Here and Now [ENHANCED]

The Wilkinsons

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 4, 2000)
• Original Release Date: April 4, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B00004S7LA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #191,404 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
On their second album, this Canadian family trio (teenaged brother and sister Amanda and Tyler and their 44-year-old dad Steve) attempt to break some new and mature musical ground while still dancing with the sort of mawkish teen-puppy tunes that brought them this far. Wholesome and utterly charming doodles like "Jimmy's Got a Girlfriend," "It Was Only a Kiss," "1999," and "Don't Look at Me Like That" are little more than energetic and ephemeral odes to underage broken hearts. Yet Amanda and Tyler both show individual flashes of vocal maturity and conviction on songs like the beautiful "Shame on Me" and a deeply felt coming-of-age ballad called "The Only Rose." On the strength of these two songs alone, the Wilkinsons' musical gifts seem destined to continue to blossom and serve them well--that is, if they manage to survive all the teen crushes and adolescent angst they sing so convincingly about here. --Bob Allen

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another fine album by The Wilkinsons (buy it), April 8, 2000

By	David and Sara (Conroe, TX) - See all my reviews

If you liked "Fly" and "26 cents" from their first album (Nothing But Love), you'll want to buy this album just to get "The Only Rose". A great ballad (written by Steve Wilkinson and Steve Wariner) that reminds us all that we're special, and it's our differences that make us that way.

Tyler sings lead on 5 of the songs, with Amanda doing 5, and Steve (the dad) doing "The Only Rose". Tyler's voice has definitely matured since NBL, and Amanda's voice has grown even more powerful.

"Shame on Me" is another great ballad, reminding us all to take the time to cherish what we have -- because we'll miss it if we ever lose it.

Tyler does three great love ballads with "One of Us is in Love", "Don't Look at Me like That", and "Me, Myself, and I". That last one is absolutely fantastic.

Amanda's vocal abilities are best displayed in "It Was Only a Kiss", a powerful song describing a young woman's reaction to the kiss she just received from a guy who's definitely "getting to her". This one was written by Tyler and Amanda.

"Hypothetically" is a very upbeat, fun song. The tight harmonies throughout the song (not just on the chorus) testify once again to the vocal harmonies that only a family can have. If you've ever heard them without their band, you'll know what I mean. And, if you've never heard a tuba worked into a country song, you've got to listen to this one.

"Jimmy's Got a Girlfriend" is a very light, fun song (and was the first single from the album). If you're not tappin' your feet and smilin' by the end of this tune, you'd better have somebody check your pulse. But be warned: it's "infectious" -- you may not be able to get this tune out of your head.

There's not a bad song on this album. It's not "traditional" country -- rather, it's a blend of folk, pop, and country that gives The Wilkinsons their own unique style. What The Dixie Chicks did to Bluegrass, The Wilkinsons did to Folk. I like to describe this group as "James Taylor meets The Carpenters".

If you've heard them before, you'll want this album. And if you haven't heard them, you owe it to yourself to check this album out. You also get three videos (two from the first album, one from this one) in .MOV format. And a "the making of" video for JGAGF.

They co-wrote 7 of the 11 songs. They love to sing, and it shows. This is a group the whole family can enjoy. Children won't be embarrased to let their parents hear this music. While many of their die-hard fans are 16-yr old girls (in love with Tyler), there are many adult fans, too (many because of their teenage daughters).

We're in our mid-30's, and we both love this group. We don't typically like the same style of music, but The Wilkinsons appeal to both of us. Which says a lot about their music.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I was surprised, April 5, 2000

By	Jacob Chartrand (San Diego) - See all my reviews

I am a fan of The Wilkinson's and absolutely loved every song (except the last one) on their first CD. I bought this CD and was kind of dissapointed because there is only one fast song (#1: Jimmy's Got a Girlfriend) and every other song on there is slow, pretty decent, but slow. There tends to be a single theme throughout the whole CD also about love and breaking up.. Kind of a negative vibe. BUT....I do think it is OK and worth a purchase, If only for the first song.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is worth every cent!, May 16, 2000

By	Dana (Michigan) - See all my reviews

When I read the reviews from the pros, I try to figure out where they come up with that stuff... Not only is this CD great to listen to, but when I heard Tyler sing those solos, my heart nearly skipped a beat. This kid can sing! The listener can really tell that he feels what he is singing. Amanda and her father have done an excellent job, too, but Tyler shines through this time. Each track is unique and heartfelt. I would review each individual song, but I would sing my praises for each...It would get tedious. Just buy the CD, trust me and all the other fans out there.