Customer Reviews

For the Ride Home

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I first heard of Josh Kelley in July when I was volunteering at a summer camp. We'd play his song "Amazing" in the Dining Hall between meals. When I got home, all of a sudden "Amazing" was all over the radio!!! So I bought his CD,and to my surprise, I ADORE IT!!!! Every song is excellent, he has a laid-back kind of sound. I'd reccommend his CD if you enjoy: John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Jason Mraz, Counting Crows, maybe even a little Dave.

Produced by the same guy as Dave Matthew's Band (John Alagia), with a musical style similar to John Mayer's or Jack Johnson's, Josh Kelley makes an impressive debut with his first album "For the Ride Home." What can I say? I like it. It's mellow then upbeat, all the while exploring various musical and emotional climaxes and nadirs. Literally, it's a CD for you to play on the car ride home time and time again. It's also consistent; if you don't like to buy CDs because you're afraid of "filler" (other songs on the album not as good as or not even similar to the single) you don't have to worry about it with Josh Kelley. There are many songs on the album with "single potential." If this is you're kind of music, I'm sure you'll like the album as much as I do.

The limited re-release of singer/songwriter Josh Kelley's debut album "For the Ride Home" should prove a fit purchase to those who enjoyed the original disc.

It should also, if there is any justice, raise him above Billboard Heatseeker status with the help of its second single "Everybody Wants You."

Released concurrently with this special edition, the single features an addictive sing-a-long chorus and pitch-perfect vocal performance from Kelley, and deserves to be a smash hit. It would have made a better choice for the lead single than "Amazing." The latter, which did receive enough airplay to cut into Billboard's Hot 100, sounded more like it belonged on the intercom at ShopRite than anything else.

What notably separates this new version of the album from the original release is far less-interesting cover art (Kelley standing awkwardly against an orange screen) and a four-track bonus disc featuring two previously unreleased songs ("Dying Man," "Solid Ground") and two acoustic versions of album tracks ("Small Town Boy" and "Amazing").

"Dying Man," which features excellent acoustic guitar playing, is lyrically hazy, which is probably why it didn't make the album's final cut. On the other hand, the upbeat "Solid Ground" would have been a splendid inclusion on it and is justifiably now available.

If there is one problem with the album, it is the fact that John Alagia is the only producer on it. Though his production works well with some of Kelley's material, the rest of it is not accentuated, making too much of it sound the same. The result is an excellent disc to play for warm background music, with a scant few tracks that beckon individual attention, namely the hit-worthy "I Saw You."

Unfortunately, listening to it "for the ride home" might make some fall asleep at the wheel.

Overall, if Kelley shakes things up a bit by pushing the envelope more with his lyrics and enlisting a diverse group of producers, his future records could vastly improve. That said, "For the Ride Home" is an inviting album with some pleasing tunes -- a testament to Kelley's genuine talent.

Produced by the same guy as Dave Matthew's Band (John Alagia), with a musical style similar to John Mayer's or Jack Johnson's, Josh Kelley makes an impressive debut with his first album "For the Ride Home." What can I say? I like it. It's mellow then upbeat, all the while exploring various musical and emotional climaxes and nadirs. Literally, it's a CD for you to play on the car ride home time and time again. It's also consistent; if you don't like to buy CDs because you're afraid of "filler" (other songs on the album not as good as or not even similar to the single) you don't have to worry about it with Josh Kelley. There are many songs on the album with "single potential." If this is you're kind of music, I'm sure you'll like the album as much as I do.

Produced by the same guy as Dave Matthew's Band (John Alagia), with a musical style similar to John Mayer's or Jack Johnson's, Josh Kelley makes an impressive debut with his first album "For the Ride Home." What can I say? I like it. It's mellow then upbeat, all the while exploring various musical and emotional climaxes and nadirs. Literally, it's a CD for you to play on the car ride home time and time again. It's also consistent; if you don't like to buy CDs because you're afraid of "filler" (other songs on the album not as good as or not even similar to the single) you don't have to worry about it with Josh Kelley. There are many songs on the album with "single potential." If this is you're kind of music, I'm sure you'll like the album as much as I do.

Now, I wasn't insulting Josh Kelley in my review title by any means. Basically, what I'm saying is, well, it's like when Clay Aiken first auditioned for American Idol. Simon asked him to sing, and this tremendous voice came out of the mouth of a guy whom you didn't expect it to come out of. And that seems to be the case with Josh Kelley.

Some people probably have never even heard of Josh, but he is definitely worth hearing. His vocals sound like John Mayer mixed with a hint of Darius Rucker, and he delivers quality material. I think the leadoff single "Amazing" is the best song on the album, but other songs to check for are "Everybody Wants You", "Faces", and the spiritual "Amen".

But there are some problems that pop up toward the middle of the album. Songs like "Travelin'', "Old Time Memory", and especially "Home to Me" suffer from cheesy choruses. And some of the other songs end too soon without actually making a point, like "Small Town Boy" and the filler track, "I Saw You". Still, Josh Kelley's debut album is a nice, smooth contemporary album good for listening to and for putting you in a relaxing mood. Check him out if you haven't heard of him yet, because For the Ride Home is ideal for just that.

Anthony Rupert

This CD is great to throw on when you've got your friends around and the dinner party has just started with cocktails. Everyone loves the first song, "Amazing". Then it just gets better from there. Josh's voice is soothing and not intrusive. His voice and music are along the lines of John Mayer and Edwin McCain -- two of my favorites as well. Seems to get the body groovin' and the cocktails flowin'! Definitely recommend this CD.

I heard Josh's song on the radio and decided to check him out. After reading an online review saying he has been compared to Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, John Mayer and Jason Mraz, I decided to go out and purchase his CD. What I got was something great! While Kelley does remind me of the artists I mentioned, he still has his own unique style, which makes him exceptionable. His calm voice and intriguing lyrics make him more than just another 1 hit wonder. I think he will be around for a while, and continue to make good quality music.

While listening to my local radio station one morning, I was lucky enough to hear Josh Kelley's debut single "Amazing." I was immediately taken aback by the song and the wonderful sound of his music. Compare him to John Mayer if you like, but Josh Kelley has a unique sound of his own. While his vocals at times sound similar to Mayer, his music has a much more diverse sound to it that helps set him apart from John Mayer (who is also one of my favorite artists) The cd plays out like this:

1. Amazing- 10/10 rating
This is the song that caught my attention. The hook is infectious and the lyrics are spectacular as well. One of the best on the album.

2. Everybody Wants You- 9/10
Another catchy tune that utilizes solid background vocals during the chorus.

3. Travelin- 8/10
Another catchy tune that is more upbeat than most of the other tracks on the album.

4. Old Time Memory- 10/10
In my opinion, the best song on the album. This is a slower tune and Josh is able to utilize his smoky voice to the best of his ability. Great use of the piano during the right moments of this song.

5. Home To Me- 8/10
Another slower song, probably the slowest on the cd, but a solid song nonetheless.

6. Angeles- 7/10
For those of you familiar with John Mayer, this song is the exception to Josh's album musically as this song is very similar to Mayer's tune "3x5." A good midtempo song.

7. I Saw You- 8/10
An midtempo rockin song that utilizes an electric guitar bridge that adds variety to Josh's sound.

8. Small Town Boy- 6/10
Probably my least favorite track on this album. Just seems kinda plain.

9. Faces- 7/10
Slower tune, but a nice song with great lyrics.

10. Follow Me- 9/10
This song has a bit of a country twang to it. One of the best on the album. Catchy chorus with a great drumbeat.

11. Perfect 10- 9/10
Almost true to its name. This is another marvelous midtempo song with a great chorus.

12. Amen- 7/10
Another slower tune that builds up to a beautiful chorus.

13. Pokerface- 8/10
This song demonstrates the great vocal scale that Josh possesses. He can hit any note and make it sound great. This is another interesting tune that builds up to a beautifully written chorus. Good bridge on this song as well, great way to end the album.

Overall, this is a marvelous debut effort from a rising star. Get this CD now so you can say that you listened to Josh Kelly way before everyone else did. The sky is the limit for this talented singer/songwriter.

While listening to my local radio station one morning, I was lucky enough to hear Josh Kelley's debut single "Amazing." I was immediately taken aback by the song and the wonderful sound of his music. Compare him to John Mayer if you like, but Josh Kelley has a unique sound of his own. While his vocals at times sound similar to Mayer, his music has a much more diverse sound to it that helps set him apart from John Mayer (who is also one of my favorite artists) The cd plays out like this:

1. Amazing- 10/10 rating
This is the song that caught my attention. The hook is infectious and the lyrics are spectacular as well. One of the best on the album.

2. Everybody Wants You- 9/10
Another catchy tune that utilizes solid background vocals during the chorus.

3. Travelin- 8/10
Another catchy tune that is more upbeat than most of the other tracks on the album.

4. Old Time Memory- 10/10
In my opinion, the best song on the album. This is a slower tune and Josh is able to utilize his smoky voice to the best of his ability. Great use of the piano during the right moments of this song.

5. Home To Me- 8/10
Another slower song, probably the slowest on the cd, but a solid song nonetheless.

6. Angeles- 7/10
For those of you familiar with John Mayer, this song is the exception to Josh's album musically as this song is very similar to Mayer's tune "3x5." A good midtempo song.

7. I Saw You- 8/10
An midtempo rockin song that utilizes an electric guitar bridge that adds variety to Josh's sound.

8. Small Town Boy- 6/10
Probably my least favorite track on this album. Just seems kinda plain.

9. Faces- 7/10
Slower tune, but a nice song with great lyrics.

10. Follow Me- 9/10
This song has a bit of a country twang to it. One of the best on the album. Catchy chorus with a great drumbeat.

11. Perfect 10- 9/10
Almost true to its name. This is another marvelous midtempo song with a great chorus.

12. Amen- 7/10
Another slower tune that builds up to a beautiful chorus.

13. Pokerface- 8/10
This song demonstrates the great vocal scale that Josh possesses. He can hit any note and make it sound great. This is another interesting tune that builds up to a beautifully written chorus. Good bridge on this song as well, great way to end the album.

Overall, this is a marvelous debut effort from a rising star. Get this CD now so you can say that you listened to Josh Kelly way before everyone else did. The sky is the limit for this talented singer/songwriter.