished. Now if your looking for that Ryche sound don't even bother to buy this CD. This CD is for those that can appreciate a wide range of music. Jazz, Soul, Trance, Techno etc.. coated with the voice of Tate. His vocal range is out of this world, showing his power in songs like "OVER ME" "OFF THE T.V." and "FOREVER" and his pop chops in "HELPLESS" AND "THE PASSENGER". The r&b feel of "TOUCH" is very smooth, throw on a pair of shade while listening to this one. Every song on this CD is in a class of it's own. If I was to pick my Favorite it would have to be "Over Me". And the only song that sounds like it could come off a Ryche CD would be "Every Move We Make" it actually sounds like a sequel to "Della Brown" In all, this is one fantastic solo debut, probably better then any other solo project from any other artist to give it a try. Tate don't worry if Ryche doesn't work out you'll do fine on your own. Thanks for this outstanding CD. BRING ON THE NEXT ONE!

No one can doubt that Geoff Tate is an amazing singer, nor can anyone doubt his songwriting abilities. After all, he was a key part of the songwriting nucleus that comprised Queensryche when they were great. With that in mind, it's hard for me to sidestep disappointment with his solo album, even when going into it without any real expectations one way or another. I'm not really sure what this record is supposed to do. Classifications aren't really that important, but some stylistic choices here are fairly strange. For the most part, it seems to be somewhat dark pop but many of the melodies are too awkward to be catchy or even memorable. The heavier songs are too stiff to rock. There is occasionally some songwriting's flickering gleam, like "Touch" -- lite trance with Spanish guitar and a brooding chorus, as well as some other tracks. But...is that it? I find the most of the album's production is too light, winding up introspective and moody without being easy to grasp. I wasn't expecting anything immortal like _Empire_, but this is largely without hooks and pretty flat. I'm not ready to write it off as a complete failure -- I admire Tate for trying a new avenue with his writing. For me though, the music just doesn't work its magic.

To be honest, the first time I played Geoff's new CD I was pretty disappointed. I had a hard time getting into it. But rather than put it in the CD rack and chalk it up as a bad gamble, I decided to continue to listen to it. I figured I owed that much to the lead singer of a band that I have idolized since 1984. Well, it paid off. I'd listen to it in the background while working on the computer or doing bills and it slowly seeped into my brain. I've now come to thoroughly enjoy it. It's not Queensryche (not that that's a bad thing) and I don't think I like it as much as my Ryche albums, but it's definitely a fine solo effort for Geoff and well worth the price of the CD. So, if you decide to buy it, it shows up in the mail, you pop it in and think,[it's not that good], just give it some time. Play it a couple more times and I guarantee that if you generally like Geoff's music, the CD will grow on you.

Oh, no. I tried, I really tried. I gave it more than 10 listens, but I am still yet to be able to draw a difference between Geoff Tate's new album and Elvis Costello. What has happened ? Well, let's break it down.

First, the 'reich man (which I dearly love and respect whole heartedly) I feel has somehow gone the way he has always wanted. All the screaming and ultra sonic yelling can only go on for so long. He lacks that ability at this age (listen to Queensryche : Live Evolution to understand what I mean), and thus goes for a lower toned effort. In case you are wondering, nothing on this album is "heavy".

Second, he has been heading this direction for a while now. As you would have noticed from the previous couple of 'reich albums before, it had gone a little more piano and "loungey". The acoustic elements are there, Geoff Tate is full of emotion and heart, but I somehow think that, that would be an awful description for a heavy "rocker". But he does pour on a lot of emotion into this album (which I respect), but somehow comes off like Emo Rock after a while.

Third, give it a few spins before judging it. Although I did, tried and still couldn't like it, you may enjoy it. Although, if you are looking for a 'reich type performance, turn away. If you are looking for an ultra sonic screaming performance, turn away. If you are looking for an emotional slow pop/rock album, with a dash of Elvis Costello (which you are too proud to purchase his album even though you want to), this is your saving grace.

Two stars, just because he is Geoff Tate.

I've been a Queensryche fan for years now and eagerly awaited Geoff's solo record. It has definitely exceeded my expectations. The music is a clear departure from the hard rock/heavy metal genre Tate and Queensryche have operated in throughout their career, but it is a welcome departure. Tate's vocals are restrained yet powerful and provide just the right emphasis and emotion to communicate the messges in the songs. The songs are heartfelt and thoughtful but have a power all their own. The music itself complements the vocals perfectly, very melodic and at times heavy. These tunes aren't lacking in hooks, and it would be a shame if this album doesn't get a lot of airplay on radio. Most people outside the Queensryche audience are probably unfamiliar with Tate, but I hope and believe this album will change that. It's an incredible disc, one that I strongly suggest. Geoff has employed a more subtle approach with his vocals, and he's never sounded better. If you're unfamiliar with Tate or Queensryche and are on the fence about buying this album, don't hesitate, buy it! You will not be disappointed.

Bravery points go to this for its wide reaching, mellow experimental vibe. It almost seems like too much of a scattered mix. "Off the TV" and "Grain of Faith" are a couple of very cool tracks. "A Passenger" has its moments. I'd give it an extra half star, if I could find the icon for that. Definitely not a first time listen favorite. File in multiple listens for true review category. For as many styles as are broached (don't listen to that queer Michael Bolten comparison, this is some mixed, very good, creative stuff), I'd call this Mike Patton on qualudes. Tate is genre switching, at break neck, sleepy speed (ha).

...give this CD a chance. We all opened it (those of us who bought it without looking at the reviews) expecting something operatic like O:M. But that was recorded 15 years ago. Geoff Tate is a seasoned musician now, with more polished songwriting skills, and this recording demonstrates that yes, 15 years will change a person. Now, I haven't liked the more recent QR material, especially the hideous "Hear in the Now Frontier", so I admit I was cautious in buying this. And it did take a few listens for it to really hook me. You might argue that a really good recording shouldn't take several listens. I tend to agree, which is why only 4 stars vs. how much I like some of these songs. But did it take several spins because it's really weaker material -- or because I was expecting O:M Part II - Sister Mary's Revenge? I'm not sure, so let's just shake off the debate about how this compares to his work with Queensryche and focus on the material he's given us here.

"Passenger" is the hottest track here, at least for me. It doesn't rage, it doesn't shred, it's not even a track that leaps out and shakes you on the first pass. It's more like a virus, with a chorus that you'll find yourself humming when you wake up in the morning and you wonder "where have I heard this before?" Then, because you're such a loyal fan, you play this CD again at work or in your car, and when this track comes around again your eyes will open and you'll realize this is a good release after all. It just takes a good hook, and this song has one (maybe more).

The track before it is good, too; in fact, I've really gotten into the first 8 tracks a lot. After that, it depends on my mood. But hello, 8 good songs on a CD is better than I expect from just about any musician.

I wouldn't call any of this jazzy, though. Alternative, definitely, especially compared to QR material. Much of the music and background sounds remind me of old NIN and Ministry. In fact, one track ("In Other Words") seems to sample NIN quite heavily. For the 3 of you who liked "Rage For Order", listen to track 4, "Touch", for Geoff's 2002 version of "Gonna Get Close To You" -- with a line like "Yeah you're mine...you just don't know it yet" how can you not shiver? And then lock your windows and doors (remember the GGCTY video?). "Every Move We Make" is a beautiful tune, even if it does have that odd sound layering that gives it a haunting quality we never heard from Geoff before, at least not like this. QR is aggressive melancholy, this is rainy-day pain, this is what we 30-somethings feel as we age. "This Moment" sounds like something from the 50's or 60's -- must be the keyboard and vocal arrangement. "In Other Words" starts like a ballad -- think "Someone Else?" from "Promised Land" and then gets weird...but stays almost pretty, too. Does that seem strange? You can only imagine, until you hear it for yourself. And then we get to "Passenger" and the CD reaches its peak. Think 'the theme from "Twin Peaks" with a syncopated rock beat' and you're halfway there. But that chorus... come on, people, give this CD a chance. It's great songwriting. It's one of the best releases of 2002 in any genre -- not that anyone could stick this in any single genre beyond the generic "Rock".

Good stuff. Not what we expected, but definitely good for the ears and a good reflection that yes, the 80's are behind all of us and we're all changing with the times. Right?

I have been a fan of Queensryche (the band that made Geoff Tate a success) since 1986. I would consider them my favorite band. Now, if this had been released as a Queensryche album I would have given it a two star rating. However, since this is Geoff's solo album I judge it apart from his Queensryche work, and that is how it should be approached. Afterall, what would the point of him doing a solo album be if it was the same sounding work he did in Queensryche?

The overall sound quality of this CD is stunning on even an average sound system. On a better than average sytem it is moreso. This CD also makes for a great head-phone listening experience as well. There is a cohesive feeling to the album, as the songs ebb and flow into each other. About half the songs are atmospheric sort of mid-tempo with varying movements that break with formula, a couple ballads, with the sparse sound of This Moment approaching the same vibe as the Queensryche b-side classic Chasing Blue Sky, and of course about three hard-rocking songs.

The song lyrics deal with emotional introspection, some dealing with isolation but also with the complexities and subtleties involved in being involved. Some songs take a look at society, such as the rocking song Off The TV, which also gained a bit of airplay even though it didn't really chart. Grain Of Faith is a wicked one too.

One of the interesting things about a solo album is how musical soloing is handled within a song. Here you have some Spanish guitar in one, a keys solo in another, and there is a disturbingly cool harmonica solo (not kidding) on Grain Of Faith that has to be heard to be believed, as it really works.

There is nothing wrong with having a CD that your better half can groove to as well, just as there is nothing wrong with a singer writing songs that reflects who he is as a father, husband, and a man with an opinion. Lyrically, this is a very mature work, absent of any of the typical metal tropes. The nearest fair comparison in sound might almost be to that of the solo albums done by David Usher of the Canadian band Moist, but not quite.

I just love this album...Geoff Tate has the best voice and is simply one of the greatest artists around. I hope he continues to put out singles as well as albums from Queensryche!

I simply can not take the cd out of the car cd player. It's different than ryche albums and according to tha last ryche cd thank God for that -sorry guys... It is nice to know that Geoff Tate can still send the shivers down somebody's spine. Even after all these years. A great album.