Customer Reviews

River of Souls

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"River of Souls", released in the Fall of 1993, is one of the best albums Dan Fogelberg has ever recorded - a mature piece of work which highlights his amazing instumental and vocal abilities as well as his outstanding songwriting skills.

From the toe-tapping Calypso rhythms of "Magic Every Moment" to the wonderful world music flavored title track, this CD should have sold the millions of copies that the comparatively poor, simultanously released "River of Dreams" album by Billy Joel did.

Dan Fogelberg has been recording albums for almost 30 years now, and he still keeps getting better, with "River of Souls" being another milestone in his distinguished career.

I stumbled across this album. I spent college listening to the albums he released in the late 70s and early 80s. Now my tastes have changed and this was a fantastic treat. Our family favorite is the title track "River of Souls" - the instrumentals are just so rich and pleasing to listen to. Serengeti Moon is also another favorite. One criticism - the police siren in "Higher Ground" startled my spouse and I the first few times we listened to the CD in the car. The music is rich for want of a better description.

I have own this album for several years and never get tired of listening to it. Time and again I have discovered new depth in the lyrics of a certain song or new subtleties in the music. My three favorite songs are "Holy Road," "River of Souls," and magic ever moment

Dan Fogelberg's music is always very personal when I speak to other fans of his. I've loved his music from Home Free to Netherlands, took a pass on the tired phase of his music in the 80's with the obvious exception of the Twin Son's masterpiece and was content with the work up to Netherlands which is an album that can't be far away from me at any moment of life.

River of Souls grabbed me on a much more spiritual level than his previous work and it doesn't let go. I find I think of some of his lyrics from this CD when relaxing. It found its way into the River of my soul, uplifting and soulful in every way. This work made me reevaluate his other works, but none (since the Netherlands album) touch the maturity and meaning as this work. As he says Let mine be a voice for peace, letting us go to a quiet but important place and feel like its just ok to feel love for each other.

His narratives in the liner notes are wonderful insights into his creative process. The title track as well as "Higher Ground" are my personal favorites, though the CD needs to be seen as a complete work rather than individual songs to be understood and appreciated in my opinion.

This is one of those rare gems of a cd that has all the outstanding elements that make it soar it to the top of the list and then keeps it there. If you enjoy meaningful lyrics sung in a passionate, yet melodic moving voice, a clear quality sound mixture full of diverse instrumentation dappled with dancing percussion then this is the cd to have, enjoy, and share. It is also an interesting compilation of songs from upbeat catchy to sincere.

My favorite is the stunning, mystical feeling that 'Minstrel' conveys to me, and its clear full orchestration. When I hear it and I become the wind, the islands, and the sea and all that is part of that.

Every song on the cd is timeless and meaningful. 'Faces of America' is a banner song for me symbolizing where we should be; caring for each other, work for everyone, and the American dream. 'Voice for Peace' is perfect right now. I would like a choice on this one. 'River of Souls' a rhythmic interconnectedness with the roots of the ages. The title of 'Magic Every Moment' says it all, an immediate favorite. The song reaches out and touches one. 'A Love Like This' is contemplative, sincere and moving. 'Holy Road', love this song, gets up and rocks with beat and intensity and great lyrics: a wake-up call.

Try this meaningful world-beat musical masterpiece for yourself. I can only thank the man for seeing it to conception and sharing it with us. Sincerely, Carol B.

One of Dan's deepest and wide ranging works. Lyrics, as always, are superb. The music is very eccletic, unique and stimulating. Faces of America, Holy Road, Serengenti Moon and A Voice For Peace, in particular, are outstanding. I've been listening to it regualrly for years, and can't seem to stop.

This album makes sure there is no doubt in Fogelburg's ability to put together a variety of music. All though there are some songs that are rather blah (such as "higher Ground") for Dan, but he does more than make up for them with other songs like "Magic Every Moment" which has to be one of his all-time best. This wouldn't be the first Fogelburg album I would recommend to someone, but I definately wouldn't fail to put it on the list.

I love the music of Dan Fogelberg. I have been tryingto find sheet music for this album, particularly Serengeti Moon. Can anyone give me a suggestion as to how to find it? This mans voice is so soothing and yet confident of all his work it is a blessing to have such a rare person on this earth to express such beauty.

The title song is very effective in doing creative visualizations, and regression to an earlier time when we were all young, standing on the shore of a river, learning we are a part of something larger.

Serengeti Moon is a trip to Africa and very moving.

Even die hard war hawks will be touched by A Voice for Peace. I know I was...

Upbeat songs and Africian influences in River of Souls. Beautiful sounding 'All There Is' & 'Holy Road' is very inspiring. 'Voice for Peace' is another good song. His voice sounds strong and clear. Fans will really enjoy this one because it is very different from his previous works.