Customer Reviews

Just Say the Word

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In the wake of John Mayer, there seems to be a sudden increase in young and talented singer/songwriters. If you ask me, there ain't nothing wrong with that. I've spent years bitching and moaning about how the art of songwriting has vanished from the pop charts, so I'm thrilled to see a new wave of Young Turks stepping up to the plate for a chance to bang one over the wall. Most of the male singer/songwriters I've reviewed this year have the chops but are lacking in vitality, or broad-based commercial appeal. They swing for the fences and miss, but I think that Kelley connected. In actuality, Josh Kelley has been around just about as long as Mayer, but he's been flying below the radar, hoping that things would eventually pick up. "Just Say the Word" is the record that should do the trick for him.
Kelley writes, produces, and plays most of the instruments on "Just Say the Word," but the album breathes comfortably, suffering none of the claustrophobic connotations that often comes from working alone. "Pop Game" is a wry observation of our pop culture, noting how every one of us is partially responsible for its impetus, shaking our heads at its insipid nature while simultaneously wishing we were part of it. It's the first single from the album, and ought to be a hit, but if it misses, the album's title track could do the trick just as easily. There's a generous handful of commercial possibilities here, but "Just Say the Word" is that rare album where you feel compelled to listen beyond the hits. The best songs are those that aren't aimed squarely at a marketable niche. "Cain and Able" (sic) is an acoustic beauty that retells the Old Testament story with an insightful spin, while "How the Story Goes" has a soulful lope and falsetto-tinged vocal that suggests seventies icons Curtis Mayfield or Donny Hathaway. "Beautiful Goodbye" is another keeper that subtly highlights Kelley's production skills and intelligent choice of instrumentation. Since the mid-seventies, singer/songwriters have been a mainstay of popular culture. From Jackson Browne to Marc Cohen to Jeff Buckley, they relied on tried and true techniques while providing a unique perspective. If you're looking for something new, with an appeal that is both familiar and virtually instantaneous, pick this up. B+ Tom Ryan

Josh Kelly is one of those singers that makes you sit back and smile. I'm sure he sings in the shower, while stuck in traffic, and while making a PBJ. It just seems to pour out of him. His music is lovely to listen to and each song offers a different kind of melody and flavor, allowing the listener to enjoy the entire album, rather than just a few tracks. "Just Say the Word" and "Almost Honest" are my two favorite JK albums. If you love a good melody and a great voice, you are sure to love Josh Kelley.

All of Joshes cds are a must have. JUST SAY THE WORD is a little more mature cd then his others (FOR THE RIDE HOME & ALMOST HONEST). It is amazing to see how much his talent has grown since his first cd. JUST SAY THE WORD is a great cd for kids and adults & of course a good cd for the car ride!!

The new album from Josh Kelley is an adventure of music. It feels like colour in your life and has the power to create a fantastic temper. The lyrics are great and it really makes fun to listen to it. However if you liked his last album "Almost Honest" you will love his new one as well because the mood it tells is even happier. It's a great new album and I just have to say the word: amazing!

I thought Josh Kelley's first album was fantastic, but Just Say the Word is even better. I have loved listening to it in my car and I can even run to it. Definitely, 5 stars. You have to go see him live when you have the chance. A great performer/entertainer as well.

You can really see the growth in Josh's music on this, his third album. His first showed the excitement and promise of his talent, the second expanded on his lyricism, and this album, 'Just Say The Word', brings it all together in a very intriguing and entertaining way. There are a lot of singer-songwriters out there, and many are very good. Josh is in a class almost by himself, as his composition, his lyrics and his musicality are all excellent, and are presented with a beautiful voice, capable of conveying every emotion. Any CD that will take you places where you smile AND places where you feel like crying is an excellent CD to own. Had there been a couple more cuts on the CD, I would have given 5 Stars, as I kept wanting MORE!! Highly recommended.

I didn't realize this cd was available until I stumbled across the "Pop Game" video on YouTube. So, I found the cd listed on Amazon and ordered it. Josh Kelley doesn't disappoint.

It is so wonderful I get lost in the lyrics. Love it and cannot listen to it enough!

You can tell he's got a woman with this album. He's even better in person and has more soul than you can fathom coming out of a petite little guy. I strongly recommend this album to anyone who has taste in good music.