Customer Reviews

Second Skin

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

 

 

Ashley Cleveland creates another musical masterpiece with her first studio album since 1995's "Lesson of Love". Although loved by many, there were complaints that "Lesson" didn't rock hard enough. Well, "Second Skin" definitely takes care of that. The hard-edged guitar work and production of Kenny Greenberg contribute to Ashley's hardest album since "Big Town". Combine that with the more faith-based lyrics of "Lesson Of Love", and you get a little glimpse of what "Second Skin" is like. Tracks that are not to be missed: the rocking "Power Of Love", excellent cover of "Riding With The King", "Broken Places" featuring guest vocals by Jennifer Knapp, the bluesy "What It Takes", and superb "Life Is War".

RUN, don't walk to go get Second Skin -- right now! The really cool thing about this record is that it's got blues, rock, folk, funk and gospel goin' on. Ashley has a voice that's got a range and a passion like no one else on the scene. She's as passionate as Aretha Franklin or Tina Turner.

This Amazon.com review above says it well, you know, this is truly how Rock Gospel ought to sound! If you are looking for excellence in Christian music, this is it. It's got to be one of the finest Rock/Gospel releases I've heard this year. Great CD for your car, (try not to blow your speakers out!)
I think this is Ashley's finest hour, it's clear this was a labor of love, the lyrics are amazing like this from the rock-out song "Power of Love"
Well I know that I can never be thankful enough/
How you turned me around with all of that love/
You set the edges of the sea/
It's a wonder that You ever even thought about me/

There's an awesome retake on John Hiatt's "Riding with the King" Some amazing guitar work by her husband, Kenny Greenberg and Jennifer Knapp joins her on one song. "Land of the Living" is a great song. I could go on and on but there isn't one bad apple in the whole bunch!

Cleveland, an awesome acoustic guitarist, has two Grammy awards to her credit, and there's a real winner here too. Check it out, you won't be disappointed!

Now y'all go get you some.

If you've ever seen Ashley Cleveland in concert you know she puts on a passionate, energetic show and always leaves you challenged. I've got all of Ashley's projects and this is the first album that truly captures her live essence. There isn't a filler track on this album. Tracks like LIFE IS WAR and THE NEEDLE AND THE DAMAGE DONE show that Ashley is still not afraid to tackle subjects most in the genre won't even brush upon. This is one of the best projects of 2002 and should be in every music lovers collection.

Ashley Cleveland is one of those rare artists that just keeps getting better and better. She keeps turning our projects that are true to herself and not mainstream radio. The best part is that instead of running out of creative steam she is just getting stronger with every album.
Second skin seems like the strongest project yet. Somehow she has managed to keep her unique voice while experimenting with some new sounds in the studio. When I listen to this CD it is as if she is performing in the studio and I'm sitting in the control booth listening. It sounds so intimate that if you close your eyes its as if she is singing right to you.
If you are tired of weak whispy singers that dont sound as if they are sure of themselves then Ashley Cleveland is the antidote. She writes great songs and has the talent to sing them like she means them.
This is a must have CD....it just gets better with every listen.

I love Ashley Cleveland's music. Second Skin is an amazing album.

I bought Amazons digital mp3 album and discovered an error. The songs Broken Places and Riding With The King are mixed up. Both songs are on the album, but incorrectly titled. Maybe Amazon will correct this error?

3/1/11: Wanted to add that Amazon gave me my moeny back for the download. I never even asked for a refund! Appreciate the quality customer service.

A fabulous album. I bought it about four years ago for one cut - "Life is War" - after accidently hearing it on a college station while driving through Maryland. I had no idea she was a "Christian musician". Frankly, I find most "Christian music" insipid, monotonous, and sickeningly sweet. This record is nothing of the sort. This woman has soul. This woman has been through hell.

I have since bought Big Town and You Are There simply because she is a marvelously gifted singer. Her rendition on YAT of Give Me Shelter is as good as any I've heard, including the Stones. Check it out on Youtube. Kenny Greenberg ain't a bad guitar player, either.

Apparently she plays mostly in churches. If she plays anywhere within a two hour drive of me here in eastern Pa., I will be there.