Customer Reviews

It's Only Time (W/Dvd)

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

First of all, let it be known right off the bat that this review is being written by a 30-something-year-old man who loves music, but still thinks "Drake & Josh" is a decently amusing and somewhat entertaining program. I bought Drake Bell's first album, the independent release "Telegraph", out of curiosity, when I found out that he was an aspiring musician. I was quite impressed that a teenage heartthrob could actually compose songs, play instruments and sing so well.

I am even more enchanted with this album, and I've only just moments ago finished listening to it for the first time. Every song is a gem, with Bell's crisp yet supple vocals aurally dancing right along with the endlessly catchy melodies. The overriding sound is definitely contemporary pop-rock, but there are overtones of vaguely Tin-Pan-Alley-inspired '60s and '70s pop whimsy -- reminiscent of The Mamas & The Papas and, to a lesser degree, Herman's Hermits and the Beatles -- that often decorate the songs.

I'd love to know how much input Bell himself had in the overall sound of the resulting album; if he was the chief contributor to it, then his potential as a recording artist is tremendous. As expected with a major-label release, this album has probably been polished and "radio-friendlied-up" for the masses, but that doesn't stop me from thoroughly loving it! The only disappointment is the CD's running time: just 35 minutes. It does, however, come with a DVD (which I haven't watched yet) and has a very attractive price tag.

So, if you don't like to be immediately consumed with catchy tunes in your head and a big bounce in your step, then you might as well stay away from this CD. On the other hand, if you want to get an early glimpse of a serious musical talent, you should pick up this CD ... your ears will thank you.

I don't know how old this guy is, but his musical maturity is no-doubt far beyond his years. Drake's music sounds a whole lot like the band, Jellyfish from the 90s...although a bit poppier. Great music, good singing....good lyrics...good stuff.

Put any of today's pop stars' discs into your CD player and you'll notice that most of them sound exactly alike. There are few exceptions in the cluttered, cookie-cutter, plastic pop world of today. Even the supposed "punk" bands sound manufactured. One exception to the rule comes from the least expected place: Nickelodeon. "Drake and Josh" star Drake Bell's "It's Only Time" is his second foray into mainstream music. I haven't heard "Telegraph," Bell's first album. "It's Only Time" is pure pop fun. It's full of infectious hooks, fun chorus lines, and seemingly easy to digest lyrics. However, look beyond this surface of polish and sheen, and you'll find that Bell is a tad bit deeper than his strategically groomed contemporaries. For one, he can actually play musical instruments. Secondly, he knows his influences well and acknowledges them in style and musical delivery. Others have referenced the Beatles during their "Yellow Submarine" days and rightfully so. However, I think that Bell's sound is more of a mix of two heavily Beatles-influenced groups: Crowded House and Christian rockers, PFR. "Rusted Silhouette" and "Makes Me Happy" scream of Crowded House. PFR comes through the most on songs like "I Know" and "Do What You Want." I can also hear a tad bit of Squirrel Nut Zippers influence in the ragtime closer, "End It Good."

There's a DVD that comes with this particular album. It features two guitar lessons in which Bell teaches viewers how to play and sing "Found A Way," the theme song from "Drake And Josh." Teeny-boppers will eat up the outtakes from the album photoshoot and the "I Know" video. There's also an enjoyable acoustic performance of Bell. Overall, the DVD is a fun companion piece to the album, but the meat of this project is on the album itself.

For your information, I'm a thirty-year-old male with a five-year-old daughter who absolutely loves "Drake and Josh." I must say that I enjoy it myself since it is one of the few shows that I can actually watch with my daughter and not worry much about what's on the screen. Some here have stated that the songs on this album are to "steamy" or "racy" for young ears. Firstly, this is not a "Drake and Josh" album. It's a Drake Bell project. Secondly, only one song, the supposedly sex-tinged tune, "Up Periscope," has any questionable lyrics for youngsters at all. In fact, if a parent doesn't go out of their way to point out the lyrics in question, most kids will probably not even notice them since the music is so catchy and fun. Parents who worry over this one song will find it hard to purchase ANY albums from today's pop stars for their children. Give Bell a break. He's one of the safest popsters out there AND he happens to be one of the most talented in the bunch. Skip the song if it bothers you that much, but don't give the entire album a poor review for one song that offends you in some way.

Good job, Drake Bell. I look forward to your next album. Highly recommended.

Don't mistake this for another album mindlessly churned out by a Disney/Nickelodeon star. Though Drake does have a show on Nick, that's the only similarity. He's a talented songwriter, singer and musician and it shows on this album. The songs have an upbeat, distinctly 60's feel to them. A very impressive album for this young star.

Very 60's type music. Love it. Great performer, look forward to many years of his music!

Drake Bell is back with the follow-up to last year's mostly darker and serious themed album "Telegraph" with the more upbeat and lively
"It's Only Time" (Universal Motown).

The album proves a couple of points. It is all about quality not quantity, so don't let the about thirty five minute run time sway you from buying a real class album. This is not an ego-driven overblown
self-important opus.

This album also harkens back to the optimistic days of early Beatlemania with twinges other of 'days gone by goodness' for you to enjoy. When music was meant to make you happy and make you forget your problems.

Bell is a vintage soul, and like I said in my review of "Telegraph", who appreciates the music stylings that have come before him. People who are prone to categorize him in the standard
teen idol mold are doing a disservice.

Maybe that unfair "teen idol" label that is stuck on Bell,
will be gone by the time he releases his third album.

One of the many great things about "It's Only Time" is the positive message contained within. After a month since the release
it's still just as fresh as ever.

It is very disappointing that there are few people in this world that cannot accept encouraging messages in their music and criticize Bell for daring to create a joyful album.

Bell survived a near-fatal car accident last year and he wants to share his affirmative message with the world. As Bell sings in
"Makes Me Happy", "save the rainy days for another time."
Which is a wonderful musical statement to make in this sometimes
self-indulgent world.

Bell should not be classified as a celebrity, but rather a serious musician who has something valid to say.

Stand-out tracks include, "Up Periscope", "Fool the World" (where Backhouse Mike gets to shine in the spotlight alongside Bell), and the four song suite inspired by the second side of The Beatles "Abbey Road".

The tracks seamlessly blend into one another and mention each other throughout. It is ushered in by "Fallen For You" (with its solid references to Buddy Holly, Bettie Page, and Marilyn Monroe)
"Rusted Silhouette" (the best part of the four), "Break Me Down" (any person under twenty-five who can reference 78" records let alone 45's should give people an indication of Bell's passion for true music), and the delightful throwback to the
Depression Era the declaration of "End It Good" with vocalist
Claudia Vossanine.

The limited edition version of "It's Only Time" also comes with a DVD.
Filmed by Nickelodeon Drake performs the theme song of "Drake & Josh", "Found a Way", and gives the viewer a guitar lesson on how to play it. There are outtakes from a photo shoot, an acoustic version of "Somehow" from the "Telegraph" album, and the video from the first single, "I Know".

After one listen you will think more of Drake Bell then just the teen star of "Drake & Josh".

This album is written in parts by Bell, Backhouse Mike,
and C.J. Abraham.

I give it five stars.

This is a great CD to buy, it's very upbeat with positive lyrics. The first song may have a line like this "....I sneak a peek to see what you were wearing last night, or what was left over from ripping off your clothes...." but that's the only song with content like that. The rest have lyrics like "So do what you want to do, be what you want to be". Not only are the lyrics upbeat, but the music behind them is feel-good and sounds very unique. Another great thing about this CD, is that anyone can enjoy it! I'm in my late teens, and I love the sound of this CD, but what's even better, is my mom likes it too, how cool is that? What I also love about this CD, and find admirable about Drake Bell and his band, is that they have written all the music themselves! They don't just get out there and bring it when they sing, letting others write the lyrics...no! They write it all! Folks, it doesn't get better than this, please support this talented man, and buy his new CD!

Just received this CD and I have to say it is the only one that I listen to over and over. It has such a great mix of sounds, and it isn't like every other song you hear nowadays, and Drake Bell can sing! There are too many artists out there that can't sing. Drake can do it all, he is very talented! I highly recommend this CD for both young and old!

This album is a refreshing throwback to the kind of freely creative musical roots that are lost on most artists of Drake's generation. His lyrics have a fearless fluidity that dare you to keep up as he defies all modern convention.
Drake may be a young artist, but he has a very mature musical soul with an entrancing voice and much to say. I look forward to future albums and would recommend this one to anyone with good taste, respect for the classics and an open mind.

Our family just purchased this CD/DVD yesterday and I've listened to it all the way through about 5 times! I love it more and more each time. The kids are at school and my husband and I are listening to it right now. We own the Telegraph CD and we have really enjoyed that CD as well. It's Only Time shows how Drake's musical talent is really developing at a great pace! This CD is fantastic! Naturally, as fans of Drake and Josh, my kids also enjoy Drake's music. We've even seen him perform live. Anyway, they started their morning by singing and dancing in the kitchen to Drake's new songs! My 9-yr-old asked if she can share the CD with her class next week for "Music Monday". Of course, I said, "Sure!"