Customer Reviews

Supply And Demand

5 star:		(50)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have to be honest: I enjoyed his debut album so much I was half hoping Amos Lee would 'do a Norah Jones' and give us Amos Lee Part 2, or, in other words, more of the same.

But he hasn't. He's gone for a different producer this time around, leaving Lee Alexander for Barrie Maguire and thus, for a different sound.

He's turned it up in musical terms; his voice is bolder and whereas I always felt that he could've climbed on stage and performed the majority of the songs on "Amos Lee" armed with just his guitar, here he relies more on a full band. There are more background vocals here was well, though all performed by Lee himself.

Where I think he's turned things down a notch is on the angst, melancholy, the overall raw emotion he gave me on "Amos Lee". On that CD I felt a sense of identity and intimacy with the singer that I don't feel on this one. In fact where the first CD made me feel a range of emotions, this one makes me feel nothing. (Well, there was slight alarm at the totally unexpected mention of cocaine use on "Night Train" and one significant highlight was Lizz Wright popping up on background vocals on the anti-war song "Freedom" but that was about it).

That said, upon reflection I guess I have to hand it to the man for trying to progress and expand his sound. Most of what I've grown to like about Amos Lee (his voice, his songs) are all here and his personality still comes across pretty well. There's still good music here and it all makes for very pleasant, reflective listening. I'm still a fan. I just prefer his former CD to this one.

Amos Lee has a the knack for lovely lyrics and colorful melodies, and continues to reveal his talent on "Supply and Demand," the follow-up to his rightfully acclaimed self-titled debut.

The singer/songwriter might seem to exude a cliched coffeehouse quality, but he never drifts into self-indulgence or monotony; a rarity among his peers. The soul that consumes his music is indicative of his hometown of Philadelphia, yet he has developed such a laid-back, churchy sound that he may as well as hail from Biloxi, Miss.

The fast-moving collection jets off with the folksy lead single "Shout Out Loud," which finds Lee waxing on his finite existence in the scope of all the people he sees on a busy street. With a winning melody and refreshingly informal lyrics, it is a fine indicator of the rest of the disc.

"Careless" provides a unique look at how friendships can dissolve when romantic intentions interrupt, as both Lee and his pal take a liking to the same woman. Similarly, "Skipping Stone" laments the fickle heart of a former flame while conceding that letting one's guard down is the only way true love can be fostered. A near-perfect role reversal occurs later with the sunny "Southern Girl."

"Freedom," which finds jazz artist Lizz Wright providing backup vocals, is another surefire highlight with its powerful words: "Don't want to blame the rich for what they got/Or point a finger at the poor for what they have not/Freedom is seldom found/By beatin' someone to the ground."

The title track is perhaps the most introspective on the album, yet it maintains a strong universal quality. Growing restless in the systematic way of life, Lee realizes after a night of jogging that he needs "a plan to understand that life ain't only supply and demand."

Romance abounds as well. "Night Train" finds a world-weary Lee finding solace in his significant other, while he proclaims in "Sweet Pea" that she is "the only reason I keep on comin' home."

"The Wind" finds him taking an empathetic look at his surroundings, contemplating the faces of the homeless and the desolate lights of the highway, while "Long Line of Pain" concludes the record on its highest and most emotional note as he describes how his family sacrificed so he could realize his dreams: "Now my momma's on her own/I try to call her and see her when I'm home/And after all that she's been through all the doctors say/There ain't nothing we can do/Her heart lives in my song/Where the melody comes and just as quickly/The melody is gone/And I'm back alone, far from home."

If Lee had put out this record in the onslaught of the singer/songwriter-friendly era of the '70s, he would be a household name by now. Though comparisons are never exact, think of him as the James Taylor of this generation. If listeners could look past the noise and clamor of mainstream radio to artists such as Lee, their musical IQs would thank them.

What a superb album! I am trying to praise him when I say that I here a little bit of Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Paul Simon and James Taylor is his clear and beautiful singing.

Could it be that we are hearing the early works of another great ballad singer?

The songs are very laid back and the unhurried. They are romantic and heartfelt, sounding somewhat bluesy, somewhat country and absolutely genuine.

I purchased this CD based on Amazon recommendations and I am very pleased with the result. I look forward to listening to his self titled album.

I wasn't sure that I believed Amos Lee could make a sophmore album to compete with his debut. However, he has made a believer out of me. Poetic, haunting, yet with a bit more punch and playfulness, Supply and Demand is an elegant progression of a deeply soul-connected artist.

My expectations were high. I have listened to the first CD over and over and over . . . and was ready to see what Amos would do next. It is as if he is *elaborating* in this one, expanding instrumentation, playing with great harmonies. The first song "Shout Out Loud" is a fabulous feel-good song, and just the beginning of the journey, which takes the listener to thoughtfulness, romance, sadness, and celebration. "Freedom" is a his not-so-subtle way of commenting on the world, and I like how he does it. I also really love "Sweet Pea" and "Southern Girl" (and not just because I live in Charlottesville).

I highly recommend this CD. I'm enjoying it as I type.

I love this CD. I love the fact that Amos Lee is the type of artist who is true to his music and although he may not be considered "mainstream", music lovers will "get him" and his style. Sometimes, as I listen to the music of today,I get dishearted because I find no value in the music, no artistry. Well, "Supply and Demand" confirms to me that their is still real,thought provoking, moving,engaging,and creative artists around. Like his previous CD "Amos Lee", I love the lyrics in the songs. "Shout Out Loud" is a great song to open with, and my teenagers ask me to play it over and over again...I have many favorites, including "Shout Out Loud", "Skipping Stone", "Supply and Demand", "Sweet Pea" ...o.k., I love the whole CD....In an age where you may get 1 or 2 songs on a CD that you really like, this CD is filled with songs you will love...Buy it, then enjoy!!!!

We first saw Amos before he released any major CD and he has just gotten better over the years. This second major release 4th overall (2 CDs are on CDbaby) is probably his best. With blues, R&B, country, and a little jazz mixed in it is hard to categorize his music. I prefer to just call it Americana. I think the music is really accessible and should hold a wide range of appeal.

Ah, how can I put into words the gift of this music. The first album I purchased was "Amos Lee" and I loved it! I just recently downloaded "Supply & Demand". When you love the first album, buying the second is always pure risk. Unless it is Amos Lee. The music and lyrics connect right to your soul. If you cannot remember what music offered before it was driven by supply & demand, let Amos Lee and his band remind you. True talent and passion. I could list until my ears bled. It will change you.

This CD is absolutely great. I've been an Amos Lee fan for several years, and it has been a pleasure watching him gain more recognition for his excellent songwriting and other musical abilities.

I have always termed Amos Lee as "No Driving Music", because I'm sure that if I play his music extensively while driving, I'm sure to fall asleep. His music is extremely relexing and chill, without being boring or repetitious like some others in the industry. He knows how to progress each song without getting overbearing, and his lyrics are poignant and relevant.

Oh, and let's stop worrying about the cover art/side bar. It's just a fantastic CD.

The second album from Amos Lee shows a singer-songwriter with some road-time under his belt. His singing is more confident, the arrangements more sophisticated, and the ideas playful. The only thing missing was a bump in the songwriting department, but that would come by the time "Mission Bell" arrived in 2011. "Supply and Demand" give fans of Amos Lee's debut pretty much what you'd expect if you loved the first album; Lee shoots the gap between Blue Eyed Soul and James Taylor's folk confessionals.

Lee may be a strong performer, but he does so without bombast. He offers pop in "Shout Out Load," hints of gospel in "Skipping Stone" and Jack Johnson charm on the ukelele faced "Sweet Pea." There's never a moment where you feel like you meed to adjust the volume, as Lee keeps it smooth and easy. That alows for the subtleties of his performances to get under your skin (like the political "freedom is seldom found by beating somebody onto the ground" lyric). These touches all make "Supply and Demand" on a par with Amos Lee's debut, and a very satisfying album.