Customer Reviews

I Was Born to Love You

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

It's a shame that we've had to wait so long for a new Eric Carmen release, but this one was definitely worth the wait!

I bought this CD without hearing any of the songs on it beforehand. I've been a fan for more years than I care to admit, but this album is Eric at his best. The title track, "I Was Born to Love You" and "Someone That You Loved Before" have the kind of music and lyrics that we've come to know and love by Eric. And his voice is as smooth as ever. The melodies are moving, whether you're listening to the ballads or catchy little numbers like "Top Down Summer." Even the remake of "Walk Away Renee" sounds fresh and current. If you're a Raspberries fan, this album might be a little too mellow for you, but if you're looking for a great collection of fun tunes and romantic songs, this album is for you. Enjoy this one with someone you love!

...why does Eric continue to squander his still-intact vocal chops on mostly innocuous AC-with-a-beat? And why did he feel the need, after 16 years, to cover his hit ballad composition for Mike Reno and Ann Wilson, "Almost Paradise," as well as the more-recent duet of his "I Wanna Take Forever Tonight" by Peter Cetera & Crystal Bernard?

On the other hand, he also tosses off wonderful ersatz Beach Boys stuff like "Top Down Summer," a note-perfect version of the classic "Walk Away Renee" (in which Eric absolutely nails the airy, almost-ethereal harmonies on the chorus, unlike any other cover I've ever heard of the old Left Banke hit) and crisp, confident pop like "Cartoon World," an unexpected songwriting collaboration with John Wesley Harding. There's also the bouncy pop-rocker "I Could Really Love You," with acoustic and electric guitar parts by ex-Raspberry Wally Bryson; it ain't the 'berries, but it ain't bad.

What I don't get is how a guy with the songwriting chops to pen eleven Top 40 hits for himself and the Raspberries (and a few more for other artists), the ability to play pretty much all the instruments, obvious skill as an arranger and producer, and a great pop tenor--range seemingly unimpaired by time--could go a decade-and a-half between albums. I hadn't even heard a rumor of new material since the late '80s, when he was supposedly working with Jimmy Ienner to follow-up the 1988 hit "Make Me Lose Control" with an album for Arista. Since then, nada.

For me, then, the buying decision on I WAS BORN TO LOVE YOU would be pretty simple: there are enough standout tracks to outweigh the filler, and it's been a 16-year wait since his last album of new recordings. Don't wait any longer.

It seems hard to believe I've been listening to music by Eric Carmen for nearly 30 years, but as I look back over the vinyl and CDs I realize its true. Thus, it was with great pleasure when I read that he was releasing a new album. Eric has always been a wonderful songwriter, crafting melodies that are impossible to forget and singing with deep soulfulness. These are gifts very few writers/performers are blessed with.

It is with great delight that I report that all of Eric Carmen's gifts are on display on his new album, "I Was Born To Love You". The titular track and "Someone That You Loved before" possess melodies that have you humming and singing along immediately and they should, to borrow a phrase from one of my favorite Eric Carmen songs, help him to "get back the bullet". These songs have hit written all over them. The other eight tunes are a joy, including an inspired cover of Left Bank's "Walk Away, Renee" a song that could have been written with Eric in mind! Of equal delight is Eric's voice. The years have taken his soulful voice and given it a new depth that caresses the lyrics and lends them wisdom and passion.

McCartney, Lennon, Brian Wilson. Idols of Eric Carmen's in the songwriting field. He can take his place alongside them as an gifted composer of some of the most durable songs in pop music. And "I Was Born To Love You" simply adds more to his catalogue of hits. Its been 12 years since his last album. Don't make us wait that long again, Eric. There's not enough great music like this around.

The wait is over! Eric's new CD is filled with the kind of music that suits him best. His ballads (like the title track) are incredible. His cover of 'Walk Away Renee' is a definite winner! On his Beatlesque "I Could Really Love You" he teams up with his former Raspberries partner, Wally Bryson, and man do they sound great. This CD has it all. Pop, love songs, classics, covers, and Eric's great voice. Yes, it's been worth the wait!

Eric Carmen's consistently brilliant songwriting talents are very evident on this album. The arrangements are moving and mixed so that something is always catching your ear. "Walk Away Renee" should definitely break into the hot play lists, as well as "I was Born to Love You". I expect to hear it at every prom, wedding, and celebration! "Cartoon World" speaks perfectly to today's media-crazed consumers. Eric's vocals still touch all those heartstrings. "Top Down Summer" is an instant spirit lifter - if you're listening to this song in the car, watch your speed! "Isn't It Romantic" or "I wanna Take Forever Tonight" are the songs to play to seduce your significant other. There is something for everyone on this must-have.Don't make us wait so long for the next CD, Eric!

This album took a long time to reach the U.S. It was out in Japan several years ago. It is a very good Eric Carmen album though it does keep itself on the mellow side. Eric has always been a master of the power ballad ever since his Raspberries days.(Don't Wanna Say Goodbye, I Can Remember, Starting Over etc.) What I find missing here are the usually included rockers that are also a powerful part of his repertoire. Remember that this is the guy who wrote "Make Me Lose Control" and "I Wanna Hear It From Your Lips" not to mention Raspberries songs like "Go All The Way", "Overnight Sensation" and my choice for the most overlooked single of all time "Tonight".
Still this CD has some really good songs. Eric finally releases the song he wrote in 80's "Almost Paradise" that was a big hit for Ann Wilson (Heart)and Mike Reno (Loverboy). It also has the best cover ever of the Left Bank's "Walk Away Renee".(The Left Bank is one of Eric's biggest early influences.) This song alone makes this CD worth buying. The production is state of the art big fat and gorgeous.

Strange how artists tend to conform their musical styles to the current mainstream. Not this guy!! This CD is extremely enjoyable to listen to, much in the mindframe of 'Boats Against the Current'. In fact it wasn't until completion of my first listen that I realized there was no real rockers-and ya know? I DIDN'T CARE! Isn't it odd that his most best work is in odes to lost love and heart wrenching ballads? You need to listen to the snippets offered in this listing and you will see that this is one title that has a place in your collection!

if you have a heart you will love this cd , if your a music lover as well you will love this cd. song for song this is a master piece and thats why i call him the mozart of pop music . this is just that good and i play it once a week .this is music at its best and right now we need some great music back in our life's and back on the scene.

outstanding ballads and arrangements ,sets your mood, perfect cd to fall in love again, highly recommended.

If you need a new song to sit and gaze longingly into that special person's eyes, Eric Carmen's new song "I Was Born to Love You" is that song! It is so incredibly romantic and pretty. I think it will be The song played at weddings in the near future! Eric sounds as fabulous as he did in the 70's and 80's. This cd will bring a little bit of love into your heart!