Customer Reviews

My Own Best Enemy

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The editorial review is a little bit skewed. While it is true that Richard is best at the heartbreaky, syrupy, ballady kind of stuff - he will be the first to admit that (and he actually did so in the CNN Larry King interview this month). But not all songs on this album fall under that category by far. I wish that "Colder" could have been the first single off this CD, as I feel it can very well hold his own amongst today's mainstream pop/rock. Nevertheless, despite it's "heartachy" lyrics "When You're Gone" is far from a syrupy ballad.

Furthermore Richard Marx is an amazing songwriter and producer who in recent years penned songs for NSYNC, Emerson Drive, and collaborated with Kenny Loggins to mention just a very few. Not to forget his Grammy win this year with Luther Vandross for "Dance with my Father". Maybe if the editorial reviewer had looked at the whole picture he would have seen that Richard does not desparately "need" this album to revive his career. It actually never "died".

My absolute favorites "Ready to Fly", which IS the obligatory power ballad and "Falling" the arrangement of which complements and showcases Richard's amazing voice perfectly.

Richard Marx has shown the world again, that he belongs at the top of the songwriting industry. When it was announced months ago a record was in the works, I was anxious for its release. His announcement that the CD might alienate old fans with an edgier dark tone brought some worry. Well just goes to show, when someone knows what they're doing, we should all just trust them. There are no weaknesses or flaws on this album. From the heights of the hymn, "Ready to Fly", to the dark yet poignant tone of, "Fallen", Marx doesn't disappoint old fans and will most certainly gain new admirers. My only afterthought that may be critical was the inclusion of an 'oldie, "Someone Special", from his 2000-2001 release "Days in Avalon", Iwould have chosen almost any other song off that album. Nonetheless, Mr. Marx my hat is off to you, just do me one favor; Don't make me wait too long for the next group of lyrical masterpieces, Thanks!!!

I think the media has largely undervalued Richard Marx's talent over the past few years, classing him with artists whose days are numbered. This album is evidence that Marx has many more years and a great deal of talent left in him yet. After a break from his solo career, which he spent writing songs for artists from N'Sync to Barbra Streisand, Josh Groban to Vertical Horizon, and which won him a well-deserved Grammy for his song (performed by Luther Vandross) "Dance With My Father," Marx is back in style.

This album has something for his old fans in Marx's signature sultry vocals, but incorporates a new sound with some extremely insightful lyrics. From the up-beat hits, "When You're Gone" and "Nothing Left To Say" to the soulful "Falling" and the powerful "Ready to Fly," this album obviously came deep from the heart, and will appeal to a wide range of listeners.

Richard Marx's latest solo album is a special gift for those listeners of contemporary music who appreciate fine songwriting, emotional vocals, and virtuoso musical instrument performances.

Marx follows up his Grammy-winning, song-of-the-year "Dance With My Father" (co-writer with his friend, the late Luther Vandross) with some of his finest work to date. The first single, "When You're Gone" returns Marx to his rock roots, helped out on guitar and background vocals by another of his musical friends, country artist Keith Urban. Marx has unabashedly referred to the song as `his tribute to the Rolling Stones.'

The second single, "Ready To Fly" is one of Marx's finest rock ballads yet, which is really saying something knowing Marx's talent for writing such unforgettable ballads as his "Right Here Waiting", "Hold on to the Nights", or "Now and Forever", as well writing #1 ballads for other widely-diverse artists including "Crazy" by Kenny Rogers, "This I Promise You" by N Sync, and "To Where You Are" by Josh Groban. "Ready To Fly" is an introspective and soaring song, both melodically and lyrically. With crashing cymbals, timely drums, simple and stripped-down guitars, and an inspirational string arrangement -- this song will stick with you for some time.

My Own Best Enemy shows off how Marx has grown over the years, especially in his lyrical phrasing. From "Love Goes On": "the world may crash and burn, or suddenly just cease to turn, but love goes on; it may look out of reach, and time may rob us like a thief, but love goes on".

"Colder", is arguably the most contemporary of all of Marx's songs to date, especially with Marx's rare use of studio tricks to play with his vocal track for interesting effect. But really, that statement does little to describe the song, which in a word - rocks! With its' speedy guitar and driving drum beat, the song makes it almost impossible not to start moving with its rhythm. Also, in what may be one of Marx's most imaginative phrases, he laments: "In words too beautiful for words, I constructed a soliloquy, which never seemed to reach my tongue - yeah, you never even knew my loss." Such lamentation of both the protagonist unhappy with his own inability to vocalize his intense feelings for the object of his affection, and with his unhappiness towards his love's ignorance of his plight speaks to the emotional depth contained within My Own Best Enemy.

That depth is most apparent in "The Other Side" which has Marx's protagonist (which may be a thinly-veiled mask for himself and the loss of his own father) calling out: "I have been a soul adrift without you here to steady me, and I still listen for your voice through the anger and the insanity; and when I'm desperate for your help I look for it in myself". The song ends with more than a minute of one of Marx's soaring orchestral tributes.

"Everything Good" is the most complex and innovative juxtaposition on the album with a song that sounds like it could have been pulled off the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper album, with its upbeat pop beats and melody, but the song quickly betrays that seemingly light and happy mood with its' exceedingly despairing lyrics of feeling a lost love, which is reinforced by the background cello driving a somber counter-melody.

With the final song on My Own Best Enemy, Marx saves us one last gem: "Falling" is Marx's latest in his ongoing series of romantic love-letters, and this one does not disappoint with a touching chorus:
It's precious and it's real, and all that I can feel is that...
I'm Falling - as deep as any ocean, in ways that can't be spoken
I am Falling - Like rains that fall from heaven, bathed in your affection
I am Falling - for the millionth and the first time, ever and eternally for you

Thanks and enormous credit goes to Bruce Lundvall, the President and CEO of Manhattan Records, who signed and convinced Marx to make this latest record -- he says about the signing: "If you're an artist, you're an artist; if you have a gift, you have a gift - so I made a commitment right there on the spot." Because of that insightful decision, Richard Marx has given us yet another wonderful gift. My Own Best Enemy is certainly a gift worth receiving.

One would probably never of expected non-stop 80's hit maker Richard Marx to still be around today, much less being very successful and getting lots of attention and critical acclaim from top music critics and magazines. But that would be normal for Marx. Never getting the attention or credit he so rightfully deserves. While his hits continued into the early 90's, hits and big albums became sporadic and most of his later output has been vastly ignored, making it frustrating when his best work and writing and growth as a masterful lyricist and composer are contained within those albums. This latest disc, his first studio album in nearly 4 years, is one of his most masterful and accomplished works. There are a handful of hits ready to go on this CD. The opener, "Nothing Left To Say", starts off with a rhythmic guitar hook that will fit superbly on any radio format. The first single, "When You're Gone", is catchy, melodic, and as fresh as morning dew. "Love Goes On" is one of the top stand out tracks here. This is a ready made hit just waiting to explode on pop radio and show that Marx, at 40, writes pop better than anybody on the radio today. It also features a background vocal by country singer Jessica Andrews. The big hit here, and most likely most liked song, is the big power ballad, "Ready To Fly", which is the ultimate Marx ballad song since his earlier hits. The only real guitar smacking rocker here is the seventh track called "Colder". It sounds like something any 18 to 20 year old popster would have on the radio today. "The Other Side" is a beautifully written love song that would have no problem popping up on radio either. The album is kinda slow with the 6th track, "Again", which goes on for over 6 minutes. The final track, "Falling", while having a hauntingly beautiful sound to it, is also a long song that seems to really go nowhere. A lot of people say this album is a return to his earlier albums with more guitar. There may be more guitar, but don't think this is going to be "Rush Street". Most of the songs have more hooks than a tackle box, and some not in the so obvious way either, but a lot are either mid tempo or upper toe tapper type ditties. I was expecting something else, but was still pleasantly suprised. Marx is a masterful lyricist, and he only gets better and better. His writing and sparkling musicianship are getting noticed more and more by critics again, and rightfully so. His voice is at times soft and haunting, and at others rough, ragged and downright fantastic. Better than most everyone else on pop radio/adult contemporary today. It's also a testament to his talent that not only cane he still write powerful and wonderful pop, but he can do so that goes with the times, fads, and goes above and beyond anyone in the business over or under 20. Marx is definitley no balladeer. He is a songwriter that does it all, and it's about time more people noticed that and checked out his later work. This is a stylish, catchy, intelligent, wonderfull written piece of adult pop.

My Own Best Enemy has become my new best friend! This latest CD from Richard Marx continues to prove what an excellent songwriter Richard is, and his vocals have never sounded better.
This CD is more guitar driven than some of his projects in the past, and it fits him like a glove. I have just purchased my second copy of the CD so one copy can be a permanent fixture in my cars CD changer.

If you like well-crafted inspired songwriting, stellar vocals and musicianship, you will love My Own Best Enemy!

richard marx has proven over the years what a great performer/songwriter he really is his devoted fans have known it since the 80s now the casual fan knows it too since he won a grammy this year, for co-writing "dance with my father" with luther vandross, but now, with the release of "my own best enemy"..its easily his best work..all of the songs are excellent..from the rocker "colder' to edgy tunes like "when youre gone" to pretty ballads like "falling' and the inspirational, emotional second single, "ready to fly"..i highly recommend this cd..not for just the real RM fans..but for anyone who loves good music, intelligent songwriting, and lyrics you can actually understand and appreciate. BTW, the amazon.com reviewer is entitled to her opinion..but she is WAYYYY off base on this cd. it will bring richard back to the limelight..after so many years of producing and writing hits for other artists..but it will also introduce his music to a new generation. and if that makes them go back and check out his older hits..great..he deserves it...

What more can I say ???

Another great CD from Richard ! I was sooooo looking forward for this release ! And it was really worth the wait.

There is not a single song I don't like. Each one touches me so deep inside. I can't really say I have a favourite one. It felt strange, though, but good, so hear "Someone Special", which was also on "Days in Avalon".

Richard always uses words that I, as a woman, would love to hear from a man, or be able to express myself.

I have been a fan since the beginning, in my early teens. I have never been disappointed by Richard's music and "My Own Best Enemy" is no exception. His music has always helped me go through the bad times in my life and has also made the good times even better.

After "Days in Avalon", I didn't think he could get any better. He's proven me wrong, once again.

I just think he is so underrated, especially in France.

Here's to you guys who haven't got this CD yet : YOU JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE MISSING ON !!!

Thank you Richard !!! Keep up the good work ! You're the man !

Well I guess, there's "Nothing left to say"... !!!

In 2004, after a four year break from the spotlight, since the release of Days In Avalon, Richard Marx came back with his eighth album entitled, MY OWN BEST ENEMY and album that sounds to me like it has the combination of Rush Street and Days In Avalon. The album is more than worth your money and you are guaranteed to have enjoyment with each and every song on this album.

NOTHING LEFT TO SAY
This songs sounds like it is a combination of Don't Mean Nothing and Nothin' You Can Do About It. I can easily find enjoyment in this killer of an up-tempo tune. You call will enjoy this one as well.

WHEN YOU'RE GONE
The first single from the album. Another up-tempo song. In some sort of strange way, it sounds a little bit, and when I say little, I mean at least 5% of it, like Smooth performed by Santana & Rob Thomas. This is one of the best choices to be released as the first single from your new album. Great song.

ONE THING LEFT
As great as his voice sounds, especially on this song, the music could have been made better sounding. I was not too impressed with the sound of the music. But overall, a generally good song.

LOVE GOES ON
Now this is much better than One Thing Left. An un-tempo song, with a slight sound of light Pop, this song is a favorite of mine, and it should be a favorite amongst everyone else who has, so far, bought this album.

READY TO FLY
The second single from the album. This song is my all-time favorite off of this album. I like use this song for myself in for me to think of how my life will turn out to be when I'm Ready To Fly into the real word and start working for my own money. I have also, for some reason, dedicated to my late grandfather, because I think it fits him perfectly.

AGAIN
A little haunting in a weird way, but this song is very enjoyable and I think any fan can just sit back and enjoy it. So, if you have this album and you have not yet heard this song, then put the CD in your CD players and listen to this song.

COLDER
Back to the sounds of up-tempo Pop/Rock. This is yet another favorite of mine from this album. This is song that I just simply cannot get enough of. You know, is it me or does this sound like song that Blink-182 would do?

EVERYTHING GOOD
A ballad that has a bit of an up-tempo country edge to it and I like it very much. Be sure to check out this song.

THE OTHER SIDE
An unbelievably soothing and relaxing ballad. Whenever I hear this song, I just lie back and just close my eyes and enjoy this song from start to finish. This one hell of a relaxing song.

SOMEONE SPECIAL
From the album Days In Avalon (2000). An okay song, with music that needs improvement. I do not know how much improvement, but enough improvement to satisfy my liking. I do not know why included it here, when the song already made its appearance on his seventh album, Days In Avalon.

SUSPICION
Another great up-tempo country-like tune. I don't think he has had one country-sounding song where it was not to my liking. So far every country-sound song Richard has released is purely amazing.

FALLING
You know how much I appreciate Richard's voice. For the first time, his voice did not do as much pleasing as it usually does. I think it is because of the way he sang this song's verses. The music could have been better as well.

I was so surprised at how amazing this album turned out to be. I cannot stop listening to this ingenious album. Apparently, the edition of this album that I have comes with a bonus CD. The bonus CD contains five songs. The first four songs are studio acoustic performances of Don't Mean Nothing, When You're Gone, Should've Known Better, & Hazard (The River). The fifth song is a live performance of Endless Summer Nights. No matter if you get the original edition, or the bonus CD edition, this album is one Richard's best and it is worth every penny that you pay. All I know is that I cannot wait until Richard Marx records a new album, which will probably happen maybe next year.

"My Own Best Enemy" is an album that brings back the rock and roll style of Richard Marx. The debut single "When You're Gone," that includes guitar and background vocals by country artist Keith Urban, is a strong first release for the singer/songwriter/producer. Marx also shows his darker more cynical side with a bit of irony on the melodic rock tune "Everything Good". Songs like "Colder" jump into the pop/rock sound similar to the Goo-Goo Dolls, while "Again" gives a straight ahead nod to bands such as Coldplay and Travis. This album also sports differently crafted ballads with songs like "Falling" with it's beautifully arranged string section and the deeply inspirational song "Ready To Fly".

Those who have thought that Richard Marx was done with being an artist or was just painted as an 80's pop star, will see a new and fresh side of this wonderfully talented musician. This is an excellent CD and a strong comeback for one of the most classic and wonderful songwriters of this generation.