Customer Reviews

I Know I've Been Changed

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"I Know I've Been Changed" is Aaron's 3rd gospel album, following "Devotion" (2000) and "Believe" (2003).
It is very different from the 2 previous, however, as it is very much a natural recording, with lots of blues
and early gospel influences. Allen Toussaint is featured on many tracks with his trademark piano artistry.

Aaron performs songs originated by the Staple Singers, Sam Cooke, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Big Bill Broonzy,
Odetta, Dorothy Love Coates and more - a very deep and personal spiritual set of songs.

Aaron's home in New Orleans was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005,
and his wife of 47 years died of cancer in January of 2007.
This new recording seems to be peaceful, joyful, and maybe a little weary
in it's celebration of salvation and final reward.
There's a message of living for God and also longing for a time when there will be "trouble no more".
On the album cover, Aaron quotes St. Augustine: "He who sings, prays twice."
That is an obvious truth when the one and only Aaron Neville sings as he does here.

Excellent liner notes by Monica A. Coates, and album production by Joe Henry.
(The liner notes say there is a bonus track of "Touched By The Hem Of His Garment",
but the song is not the disc I purchased.)

a little history:
After his debut album in 1966 "Tell It Like It Is", Aaron didn't make another full album
until 1991. He recorded and released many singles in the 60's and 70's,
and then started an eventually successful career with The Neville Brothers in 1978.
His hit duets with Linda Ronstadt in 1989 prompted the making of "Warm Your Heart" in 1991,
which was followed by more outstanding pop/R&B albums: "The Grand Tour" (1993),
"The Tatooed Heart" (1995), and "To Make Me Who I Am" (1997). The 2 gospel albums
followed, in 2000 and 2003, and then Aaron made 2 outstanding covers albums:
"Nature Boy" (2003) and "Bring It On Home" (2006). Along the way there were also
2 Christmas albums: "Soulful Christmas" (1993) and "Christmas Prayer" (2005).
I've seen Aaron Neville live on several occasions since 1993, both solo and with the Neville Brothers,
and it is an amazing experience - musical and emotional heaven in many styles from pop to reggae to soul and gospel.
His is an incredible legacy of musical artistry, with hopefully more to come.

This record is top notch. Easily the best Aaron has done in a great long while. And while all of Brother Aaron's work is great, this is definitive. No strings, no huge group backing him just a small group who really knows how to frame a song around that beautiful voice. From start to finish there isn't a weak point on this record, and every track is a highlight. This record Aaron really shines singing a batch of songs that fit him perfectly. This is a must for any Neville fan, and a must check out for any fan of good music. Oh and Allen Toussaint is is an added bonus. Joe Henry has done another splendid job at bringing one of the most beloved, talented wonders of the music industry back to an all time height. I hope this record will bring Aaron to a whole new audience. And hopefully we won't have to wait long for a follow up.

Thank-you Aaron for this beautiful collection of songs. Aaron Neville"s breathtaking voice is so soothing and calming. He makes you feel so close to that peaceful valley walking right along Jesus.

Blessed with arguable the most gifted voice ever, I've often been on a fence with Aaron Neville, who at times I thought oversang. The vocal gymnastics so prevalent today in R&B is more show-off technique than what it reveals from the soul. I think Neville must have influenced this (?). However, this album is simply angelic in it's immediacy, in everything from Neville's precision and subtlety--to Joe Henry's carefully clear production. Echoing some of gospel's greats, Neville channels his best Pops Staples. Henry has the ability to capture a vocalist with the utmost intimacy (see the album: "Meeting on Mission Street"). "You've Got to Move," comes across as a matter of fact and not pleading as in other versions, thanks to the great New Orleans pianist, Allen Toussaint, who provides at times, a lovely accompaniment, and at least stamps his foundation throughout (note: Toussant's "The Bright Mississippi" is a must). "Meetin' at the Building," one can envision Neville alone with hand claps along with the spare sounds of upright bass and acoustic guitar. He's never sounded better and his pliant voice has somehow maintained it's lightness.

..... has the looks of a ghetto survivor .... but has a voice like a beautiful song bird... You need to see him in concert.

This is yet another opportunity to appreciate the uniqueness of Aaron Neville's voice in some soulful, worshipful music!

Aaron Neville has a beautiful voice.. no doubt about it, and this CD really showcases it. You hear a lot of Blues influences as well as early gospel, Aaron goes back to his roots in this one. This is one of those CD's you put in the CD player, close your eyes and let his voice wash over you while you feel the peace. Listening to this makes me think I could use some change as well

Ive loved him since he started singing. He comes from my home state.
He has a haunting angellic voice, you will want to hear over and over again.

This is the first recording Aaron has done for a while. He had to deal with Hurricane Katrina and then the loss of his wife. These songs speak of faith that sustains you during troubled times. When I put this in my player, I listened over and over before I took it out. This is vintage Aaron Neville. The recording is a "stripped down" sound, but that does not diminish its' power. In fact, in this setting it enhances the message and the beauty of Aaron Neville's voice. Get this!

I have listened to the Aaron Neville album, I Know I've Been Changed," many times. I think it is extraordinary singing,
and it crosses gospel and other music lines in intriguing ways.