Customer Reviews

Songs from the Eye of An Elephant

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

 

 

Anyone who loves to be taken on a journey, by the music they listen to, will love this debut solo work by Ryan Star, the former frontman of the band STAGE.

The raw presentation of Ryan's 20 original songs, just adds to the flavor of the music, as you hear the artist sigh as he pauses poignantly in the middle of a love song. At other times you hear Ryan drop his guitar,or the sound of the piano stool creaking and the artist stomping the floor to get the rythm going for his acoustic "Take a Ride with Me." I felt like I had somehow been transported right into the room with him.

The song list runs from the inspirational "So Ordinary" to the political anthem "Here Son", with a mix of tender love songs and steamy tracks with erotic undertones scattered about to keep things interesting.

And always there is Ryan's voice, which is a mix of raw razor edge and angelic high notes that keeps you guessing what will come next.

For anyone who loved Ryan's work with STAGE, you will be happy to know that his unique erotic awareness and ability to "undo you" with his lyrical pen is still very much alive.

One of the tracks,"Back of your Car", has been getting some attention due to it's debut TV performance on the show "Rockstar Supernova."

I recommend this CD but I must warn you, this one is addicting. Once it is in your CD player, you may never want to take it out.

Love him or hate him now that the show is over, there's no denying Ryan Star made a memorable impression this summer as a contestant on "Rock Star: Supernova." The "Dark Horse" contender captured many viewers with his intense vocals and beautiful piano work, even if his stage presense left some doubts about his ability to front a heavy-rocking "supergroup".

This CD release showcases a stripped down Star, his voice minimally accompanied by his piano, some strings, and drums only on a few tracks. The result is a highly intimate, personal album, and those who fell in love with Ryan's vocals on the tv show will no doubt be pleased with what they hear. Highlights include "The Back of Your Car", "We Might Fall", and "Losing Your Memory", all of which capture the listener with their strong melodies and lyrics.

If there is a downfall to this album, it is perhaps that there is too much of a good thing here, but without enough variety. About halfway through the album's 20 tracks, one begins to wish for a little more contrast in sound, a little more variation in tempo and arrangements just to keep things from sounding too similar, too indistinct. It's easy to slip this album on and let the songs blend together, where some songs should instead stand out more clearly.

That said, I look forward to hearing more from Ryan in the future, perhaps combining this introspective, singer-songwriter sound with more of the potential "rocker" we saw emerge on television.

This album is incredible! Chuck Taylor, the music editor at Billboard Magazine, has given this album an extraordinary review. He called Ryan "A shining presence."

I highly recommend this album to anyone who has enjoyed Ryan Star on Rockstar Supernova. You will be happy you have the original works ...

Like other reviewers, I fell in love with Ryan's voice on Rock Star: Supernova. I was slightly disappointed he was kicked off, but mostly I was excited that we would see him on his own again (and not with aging rockers). For anyone who thinks you can't find a quality artist on a reality show, be prepared to be proved wrong - Ryan Star is the real deal.

The arrangements are mostly him and a piano, and the result is a hauntingly beautiful album. His vocals cut into you and he has a very versatile range. His voice goes from grunge-era to Coldplay falsetto and it is pure emotion. His songwriting is very sharp and very catchy.

I bought this for about $12 and it was autographed (don't think it is autographed here on Amazon). My favorite songs are "We Might Fall," "So Ordinary," "Losing Your Memory," "Saw You In Heaven," and "The One You Know." There are a few misses on this album, but let's face it...there are 20 tracks!

Keep an eye out for Ryan Star because I don't think this is the last we'll see from him.

I just realized that I have a copy of this cd which Ryan sold directly to me and autographed for me... I met him at his first show at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia in early 2005 before he did anything substantial or got big. I wonder how much it's worth?

A+++ Must Have!

Ryan Star is a singer/song writer.
In my opinion, what sets him apart from so many other artists is how intense he is when he delivers his songs. He completely loses himself on each one of his songs, every time he plays them.
Ryan presented his music acoustically. It is basically, Ryan and a Piano. Reportedly the album was recorded by himself in his living room, so, it all has a very indie feel to it, and many people slapped a label on him at that point as a "Male Tori Amos"
But is it an amazing journey!
My favorite song is "So Ordinary," I find it freeing! Beautiful!

Saw Ryan in concert with David Cook. CD is great just like his live performance.

I've missed this melodic/powerful piano based music. It has always struck a chord with me. I always try new muscians in hopes that they have somthing to offer me. 98% of the time I am dissapointed/bored with the offering. This is not the case with this CD. God Bless You Ryan! Please don't let the recording industry blur your artistry. I am a 38yr old family man who has always listened to music with a passion. In the past 10 years or more, I have been very dissapointed in the music industries output. I had to resort to my old favorites, but always wasting time and money on some new hype that had no substance. It has become very boring. Until now, Brilliant work Ryan , I am a fan.
Mike Everhart

Well I bought 2 CD's on Amazon.com and Eye of An Elephant was one of them. I have to tell you the truth... I don't like this one. Well... Ryan has a great voice but the way he sings is so annoying. Maybe It's just the style of the music. When I finished litsening to the CD I felt like I had litsened to the same song 20 times. But to say something possitive I love the piano. He's a great player.

Love his voice, but they all started sounding a little bit the same.