Customer Reviews

Nashville

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I must start by saying that these songs are likely to draw a smile on Rouse's faithful fans. Particularly, for those who have rejoiced on the Pop paths this man has traveled on Under Cold Blue Stars and, even more, on 1972.
Even for those people, like me, who remain moved by his darker, beautiful Americana debut -Dressed Like Nebraska- this album will have plenty to touch you with.
Don't get confused by the title either, although there are some Country hues -mainly the tasteful work of guest Al Perkins' slide guitar- the predominant sound is gorgeous Pop. This album is a tribute to this man's beloved city -perhaps a farewell song, having recently relocated in Spain.
Think of a journal of sorts of what someone lived and is now leaving behind, from which songs like "Streetlights," "Saturday," "My Love Has Gone or "Sad Eyes" are remarkable entries.
This is further proof of the depth and width of Rouse's great songwriting, a body of work that -at least on my book- deserves much more recognition that it has garnered.
Overall, Nashville exudes what a writer appropriately called Rouse's "sunny romanticism." A certain soft mood, the feeling that life is going OK, that things may turn out for the long haul. Yet, where "sunny" may not mean too bright, and "soft" does equate to harmless or easy. In other words, you can have a sweet voice and know how to sing of bitterness. And Rouse has certainly lived through his share of setbacks and anguished moments.
This album is glorious proof that you may choose to keep your heart open not due to being naive but because closing will more painful. You may realize -to paraphrase Oscar Wilde- that hearts are meant to be broken, that the real tragedy begins when they turn to stone.
This is music bound to keep your heart permeable to life and, in some lucky cases, even more receptive to hope.

Listen to this CD and then try to explain why "It's the Nighttime" isn't plastered on radios across this land. In fact, I think it should be nominated for our new national anthem.

Brilliant songwriting here from top to bottom. "Sad Eyes" in the eighth track is a gem most artists would put at 1 or 2, but not Josh Rouse...this pop masterpiece almost gets smothered by the quality of the rest of the songs, but it pierces through if only to punctuate the strength of the entire collection.

This is a beautiful gift of tight, dreamy pop that begs for a vinyl release (I can't imagine the depth this would acquire through an analog listening).

Please purchase and enjoy in moderation...addiction is a very possible outcome.

I loved Rouse's last album 1972, and this album only continues the awesome grooves that made that such a good album. In fact, this album is most likely Rouse's best work to day, and that's saying quite a lot, since he has made such strong albums. Highly recommended, along with 1972.

This has to be the most well put together cd I have ever listen too. Josh Rouse is nothing short of a genius. His lyrics speak to people of all ages. And his smooth vocal abilities float right along with this wonderful cd. I love how 5 albums in to his career Rouse still has it. Also how he has incorperated a twangy country-esqe guitar into his sound without becoming country. "Nashville" is certainly a musical jem and should be listened to by everyone. If you have a chance to pick it up I wish you would because it is absolutly wonderful and you won't regret buying it.

Josh Rouse is a model of songwriting consistency. From 1998's 'Dressed Up Like Nebraska' through to his last album '1972' he quietly keeps on crafting exquisite music, with each successive album adding a new twist or dimension to his sound. No surprises then he again has created something quite special with 'Nashville'

Like Rouse's previous albums, 'Nashville' is unmistakably influenced by the finest pop, rock, soul and country that his favourite decade - the 1970's, had to offer.

Put simply, this is catchy, endlessly melodic and memorable pop/rock all shot through with bittersweet feelings of lust, loss, regret and yearning. 'Middle School Frown' could challenge anything in the Simon & Garfunkel songbook, likewise 'My Love Has Gone' for Jackson Browne's.

In fact, tracks 1 through 8 are all superb, with the last two songs ' Why Won't You Tell Me..' and 'Life' being merely good. You almost feel that Josh Rouse decided to tack these last two on the end of the album because he's not ready this soon in his career to make the perfect record. Perfection remains in his future, for now I'll settle for brilliance.

First of all, I never had doubts that this album would be bad. In fact, it picks up right where 1972 ends, into another zone of great music.
The album opens up with "It's the Nighttime" which is an awesome song to start the album. Its very catchy, and it even has a little country to it. "My Love Has Gone" has a very awesome feel to it, and it reminds me of Fleetwood Mac....mainly because of the guitar rhythms. Its just awesome.

I would have to agree that "Sad Eyes" is awesome. It starts with an awesome piano part, and ends with a catchy fast melody. The last song ends with "Life", which is very soothing.

"Why Won't You tell me what" is Rouse's "Comeback" on this album. Its very rock/jazz from the 60's. Its just upbeat and makes you want to dance.

If you want acoustic, electric, piano, and even music with harmonica: GET THIS ALBUM. If you haven't heard of this guy, you REALLY need to get his albums!!!

What a simplistic stunner of an album...
This man has such a solid backing band behind him, which only enhances his talent as a writer/singer. I was given '1972' by a friend, which I fell in love with immediately, but I think 'Nashville' is superior in every way to its predecessor.
Song 8, Sad Eyes, is by FAR the best on the disc, and the most amazing song I've heard in a long time. From the simple piano intro to the 3:50-4:20 mark of the track, it's definitely the most uplifting moment on the record.
That's not to discount the rest, 1-6 are all gems; not a weak track on this album - I highly recommend it, best album of 2005 so far.

This album is so refreshing to listen to, especially "Winter in the Hamptons", I can't stop listening to it!! It's PERFECT summer music. This is sure to make this young man a MTV favorite for years to come. I'm glad new music is being made in this mad world, can't wait to see him and his band live. To get your hopes up and to feel free from the world listen to this album - it's a sound we all need to hear this year. Great album!!!

"Nashville" is an incredible, best of the year caliber set. Apparently, this is a breakup record marking the end of Rouse's marriage and his move from Nashville to Spain. However, it's hard to listen to the happy melodies and get much of a sense of sadness other than perhaps on "My Love Has Gone." The closer "Life" strikes a reflective pose, "If you're lost, don't be sad, there are good times to be had, sing a song & let love shine." The CD opens with the breathtaking "It's the Nighttime" that is simply addictive with its sunny groove, "You've come a long way baby from your days at school, I heard you're really living uptown, I'm just a downtown fool." Rouse then turns the unexpected lyric, "Maybe later on after the late late show, we can go to your room, I can try on your clothes." As an opener, this is classic and will certainly be jamming my changer this summer. Rouse moves from strength to strength on "Winter in the Hamptons." Rouse is a fan of the Smiths and similarities abound in the track. Its sunny background vocals and mix highlight Brad Jones' excellent production. This is another track that will have you hitting the repeat button. While there are no weak tracks on this CD, the 3rd song "Streetlights" hits another delightfully dreamy acoustic groove like a "White Ladder" era David Gray that ends with a wonderful string production, "Called you up cause I felt so guilty, ended up it was not such a pretty scene, dumped the ashtray, wiped the table clean." It's stunning! Then when you think it couldn't get better, "Sad Eyes" comes on with its lovely melody and its triumph of optimism over tears. The points in between like "Why Won't You Tell Me What" & "Saturday" would be standout tracks on most CDs. Everything has come together on "Nashville" for this talented singer. This is a delightful milestone CD! Bravo!

I'm just starting to get into Mr. Rouse, and this is the disc I started with. It's fantastic. It's a breezy pop album that blends somewhere in between the Jayhawks and Ken Stringfellow for me. I'm working my way backwards through Rouse's catalog now, but I'm so glad I followed the reviews on this one. Great disc, great songwriting, just something to throw on in the car, turn up and enjoy a long drive to.