Picture This [Extra tracks]

Jim Brickman | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 28, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks
• Label: Windham Hill Records
• ASIN: B000000NMG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29,946 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #94 in Music > New Age > Instrumental

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

Pianist Jim Brickman would like you to picture a world that is prettier, more contented, and more emotionally in-tune than the world you probably see through your windshield each day. It may be just wishful thinking, but Brickman's music indulges in the dream anyway, and those inclined to share in the momentary journey will find it is a lovely, often romantic ride. The Cleveland-born pianist understands his strengths and sticks close to the white keys in this very inviting 13-track collection. Brickman specializes in crafting pop-influenced melodies that, to his credit, aim for the heartstrings through intelligence and subdued elegance rather than schmaltz. The album's most circulated cut is its lone vocal selection, the soft-pop hit "Valentine," sung by Martina McBride, but all 12 instrumentals are individual jewels of understated beauty. "Secret Love," for example, opens with sparkling, hopeful passages, followed by the hesitancy and uncertainty of a muted cello, resolved by a flood of expressive flourishes that beautifully convey pent-up romantic release. Even his reworking of "Frère Jacques" suggests a thoughtfulness that can make listeners rethink the tune themselves. A great choice for clear-eyed romantics. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unwind with Picture This, July 25, 2000

By 

Rob Darrah (Dallas, Tx United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Picture This (Audio CD)

I don't remember how I came upon this CD, but I can't imagine life without it. The music is wonderful and soothing without feeling like you just came out of an elevator music coma.

I really enjoy the vocal, "Valentine" on track 11, with Martina McBride. She puts the same passion into the vocals as Jim Brickman puts into playing the piano on all of the tracks.

One thing that I really like about this CD is the smooth transition from one song to the other. The transition is so effortless that sometimes it is hard to remember each specific instrumental. But, it really does not matter because the music is so relaxing that by the end of the CD I just wanted to hear more of his music.

This music would be great for that special romantic evening or mood music if you were giving or receiving a massage.

Jim Brickman scores with Picture This.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A True Romantic's Must Have!, September 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Picture This (Audio CD)

I meant Jim Brickman in person; and he is a genuine people person. He writes his own music! His music is full of life; and his passion for it! I recomend all his albums to anyones collection. He also puts on a wonderful concert. For anyone who loves panio you must listen to Jim Brickman! The soul of his music will lighten a heavy heart; and warm the inner sanctums of your soul. It is music that will carry you to a different place and time. It can also enhance any romantic evening that you want to share with a loved one! Candle light and Jim Brickman's music are as one senual experiance that you will want again and again! True listening for the best enjoyment...

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mostly pure piano with Martina's vocal...Brickman's best!, January 15, 2003

By 

Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Picture This (Audio CD)

This album was my first introduction to Jim Brickman, and a good one indeed. Only trouble, it spoiled me and later CDs of his were disappointing because of the larger number of love song vocals and smaller number of piano solos.

Especially impressive to me was "You Never Know" with Boney James' saxophone. The sax and the piano practically sing together in perfect harmony.

Also impressive, as mentioned by others, is "Frere Jacques". This is a very introspective interpretation, done very thoughtfully for the most part, but with a brilliant contrapuntal passage.

And of course the hit, Martina McBride's beautiful and delicate vocal version of "Valentine".

These are the high points, but the entire set has conversational, good-natured flow to it. Very highly recommended.