Customer Reviews

Into the Mystery

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Into The Mystery" feels like David's most hope-full CD to date.
And of course, as with all of his CD's, the songs are beautifully crafted and performed, arrangements and harmonies are
perfect, and his guitar work remains constantly jaw dropping.

A few favorites of mine were; "In This Stream" a classic Wilcox tune with absolutely haunting harmonies, "Radio Men", just a cool laid-back-funk of a tune...coming from only a place that Wilcox or an amazed child knows, "Apple a Day", is as catchy as a big smile with a great message besides. And of course the song "Into the Mystery" has some of the coolest production you've ever heard, wrapped around another great Wilcox composition.

Overall, this CD seems to be less about the frailties and beauty of love and relationship angst (as in much of David's previous work), and more an affirmation of life itself. Interestingly, the word "God" quietly slips in and out of several of these tunes, but does so with such ease that the songs never take on a "preachy" feel.

I've heard it said that the only time we ever learn anything is by embracing the unknown..That whenever you have two choices, to always go for the mystery, because that's the place where you will learn the most about life and your place in it.

If you give these songs a chance, to move into the mystery David is offering, you may just come away remembering a bit more about yourself, the nature of love and why we're all here.

To start off, let me say that the musical craftsmanship on this album is outstanding. In my opinion, Dave has reached back and rediscovered the intricate, strong style he displayed on his first two albums. Backed by excellent musicians (including an almost unmentioned Phil Keaggy on bass) and fine production values, Wilcox's melodies jump out and take hold of the listener.

Lyrically, the album is probably the most spiritual of Dave's work. Many of the songs make allusions or outright references to Dave's continuing journey of faith including the title track, "If It Wasn't for the Night" and "Native Tongue". There are, however, other ideas explored, including the beauty of a child's view of the world on "Radio Man".

I recommend this album without reservation. It is an excellent alternative to much of what passes for music as offered by the mainstream music industry.

David Wilcox's "Into the Mystery" is a stunning collection of joyful and inspiring songs. It equals his most acclaimed earlier work ("How Did You Find Me Here" and "Big Horizon"), and is his most mature work to date. This album is destined to be revered by his existing base of fans and to win him new admirers. Lyrically, the songs are full of rich, deep, metaphors that share a common thread of overcoming adversity and uncertainty, and assurance in the mystery of life. Some of the lyrics are directly inspired by the aftermath of the 9-11 terror attacks. "City of Dreams" uses the imagery of New York City rebuilding from destruction as a metaphor for America. More subtly, In "Rise," a beleaguered loved one is implored to wake from a burdened sleep and move forward. "Blue Horizon," in my opinion the standout song of this collection, absolutely soars. Ric Hordinski's deft production touches are just right for these songs, resulting in a sound that is accessible yet sparse, and also includes subtle touches that give some songs an ethereal alt-rock feel. However, like his best work, David Wilcox's virtuoso open-tuned acoustic guitar work, smooth voice, and multi-layered lyrics are clearly the musical engine that drives this album. In sum, "Into the Mystery" is a triumph, and deserves to be heard.

"Into The Mystery" feels like David's most hope-full CD to date.
And of course, as with all of his CD's, the songs are beautifully crafted and performed, arrangements and harmonies are
perfect, and of course his guitar work remains unassuming but always jaw-dropping.

A few favorites of mine were; "In This Stream" a classic Wilcox tune with absolutely haunting harmonies, "Radio Men", just a cool laid-back-funk of a tune, coming from only a place that Wilcox or an wide-eyed child knows, "Apple a Day", is just a great catchy tune with a great message. And of course the title song, "Into the Mystery" has some of the coolest production you've ever heard, wrapped around another heart-felt Wilcox composition.

Overall, this CD seems to be less about the frailties and beauty of lost love (as in much of David's previous work), and more an affirmation of life itself. Interestingly, the word "God" slips in and out of several of these tunes, but does so with such ease that the songs never take on a "preachy" feel.

I've heard it said that the only time we ever learn anything is by embracing the unknown:That whenever you have two choices, to always go for the mystery, because that's the place where you will learn the most about life and your place in it. If you give these songs a chance...to move, into the mystery David is offering, you may just come away smiling and remembering a bit more about yourself, love and why we're all here.

If it wasn't for the night --
so cold this time of year
The stars would never shine so bright
so beautiful and clear . . .

So starts David Wilcox's most hauntingly beautiful release to date. Filled with spiritual longing and wisdom, this is a beautiful sounding and beautifully written and beautifully performed CD.

The overall tone of this CD is fairly mellow, but the underlying musicianship shows an intricacy that is stunning, especially on repeated listens, which is what you will want to do when you encounter this almost perfect release.

All of the other reviews are dead-on. I could not agree more. I just want to add that this (for lack of a better word) is a very tasty recording. I am longtime fan, and like his other longtime fans, I would like anything from David. But this CD is especially well crafted and inspired. Catchy tunes, and powerful imagery.This is a must for any Wilcox fan and a good one for first time listeners.

This is a classic David Wilcox album...all of this music comes from his heart, from a deeper place than even some of his previous deep music. As usual, his playing is great (Phil Keaggy plays bass on some of the pieces...is that cool or what?!) But it's always his lyrics that keep me coming back for more. Plus he signed my head when I was bald, so how could I not adore him?!

This is not David's best album. I am a HUGE fan of the man. The lyric's are better than in his last couple of albums, however the music is well below David's previous standards. Ric Hordinski does a fairly good job with the cool/innovative guitar sounds and arranging, but as on past recordings the sound production is thin and lacking. If you are a Dave fan (especially because of his lyrics) then it's probably ok to buy this album. If you are new to Dave then buy either Big Horizons or How Did You Find Me Here.

I simply cannot craft the words to describe Wilcox's latest release, but here are a few that come to mind:

Introspective, powerful, cleansing, hopeful, rich, fresh, essential.

Buy it. You will not be disappointed.

If you are a die hard DW fan, you will know what I mean when I say that he has gotten away from the brilliance that he had with the first few works. Airstream has gotten back to his roots. I only like a couple of songs from this one. Buy used.