Customer Reviews

Raw Silk

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My introduction to this title was an LP, which I now own. But, I have no turntable. This effort by Ms. Crawford is one of the off the beaten track gems that many are unaware of. This particular title is out of print in the states. The track "I stand accused" which is well stated by Mr. Isaac Hayes, takes on a dimension of deep lengthy passion with Ms. Crawford's rendition. I would like to see a return to music of this rich spiritual quality.

Whenever I compile a list of all-time favorite albums, this one is on it. Randy's vocals, song selection and the musicianship are flawless. I had been a fan of Randy Crawford from her first solo LP, with "Everything Must Change" and more, but this lp still stands as one I can play all of the time. She never oversings yet lets loose and rips into the meat of a song. "I Satnd Accused" is along the lines of Etta James. "Newborn Child" is superb lyric and beautifully understated vocals. Her cover of Marvin's "Just To Keep You Satisified" just blows me away- Wait for the 2nd time she rips into (oh, so subtly) the phrase "I could never love nobody like I love you baby". There aren't many albums that I recommend totally, but this is most defeintely one!!!!

Randy Crawford lets loose on this recording and that is a welcomed suprise. From the gripping "I stand accused" to the sad ballad "Nobody" you'll find her in great form and power! This soulful release will have you begging for more. At 11 songs it is simply not enough.

Another standout is the optimistic and upbeat "Declaration of love". Randy is known for being a subtle vocalist at times, but she lets it all hang out on the wrenching "Blue mood" and bitter "I hope you'll be very unhappy without me".

The true gem is her version of Marvin Gaye's "Just to keep you satisfied". What starts out as a low key romantic pleading Randy Crawford turns into a soulful mourn. This gives the original a run for its money. She stays true to the arrangement but gives it a female twist that cannot be rivaled. Well done!

I have always dug Randy Crawford Her Voice is something else.now the Material She has had over the years hasn't always matched Her Talents to me fully always.but here things are Good.She is a Very Soulful Vocalist.

I have been a fan of Randy Crawford for many years, yet this music had me listening and "feeling" as if I were hearing her voice for the first time. What a rare find! The unmistakeble draw of sensuality and spirit pulled me into the music like never before. Highly recommended if you are a fan of good music.

I first discovered Randy while listening to Hackett's 'Please don't touch', she was featured on one track. I was truly amazed by her voice. Then I dug out her own discography and IMHO her first effort is an anthology. The music is soul, jazz-rock oriented and the vocals are sublime. Randy began singing in a church, and the gospel-like intonation of her voice is patent here. If you like pop with a jazz inflexion, say in the style of earlier TOTO or Steely Dan, it will a pleasure for you to listen to this fantastic record.

I must agree with the previous reviewer. I'm accustomed to the adult-contemporary, "gentle" sounding Randy Crawford, so when I first heard "Raw Silk" I was astounded. I never knew Randy Crawford could sing like this! I knew she grew up singing in church...this album confirms that fact.

Song for song, lyric for lyric, and note for note -- this album belongs in everyone's collection, no matter WHAT type of music is your favorite. You may be in for a shock if you're used to the laid-back Randy, just as I was...but what a pleasant shock it will be! If you remember when she covered Stevie Wonder's "Joy Inside My Tears" in 1995, and it sounded like she was about to let it loose then, you'll have an idea what this entire album is about...except she chooses to actually LET it loose here.

I disagree that Randy's own composition is a dud, because all of the songs are gems. There is enough variety and depth here to keep the listener from ever getting bored, and not one of the songs is over-produced (something that occasionally happens on her recent recordings).

I am confident that you will enjoy this album, and it will probably leave you wishing that Ms. Crawford recorded more music of this nature!

To me, this is Randy's best singing (bar-none),
matched with unique song selection. In fact,
it's the only album I've ever heard her really
just let GO. If you are used to the quiet and under-
stated Randy, this is a surprise! She can really
wail and get down-right bluesy. Unfortunately she
hasn't made an album as consistently delicious as
this in years. She's come close-("Secret Combination",
Rich & Poor") but "Raw Silk" is essential. Highlights
are many including "I Stand Accused" ,"Where There Was
Darkness", "Love Is Like A New Born Child" etc. The only
dud is her own song " I Got Myself A Happy Song". That
tune has never has been music to my ears. Stephan
Goldman gets kudos for his great arrangements. Enjoy!

This is how I fell in love with what I call "black" music.
I have a prayer: MAKE MORE COPIES OF THIS ALBUM, so I can replace my worn-out issues
with a new one.

This Album is just a work of art. Randy Crawford is always her best self...because she is always authenic. Her voice and style of music is to be savored. thank you Amazon. I've only been trying to get my hands of this...FOREVER. Now if you can just please help me get the Roberta Flack CD featuring Donny Hathaway (the one where she sings "God Don't Like Ugly") at a decent price...you'd make my year.