Customer Reviews

One of These Days

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

 

 

My husband and I eagerly anticipated John Cruz's second CD, as his first CD is one of our favorites. (I heartily recommend Acoustic Soul, Cruz's first album.)

This second album includes songs that are a little bit edgier, with nods to pop, blues, and even country sounds. With the exception of the Hi'ilawe song (which is excellent!), I didn't get the same "island vibe" from this collection of music as I did with his first CD.

Regardless, John Cruz is a talented musician. I hope to hear more island sounds from him soon!

I've held off reviewing this album in order to let it properly sink in. The tour in support of the record is pau, the SXSW appearances are now history and one can now appreciate this album like the fine bottle of wine that it is.

This is one of the better contemporary Hawaiian records to be released in a long time, which is to say it embodies the myriad cultural influences that make Hawaii the special place that it is. What is clear is that this stuff comes out of John's pores no matter where he actually may be living at the time, be that New York, L.A. or someplace else. John is to be commended for allowing himself to be influenced by a broad range of influences from a variety of places, and incorporating them into his own signature style. To label this record as "Latin-influenced," "Jazz and Blues influenced," "Reggae influenced," or even in some respects "Hawaiian" is to miss what I think is one of the points of what this record is about. The album skillfully synthesizes all of these influences as well as others.

These songs are first rate singer-songwriter jewels and, importantly, they are executed with standout musicianship by the players, starting with Cruz himself. My favorites include "Angel," "Missing You" (a serious chicken skin song), and "Dream Song," but every song on this record has something special going on, including John's cover of the Hawaiian classic "Hi'ilawe." Lyrics are strong, and Cruz's singing is still tough/raspy but considerably more sophisticated and sensitive than on his debut album. Overall production value is quite high; "Let Us Dream" is a reggae/Santana-esque island style ditty with serious chops.

Cruz isn't the most prolific studio artist, but if he continues to produce high quality stuff like this I'm more than happy to wait.

I just found out he won a Grammy in 2005, and it's no wonder.

Really stellar! Within five seconds of the first song you're in the groove!

Island vibe with blues, Hawaiian, reggae, country, jazzy R&B jams melded perfectly. Alternately upbeat and carefree then mellow and poignant. A very emotional palette.

John's got a killer voice and vibe: dynamic, unforced, organic, with his own character that immediately invites you in for the ride. And the crew of world-renowned musicians backing John just make the whole thing solid, heartfelt and wonderfully textured. Dynamically rhythmic, open and airy, deep and spatial.

You should try to preview the song(s)[on] "One Of These Days" -- you'll be hooked.

If you're looking for a CD to set the emotional tone for your entire summer, this is it! You'll be spinning it all the time!

We first heard John Cruz live in Kona, and we were hooked. We bought the CD on the spot. However, one of our favorite songs he performed that night was "Mexican Bus". We can't find that song on a CD. Anyone know about it?