Customer Reviews

Hardcastle 3

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Paul Hardcastle's musical energy is simply remarkable. This man quickly found his true purpose here on Earth: To hypnotize listeners. Through his talent and unlimited creativity- he has amassed an impressive discography showcasing his overpouring of musical outlet. But, the real secret to Paul's wonderful product lies in his virtuous skill with the bass lines, and beats that keep his music playing inside your head, long after the CD player is finished. Hardcastle III is worth every cent spent on it, because you cannot get enough of the music at all. I hate to say it- but all his CDs get airtime rotation in my sound system like some recurrent broken record. Which is what happens when almost every track is outstanding. Paul knows how to stir your soul with his material. Its dreamy, polished, hooky, sexy, sophisticated, and always invokes a uniquely different sensory experience every time the PLAY button is pushed. Man, thats' real entertainment!

The Smooth Jazz remix of "Rainforest" is now more mature, but still has the original allure of the breakthrough hit. The guesting of his own 11-year old son, means Paul Jr. is blessed with his dad's innate ear, and will go far as a professional. Good clone, Paul Sr!

I also found myself replaying "Runnin Back", "Desire", "Zen Warrior", "Maxine", and "Sunshine" too often than what is considered normal. I simply admire Paul Hardcastle's ability for consistently conceiving these gems, and HARDCASTLE III is the latest diamond-in-the-rough. Treat this man's music like a rare bottle of French Burgundy- he only gets better with TIME...

The third part of the "Hardcastle" series is a stunning return for Hardcastle in his first solo release in six years. In a way, H3 is more of a return to the beautiful New Age groove of his 1994 Hardcastle I album from eight years before. This is almost as great as the former with beautiful instrumentals like "Desire", "The Smoking Gun" and "Zen Warrior". The real treat here is an updated version of "Rain Forest" with a more modern twist on the 1984 classic which has a vastly different sound yet retaining the punch of the original. It's an absolute treat to hear this son on a much different light. This is a must-have album for everyone!

Paul amazes me with his ability to capture rhythm, blues, jazz and soul in his music. This project like its predecessors tow the line to a compilation of remarkably mastered mixes. Paul you're a exceptional musician with a clear vision...producing jazz that is so electrifying that it's felt deep down into one's soul.

Well, what can I say about this CD? Everyone else has pretty much summed it up. I only own 4 of Hardcastle's CDs (including Hardcastle 2, The Jazzmasters III, and The Jazzmasters Greatest Hits) but this is my new favorite. In fact, I am listening as I type this. You can say, I got into Paul Hardcastle a little late in the game.

Although, I remember hearing Rainforest alot when I was a kid (around 6 years old), I was way too young to appreciate it as I do now. Now that I am in my mid-20s, I can understand why that was such a hot dance track at that time. However, those experiences when I was younger, definitely started something within me. In contrast to many of my peers who have always solely been into Hip Hop, I have always had a love affair for Contemporary Jazz. I credit Mr. Hardcastle with starting that addiction way back when I was that naive 6 year old.

Anyway, it's refreshing to hear a smooth jazz update to Rainforest (as well as the "Echoes" track), but it will never replace the original. The rest of this album is equally as brilliant. The main reason I bought this album was to hear Desire and First Light which have been getting heavy rotation around the DC Metro Area. However, my favorites on this disc are two of his collaborations with Helen Rogers namely: Runnin Back and Sunshine. I love the Guitar riffs in those songs. You can listen to this CD anywhere and anytime. It is definitely worth your time and money!

this latest cd is a true masterpiece unbelievable tracks. they put you in a trance it's like being in another world Paul Hardcastle has an ear like no other for sensual classy elegant jazz. I have most of his other cds and I must say he continues to amaze not only me but all fans alike god gave you a talent and I must you are using that talent to the fullest god bless brother....

For his many fans, this new CD is the "Ultimate Paul Hardcastle". Everything I like about his music he has done up in spades on this CD. It's rhythmic, romantic, hypnotic, sensuous, relaxing, dreamy -- his music at its best. Some people don't like "First Light" which is from an earlier CD by that name. Personally, I liked it so much I've decided to order it to add to my collection! I'm looking forward to his next release. He never disappoints.

Paul Hardcastle has really outdone himself. I love
this cd and have to get it. Maxine is really my
favorite. It has a beautiful, smooth, and romantic
sound all wrap up in one. Rainforest is also a
good one. Every track on the cd is gooood!!! Thank
you Paul for this wonderful addition to my jazz
collection.

Hardcastle 3 is one of those CD's you can put on and play all the way through! Paul continues to deliver some of the best smooth jazz out there! A great reworking of 'Rainforest'(one of the greatest instrumental songs ever!), and again some great vocals by Helen Rogers.

I have always enjoyed Hardcastle's Jazzmasters, but Hardcastle 3 has to be one of the tops in my whole CD collection. It is sexy, funky and spiritual. I keep going back to it over and over since I bought it. Some may not like the "techno" sound to the CD, but it is a joy to one's ears. There is not one mediocre track on this CD.

I think Golden Gate is a super track. But, then again I can't think of anything I do not like by Paul Hardcastle.

Barbara Dowe
USA