Customer Reviews

Higher

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

 

 

Roch Voisine's "Higher" is a refreshing change from his last English album, "Kissing Rain". On this album, his songs are upbeat, fast paced, and easy to relate to. He also uses electric guitars right along side the acoustics in nearly every song, which creates a unique sound all his own.
I personally think the best songs on this album are "Tears In My Coffee", "All About Us" "Never" and the hit new single "By Myself", although ALL the songs are well written and worth listening to over and over again. Roch Voisine's amazing vocals show the sort of talent that is not often found in the music industry now-a-days, and his songwriting skills bear some impressive qualities.
I would recommend this CD for anyone who craves unique, electric/acoustic guitar-filled music, with a wonderful pop/rock sound. I consider it a must for any music lover's collection.

I have to agree with the reviewer from Sask. This cd is very slow moving. All the songs are very similar in content and sound. And all are basically about breaking up, not the most uplifting topic in life. Usually, his cds offer more of a variety in styles, some ballads, some uptempo, some even on the jazzy side. And even though he has used the same ballads for both French and English songs throughout his career, it really does only work best when the songs are straight translations, especially so for fans who buy both the French and English cds. When you first listen to a song and ballad, that would be what stays in your mind. When you hear the ballad again with different lyrics that are completely different than the original, it tends to spoil it for the listener. The first impression is usually the better one. The packaging on this cd leaves a lot to be desired also.

Let me start by saying I am a diehard Roch Voisine fan hailing myself from New Brunswick (at least I was a big fan prior to buying this cd!). I have always supported his work and followed his career closely. I own everything he's ever done. But this cd is a complete bust as far as I am concerned! Out of all the songs on this cd, I think maybe two songs are not about breaking up, being alone, being able to trust again or finding a new love and starting over with a new wife. Give me a break! I can understand ones writing style being influenced by events in your life but a complete cd about it? I was hoping for something a little more upbeat. Something you can tap your foot to without wanting to bawl your eyes out. This cd is downright depressing in my opinion.

The other thing I absolutely hated on this cd was the use of a melody from a song on his last French cd used with new lyrics in English. While listening to it, you tend to want to sing the French lyrics instead! This only works when the song is a straight translation (as in Virtual Cowboy) otherwise it's just plain annoying. I have to comment on the song title "Closer than Skin". I actually laughed out loud at the title when I first saw it (this also happens to be the song with the melody from his last French cd). It's just a bad title, there's not much else that can be said about it. It sounds bad when you sing it, it looks silly on the packaging and it's just easier to skip past the song than have to hear it over and over in the chorus! I also hate the packaging on this cd. Cardboard?? UGH!!! From past experience, they don't last, they always deteriorate over time and they don't tolerate being carried around in my backpack! This cd went straight to the shelf after a few listens!

In summary, buy his last French cd instead even if you don't understand a word of French! And Roch...I love you but...this one just didn't do a thing for me! Sorry! Congrats on the upcoming nuptuals! And be happy! Hopefully something upbeat comes of it creatively for you on the next cd!

Alright, let's get these reviews straight! Depressing? This CD is anything but! Happy songs are the majority, with upbeat tracks such as "Life's A Beach" "Don't Give Up" "Higher" "Will You Be My Wife" "Tears In My Coffee" "I Believe" and "Closer Than Skin" Even the songs about breaking up have a positive edge, for in "All About Us" the lyrics state clearly that the break-up isn't anyone's fault and that it's simply time to let go. "By Myself" shows Roch leaving unwillingly, but knowing it's the best thing to do ("I didn't want to have to make you cry/I didn't want to say goodbye/Couldn't bear to face the truth/That I was me, and you were you")Roch himself has said that this CD has the the biggest number of positive songs he's ever put out.

The songs themselves are well-written, exciting, and the instrumental is excellent, as Roch seems to be experimenting with a faster, more upbeat sound that sounds very modern and very cool. Roch's voice sounds very emotion-filled, and as usual, absolutely incrediable. I was amazed by this fabulous CD.

It is much, MUCH better thna "Kissing Rain", a CD of his I also own. "Kissing Rain" songs are all slow and depressing, and it was a beautiful change to see Roch toss away his usual woe-be-gone heart-breaking songs and get a happier, happy-go-lucky attitude on his new CD, and stop wringing the tears. This CD never fails to put me in a good mood. I repear: even the songs about breaking-up has a positive edge to them and takes a nice, fair view on a relationship ending. very comforting.

I have a large CD collection and enjoy all types of music, but Roch Voisine's "Higher" is my all-time #1 favourote. I have never enjoyed a CD so much before. Do yourself a favour...but a copy, and be prepared to start singing along and listen to it 24/7, because listening to this CD is addictive!!!

While it is true that Roch has a superb voice and excellent songs the PRICE of his CD's is a bit high wouldn't you say???
I want the "Higher" CD but it's listed at $29.99 on this website. Is that Canadian dollars?

I have the feeling that no more than 10,000 copies of this album will be sold in the U.S., and that's a real shame. Roch Voisine has had a successful singing career for over 15 years, engendering an extensive and loyal following along the way. Unfortunately his notoriety is confined mainly to his Francophone audience in Europe and Quebec, and his attempts to crack the American market (this is his 2nd or 3rd English-language effort) have suffered as a result. Making a name for himself in Montreal, he simply has never been able to take root here-(I submit that the French thing often acts like repellant). The regret is that he is a superb singer who produces rather enjoyable pop CDs. This one is no different. Typical of his French work, on "Higher" Voisine co-wrote almost all of the selections. They are not intricate or complex, ranging from those with danceable grooves to tender ballads, but they make for good listening. Probably the best of the up-tempo tracks is the title song "Higher," which features an interesting and appealing turn around on a chord progression for the chorus. Of the quieter, more tender compositions,"Closer Than Skin" and "I Believe" deserve strong mention. Indeed, while Roch can rock (no pun intended) with the best of them, his forte is the poetic, romantic tale of love gained or lost. Capable of providing such pleasant fare, however, our guy does have his faults. For whatever inexplicable reason, Voisine fancies himself a cowboy, and without fail there is usually a song or two devoted to that theme on each and every one of his albums (yes- even the French ones!). This time, the dubious entry is "Virtual Cowboys;" my advice is that it should simply be avoided. Overall, though, if you're looking to hear contemporary adult pop sung by someone who does it fairly well, snatch this up. Having said that, like my comment about his record's sales above, I think that few of you will even stumble onto this page, and even fewer still will heed my recommendation. Pity.

The clarity of Roch's voice send shivers up my spine. He did an outstanding job for this album. You must really listen to the message he is sending in "Tears in my Coffee" to truly appreciate the song. "Myriams Song" will be a wedding day hit and "Don't Give Up" is an inspiration to many. Way to go Roch

I thought this album was Roch's finest English CD. I am usually more impressed by his French work. As for the reviewer who commented on the fact Roch reused a previously released French song, with English lyrics for this album, if you look back over the history of his career, this is not the first time. There are several more instances.