Customer Reviews

So Much More

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was reluctant initially to purchase this CD because I was somewhat disappointed by his first release which I considered only above average. However, after hearing his selection included on the Paste Music Sampler, as well as reading a positive and negative (from a true Bozette) Amazon review I decided to take a chance. I am very glad I did.

This is a rich, complex collection of songs that display the talents of a very intellegent and insightful songwriter. His voice is expressive and while it may lack some range, on this collection it exhibits subtle variations that work well with the individual songs. The arrangements are like fine art. They possess a mesmerizing musical diversity that keeps the CD fresh and distinct throughout. Whoever produced this album did a super job. The band is cohesive and displays great musicianship. This effort is really "So Much More". It is a true classic and I hope it provides Mr. Dennon with the appropriate recognition. I can not even come up with a few highlights since the whole collection is precious.

okay, I read through all the other reviews here. And I agree with them. I'm adding my own just to add a little more mass to the average score, which I also agree with.

A.Butterfield's review is probably closest to my own impression, though I would spin it a bit more positively. Dennan's voice is unique and beautiful. It's somehow very young, mature, emotional, craggy, masculine and feminine at the same time. His songs are catchy, and the lyrics are very good. One can't deny that "Ain't No Reason","She's Mine", "There Is So Much More", and "Because You Are a Woman" are very good songs, some with exceptionally good lyrics. For example:

"Preachers on the podium speaking of saints/
Prophets on the sidewalk begging for change"
...come on, that's great!!! Not only is the second line a double-entendre (could be read as "beggars asking for money" or "spiritual leaders begging people to change their ways") he suggests in the wordplay that they are one and the same person in our culture, that as a culture we have thoughtlessly pushed our soul-searchers into the gutter. How many artists put that much sensitivity and polish into one line?

Still, I would agree with the negatives that Butterfield points out; yes, these songs do start sounding the same after awhile, especially if you are using it as "background music". His architecture is pretty formulaic: a double-long intro, a slightly more energetic refrain, two or three verses, and Paul-Simonesque guitar knitting it all together. The tempo and overall sound is the same for every song on the disk ("Because You Are A Woman" being the exception). Some of his lyrics are below average, too, especially towards the end of the album. And while I don't think his range is limited, I do think he's not using it. Come on, Brett! Raise your voice a little bit when you're talking about people marching on the White House! Not everything needs to sound like a pretty little ballad; some things are worth screaming about.

I've come to the conclusion that Brett Dennan is already great, and I'll never regret buying this album. But he's a work in progress as an artist. He'll keep making music, and when he's thirty, he'll be one of the best there is. When he's 50...that amazing voice back by 30 more years of experience? It gives me chills.

There is some music that can change the listener's mood and people would refer to it as good; Brett Dennen's music has the ability to change the way an individual views each new day and I would refer to it as great. The ease with which Dennen slips his inspiring lyrics into his music creates a great feeling of comfort. It has literally been years since I have heard a sound that is so fresh and I venture to say that Brett Dennen may be one of the best musicians I have ever heard in my life.

Dennen is truly the total package when it comes to the ultimate auditory experience. It is hard to put a finger on exactly what it is that makes his music head and shoulders above the onslaught of new artist but whatever it is, he has it. His music flows so well in each and every song; a perfect balance of an amazing voice, a sharp instrumental blend, and awe inspiring lyrics. While I probably don't have to say it at this point, I would strongly recommend any of Brett Dennen's work to anyone who appreciates great music for what it is. You won't hear it at your local dance club and it's perfect for those occasions when you want to forget about whatever it is that worries you.

I first saw Brett open up for John Mayer in Atlanta. We were in an outdoor theater where you bring your own beverages and food. My group of friends and I were talking and drinking. Half way into his first song all of my friends got quiet and said this guy is pretty good. We were trying to figure out who he sounds like: Paul Simon? John Mayer? Well, we paid attention to the opening act and as soon as he finished I walked over to the merchandise booth and bought his CD - at full price! Then I went home and ordered his first CD on the internet. I absolutely love this CD! (The first one is decent) I listen to it all the time and have captivated many of my friends with it. I wish Brett the best for the future. I definitely want to hear more of him.

When Brett came out with his first album, I thought to myself, "wow, i don't know how he's going to top this cd, every song on here is great". But when So Much More came out, it completely blew my mind away. I haven't heard anything so unique and powerful in my life. This is a MUST BUY

wonderful voice, wonderful music. this kid is incredible, with excellent lyrics, and he truly has a soul. I have a feeling we are going to see a lot from this guy in the future. hopefully he wont go pop and fall into the hands of the music industry dark side.

I've been using the yahoo music service lately - once you've rated a bunch of stuff you can listen to what they call 'my station'. They pick a bunch of new songs based your ratings. The other day I heard dennen's ain't no reason on that and immediately downloaded the rest of the album. So much more is one of those rare albums where every song is worth listening to. He's got a smooth evocative soulful voice - it actually sounds kind of like billie holiday to me. Get this album! you won't be disappointed.

I can't stop listening to this album! On first listening, one or two cuts stand out; on repeated plays, that quality that makes you want to listen repeatedly shows itself on every track. With apologies to Amazon, do yourself a favor and download this album from iTunes where there are two "bonus" tracks (i.e., 12 tracks in all), both of which are really wonderful. One of these -- "Fig Tree" -- is, hands-down, the best of the entire album; what a shame it's not included on the CD.

I just went to a concert in Portland where Brett was the opening act, and I was blown away. He was very entertaining, and if you get the chance to see him, DO IT! He has a great voice and upbeat music. My favorites on this CD are "When you feel it you know" and "Who loves you the most", but the whole CD is very good. Both his CDs are outstanding!!! A+++++++

PLEASE listen to this kid!

I'm an old guy. I grew up in the Viet Nam era listening to Bob Dylan singing "The Times They Are A Changin'", to Phil Ochs, Simon & Garfunkel, and the revolutionaries Country Joe and the Fish and the Jefferson Airplane. The only thing WE did wrong then was we didn't overthrow the government, we became it, and we made it worse.

Enter Brett Dennen singing "I saw people's histories tatooed on their skins". I thought of the holocaust survivors whose story is dying as a new generation gives credibility to those who say it all never happened. Then he sings "I asked when is the revolution". Now? Please?

Our wonderful country is in some dark times. The top tenth of one percent of Americans now earn more than the bottom 50% combined. We have 40 million with no healthcare, and mindless war, and a sophomoric, pugnacious president. It's time for the revolution.

This kid is a lyrical giant at his ripe young late 20s age. His music has the same good but a little raw feel of the great poets of our prior generation. And his lyrics are so dead on, I still have a tear in my eye when I think of them.

Listen, listen to what he's saying. Maybe your heart can be thawed a little more like mine was. Thanks, Brett.