Customer Reviews

Passionfruit

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My mom used to play this album all the time when I was a tot, but she lost her copy. I was "window shopping" on Amazom.com and recognized the title. I had to have it. It took me home to my mama and her cozy little house. But now that I'm an adult, I hear what my mama heard: the sexiness, the romance, the sweet "mellowness" the words and the music create. Now, I know why my mama played it so much; she gave me appreciation for music that makes a woman melt and long for the feelings in the words. Thanks, Mom, and thanks, amazon.com

Michael was busy in the early eighties, he released two albums, toured and somehow found inspiration into creating this album, "Passionfruit," released in 1983. Each song stands out in it's own right yet it all comes together here in a marvelous cohesion. The album was Michael's commercial and artistic triumph. "Alone At Night" has such a great opening, it's used as the theme for a late night music program for a radio station in Cincinnati. "Never Satisfied" is an upbeat number with catchy hooks you'll be humming hours after you hear it, "Now That Your Joystick's Broke" finds Michael playing with electronic voice manipulation. After this release, Michael gets very contemporary and electronics savvy. "Never Say Die" was an Adult Contemporary radio staple, "Rainy Night In Toyko" is smooth with a tale to tell. "Tell Me All About It" is very sensual, it was recently covered by Natale Cole, who didn't miss a beat when it came to this song's sensuality, she explored this aspect of the tune and the result is a mindblower. "When Sly Calls" is a lament about Michael being stalked by a shifty fellow, it's funny and the girl chorus adds to the comedy. Like all of Michael's albums, his word choice for lyric is unparalled, the music arrangements timeless.

This is the most fantastic musical poetry I've ever heard. Only MF could have the great Astrud Gilberto sing backing vocals (Amazon.com)and pull it off without a hitch. Every track is a standout. My personal favorite is Alone At Night. However, my strongest recommendation is this. For those who are able, go out and find Passionfruit on LP. Do whatever you have to. I have 2 copys on CD and a copy on minidisc. I bought the vinyl on a whim. I was blown away. Completely. This is the ONLY way Michael Frank's music should be heard. On vinyl, the music actually involves you. I rarely listen to the CD now. I listen to the LP almost everyday! If you're looking to get into MF's music, this is the album to do it.

This album was my very first introduction to Michael Franks. He became - accidentally and until today - one of the very few, personal five-star rated performers. It's true, in my mind Passionfruit marks the paramount artistry of Franks', produced by keyboard wiz Rob Mounsey (who had previously already played with the likes of Steely Dan, James Taylor, etc.). The result is awesome! The release starts off with the atmospheric "Alone at Night", and introduces one of the moodiest and most soulful blues harp lines I've ever heard. Or take the more up-tempo "Never Satisfied". I also sympathize with every word sung, every line written for this composition. Extremely touchy for anyone who effer suffered from true loneliness. "Now That Your Joystick's Broke" is a pure keyboard-track, almost danceable, a reminiscence to modern technology. The contrast, "Never Say Die", gives you the feeling of completely getting lost in a romantic situation. "When Sly Calls (Don't Touch That Phone)" is still up-to-date, depicting Michael's desire to be away from the stressful and fast-lane life of today's big cities: "I am not here, I'm making my escape, the me you hear is magnetized on tape..." The entire album holds an innate atmosphere I've seldom heard with any other release. The most superb musicians gathered achieve an unique background soundtrack which perfectly embeds one of the most underrated artists of today's jazz scene, Michael Franks. For me, without a doubt: A full five-star rating!

Well Micheal was just plain in the zone on this work. "Sunday Morning" is like ...Perfect. Just a great start to finish treat with all the subtle tongue in cheek lyrics and ear nibbles that make Franks a great artist. Not much more to say other than I have this in LP.Cassette and CD. Enjoy

I purchased this album in 1986 and despite having everything else Michael has produced, Passionfruit remains the standard by which I have judged his other work, and found none of it lacking. Michael is able to use an economy of lyric to create mind engaging pictures and atmosphere, while his melodies touch the senses and spirit of his audience. At the risk of being labelled sexist, Passionfruit is thinking womens jazz-rock and Alone at Night music at its best. Buy this, and if this is the first of his work that you have listened to, I warn you, you will be hooked helplessly, Never Satisfied until you have all his other albums.

I'm only 27 years old, but I've been a Michael Franks fan for almost 13 years. Couldn't help it, my pops played any and everything by him. "Tell me all about it" is my favorite on this album. just listen to the words and you're transported to some small, dark village where there's just you and your significant other just into one another. Well, at least that's were it takes me. Anyway, I have all of his albums...yes ALBUMS. Everything that he has released I have on vinyl and it gets a lot of rotation in my home. Hopefully my son who is 7 years old will grow up appreciating and feeling Michael.

Having only been familiar with Sleeping Gypsy prior this was my first purchased Franks album. And just today I am listening to it again on CD before and after my jog on the beach. What can I say this stuff is timeless, there I was back in 1983 listening to it all over again with the top down on my VW cruising up the coast (Florida). Yeah it was just like then all over again!
That's what Franks music is it is timeless and can always bring you back to where you were the first time you heard it when it was new! Thank you Michael Franks! Thanks for being there!

I really can't remember how I came accross this album...I believe a fellow Marine let me borrow it. I was IMMEDIATELY enraptured with the vivid imagery that Michael Franks weaves. My two favorites are "Rainy Night In Tokyo", and "Sunday Morning Here With You."

I can well imagine a romantic rendezvous with my one and only love, laughing in the neon glistened rain of downtown Tokyo. I breathe in the sights, the smells; gazing into the breezy night sky, and the busy activity running along the streets; beholding how softly the city lights caress my beloved's delicate, achingly beautiful cheeks...

Or to awaken with my love on a glorious Sunday Morning. The room is awash in brilliant sunlight, and there is a gentle fragranted breeze lifting the curtains ever so lightly. I look into her dazzling eyes, and they are smiling. At that moment we see deeply into one anothers' souls, and feel that oneness of heart that is unbreakable and eternal...

Yes, this is a great album! Every song will lift and carry you away, and, it's okay to stay for awhile. It sure got me through my time in the military. This is definitely a keeper!

Like many others, I have been a fan of Michael Franks' music for almost 15 years now - since I was 14. Growing up in Detroit I became acquainted with his music thanks to WJZZ. His voice has such a soulful, mellow quality that you can't help but fall in love with it. It reminds me of the Brazilian jazz of Joao Gilberto. And the lyrics are beautiful! He has the ability to paint a vividly romantic picture in all his songs that makes you feel as if you are experiencing everything he describes. I've been daydreaming about my own "Rainy Night in Tokyo" for years!