Music Is Better Than Words

Seth MacFarlane | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 27, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Universal Republic
• ASIN: B004T5IW2K
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (151 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,261 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #27 in Music > Miscellaneous > Radio Shows
  • #61 in Music > Miscellaneous > Comedy > General AAS
  • #63 in Music > Miscellaneous > Comedy > General

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Seth MacFarlane is the creative force behind "Family Guy," "American Dad!" and "The Cleveland Show." "Family Guy" has garnered four Emmys and seven Emmy nominations, including one in the Outstanding Comedy Series category. MacFarlane is in pre-production on his directorial feature film debut, TED, which he co-wrote with "Family Guy" writers Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild.

Product Description

2011 album from the creative force behind Family Guy, American Dad! and The Cleveland Show. Music Is Better Than Words is a crisp sounding orchestral/big band record that features MacFarlane singing some of the hidden musical gems of the `40s and `5os. Introducing this rich sound and classic integrity to a new audience, the album features duets with beloved artists Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles, and was arranged, conducted, and produced by accomplished film and television composer Joel McNeely. McFarlane's voice has been celebrated for it's perfect phrasing, richness, and consistency. He is an experienced live performer, having played to sold out audiences at London's Royal Albert Hall and New York's Carnegie Hall.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Rich warm vocals, crisp orchestrations, more than a little attitude--a real winner September 28, 2011

By Storylover TOP 50 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

I'm not really familiar with MacFarlane's biggest claims to fame--I don't really watch Family Guy, although I have seen a few episodes. I'm not even certain what made me pop this CD in the player--but boy am I glad that I did! I love big band music, love the rat pack, love the 40's and 50's style of music. This CD is a wonderful homage to that era; the orchestra is crisp, exciting with drenchingly melodic strings, playful flutes, and an elegant tempo throughout. But the real winner is Seth's voice! It is warm, warm, warm--like a wonderful thick robe you put on while sitting by the fire. His tone recalls Sinatra without being overly derivative, and his technique is marvellous--vibrato right on key. Melody is king here, beautiful melodies, wonderfully sung. This album has instantly earned itself a place next to some of my favorite big band/crooner albums, and will fit alongside them without irony. A delight, really a delight, and I am sitting here with a giant smile on my face listening to this record. Pick it up if you love Sinatra, Dino, and the guys, and give it a spin. Groovy.

29 of 35 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars This Is No Angry Chicken, or Monkey In A Closet, but... September 28, 2011

By Kenneth

Format:MP3 Music

Easily the finest album of pop standards ever recorded by a cartoon dog, Seth MacFarlane's swinging tribute to the "golden age" of pop albums is astonishingly enjoyable. Joel McNeely's sprightly, overblown arrangements fit the creator of TV's "Family Guy" like a splendidly tailored suit. MacFarlane's full and warm baritone makes this collection far more essential than just some run-of-the-mill celebrity vanity project (yes, Mr. Laurie, I'm talking about you).

If you have a fondness for the great pop LP's of the mid-to-late 1950's (Sinatra, Como, Bennett, even Jackie Gleason's collections), this will make you very happy - and not in any post-modern ironic way. MacFarlane MEANS this stuff! After using the great Broadway and American songbooks as fodder for his tasteless - but hugely funny - animated empire, MacFarlane's sincere respect for the material and the era is obvious and very vivid on this disc/slab of MP3's.

Later this winter, you can even play this while sitting next to the fire with a brandy - the way Seth obviously meant you to hear it.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars very nice September 27, 2011

By Brandon M. Lyon

Format:MP3 Music

It's great to see someone with a good voice keeping this style of music alive. It's actually a good album with unique works.

edit: PS: You should really read the booklet. It amazes me the great lengths they took to make this sound like the olden days while recording this.