Customer Reviews

Siedah

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

 

 

As one who has followed Siedah's career as a songwriter, I have long been familiar with the silent support she has given to many artists, including Michael Jackson. When she joined the Brand New Heavies for their 2001 album "Shelter," her sultry vocal talents were placed in the foreground. On "Siedah," it is again Ms. Garrett's chance to shine, this time on a solo album. Track after track, this album highlights the vocal gifts of the artist in a new format: rock and roll.

Thoroughly listenable, "Siedah" is not without a social conscience. "Man in the Mirror" explores social inequities, while "God Bless the World" offers a message of hope to listeners. "Get the Hell Outta Here" actively challenges the assumption that rock and roll is the domain of white musicians. On this track, Siedah's voice and her lyrics clearly disprove this misconception. She has what it takes to rock and she lets you know it.

All in all, this is a solid album that holds up to multiple listenings.

Fans of Siedah have been waiting so long for new material. News Flash - it was worth the wait. She is bound to make legions of new fans with this CD. Siedah can certianly rock with the best of them (e.g., Tina Turner and Melissa Etheridge). The ballads and mid-tempo numbers are not filler, but stand on their own merit. What a magnificent songwriter.

My favorite tracks are "Such A One" and "Air Guitar". I hope that radio does not ignore Siedah. There should not be a color-barrier when it comes to rock & roll.

Mark From Omaha, Nebraska

Higher Octave sends the listener an early glimpse into the career of a star on horizon ~ "Siedah", featuring Siedah Garrett with smooth moves and a voice to match. Shades of Tina Turner come to mind on the first track "WHAT I KNOW", something about her approach is Turner with a few twists ~ "GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE", another side to this singer/songwriter is her funky style, the beat takes you into another dimension ~ "GOD BLESS THE WORLD", no truer words were ever spoken, a prayer can do a lot and love is for everyone on this planet ~ "MAN IN THE MIRROR", great to hear the composers version from her own lips ~ "IT'S ONLY ROCK 'N ROLL(BUT I LIKE IT), classic Rolling Stones tune, listen as Siedah nails this one and nails it good, sounds like she's been singing this all her life ~ gotta love it!

Total Time: 47:00 on 12 Tracks ~ Higher Octave 84202 ~ (7/08/2003)

My drive home from work can be a long one but I encountered something pretty strange on my way home today. The other night I was browsing a local music store and came across this amazing CD. I listened to a few samples in the store and it was good enough for me to buy it right then and there. Today on my way home I found myself taking the long way so I could hear the whole CD before I arrived at my door.
This woman can rock...make no doubt about it. On track 1 she gets her voice working and your temperature rising so by track 4 you are literally balls to the wall rocking in your own car. I'm sure I entertained a few rush hour patrons but I could care less.
Song after glorious song Siedah rocks and takes her time going through slower numbers. Posessing a distinct vocal style and an knack for finding the hook in a number, she pushes the listener totally out of the planet. Take a listen how she takes Man in the Mirror to the next level of singing...she knocks it clean out of the park.
I dig chicks that can rock and this chick will rock you like no other. Trust me, I don't make these claims lightly and I don't write reviews often. I can't wait for her next CD...please don't let it be too long!

I had no idea when I ordered this CD how much I would love it. Siedah's a great singer and I love the arrangements. This is the way she sings when she gets to make all the decisions. Some people aren't happy because she doesn't sound like she does on the Michael Jackson recordings. This is Siedah being herself, and she's great.

This is definitely a solid album for Siedah. She
can really rock n roll! She not only has the vocal prowess
but the lyrical depth to make one sit and listen.
I have long respected her talent. She did an awesome
turn with Brand New Heavies on their sorely underrated
album "Shelter." The only thing missing from this
consistently wonderful album is another heartfelt ballad
like "Nothin' At All and she could have nixed "I Know It's Only
Rock N Roll." With a set this strong that was a hoeky throw
away. But, who know's... Maybe she added it because she really
likes the song. Well done, Siedah!

I'm a fun of soul and when I read the other reviews about rock I tought Siedah was going mad... But when I heard the samples the songs seemed really good! And now that I have the CD I can say to all the world THIS IS A GREAT ALBUM! AND SIEDAH IS A GREAT SONGWRITER! Obviously the best tracks are the ones written by Siedah and Glen Ballard, like MJ's Man In The Mirror. It's not important how many guitars sound in the CD or the name of the musicians, it's simple an album well done! Siedah, I wait for the next one! It could will be soulful, jazzy or rock like this... surely this is the right way!

Like many people, I couldn't wait to hear this new rendition of the very talented Siedah who's kept quiet for too long. Her first solo album back in '88 and the subsequent stints with Brand New Heavies lingered on my mind, and I rejoiced at the prospect of some more of this kind of music. How wrong I was - but then, I should have known; stellar musicians like Greg Phillinganes appear only on one track, and there's more guitar-players than you can shake a Gibson Les Paul at. Not to mention that musical heavy-weights like Rod Temperton are nowhere to be found (rather, heard!). So whilst this rendition can be described as a well-played Alanis Morrisette-Tracy Chapman-rock fusion stay clear if you want your toes to wiggle to some funked up soul / acid jazz beats. How very sad - somebody please tell me this is the "real" Siedah's twin sister!