Customer Reviews

Give It All Away

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For some reason this album received a lot of negative attention, but I intended to make the purchase anyway, and I'm glad I did. The record turned out to be everything I expected it to be. Jelen is infact a polished pianist & song-writer, and while there is nothing as instantly loveable as "Come On", its still a very good record by my standards. I have an undeniable weakness for ballads, and this album packs plenty of them, and good ones too, like "Criminal", "She'll Hear You" & "Falling Down". On the other hand, the up-beat tracks are pleasant also, such as "Every Step" & "Rocks". The album stumbles occasionally along the way, but given a chance to improve and live up to his potential, I can feel a respected hit-maker in the making.

I first learned of Ben Jelen through AOL's advertisement of his sessions performance. After listening to his single "Come On" for a few minutes, I realized that he was an absolutely brilliant and talented artist who has a bright future. I immediately purchased tickets to see him perform in person (coincidentally, the same day as I found out about him on AOL) and I can assure you that his talent extends beyond the somewhat polished nature of the album. In person, Ben's emotions overflow through his music and he reflects a great love for what he is doing. This album is absolutely wonderful- I have great difficulty in saying which songs are my favorite since the songs are all equally amazing. My only complaint, as I mentioned before, is that I would have preferred to hear his music a little less polished. His raw voice adds so much to his music. I definitely suggest that you give this album a shot and consider seeing him perform in person (try visiting www.benjelen.com for updates). Talent such as his is so rare- he is a true inspiration.

Ben Jelen writes pleasing pop songs, plays his instrument well, and has a gentle, intimate voice. This album shows promise from a young new artist. The problem comes in the producing of the album. It seems like the producers "polished" the tracks too much, almost as though they were trying to make Ben a radio pop star instantly. If the producers had let Ben's voice, piano, and natural singing ability control the album, it would have been more intimate and probably an even bigger hit. The best is yet to come from Mr. Jelen.

Have you ever stumbled across an artist you have never heard of and decided to check it out just for fun? This was the case when I first heard Ben Jelen's "Give it all away". The opening track Come on was a big, positive suprise. Ben's voice is very harmonic and it has this forget-about-the-world-effect that's perfect for so many occasions. Although I prefer to listen to guitar-based bands, the use of the piano on this album is a welcome change form that.
Come on is the quitessential Ben Jelen song, it represents his best qualities. The rest of the album is also really good, just listen to Rocks, She'll hear you or Christine. All catchy pop-rock tunes which deserve attention. The only problem with this album is that the songs seem to melt into eachother. Some people would claim that it's because the album is so complete, I'd say that it's because there's not enough variety in mood and athmosphere.
That aside, I do hope we'll hear more for Ben Jelen in the years to come, because this debut is something out of the ordinary. It's smooth!

I have had the pleasure of owning Ben Jelen's debut CD since it first hit stores. I am not usually appealed to many artists, but Ben Jelen was one of the few exceptions. His songs contain a variety of instruments (piano, guitar, and violin among others - all of which he knows how to play and very well may I add) and many different melodies - each unique in their own way.

Ben's songs include the Matrix produced catchy tracks "Stay" and "Christine", mellow tunes and my personal favorites "Falling Down" and "Slow Down" (both produced by Ben himself), and upbeat songs "Rocks" and "Give It All Away". He also does an amazing cover of Stephen Trask's, "Wicked Little Town" and we can't forget the first single, "Come On".

With that, this CD is without a doubt, the best album I've heard in years. You definitely will not be disappointed and if you are lucky enough to see him in concert, you might just see him doing excellent covers of Tracy Chapman's "Revolution" and The Beatles "Let It Be". Ben Jelen definitely is an ear pleaser.

I first heard of him through launch.com I saw his Come On video I honestly thought he was plain, and I thought....Wow he says Come On way too much during the song, but now I can't get enough of it. I bought the CD from his site, and I received the cover autographed and a sitcker pack it's cool. Also the CD has his video Come On, and live sesions at AOL and his commentary on every song......you have to get this CD!. If you are doubting wether to get this CD or not you must!.

Ok so he IS beautiful but he's got SERIOUS talent and his voice is so soothing. As the story goes, he was wanted to be the next Calvin Klein poster boy but I'm glad he got a record deal instead. There might be some out there who won't buy his cd because he's "just another pretty boy"....YOU'LL REGRET IT!!! ;)

What a mellow, smooth CD. It's great to put on at the end of a long day and just chill out. I had heard Come On and liked it, so I bought this CD. I liked the CD from the first time I heard it. I really like Give it All Away and She'll Hear You. I like the whole CD, in fact.

Wow... I cannot believe I would be so amazed with this album. I bought it mainly just because I was obsessed with the song "Come On"... but the entire cd is awesome. I've been searching for a cd that I can listen to all the time... finally I found it. Ben Jelen definintely has talent, I love the way he can rock out on the piano, it's awesome. My favorite songs on the cd are "Come On", "Give It All Away" - awesome piano playing, "Falling Down", "Slow Down", and "Setting of the Sun" - great ending to the song. I highly recommend this cd to anyone, especially if you like "Come On" or if you are just looking for something to relax and sing along to.

Christine is by far, the very best song on the entire cd! The entire cd "Give it all Away," is a phenomenal work of art. I definitely recommend this to everyone!