Customer Reviews

Scream & Whisper

5 star:		(56)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Yesterday, I nearly fell headfirst into the carpet at the music store when I saw "Edwin McCain" on the cover of a new CD. It's been three long years, and I didn't think he would even release another album after the precipitous drop in quality of his last two albums. I was instantly nostalgic and welled up a bit, remembering how much his music has affected my life.

First of all, I'm a huge fan - likely one of his biggest fans. I must admit that I was wildly disappointed with "The Austin Sessions" and "Far From Over", his fourth and fifth albums. I feared he had lost the eager edge, the creative muse, the gritty passion that led to him to pen the songs that have moved my spirit so many times. As a musican and songwriter, I learned to play guitar by learning Edwin's songs, and my own work is heavily influenced by his acoustic heartfelt sound. Edwin was my musical hero for years during the releases of his first few albums, but I was concerned that his career was nearly over.

Well....he's BACK and ON FIRE with this record, and it is brilliant! Back are the beautiful melodies, satisfying woodwind textures, vivid stories, the soaring heartfelt harmonies that actually move you deep down in the heart, and the chills that creep up your back when he hits just the right note over just the right chord. I nearly cried when I came to the end of Track 13, feeling so satisfied with the music and relieved that my old hero didn't fizzle out forever.

If you've ever bought one of his other CDs, you will adore this brilliant return to American music.

I went out about a week ago to Rivergate Mall in Nashville Tennessee,and purchased Edwin McCain's CD Scream & Whisper. Let me be the one to tell you that this CD is one of Edwin's best if not the greastest. His songs are filled with so much raw emotion and feelings that you want to continue to listen to his music for many months to come. Several songs deal with real life situations and beliefs that one can relate to.

1. Coming Down: One of the top three songs on the CD. Has a great chorus to it. One you will listen to a lot. 5/5

2. Shooting Stars: Another great song, filled with Edwin's believes on things such as people being to reliant on matieral things. Great song. 5/5

3. Throw it all away: An above average song that deals with how one can forget about all the good times in a relationship and throw it all away (no pun intended) 4/5

4. Say Anything (feat. Mala Sharp): This is Edwin's first single off the album and man is it a good one. Deals with communication issues in a relationship. One of his best on the album. Songs likes this make me wonder why he is not headlining a major concert in New York or something. 5/5

5. Turning Around: Another good song that deals with him chaging everything around in his life and starting over. Great Sax playing. 4/5

6. Couldn't Love You More: Personally, this is MY favorite song on the entire CD. Another song that shows Edwin's feelings and it shows it well. This song has been on repeat for a while. 5/5

7. Good Enough: An average song here nothing great. The chorus is good, and the beat is good. 3/5

8. Farewell to Tinkerbell: The concept of this song is kinda weird, as he sings this through Peter Pan's eyes. Its a good song though, though it is still a weird subject for a song. 4/5

9. How can you say that to me: A good song here that deals with his "woman" telling him lies in a relationship. Good song here with a good message here. 4/5

10. Day will never come: Great song here mixed in with good guitar work from band member Pete Riley. If you look at the lyrics, you can tell its a good song. 5/5

11. Save the Rain: A good song, but not one of my favorites. It a "toe-tapper" if you want to call it that. Still a good job by Mr. McCain. 4/5

12. White Crosses: A VERY heartfelt song that you will end up listen to several times. Some parts of the song make me sad. Good song once again that shows Edwin's emotional side. Note that it is a long song. 5/5

13.Wild at Heart: Good song that deals with death and how he feels like he is running out of time. Don't let the description of the song fool you though, because it is quite good. 4/5

*BONUS TRACK* 14. Maggie May: Taken from Rod Stewart's single, Edwin puts his own spin on the song. A great last song for the CD. It puts the whole CD in a full circle. 5/5

BOTTOM LINE: I am biased because I like Edwin, but this is a CD that is a must get. It makes me wonder why he is now known worldwide like he should be. But none the less, YOU SHOULD BUY THIS CD RIGHT NOW. GET OFF THE COMPUTER CHAIR AND GET THIS CD!!! Thanks for reading.

If you've been left out in the dark this past decade & overlooked this amazing artist, now is the time to get up & take notice! Edwin McCain is without a doubt the most under rated artist of our time. His new cd seems to be more autobiographical than previous releases & I gurantee his story won't disappoint! Do yourself a favor & pick up a copy today! From the catchy Shooting Stars & Coming Down, to the statement that Good Enough makes, and the love he yells from the rooftops in Couldn't Love You More...this is sure to be a favorite in your collection for years to come.

If you've been left out in the dark this past decade & overlooked this amazing artist, now is the time to get up & take notice! Edwin McCain is without a doubt the most under rated artist of our time. His new cd seems to be more autobiographical than previous releases & I gurantee his story won't disppoint! Do yourself a favor & pick up a copy today! From the cathcy Shooting Stars & Coming Down, to the statement that Good Enough makes, and the love he yells from the rooftops in Couldn't Love You More...this is sure to be a favorite in your collection for years to come!

Recently, I became a huge fan of Edwin McCain's. I had seen him on VH-1's "I Love the 90's" during the months of July and August (2004) and, eventually, I decided to check into his music.

At that point, I had only heard of him and not much of his music. While watching him on this show, I really liked and was very impressed by his personality, his charming and quick wit, as well as his sweet Southern accent, which further urged me to look into his recordings. You should hear his Ross Perot impersonation. Funny, funny, funny. (He also wasn't bad on the eyes.)

I knew this Greenville, South Carolinian favorite had at least one song that I had heard of, but I could not recall what that, specifically, was. When I found out it was he who sang "I'll Be," I knew I had to dig deeper into his music library. That song had played on the radio for MONTHS, and I did not know whom it was. I knew only that I really, really liked it.

The first placed I checked out was www.edwinmccain.com (or just www.edwin.com). Since everyone and their grandmother have a web site, I decided to go for the gold - and hit pay dirt! From there, you can check out his discography, sign up for updates on him, become a member of his "Street Army" and join the hundreds of other fans, sharing stories and information about the singer on his message board. You can also purchase Edwin merchandise (I ordered his DVD, a button and a hat). The best part of all, you can read messages from the singer himself. He has a tour journal that he updates while he is on the road, which tends to be most of the year. This, I thought, was an excellent idea. It is a great way for him to alert his fans of how he, his bandmates, and his tour are progressing.

While looking into his library, I found out a few things that make Edwin quite the talent. He grew up singing in his church choir (like most great singers with soulful voices); he is down-to-earth and is always willing to stop and speak to his fans - even after his concerts. No shellin' out big bucks for meet-and-greets like other rock stars. He's a big star without having the big star attitude.

I like the fact that, while he is well known across this great land of ours, he is a star who is still attainable. Ya can't say that about a lot of famous people. Most want you to stay away and not bother them. No pictures. No autographs. No hugs. Edwin welcomes his fans with open arms. According to one of my fellow "Army" members, "...he and his bandmates are the sweetest, nicest guys you could ever meet." This is something I know quite a bit about, having met some famous people myself and not always having a very good experience. Out of the experiences I have had, the only persons I've met who have been this open to their fans was Foghat. Edwin, I am guaranteed, will be the next. In October, I will have the fantastic opportunity to see him in concert, and my fellow "Army-ers" tell me I am in for a great treat. Can't wait to meet you, Edwin!

His latest effort, "Scream and Whisper," is truly a breath of fresh air. It feels so natural to the ears, like "Oh! I get it! That song is supposed to play. It fits right in." And I like Rod Stewart just as much as the next person and have been a fan nearly all my life, but Rod ain't got nuthin' on Edwin's version of "Maggie May." Maia Sharp appears on "Say Anything," the album's first single. This was co-written by she, Edwin, and his guitarist, Pete Riley, (Liverpool native and new lover of Pop Tarts). "Farewell to Tinkerbell" is a quaint story about Peter Pan recounting his and Tinkerbell's history, telling of how he's grown up, moved on with his life without her and how he will keep her in his heart and always be her friend. Even though he still wants "to hear the stories of treasure ships and fights" and that she will "always" have his "everlasting love," he "can't come back to Neverland again." "Couldn't Love You More," co-written by McCain and Larry Chaney, another of his guitarists, is a romantic song of one person's love for another, forsaking others for that love, being there for that love and being in so much love that you truly could not have more than the great love you already feel for them now. Very deep and romantic.

In the short time I have listened to Edwin McCain's music, I have come to learn that he writes great lyrics, even greater melodies and has the voice to back it all up. He, clearly, wears his heart on his sleeve and tells stories that has you saying to yourself, "How much of these songs apply to him personally?" I do, however, wish I had gotten to know his music when each of his earlier albums was released, because he does not always get the airplay his songs truly deserve. I could have requested some songs to help spread the word. For example, on his sophomoric "Misguided Roses," he displays his bluesy, soulful, and strong voice to go along with some playful and some serious lyrics. You need only listen to "How Strange It Seems" and "Take Me" to hear these examples. Then there is 2001's "Far From Over" - which, at that point, he was. Although I adore every song on this album, "One Thing Left" has to be my absolute favorite. It is an upbeat, flirty conversation between a musician singing on stage (Edwin, I assume) and a woman (don't know who the mystery lady is) that is sexy, sassy and makes you wanna strut to the beat. On the other hand, there is "Letter to My Mother." He was adopted. Listen to the lyrics and see if you don't get choked up. Rounding up the album is "Jesus, He Loves Me." The only thing I can say about this is, singin' in the church choir paid off.

This talented man, I feel, can sing anything. You need only give him and his music a chance. In my opinion, there are no limits to his amazingly eclectic style of writing. Take the time to listen to "Sign On the Door" from his third album, "Messenger." Outstanding! Just know this...I thought Michael McDonald had soul.

Edwin McCain can rock `n' roll, sing country, blues, jazz, R&B. His lyrics and melodies are haunting at times, playful at others, can be rhetorical but always leaves you wanting to hear more.

The newest release from Edwin McCain is a wonderful mix of storytelling and heartfelt writing from the most soulful singer out there today. There is nothing like seeing him perform live but this CD captures the depth of his performances like none other. Definatley one of the most talented singer songwriters of our time. Buy it, I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

This is an amazing album...by far one of the best of '04. Edwin McCain is an amazing musician, as are the rest of the band. One of the standout artists in his band is the bassist. He has amazing bass lines. Everyone else is in full command of their instrument, as well, and that makes this experience incredibly enjoyable. On with the review...

1. Coming Down: This song is very catchy. I love the chorus...5/5

2. Shooting Stars: Another awesome track, very catchy. I love his anti-bling stance...5/5

3. Throw it All Away: Average track, nothing more...3/5

4. Say Anything: Amazing first single...I love the girl's voice harmonizing with Edwin's. This is a rwally cool song about communication in a relationship...5/5

5. Turning Around: Average track about him turning around (go figure), just not very interesting to me...3/5

6. Couldn't Love You More: Really good, I love the message here...4/5

7. Good Enough: Song about racism. Very good...4/5

8. Farewell to Tinkerbell: This is a really fun track where Edwin is Peter Pan talking to Tinkerbell...4/5

9. How Can You Say That to Me: Average track, but I like the chorus...3.5/5

10. Day Will Never Come: II'm not sure if this song is saying the day will never come where God falls from power or if it's saying the day will never come where Jesus comes back...I hope it's the former rather than the latter...3.5/5

11. Save the Rain: I have no idea what this song's about, but it's really good...4.5/5

12. White Crosses: Song about Hispanic immigration...very touching...5/5

13. Wild at Heart: Great song about him wanting his old wild days back but still wanting to remain loyal to his loved one...4.5/5

14. Maggie May: This version blows Rod Steart out of the water...amazing...5/5

Well, there you have it. Get this CD now, you won't regret it...it's a very honest offering of heartfelt, poetic songs from the best singer/songwriter ever. Do not delay, get it today!

On this, Edwin McCain's 7th CD we find him sharing more of the writing duties with others. The first single off the CD - "Say Anything" is a duet with Maia Sharp who co-wrote the song with McCain and fellow bandmate Pete Riley. This is a wonderful song of two people trying to hold on -"say anything, save everything
If we say nothing this love will die". Another bright spot on the Cd is a song co-written with Angie Aparo and Pete Riley called "Shooting Stars". "Couldn't Love You More" was co-written with guitar player Larry Chaney and is quite simply just a good old fashioned love song that if given the chance could be the song off this CD to really "scream". Other songs include a tribute to all the black musicians that had to play their sets and leave called "Good Enough"; "White Crosses" a song about the promises of riches in America; and a rocking cover of "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart. The band is tighter than ever and McCain's voice just grows stronger. Rod would be proud.

Edwin McCain is a master. Most people only know him as "that guy who sings "I'll Be" on Dawson's Creek." But he is much much more then that, he is a skilled musician that I have been lucky enough to see live twice. This CD is definitely good, and while its not my favorite EMB CD, its much better then most of the mainstream junk today. I'm definitely surprised Edwin didn't have atleast a top 40 hit with "Say Anything" (for all you first time listeners and "I'll Be" lovers, it will probably be your favorite track). Also the song "Couldn't Love You More" is a really good song for anyone who has ever been in a relationship that pretty much everybody was skeptical of. My favorite song on the CD is the risky "White Crosses" which tells the story of a truck full of illegal immigrants from Mexico being killed in Texas. The song is extremely compassionate and its obvious that Edwin is way above writing meaningless songs.
If you're a hardcore Ed head, of course you're going to buy the CD and its definitely worth it.
For the non-Edwin fans, if your looking for "I'll Be", theres a really good acoustic version of it on the CD titled "Messenger" ;-)

To say the least, this is another great release for Edwin. Say Anything, Coming Down, Shooting Stars, Couldn't love you more, are features of this great release. McCain continues to set himself apart from the rest of the music world with his unique style. Go get your copy!