Customer Reviews

Home

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Josh's first full album ("Dressed Up Like Nebraska") showed a great deal of promise and this CD expands that growth. The songs resonate because they are extremely catchy but the arrangements are exactly what arrangements should be - they help to enhance the songs without overshadowing them. There are reminders of other artists, certainly - there's early Freedy Johnston, some Paul Westerberg, some Wilco and even some Phil Spector with a kind of mini-wall of sound encompassing cello, vibes, brass and assorted percussion. All that, however, is unobtrusive in relation to the songs themselves. Josh has made a big leap in maturity on this album and I feel myself being pulled into each song for a different reason. It's a line or a chorus or even his phrasing that makes the listener realize over and over the sense of excitement that one is discovering a young artist finding his voice - and seeming to do it in a very effortless way. But over everything else are the songs - accessible, hooky and full of themes and ideas that resonate. Whether it's about attempting to live your dreams ("Afraid to Fail"), friends who enjoy your failures too much ("Hey Porcupine"), the dangers of any path we choose ("Directions") or even the pitfalls of success ("Marvin Gaye"), they all connect and make the songs that much stronger. Time will tell, but at this point Josh Rouse seems like the real thing.

Hearing a CD like this makes you wonder why the radio plays what it does. Sure, theres some decent stuff on the radio, but theres rarely the talent like this that should be on the radio.
I found Josh Rouse while watching the beautiful Vanilla Sky, I heard Directions and had to find it. Little did I know I would soon have 3 new Josh Rouse CDs. And Home is definitely my favorite. The songs speak to me and Im sure to many other people.

As I get a little older, my musical tendencies continue to change. I got hooked on the "alt-country" scene with Whiskeytown a while back after a long love affair with the Doors classic, poetic rock and my long time mistress, techno-house music. This is just a damn fine CD that has the ability to catch anyones ear and keep it listening. Im pretty much all over the map in my musical tastes lately, but Josh Rouse deserves a listen from everyone. The songs speak of love lost and found and lost again, and make you believe that just maybe love does have a chance and that we are addicted to it no matter what it does to us

every track has a insanely irresistable lyric, riff or hook. its useless to fight the desire to hear them again. Standout tracks are definitely Directions, with its amazing changes in pace from relaxed beat building with each chorus. you cant help but follow Josh in the Direction hes going to.
Marvin Gaye is just a great track that lazes along with the ease of a beach vacation, asking to let the sun shine in and make love a reality.
And Around slows down with a cowboy bar elegance and drifts in the air around you. lamenting, but always hoping another chance is around.

anyone can relate to these songs and I doubt no one could resist their catchiness.

Both of his full length discs are very good, but "Home" is just about perfect. From the very first track, "Laughter", this disc sucked me in and held me in it's spell. I've seen Josh categorized as Alt Country or compared to David Gray, but however you care to categorize him, he simply demonstrates a mastery for writing understated substantive pop gems. At this stage of the game, he remains one of America's best kept secrets.

Follow up to 'Dressed up like Nebraska'. Critics suggest his previous album is slightly better, I'm not sure.

Songs here have a more punchy feel to them. Rouse has learned to hit melodies right on the head without dragging them out, leading to some of the songs being a lot faster than on 'Dressed up like Nebraska'.

Of all the songs, the title track and 'Backstroke' will have you wanting another album from Rouse as soon as possible. A true winner of an album from Nebraska's finest.

I commented in my previous review of "Nebraska" that the singer Rosh Rouse can most closely be compared to is Ryan Adams. Adam's music is ok and I never was a huge fan, but his music may be a bit more polished than Rouses'. Rouse writes some great guitar hooks and uses some horns, violin, some slide guitar, and a little piano that give his music it's alt-country feel. "Laughter," "Directions," and "Afraid to Fail" are catchy pop songs, while "Parts and Accessories," and "And Around" are two of the best slower numbers. This may be a little bit over-produced and is nothing revolutionary, but is a solid cd filled with good music. Worth a shot.

I just bought this album and I can't stop playing it. I heard Josh for the first time at Denison University in Ohio last year. Although the crowd did not do him justice, I am glad that I had the privilege of being introduced to such a genuine musician. I am a big fan of "Directions," "Laughter," and "Hey Porcupine." His plan is definitely "safe from laughter." His lyrics are simple, yet poignant...his voice is never strained and the quirky lyrics provide a sense of comfort.

I'm sad. My copy of HOME skips, probably from playing it so much. I like Josh Rouse's voice; it's soothing and welcoming. There's an honesty in his voice that makes whatever he sings about meaningful. You kind of have to laugh when he sings "Hey Porcupine." He sings it, along with the other songs, very endearingly. HOME is such a delight to listen to. It's the kind of album that you put on when you can't really say what you're feeling; so instead you put on HOME and let Josh do all the singing for you. And then you sigh. If only he'd perform a private concert for me--that or send me a new CD. HOME is beautiful. You won't be disappointed.

Josh Rouse inhabits the same territory as songwriters like Ryan Adams and the solo Chris Stamey, combining tastefulness and bite. "Home" is a beautifully produced, gentle, yet eminently rich collection of tunes. His band could as easily back up Beth Orton as Alejandro Escoveda, with Will Kimbrough's guitar, and David and Ned Henry's cello and violins softening an already melodic alt.pop sound. Rouse is a fully developed talent, with an age-to-accomplishment ratio that reminds one (even if the music doesn't) of Elvis Costello circa "Armed Forces." May have to wait until Ryan Adams' "Heartbreaker" is released to be able to pry this one off the cd player.

Josh Rouse inhabits the same territory as songwriters like Ryan Adams and the solo Chris Stamey, combining tastefulness and bite. "Home" is a beautifully produced, gentle, yet eminently rich collection of tunes. His band could as easily back up Beth Orton as Alejandro Escoveda, with Will Kimbrough's guitar, and David and Ned Henry's cello and violins softening an already melodic alt.pop sound. Rouse is a fully developed talent, with an age-to-accomplishment ratio that reminds one (even if the music doesn't) of Elvis Costello circa "Armed Forces." May have to wait until Ryan Adams' "Heartbreaker" is released to be able to pry this one off the cd player.

I bought this CD after listening to a few songs at the listening station of a bookstore. I couldn't get the smooth hooky pop out of my head and returned to buy it a few days later. The music has echos of many other artists but at the same time stands as a unique accomplishment. The songs flow with beautiful simplicity, but the rich texture of the music makes every listen a fresh rewarding experience. I'll be listening and hear a trombone for the first time, rewind the song and notice the cello and vibes weaved in. Rouse's earnest vocals bring a gritty reality to the songs and is well-paired with his folksy-yet-lush arrangements. If you like music at the crossroads of pop-folk-country which is extremely listenable but has heart, you should consider this album.