Customer Reviews

Presents His X-Factor 1

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

 

 

I didn't want to like this CD, cause it's been so hyped by all the UK dance mags over the past few months, but now that it's finally out domestic on Astralwerks, I gotta admit, Richard X really outdid himself this time - his main technique is deceptively simple, yet complex: take a U.S. soul classic and place an 80s retro/electro-synth pop groove underneath - so we get Chaka Khan's "Ain't Nobody" set over Human League's "Being Boiled" or Thelma Houston's lost classic "You Used to Hold Me So Tight" laid over Human League's "DARE"-era "Dreams Are Made Of" etc - it shouldn't work, but it does, and like gangbusters, as most all the tracks here literally LEAP out of the speakers to make you MOVE! While not brain surgery, this works on the dancefloor AND at home, which can't be said for lots of dance music - it may be branded dance/house, but it's really imbued with a more punk-rock/electro D.I.Y. attitude fitting of the UK scene - but it's quite clear Mr. X has been listening very, very closely to his old 80's JAM&LEWIS 12"s - NOW, I hope the success of this CD might make MCA (now Universal) reconsider finally re-issuing THELMA HOUSTON's long-lost "QUALIFYNG HEAT" LP on CD - listen to the source, learn it, and learn it well!! -

...and what an x-factor it is! This cd first caught my ears with "Finest Dream", featuring the ever-popular Kelis who seems to be lending her vocals to so many albums as of late, and the ever funky, always thump "You (better let me love you)" (which is my hands down favorite).

When you first put the cd in, you'll almost immediately notice that 80's flair that really makes this album the special album it is. Music should be fun, but also refreshing. This cd does both of those. Here's a selected breakdown:

"Being Nobody" - who can really hate this track? it has some great vocals from the across-the-pond group Liberty X and really sets the tone for the rest of the album. (4.5/5)

"You Used to Hold Me" - mellow, funky, winner (4.5/5)

"Walk on By" - okay here's where it gets kind of shady, song with a great beat but really REALLY lousy vocals (1/5)

"Lemon/Lime" - same vocalist from "walk on by" but the funky breakbeat groove of this track really makes the vocals tolerable (3.5/5)

"Finest Dream" - Definite party starter!! (5/5)

"You (better let me love you)" - Party continues with a guest spot from Tiga (this track is much better than tiga's much overated 'hot in herre') (5/5)

"Freak Like Me" - taking it back to the older school with a nice rework with the Sugababes (5/5)

Possibly the most sadly overlooked "pop" or dance album ever. If this album would have received the proper attention in the states it would have been spectacular unfortunately not. Oh well to future generations that realize the brilliance here buy this now.

I originally purchased this CD to listen to track #14 Into You because it was a beautifully remastered version that added power to the already pure emotions. After listening to the entire CD a few times, I realized the only track that doesn't belong on the CD (and the only reason it didn't get 5 stars) was track 12 "Mark One" which consists of an incredibly annoying voice saying "this is the best song ever... EVER!!!" You'll fall in love with 8. Walk on By 9. Lemon/Lime 14. Into U just to name a few... Definitely worth a try if you like dance music or experimental electronic remixes :) Enjoy!

Best dance mashup stuff around. This sounds as fresh today, as it did 7 years ago. Kelis! Yes.

I have always loved Richard X's remixes and production whether they were remixes for the Pet Shop Boys or music for Rachel Stevens or Annie. When I discovered this CD it was such a great surprise. He has some amazing guests on this and the songs are electronically vibed while having a lot of melody. I hope he does another CD now that so many remixers and producers are stepping up front like Tiesto, Fedde Le Grand and Kasade.

This a neat little project from RICHARD X. A mixture of old school songs that have been revamped into modern vibes that will entice Generation X, Y or Z. A interesting CD album that will spark conversation among friends. Lot of great stuff coming from ASTREALWEKS that everyone should pay attention too. So don't miss it.

Richard X has stomped onto the music scene with some fabulous songs, taking artist of today and mixing new records with 80s tracks which really does work. Liberty X are featured with Being Nobody and The Sugarbabes with Freak Like Me. These are excellent dance songs and have done really well in the UK charts. The track You Used to ft Javine sounds like Janet Jackson when she first emerged and Finest Dreams ft Kelis is also another fab record. The only really standout song is You better let me Love you ft Tiga, this is like an old Human League track, Richard X is definatley a fan of the League and this track is a great tribute to them. The only let down tracks are Walk On By, Lemon/Lime and Just Friends. These compared to the rest of the album are quite dull. I was abit disappointed with the album as the songs released so far of of a high standard not leaving many to make the album seem new and refreshing. Its worth a listen though as you will either love it be bored with it.

I dont listen to european music ,all i listen is southside rap and reggae so the fact that i can say that this cd is great should be a legit comment. this is music for those who don't know what it is.