Customer Reviews

Love Doesn't Ask

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

John Hall's emotional and poetic depth are exhibited in this great album. The lyrics, some written in cooperation with others, don't have the young and hopeful flavor of his Orleans tunes but still have a deep social focus, as well as a more poignant snapshot of the nature of relationships. His distinctive strat guitar shines out, and the supporting musicians, including Robbie Dupree, Rick Danko, John Sebastian, to name but a few, are world class. There's a wide spectrum of styles here: bluesy funk ("Only Got Today", "Can't Take it With You") sweet ballads ("Home", "Circle") and some sharp, somewhat cutting, pictures about pain in love ("I'll Do My Days", "Litany", "Moving Target"). There's a tribute to a child who had only a short time to share his love ("October Child"). Buy this CD, you'll play it over and over.

"Love Doesn't Ask" has it all! Powerful, poetic lyrics, music that will echo in your mind, and John Hall's unbeatable guitar playing, with brilliant backup. John Hall's latest CD has "Quiet Place," provocative Christmas music; "Home," a sure hit for all age groups; "Calcutta," with haunting words and compelling rhythm. "Can't Take it with You," "Circle," "Only Got Today," and "Love Doesn't Ask" are all wise and beautiful. "Usurper," "Litany," "Moving Target," "Don't Go There," and "I'll Do My Days" are bittersweet blues. "October Child" is a love song of a different kind. What a rare and authentic expression of deep feelings in original music, lyrics, and artistry - John Hall's gift to all!

John has expanded from his 'Orlean's' days! New music with his familiar guitar - this definately is the guy that wrote 'Dance with Me' and 'You're Still the One."

Emotionally textured music explores many types of relationships, some of interpersonal - 'Usurper,''Home' and 'Circle' and some more in his traditon of "Power." Hall isn't afraid to address political issues and doesn't walk away from tough ones - like the death of a Child.

(October Child is in memory of Kyle Leach and a portion of royalties are donated to Child Cancer Program.)

The depth of the lyrics and poetry of the music keep this album close at hand for me - both to read the lyrics and to listen to the music!

This CD has stayed in my player for continual replay since I got it,and I keep the notes handy to check out the words. I haven't gotten such a mental workout from an album since the days when I had to keep studying the inserts from the Beatles' albums to figure out what their songs were really saying. These lyrics are very personal and honest, and the feeling of the music matches the lyrics perfectly! John has always had those great guitar passages, but now the words are at the same level as the instrumental part of his work.

This is a GREAT CD!!

John Hall's great songwriting is behind hits by Janis Joplin ("Half Moon"), Bonnie Raitt ("Good Enough"), Linda Ronstadt ("Give One Heart"), Chet Atkins, Steve Wariner ("You Can Dream of Me"), Chaka Khan, and of course John's band Orleans ("Still The One" and "Dance With Me").

His guitar solos have been featured on albums by Jackson Browne, Little Feat, Taj Mahal and others.

This album shows John Hall is still at the top of his profession. Guest appearances by Rick Danko, Robbie Dupree, Garth Hudson and John Sebastian (among others) help put this one over the top.

This wonderful collection of great songs has my vote as one of the top albums of 1999.

I'm a fan of John Hall from his Orleans days. I also love his out-of-print 1979 solo album, 'Power', and hope it gets re-released some day (on CD). 'Power' got virtually no air play, and I'm afraid 'Love Doesn't Ask' faces the same unfair fate. Not that it isn't catchy. In fact, it grows on you with each listening. If you like Jackson Browne or James Taylor, you'll like John Hall. Buy 'Love Doesn't Ask' to get yourself a great album, while encouraging John to keep putting out his finely crafted songs.

A celebration of life in music and the music of life ... insightful, passionate and inspirational... for the head, the heart and the soul... borne by agricultural implements, played with musical instruments.

A celebration of life in music and the music of life ... insightful, passionate and inspirational... for the head, the heart and the soul... borne by agricultural implements, played with musical instruments.