Customer Reviews

Jarreau

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you only own one Al album, then this should probably be it. 'Breakin' Away' is undeniably superb too, but THIS album simply has no low points at all.

There cannot be a finer way to kick off an album than with 'Mornin' - play it in the car on the way to work every morning and your day will be that much better - it's just so uplifting. From there, 'Step by Step' and 'Save Me' are just typical brilliant Jarreau - the tempos vary but Al's voice just dances across the top of the melody and weaves vocal patterns that have to be heard to be believed.

This truly is the album where Jay Graydon's production (which is always described in reviews as 'sympathetic') really complements Al's voice to the full - there are no deep bass or drum sounds, just shallower percussion and light electric pianos to allow Al's voice to create the depth itself. 'Black and Blues' and 'Trouble in Paradise' are the sort of singalong catchy stuff that win Al so many R'n'B awards, but the outstanding moment for me is 'Not Like This' - barely more than 2 minutes long, the emotional depths Al reaches in this song are breathtaking.

Really, this album is special.

In these increasingly cynical times, it does a body good to return to a time when "feel good" music flooded the airwaves. No better perveyor of that principal was Al Jarreau. This 1983 release exudes FUN and is guaranteed to get the listener into a positive frame of mind from the first sunny "'Mornin'" to the last encouraging "Love is Waiting". Along the way Jarreau waxes poignant with "I Will Be Here for You (Nitakungodea Milele)" and "Save Me". Jarreau's co-writing of six of the album's nine songs demonstrates the singer's skills as both song stylist and lyricist. Backed by studio legends Jay Graydon, Jerry Hey and Toto's Jeff and Steve Porcaro, along with other exceptional musicians, the singer "takes wing" and ascends to wonderful heights of jazzy pop.

Jarreau proves that "lightness" can be quite "heavy" when the spirit needs uplifting.

I went into the purchase of this album on the strength of the hit single "Mornin' " and had few, if any, expectations for the rest of it. Though I'm a huge contemporary jazz fan, Al Jarreau's early '80s output, especially pre- "Breaking Away" leaves me cold. Needless to say, when I discovered "Jarreau" is a soildly carfted slice of pop jazz heaven, I was astonished.

Detractors point to the other hit from this album, "Boogie Down," and call the whole album R&B fluff. I wholehartedly disagree, and even if I'm wrong, it's some awesome R&B fluff. Sublime songs like "I Will Be Here for You (Nitakungodea Milele)" and "Step by Step" are rarely attempted these days, and usually don't come out as well as they do here.

This album is hard to find, and isn't for everybody, but if you've read this far, you know you want it. Start your search and be rewarded with excellence.

Why is it taking so long to re-release this beautiful Gem..digitally remastered i will buy it in split seconds..Al Jerreau has so many albums that needs to be remastered and release again for public consumption..iam very frustrated...ITS FINALLY HERE AT LONG LAST BETTER THAN EVER BEFORE...GRAB IT OR FOREVER HOLD THY MOUSE.

"Jarreau" is Al's follow-up to the blockbuster "Breakin'
Away" and true to it's detractors claims it isn't heavy on the
jazz but in funkified uptempo urban R&B like "Boogie Down"
and "Black And Blues" maintain ones interest.It is the leadoff
track "Mornin'" that more or less says it all for this album-a
sprightly collection of urban contemporary music fashioned by
a stylish and talented singer.Most AC artists today STILL don't
quite know how to compete with Al Jarreau because only HE can
do it all at once!

What can I say? I think the review title pretty much sums it up. I bought this album a little over a year ago, and so far I've no regrets. I love all the funky rhythms, the upbeat tunes, and the ability to take a slow love song and kick it up a notch. I still can't resist! I listen to it all the time. It's a must-have for any Al Jarreau fan out there!

This phrase starts a song that is simply beautiful. "I Will Be Here for You" is a wonderful gem speaking on unconditional love. Al Jarreau has a voice that can spark many emotions from listening. Not to mention incredible musicians who accompany him on his projects.

Jarreau is one of my favorite albums. The moods of these tracks range from the exuberance of "Morning" with its famous reference to touching the face of God, to the fun in "Boogie Down" and deep longing in "Not Like This", another powerful ballad.

The remaining songs on this album are as lively as the ones mentioned above. Of course we all have our favorites. Get this and find yours. :o)

Peace. CLB.

If you want to be up lifted, for the day, start the day playing this CD!! It will get your "BOOGIE DOWN". All of AL's very best--just for us!!!--WHAT A TREAT for the ears!! even on the way back, from work!! Enjoy!!! It's an eargazim!!!

I bought this album way back in '82 & played it & Breakin' Away almost everyday for years. As a musician, every time I listen to either of these records takes me back to when I was a kid growing up & listening to my favourite players like Jay, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, Abe Laboriel, David Foster, Victor Feldman, Jerry Hey & BV's by Richard Page & Steve George & the songwriters as well. Jay Graydon's production is timeless, & song choice perfect! Jay in my view is like a tunesmith similar to Quincy Jones. The songs are so so important, & he nailed it on this album.
While surfing on the web one day recently, I came across a song that was left off the album called 'I Keep Calling' & bought it straight away on itunes. Another killer song, & the only reason I can think that it didn't make the initial cut was because it sounds similar in groove to Roof Garden off Breakin' Away. Being the massive Al & Jay fan, I had to buy the new remasters CD of Jarreau with the bonus track, & it sounds great! I totally recommend it!

I bought this, as a cassette and an LP. Burned out the casette, lost the LP. Now it's a MP3 download--AMENNNNNNNNNN!!! This is THE BEST JAZZ ALBUM ON THE PLANET!!! "Mornin'" is a very natural high, stays with you almost all day. I LOVE, "step by step", adds to that high, in fact the whole album is perfect. I LOVED the 80's music, miss it horribly.
And Al Jarreau is the perfect 'rep' for that era. BOOGIE ON DOWN!!!