Customer Reviews

Space Under Sun

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Easily the most pleasurable CD I've bought recently. Ari Gold's voice is quite simply superb. His vocal technique is polished and remarkably flexible. The arrangements and production are flawless. Overall, this CD deserves to be very sucessful. If Ari had marketed himself has a neutral figure, this would probably come to pass. As it is, he undoubtedly has the talent (and, it seems, the backing) to break out of the "gay" genre and become a true crossover artist, especially in clubland. Whenever I listen to him I'm in awe of his talent. As I said to my wife today, listening to him in the car, "I WISH I could have a voice like that!" There's a mix of very danceable music and some great ballads, especially "Beshert", which is not only a good piece of music, but deeply meaningful for anyone who has an ounce of romanticism. Of course, "Wave of You" is popular, but there are a lot more potential hits in this collection. Buy it.

I was acutally searcing Amazon for another gay artist when I came upon Ari Gold. I had never heard of him, so I thought I'd order the album & give it a shot. When I recieved it in the mail, I started to listen to it, and couldn't stop! Song after song, I became even more addicted. Being a gay male, there are few celebrities that I can relate to. In Ari's songs, he is actually singing to a man, so I can listen to his music and get a sence of realism, instead of pretend. Ari Gold has easily became my new favorite artist, and I HIGHLY recommend this album to everyone!

Right now, I can tell you that Ari Gold will be the most commercially underrated artist of 2004. I know it's not completely set in stone, but his music and image, while incredibly appealing, fit in an area currently outside the American music mainstream of patriotic country singers and down and dirty rap stars. The mainstream's loss is definitely my gain, however.

Something that I can say, that I personally believe really should be carved in stone, is that Ari Gold has soul. Out and out blue eyed soul. He's also got a killer groove and an amazing musical sense. This, combined with his stunning good looks and sex appeal, would in most cases, make him the total package most record labels kill themselves over. And he is, but this guy is totally independent.

I really wouldn't want Ari any other way either. His material is fresh and funky, and tackles subjects outside the normal pop parameters, including a track entitled 'Caught' about being found having sex with another man. Old pop conventions are applied and twisted in Ari's own way too, with the fight over a man taken to a whole other level with his Kendra Ross duet 'He's On My Team'.

Another theme of this record is tribute to the sounds of the 80s in various ways. For instance, the little known Jam & Lewis produced Thelma Houston classic 'You Used To Me Hold So Tight', is cleverly sampled on the bouncing 'Funk That Ship'. The tune 'Fan-tastic' was inspired by none other than the forever reigning pop queen Madonna. Boy George and his Culture Club also get some attention, with what is, in my opinion, a better than the original remake of 'Do You Really Want 2 Hurt Me'. The production on that one just throws me for a loop, I love it so much. The album, despite all of this, still retains a fresh 2004 sound that I adore.

Other highlights include 'Bashert (Meant To Be)' and the title cut. One of my absolute favorites that I haven't mentioned yet is the current single, 'Wave Of You'. This track was also on his now out of print debut, a record I wish I had caught when originally out. The song is here in two versions - an album version and a club mix by Twisted Dee, who is usually known for her bootleg remixes and club updates. Both are great, as is the music video included as an enhanced portion.

It should be a crime that he won't get the mainstream recognition he deserves, but as long as he continues and makes more music this good, I'll be forever hooked.

Ari Gold is amazing, his looks are good but his voice is incredible, whoever said he couldn't sing needs to get earwax removed! This sexy album has many dance tracks and some tastefully arousing gay material in "Funk That Ship" and about being caught having gay sex in "Caught". But Ali is alot more than a down and dirty songster, his music has soul with the romantic and holy Intimate where he declares he has "waited for the longest time to commit this crime, to be intimate with you... Baby can't you see I'm so in love with you" and Spiritual and Romantic, Bashert (Meant To Be) maintaining what seems like beautiful beliefs in your soulmate being out there and God. Also "Back to Me" can be interpreted many ways one of which I take as taking back your virginity, your self-worth or/and your humility and humanity. He's sounds amazing, he's dancy, sexy, raunchy, spiritual and deep! Wow, how many albums combine all that that! An incredible R&B, and that doesn't begin to describe his style, gay singer and album.

I read an article about Ari Gold in one of the magazines I get, and I liked what he had to say, so I went and bought the CD without having heard any of the tracks. I simply wanted to support an artist who had the balls to be out. Truth be told, I wasn't expecting much. For one, it's released via Mr. Gold's own independent label (Gold 18 Records), and two, his shirtless photos indicate that maybe there's little talent behind the handsome face.
After listening to the first few tracks, I was blown away. The man is a true artist, with a lot of soul, spirituality, and depth. Sure, there's some fun mindless dance music here, but there's also songs like the title track, "Bashert," and "Intimate," which left me feeling renewed and proud to be who I am in this world. As a Boy George fan, I really didn't want to hear anyone cover "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me," but Mr. Gold gives the song his own spin and pulls it off nicely. Even George himself approves. The Madonna tribute "Fan-tastic" - would could have been really embarrassing - turns out to be a wonderful acknowledgement of an artist whose energy motivated so many of us to be ourselves. In fact, I'd say about Ari Gold what Madonna said about herself: They may not be the best singers in the world, but they have a driving ambition not only to be successful, but to spread a message of acceptance and love for self. I'd love to see Ari Gold's career explode, but, even if it doesn't, I anxiously await his next move.

I have had this album for a while now and I am a huge Ari Gold fan. To me, there's really no denying Ari's amazing voice and writing. Wave Of You?? Love Will Take Over??? Awesome songs...and Ari is everywhere these days - LOGO, HBO....and you know what? Even though I had this album for a while I always just assumed Ari was on a major label so I was reading these reviews and I realized its Indie....umm, thats quite an accomplishment. Ari is not only an amazing artist but a figure to look up to.

Ari Gold is a fine example of a modern day R&B/rap/hip hop crooner (yes, crooner) who can always take a song and turn it into a work of art. Although I don't usually buy this type of CD I was very pleasantly surprised with Ari's fine work on this album.

The track set begins with "Space Under Sun," the title song of this CD. After some special sound effects the mellow arrangement begins; and when Ari Gold comes in this number takes off like a jet! The R&B arrangement makes great use of the percussion; and Ari's voice sounds great. The backup chorus bolsters the number even more to make "Space Under Sun" a strong start for this album.

"Funk That Ship" begins with a distinct rap/hip hop flavor that makes great use of the percussion and electric guitars; Ari sings this well and the number gets even better when more mellow sounds are added to the arrangement--good backup chorus, too. Moreover, "More Than Enough" begins with some great backup vocals and "More Than Enough" sports a rapping sound that I really like. "Intimate" has some great piano and Ari croons this to perfection! "Intimate" lets Ari express his romantic affections for his man. "Caught" has another great beat with some fine electric guitar; Ari explores a situation in which his love for another man actually gets him in trouble with the police. Good number.

"Bashert (Meant To Be)" has an elegant guitar arrangement; and Ari performs a great cover of "Do You Really Want 2 Hurt Me." Love those special sound effects that go along with that classic R&B/hip hop flavor!

"Re:Union" has great sound effects to make it sound like there's more than one Ari singing at times during this number; and the arrangement works wonders to bolster "Re:Union." "Re:Union" lets Ari sing of meeting his former lover seven years after they broke up; and Ari delivers this to perfection!

The CD ends with a bonus track entitled "Wave Of You." The quicker tempo along with that Latin disco flavor makes a strong musical arrangement; and Ari sings this like the pro that he is! "Wave Of You" gives us a strong ending for this CD.

The CD boasts some multimedia features when you play it on your computer's CD-ROM drive; we get the lyrics and so much more!

Ari Gold gives blood on this terrific album; and it shows. He has great courage to open up on this album and express his thoughts about and affections for another man. I highly recommend this CD for people who can keep an open mind as they listen to some great R&B/rap/hip hop style music.

Thanks, Ari!

Ari's music oozes with sexuality, but doesn't stop there. He has heart! He has passion! He has musicality! And he clearly believes in the idea that music can effect and change peoples lives. As a gay man, I love what he stands for and how he's trying to change the world through his art. I wish I had a role model like him when I was growing up. Bravo Ari!

WHEN I BOUGHT THIS ALBUM, I HAD NEVER HEARD OF ARI GOLD AT ALL. I WAS JUST LOOKING FOR A NEW DANCE/POP/CLUB MUSIC CD. I READ THE REVIEW, WENT TO THE WEBSITE, AND DECIDED TO BUY IT. I REALLY HAVE ENJOYED THE ALBUM SINCE IT ARRIVED IN EXACTLY THE SPECIFIED DELIVERY TIME I REQUESTED. ALL THE TRACKS ARE WELL SUNG. ARI GOLD HAS A VERY GOOD VOICE; HE KINDA SOUNDS LIKE JON B. A LITTLE BIT. I ESPECIALLY LIKE HOW HE BLENDS PRO-TOOLS LIKE VOICE ENHANCEMENTS WITH THE NORMAL RANGE OF HIS VOICE TO MAKE THE MUSIC LISTENING EXPERIENCE THAT MUCH MORE INTERESTING. THE BEST PART IS THAT HE'S NOT AFRAID TO SING ABOUT HIS REAL FEELINGS AND EXPERIENCES, WHILE TOTALLY NOT DENYING HIS TRUE SELF. PROBABLY ONE OF MY FAVORITE ALBUMS OF THE YEAR. I WISH I HAD HEARD ABOUT IT EARLIER THIS YEAR.

Ari's music is not only fun, but it does have incredible meaning. He inspires those that are different to do the things that make them happy. This is a universal passion, that can be related to any race, whether white or black. As a black man myself, I found his music totally together with beats that hit home a message of acceptance and love. I love this album, it will have you singing for days and wondering why Ari isn't on MTV yet.