Customer Reviews

Stop All The World Now (Special Package with Bonus DVD)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This CD is simply amazing. To start off, I have never heard of Howie Day, needless to say his music before...at least not until I happened to be at Fry's Electronics a few weeks ago in northern Cal when the store was playing this album out loud at its music demo station. The moment the first song on this album "Brace Yourself" started playing, I dropped what I was doing and followed the sound of this beautiful song to where the music was playing just to try and figure out who it was by. At first I thought it was a new song by the group "Five For Fighting". Only later did I realize that it was by Howie Day (a name I've never heard of before, but whose music I'm sure I will embrace from now on). Well, after listening to "brace yourself", I thought to myself whether this is one of those CDs with just one good song, so I scanned the rest of the tracks, and to my surprise almost every single song on this CD is beyond my expectation. I love "Brace Yourself". Other of my favs are "Perfect Time Of Day", "Collide", "Trouble In Here", "You & A Promise" & "She Says". By the way, I noticed that everytime the store puts this CD on, it always attracts someone's attention. It's just that good!

If you get the special edition of this album, it comes with a DVD that offers you a glimpse at the production team behind Howie Day's music. It includes things like recording session footage and interview. The DVD disk is approximately 30 min long.

Yes it may be true that Howie was going to release Australia whether Epic signed him or not but Epic should have invested in this phenomenal talent at the get go. Instead Australia was a decent album that did not due the performer justice. . With that being said, Stop All The World was a shock! After being disappointed by John Mayer's quasi sophomore (actually 3rd album) attempt, to the point of tears. . . I was elated by this (dare I say) masterpiece!!! There was big money to invest in this sleeping giant of a talent for Epic. Spend they did with a shiny very dressed up production value that Howie Day deserved. Funny thing is Howie came through with fresh, exciting, powerful, material that meshed perfectly with what was intended. At the first listening I was hooked by reminders of days past with quality well thought out productions by the likes of Brian Eno (U2's Joshua Tree, The Unforgettable Fire). A "perfect" recipe for a wonderful album blending emotional melodies with meaningful lyrics, a strong vocal ability, impeccable arrangements, with a splash of strings to cap off this true work of art. Apology accepted Epic for blowing this future Rock And Roll Hall Of Farmer's first impression with the album buying public and the big fat tour bus doesn't hurt either! Mark my words readers! This album will sell and sell big. It will be on many a music lovers list of one of the 10 albums you wish you had if stranded on an island. In other words RUN, do not walk, to the nearest record store for this fantastic piece of ear candy. Well done Howie! And again I will remind you what I told you when we met 2 years ago. "You are going to be a huge star. . . .......

I had been a devoted follower of Howie's growing magnification, and lately I've felt a little let down ...
This comment probably makes no difference since Howie and his supporters are very successful without my opinion. However, I simpy wanted to mention that my first experience with Howie Day was when he opened-up for Tori Amos at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago a few years back. I fell in love!!! He had amazing solo stage-presence. I enjoyed him so much, that I went out & bought AUSTRALIA the next day, and I completely fawned at the MADRIGALS release.
I was so excited when I found out he was headlining Chicago's Vic Theatre in October (2003) & immediately bought tickets. A few days later, I purchased STOP ALL THE WORLD NOW. I loved the piano ballad, but otherwise I was disappointed in the rather "poppy" sound in a majority of the album, but figured the upcoming live show would make up for it.
The show at the Vic was even more disappointing than his new release. His cheesy backup band really turned me off. I am much more fond his solo performances with sinewy, emotional vocals and echoing guitar rifs... They were much more powerful, and I wish I could hear more! Until then, I've strayed away. I miss the "old Howie"!!!

Howie Day is a very talented singer-songwriter. If you have heard his first album, *Australia*, and liked his signature song, "She Says," this CD gives you the 2003 version of it with a beautiful string arrangement around it. It adds a beautiful depth that gives an excellent contrast to his original version of the song. Both versions are great for different reasons.

His sophomore release is clean, polished, and matured. SATWN provides a natural evolution from the material on *Australia*. As Howie says in the DVD (more on that later), it gives a nice snapshot on where Howie and his music are in 2003. "Perfect Time of Day" is really strong (particularly the chorus); "Collide" and "End of Our Days" may be my favorites from the new material. Again, my absolute favorite (and probably always will be) is "She Says."

My take on the DVD (Limted Edition only):

I never have met Howie. Having listened to his music since he visited Detroit in 2001, I certainly have my own impression of what I think Howie is like, if his music says anything about him. When I popped the DVD into my player and watched it, on my television appeared the Howie Day that I expected. As quite a few reviewers have commented, Howie is a very young man with an "old soul," and that is exactly what came across to me when I watched him on this DVD. I saw a very talented singer-songwriter with a lot of depth. Just as importantly, I saw a *real person* - I got to see a glimpse into Howie's personality. Hearing just his voice and a piano for "End of Our Days," to me, was just amazing.

Was it too short? Sure. I think, though, that it made its point - at least it did to me.

Seriously, what a great album. Literally every song is wonderfully crafted; sensitive, deep, poetic. Howie Day may not be as well known as other singer-songwriters like John Mayer but that does mean he is not as good. Howie Day may very well be the most talented young American songwriter in the world today and this album is certainly proof.

The first time I heard Howie Day, I instantly fell in love with his music. Ever since I got his CD's, I barely listen to anything else, and there isn't anything I've heard from this incredible musician that I don't love. He even somehow performs covers better than the originals. It's his voice. Once described by Rolling Stone as "emotionally naked," it will captivate you with intensity through lyrics that anyone can relate to. He has a bold sound, and is talented with the guitar and piano as well. If you get this CD, you will be wanting his other ones before long. Hell, if you get more now, you could probably get free shipping. They include Australia and Madrigals EP, and he also has a track on the I am Sam soundtrack.

This album comes together better than Australia did. Yet, as HD comes closer to being a big star, he slowly falls back into the "mainstream" crowd with all the other solo artists. Howie Day has an amazing ambience and sound to him when he performs live, the way the music flows, the emotion, the general atmosphere. The overproduced albums that are being sold (other than Madrigals EP) are trashy mushy adult contemporary that you'd find on a bad radio station. I suggest finding some Bootlegs of his live stuff or talking to a real fan who recorded one of his shows. You used to be allowed to record his shows, now you can't since he's signed to a big bad label(Epic).

"Stop All the World Now" exceeds the glowing promise of Howie's debut, "Australia." The lush yet edgy orchestrations are well-matched to Howie's aural and lyrical power. Several songs might nearly move you to tears. This kid's gonna be a superstar (but don't let that change you for the worse personally or professionally, Howie!).

Howie Day's "Stop All The World Now" is an amazing album... Every song works its way into your head and your heart, especially "Collide", "Numbness of Sound", "You & a Promise", and of course the new orchestrated version of "She Says". The album is undoubtedly inspiring and has become the soundtrack of my everyday life. Order it now, don't miss another perfect day!

I bought "Australia" a couple days beforehand and listened to it for about a week straight before I went out and bought "Stop all the world now." Don't get me wrong. It's fantastic, but does not compare to "Australia." She Says - #7 is still excellent on this cd, but on Australia it has that sound that makes it so original - here, it's too polished. Yet I still recommend it. But buy Australia first.