Customer Reviews

Soul & Inspiration

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

 

 

Barry Mann has written some true classics; and it's marvelous to hear his less-than-perfect but highly emotional renditions of music he wrote. This album starts with "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'." Most will know the Righteous Brothers' hit version, but it has also been done by woman and man with Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood and Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway. Here Barry teams with Carole King. The call & response vocals build and the harmony vocals soar as they knock this through the roof. In a perfect world, this would top the Adult Contemporary charts! The CD would be worth the price for this track alone, but there's more. "On Broadway" shines. "Don't Know Much" which Linda Ronstadt did so effectively on her 1989 "Cry Like A Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind" CD is powerful. Teaming with Bryan Adams, Mann sings passionately with that pounding piano on the Animals' hit & Vietnam era theme song, "We Gotta Get Out this Place." "Soul & Inspiration" surges with Daryl Hall on harmony. Although I'd prefer Tina Turner's 1978 version of "Sometimes When We Touch" to this or Dan Hill, it's a sweet song that dodges schlock-rock. It's nice to hear J.D. Souther back on "I Just Can't Help Believin'," even if he's mixed low. Another great moment is when Mann teams with Peabo Bryson on "Just Once." The track should be a required text for soulful singing. Leah Kunkel really adds great strength to "Here You Come Again" which we're used to hearing by Dolly Parton. The album ends with the beautiful "Somewhere Out There." As pretty as it is, I'd have preferred if he'd ended with a rocker like "Kicks" which was #4 for Paul Revere & the Raiders. Being the first hit with an anti-drug message, this song was a milestone still relevant today. I'm sad it was passed over. Small complaint. This is an excellent addition to the legacy of the 60's. Now Mann's voice sells the songs he wrote.

long known for his collaboration with former wife cynthia weil (leader of the Pack) mann joins up with some great singer-songwriters for his definitive version of his own songs. the result? baby boomer heaven!

This is a real 'Gem' - love his style --- and the songs they both gave us!!!!!!!!

THanks!

I only knew about Mr. Mann from the songs he co-wrote with his wife Cynthia Weil, along with his one hit wonder "Who Put The Bomp?" I came upon this from scoping the Amazon oldies section. I listened to the samples, read the reviews and said "why not?" to myself and bought it. I was extremely surpised and elated when I heard it. I listened to it a few times and it just felt good to listen to this singer-songwriter do his own stuff. I wish Burt Bacharach could do as well. I liked it immensely because it was stripped down to the essentials of a piano, guitar, bass and drums as I dislike hyper-orchestration. Surprisingly, Mr. Mann has a decent, not great, voice but you could feel the intensity of emotions as these songs are his "children." The only thing I was unhappy with is that the songs are too short and perhpas he could have added a few more from his mile long resume of hits. Nevertheless, I am giving it a five star rating because the album made me feel good due to it's bringing back the "good old days" of rock and roll's golden Brill Building era. These are songs you can sing to yourself as the catchy hooks stay with you. His teaming up with other famous artists was well done; however I find that "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" with Carole King was the BEST. No Phil Spector Wall of Sound needed or wanted here. As another Brill Building graduate Ms. King gave it a lot of emotion as well, maybe because many of her "children" originated from the same building on Broadway. You did a great job Barry and I hope that you will put out a sequel.

Barry Mann has done it again! He is not only a talented song writer, but sings the songs in "Soul and Inspiration" in a way that touches your heart and brings back fond memories of the good old days! I absolutely love this album, and can't stop playing it. If you love old Rock 'n Roll, this cd is a "must have"!
I knew Barry Mann when he was young and starting out in the music industry, while growing up in Brooklyn. He was the nicest guy you ever met then, and was just as friendly and down-to-earth when I met him years later at The Bottom Line in the Village. He was there to watch a show which was based on his music. I saw the show twice, and both times the audience gave it a standing ovation. I'd love to see that show's score made into a cd. Anyway, rave reviews for "Soul and Inspiration" from a true fan. Go out and buy it - you won't be disappointed!