Customer Reviews

In The Pursuit Of Leisure

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

On In The Pursuit of Leisure, Sugar Ray is at their most mellow. Reminiscent of their earlier radio hits "Fly" and "Someday," the overall sound of the CD is that smooth, breezy, island style that makes for the best chilling music. With gorgeous guitar strumming and Mark McGrath's honeyed vocals, songs such as the appropriately-titled track "Heaven" generate images of so-Cal beaches, starry nights, and frosty drinks. The lyrics aren't just pure confection either; they derive from personal experience on "Chasin' You Around" and the touching "Photograph of You."

In keeping with the variety we've come to expect from Sugar Ray, In The Pursuit of Leisure offers something for almost everyone. Those who love the usual high energy of this band will be gratified by the single, "Mr Bartender (It's So Easy)." With its catchy tune and irresistible dance beat, it challenges anyone NOT to get up and move! Also, fans nostalgic for Sugar Ray's headbanging past get a treat with "In Through The Doggie Door," a howlingly good little rock number. The CD is rounded out with the unique guest stylings of Shaggy on "56 Hope Rd" and a tight, fun cover of Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" For groovin' on those balmy summer nights, cruising with all the windows down, and relaxing in the sun, this is the perfect album to accompany you.

I've been listening to this album since it's release and I can definitely say that this album can tap into your mood and imagination. This album can take the stress right out of a bad day if you let it. It can take you from partying on the river with songs like "Mr. Bartender (It's So Easy)" and "Chasin' You Around"; to the carribean beaches with "56 Hope Road" and "Whatever We Are"; to relaxing by the pool with "Heaven" and "She's Different". All you need is the mood and an imagination. I enjoy listening to this new album because of where it can take me. Try it and see where Sugar Ray can take you.

Sorry, not this time guys!

Two years after the release of Sugar Ray's self-titled album featuring the hit single "When It's Over", this So Cal quintet has reunited with David Kahne, who produced 1997's "Floored" and 1999's "14:59" and the result was the June 3rd release of their fifth album "In The Pursuit Of Leisure". The bands first single Mr. Bartender borrows respectively from Sweet's 'Love Is Like Oxygen' and Midnight Star's 'No Parking (On the Dance Floor)'. Blend a little Sugar Ray flavor into that and add a collaboration with upcoming artist ProHoeZak and you have a very catchy, upbeat song sure to be a hit.

"In The Pursuit Of Leisure" combines '80s inspired melodies, island rhythms, and hip-hop into their usual pop-rock uniqueness. Sugar Ray displays a level of maturity with this new album far from any other in their entire music career. Although more mellow overall, you will still find a hint of wild immature rock star in a few songs included on this album...namely a track called "In Through The Doggie Door".

Other songs included on this 12 track album are "56 Hope Road" named for Bob Marley's old address in Jamaica which features Jamaica's 'Shaggy', "Heaven" featuring Canada's 'Esthero', "Chasing You Around" with the chorus written by guitarist Rodney Sheppard about his son, a cover of Joe Jackson's 1979 hit "Is She Really Going Out With Him?", and much more.

For it's merging of genres, upbeat fun sounds, and lyrical maturity, I give Sugar Ray's "In The Pursuit Of Leisure" 4 stars.

Some songs aren't of the caliber that I would expect from Sugar Ray. But many of the songs on this CD have a very carefree and beach party feel to them. This CD will turn off fans of Sugar Ray's old CDs such as Fly and Lemonade and Brownies. But this is their new style and I am starting to like it.

Many of the songs on this CD carry on to the style of "Fly" and "Someday" and is worth picking up.

Sugar Ray isn't really in the pursuit of success since they've already achieved it with their past couple of cds. I was surprised at the new sounds of Sugar Ray, but I love the cd just the same. I've been listening to it ever since I bought it which has been almost a month now. It's one of those cds where you don't skip tracks because each one is so cool. The little skits are always funny to listen to and each one of the songs is great. This is definately the best summer album that you could get and blast out the neighbors during your parties. Share Sugar Ray with the world! Or at least your neighborhood. If you're like me and have one of those radios that only repeat the whole cd, then get this cd because you can just let it play.

This CD is the best of the year, and the best Sugar Ray album since "Floored." It begins with the kick-[tail] song, "Chasin' You Around," which definetely has the possibility of being a hit single. It goes to their rendition of Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" and keeps getting better. The only flaw I found with the album was the skit, "Bring Me The Head Of..." which I think we can all do without. Nothing to fear though, for following the skit is the first single off of the album, "Mr. Bartender (It's So Easy)." After that everything is uphill. They have a song featuring Shaggy called "56 Hope Rd," and one called "In Through the Doggie Door" which shows an 80's style of music. All in all, this CD kicks [tail].

You've GOT to get this CD! It's fantastic! Although I became a Sugar Ray fan with "Someday" (off the 14:59 CD) I've never been an avid collector... until now. Not too long ago I went to a Matchbox 20 concert where, believe it or not, Sugar Ray was the opening band (along with American High Five). They played many of the songs from this CD and after the concert I just had to have it. From "Chasing You Around" (a catchy number about chasing a 2 year old kid around) to "Mr. Bartender" (this summer's best dance beat!) to "56 Hope Road" (2003 reggae) to "In through the Doggie Door" (the guy's in trouble again!) it's a great CD. There's a little bit of everything: rock, reggae, dance... Your money won't be wasted with this one! It's alive. It's upbeat. It's got great lyrics. It's a must have Sugar Ray CD.

Sugar Ray's "In the Pursuit of Leisure" is their best CD yet. ITPOL shows this bands true musical talent and how they matured together from their "alternative" days but still holding on to their rockin Californian style. The CD opens with "Chasin You Around" (my favorite) has a beat that immediately gets you moving in your seat and just puts you in a good mood! Next, the remake of "Is She Really Going Out With Him" an old Joe Jackson hit is superb to say the least. Mark McGrath's voice stronger than its ever been you can hear in this song. His well known raspy tone heard here. Done with perfection with an added touch to spice up it up. Third song, "Heaven" light and airy makes you feel like your in heaven gives you that butterfly feeling in your stomach. Fourth, Bring me the Head of....(shows you just how much fun these guys have and is before) "Mr. Bartender (It's So Easy)" a great dance song thats so cheerful keeps it in your head all day! Six, "Can't Start" has a nice summery beat, tells a story about guy/girl perfect for listening in the car while your cruising along. Seven, "Photograph of You" written for memories of anyone who has a deceased family member/friend etc. but not a sad song it shows they are safe where they are. Eight, "56 Hope Road" (another favorite) has an island sound with great beat and added extras and is a must listen to. Nine, "Whatever We Are", another island type beat, great song overall, says it just like it is keeps you boppin to the rhythm while putting out a special message to that "certain someone." Ten, "She's Different" tells a story. Another perfect summer song. Eleven, "In Through the Doggie Door" I absolutely love. Brings back Sugar Ray's original rockin sound with an exta bite. Lastly, Twelve - "Blues from A Gun" has a soft sound with a calming effect for the last song of the CD shows how Sugar Ray has musically mastered their sound for this great CD! Get your copy today you will not be disappointed.

Wow, what a great album! This was the first cd I've purchased by Sugar Ray (I've collected songs by the band borrowing friends' cds) and this is my official "Summer of '03" cd -it stays in my player! I've followed this band since "Fly" and have enjoyed their radio songs; this entire album delivers all that I love in Sugar Ray. Although I'm not familiar with their earlier stuff, I've heard many songs from prior cds that i can't get into, perhaps that is what the earlier fans like. Personally, I enjoy Sugar Ray's ability to mix pop with R&B, hip-hop and rock yielding their own unique sound. I am not into most hip hop but I love the way this band mixes it with their own style making it a refreshing and upbeat listen. Their sound is original. ALL of their radio releases are to be admired for their ability to brighten-up one's mood, make you want to hang-out, grab a cold one or just tap to the rhythm. I've heard of other bands being critized for "abondoning" their followers, it's too bad there are people who don't just appreciate good music for what it is and continue to shun a band just because they go mainstream. Bands evolve, it's a form of art. This band certainly has evolved into making music more and more people can relate to, enjoy listening to and will spend their money on. I hope Sugar Ray continues to put out collections such as this one.

"In the Pursuit of Leisure" might be better titled "In the Pursuit of another Paycheck." Fans of the Lemonade and Brownies CD, the classic self titled CD, or any of their hard rock should save their money and not even give this a chance. I tried, I really did, to like this CD but you know what? the songs are repetetive with no real idea to hold interest. Maybe they're after an older, not so likely to headbang crowd this time around... but for those of us who still like RPM and other heavy music... this album is just too leisurly.