Customer Reviews

Reinvention Highway

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
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Johnny Rivers has been putting out great music since the Beatles "invaded" the USA (a matter neatly restated by a press cutting shown on the CD sleeve)and while his Top Ten days may have passed the constant quality of his music has not diminished (as evidenced by the recent re-release programme on CD of his early LPS).

This CD on his own label finds the usual well chosen mix of JR songs and other writers (his covers of McCartney's "Everynight" and Van Morrison's "Songwriter" proving his well evidenced skills as an interpreter of other people's songs) plus a re-run for the 21st century of a couple of his old hits ("Midnight Special" and "Going Back to Big Sur") which both turn out a treat. The only bummer on the whole CD is the version of "Feel a whole lot better" which even with Chris Hillamn and Herb Pederesen on backing vocals fails to match the energy of the Byrd's original and ends up just being pleasant.

Impeccable singing, musicianship and an artiste who has always exuded quality in all he ever does - well done my son and long may it continue!

Johnny returns with his latest studio album since 1998's Last Train to Memphis. Included here are some tracks that JR has previously released (Midnight Special, The Way We Live, The Snake, Going Back to Big Sur, and Feel a Whole Lot Better) but he has reinvented totally new versions of the songs.

He also tackles a Beatles tune ("I'll Be Back") and the McCartney song "Everynight" and does them justice. A 42 second song called "I'll Try" which was a possible theme song for the television show "Hack" has been inserted in between "I'll Be Back" and "Everynight". Rivers makes the songs flow together like something you'd hear on a Beatles album.....more innovative Reinventing.

Rivers mananged to pen 6 of the songs on Reinvention Highway. His song "The Way We Live" first appeared on JR's million selling album "Realization" in 1968 and was a song lamenting the Viet Nam war. JR has revitalized (reinvented) the song and it's just as relevant today as it was back in 1968. This song deserves radio airplay.

JR performs Ireland songwriter John Hurley's "Don't Go Lovin'" and as JR has done with numerous songs over his career, he makes it his own. This song should get radio airplay.....it's just that damn good!!

JR also performs another Jack Tempchin (Slow Dancin'-Swaying to the Music) standard with "Learning to Dance". Here is another song that should receive radio airplay.

This album is a treat from beginning to end. If you were a Rivers fan from the early 60's, you will not be disappointed. JR consistantly sets high standards on his song selections and the quality of his recordings. It's a shame that radio has shut him out as far as hearing his new recordings. I'm sure in Radio's mind, JR is an oldies act. Truth be known, JR is a major contributor to rock and roll music.....always has been...always will be.

Thank God there are still people out there like Johnny Rivers who deliver quality music while he gives 100% in concert!!

My only question now is why isn't Johnny Rivers in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I'm sure you'll be asking yourself the same question after listening to this CD.

Johnny Rivers is an artist who just gets better with age.This cd is such a pleasure to listen to.Anytime Johnny Rivers records a song it becomes his own.This cd is among his best.You will want to keep it close to your cd player at all times.This is a happy feel good cd from one of our greatest singers of all time.His choice of songs,the way he expresses himself in song is second to none.Buy it and enjoy,while anticipating his next release.Just plain feel good music,and we certainly need more happy music.

Johnny Rivers does it again with Reinvention Highway, this is a great cd. Even with 40+ years in the music biz under his belt, Johnny proves again that he is no oldies act, this is Rock N' Roll at its best with a little Blues and Country thrown into the mix.

Johnny starts Reinvention Highway out with the nitro-charged, heart-pumping, and foot-tapping new arrangement of Midnight Special, which after years of playing it in his live shows he finally has this new version on cd.

He really hits his stride with Johnnie Johnson Blues and Lo Down, where he proves that he is one of the great blues singers. Of course he also does some great covers with an outstanding job on the Van Morrison tune, Songwriter, and the Byrd's Feeling a Whole Lot Better.

Johnny, keep rockin' down that highway!

A definite must have. This CD has some of his earlier music (reinvented) and some of the latest. It has something for everyone (blues, earlier rock n roll and a love song or two). This CD is a continuation of this legend's amazing talent. An excellent CD.

An absolute must have for long-time JR fans and a must listen for all those who are not yet familiar with the long and illustrious career of this true rock and roll legend. A little something here for everyone in a scintilating CD that shows why JR, just like fine wine, continues to get better and better with time. Leading off with his pulsating reworking of the classic Midnight Special, JR showcases his ability to take classic songs and make them his own with his rendition of the Lennon/McCartney tune I'll Be Back. From Johnnie Johnson Blues, to The Snake, to Walk on Boy, this may well be JR's best album/CD ever. If you are only familiar with his body of work from the 60's and 70's, this is not only the JR you remember, but even better today. Can't make a live JR concert? Then get Reinvention Highway and find out just what you've missing. You'll discover what long-time JR fans have always known...that this legendary performer is not some "cover song artist", but the real deal, and with the release of Reinvention Highway, coupled with his dynamite concert performances, JR once again states his case emphatically for RRHOF admission...a recognition that has been way too long overdue him.

I just saw his concert tonight and the songs he sang were off of the new album, reinvention highway. The song Snake is a cool one.

Johnny Rivers has done it again with his newest cd Reinvention Highway. There is the Midnight Special that he has redone, and is very good, and of course there are some very good songs. The Snake is a really good song, as well as Don't Go Lovin, Johnnie Johnson Blues, I'll feel a whole lot better, everynight, Big Sur and Learning to Dance. This is a must for any Johnny Rivers fan.

If you love music this c.d. is a must have! There is something for everyone. Oldies brought back to life, jazzy blues, rock, a little country twange and as always music to make you think about life and love! It just doesn't get any better! Thanks again J.R.!!!

Johnny Rivers begins this CD with the new, driving version of Midnight Special -- and right away you feel like you're in the front row of a live concert!! This CD truly shows the many facets of JR and the many reasons for his continued success. I'll Be Back is a great version of the Beatles' song, and Johnny Johnson Blues is awesome. All in all, a wonderful mix of old stuff that is redone and updated, and new stuff.