Customer Reviews

Poor Man's Son

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this Cd after reading the reviews. Yes, the reviews are right!!! I am so interested in hearing every song in its entirety. His range is quite remarkable as is his voice, his lyrics and his presence. He feels like someone who knows rock and roll....and there is a quiet, sweetness about his slower, romantic songs..... The quicker rock and roll is just outstanding and it takes me back to the days of Warren Zevon and guys who were really sentimental rockers and extremely talented musicians....After all, isn't that why Women love rock and roll?? It's all about love songs and relationships woes. If you want one of the best CDs of all time, I'd recommend this one. This is not fly by night, he's in it for the long haul. Good show Franky!! Your talent just oozes all over the place!!!!

While it would be impossible to categorize Franky Perez and The Highway Saints' music (mostly from Franky anyway), it's really not necessary. Franky plays upbeat, fast tempo songs, and slow, sad songs, and he does it all superbly. While the first single you may have seen on VH1, "Something Crazy," is excellent, it is far from the best song on the album. Songs like "Cecilia", "Bella Maria", and "Southwest Side" are awesome, and then there's "Class Act", which is by far my favorite song on the album. The slow songs are great too, with tracks like "Beautiful Mistakes", and "Forever 17" you can't go wrong. Plus, you get 18 tracks (19 with the hidden song, "Winds of Change", also very well-written), as opposed to the meager 10 on most new CDs. If you like rock, get this CD. But don't listen to me. Let Franky prove it to you himself.

Perez and his band do an absolutely outstanding job of performing most of the songs on the CD, live. Many titles sound much better live, showing that Perez's raw talent and sound are not the result of over production and engineering like most of today's music. His Las Vegas show at a local casino/resort blew everyone away, especially those in the crowd who grew up on rock from the late 60's and 70's. His cover renditions of Jimi Hendrix's "Manic Depression" and the Allman Bros. "Whipping Post" were a huge surprise and were better than the live performances of these songs by the original bands. (yes I can still remember them). These covers demonstrated the band's massive talent and range of music they are capable of. Perez is a must see if you get the chance.

After hearing the first two single's (Something Crazy & Cecilia) I took a chance and bought the album (through import). After the second listen I found it to be a little dark (Something Crazy, Cecilia) , a little uplifting (Maria), and filled with hope and dreams (Forever 17). I can't find fault with this guy. His music speaks to so many people on so many levels. In my experience, it is rare that you find an album that has so much meaning, with every track as strong as the one before it. It has shot to the top of what I see as the best album's of 2003. My hope is that it get's released in Australia, so that they get to know the the gem that I have found.

I know the current buzz is John Mayer and Jason Mraz, however, Franky Perez and The Highway Saints are truly the cream of the crop. This is one of the best debut albums I have ever heard. With the thoughtfull lyrics and amazing story telling this ablum is very spirtual, soulfull and rock and roll. Music has been missing meaningful music and musicians and Franky is the savior. The album is top notch, the stand out tracks are: Two Lost Angels, Cecilia, Something Crazy, Beautiful Mistakes, Cry Freedom, Cold Hard Rain, Bella Maria and Love Soul Rock N' Roll. I got to meet Franky and the band after a show, they are truly gracious and very thankfull for their fans. They stayed until they met every fan in line and signed autographs for everyone. Truly a breath of fresh air in the music world that is full of untalented, self-absorbed artists. God bless Franky Perez and The Highway Saints you have made a life long fan.

Don't be misguided by Franky's surname: here we have a true american rock&roller.
Poor man's son is the first album of the young Franky, but he already has a style and a voice of his own, this guy has talent and character: rockers, ballads, entertaining and meaningful lyrics. The opening track "two lost angels" is a catchy tune, the one you hear in the morning and at night is still ringing in your head, but the album contains a lot of stuff Franky will still be playin' 20 years from now (Cecilia and Bella Maria, for sure). Franky Perez has a lot of energy and confidence: how many debut albums contain 18 songs? Perez is a prolific and generous songwriter, too.
This is by far the debut album of the year.

I love this album!! I heard him do an acoustic set on the radio one afternoon and I immediately wanted to hear the rest of the album--I don't think I've listened to much else since I bought it. Definately one of the best albums that I've heard in a very long time.

"Poor Man's Son" is by far the best and most listened to CD in my (very large) collection! Perez is a true rocker and a true romantic. This is one album you won't skip songs while listening to. Perez's style and voice are rare in music today. I have turned many friends into fans by just playing the music at work, in my car and at home. "Something Crazy" may have been his first single off the album, and I expect "Ceceila" to be his next, but believe this is a CD packed with successful singles. I had to write a review today after being fortunate enough to have listened to him live last night performing both with his band and solo with his accoustic guitar - absolutely fabulous! His band fits him like a glove and his lead guitarist plays like a seasoned veteran. His energy is limitless. Franky X is a must-own-every-release for both young and old(er)!

Like everyone else, I listened to and fell in love with "Something Crazy". When I learned Franky Perez was from Vegas, I was anxious to learn more about him since I am a native and always like to see locals do well. His CD blew me away, and I was glad to see there were a few songs about Vegas even though the majority dealt with L.A. If this CD is any indication of how great he is, he is definielty on his way. I already bought a copy for my husband and bussines parter. I want everyone to experience his work. You will not be disappointed with this CD!

If you love music, then you'll love this CD. It's definitely worth the money that I paid for it. You get 19 songs which is unheard of nowadays. Each song is easy to listen to. They all flow into each other. If you ever get a chance to see him live, jump at it! Franky is quite the frontman. He dances, plays the congas, the guitar, the piano, the harmonica. You name it...he plays it. A true artist in my opinion. When he belts out the lyrics you wonder if it's the last time he will ever be on stage. That is how passionate he comes across. He gives his fans 110%. It's definitely my favorite CD of 2003. Hopefully others will recognize this. It's only a matter of time before Franky hits it big. My personal favorite on the album is (very hard to pick just one) is "Beautiful Mistakes." Young and innocent love portrayed so simple but yet so brilliantly. I've bought 4 copies of the CD for my family members. They have all loved it. It doesn't matter how old you are, his music is timeless. The days of true singer/songwriters are back. Thank goodness!! Franky is a smooth soulful cat taking it back to the good old days of bluesy, gritty, down and dirty rock and roll. This man can sing!! I highly recommend the CD, so what are you waiting for? Go out and buy it and support such a gifted artist.