Customer Reviews

Take It All Away

5 star:		(183)
4 star:		(42)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

This CD was an impulse buy - without hearing any songs from it (no, not even "On the Way Down" - it gets no radio play here), I decided to pick it up. I don't know why, but I'm really glad I did. TAKE IT ALL AWAY is a fantastic CD that's been in my Discman for weeks straight, and Ryan Cabrera is my favorite new artist.

Favorite tracks are:
-On the Way Down - The first single off the CD. It's a really nice song to just kind of...chill to. It shows off Ryan's great guitar playing and vocal ability.
-True - This is my absolute favorite song on TAKE IT ALL AWAY. With a pretty acoustic guitar part, beautiful lyrics, and a catchy tune, this song is great. I think everyone can relate to it, which is a plus.
-Exit to Exit - At first I didn't like this song...something about it really bothered me. But it grows on you fast, and it's got some really great lyrics ("Could it be the taste was bittersweet, when it all comes down to your defeat, so high...so low").
- Take it All Away - The title track of the CD. It's another slower song, and it is, once again, really pretty. The ballads on this CD really show off the fact that this kid can sing.

All the songs on TAKE IT ALL AWAY are great, with the exception of the just "okay" track Let's Take Our Time. I'd love to see this guy perform live, because he seems to be an amazing musician.

Overall grade - A+

If you're one of those people that think anything shown on TRL is crap, then stop reading this review right now. I don't watch TRL, but I can tell that this is the kind of music that that fanbase would go for. But after listening to this album, I think that adults can appreciate it too.

Ryan Cabrera might not have the best singing voice, but his voice still works well with the music. He does a good job in delivering nice vibes through his songs, whether it be romantic songs like "She's" or metaphors like "On the Way Down". And his latest single "True" might be the best song on the album, because although it doesn't look like much on paper, it's the way the lyrics are sung that makes the song a standout. Other highlights include "Blind Sight", "Echo Park" and "Illusions". You can tell that John Rzeznik had a hand in the latter because it sounds like it came straight from a Goo Goo Dolls album.

The title track is one of those keep-your-head-up songs that really doesn't help or hurt the album. But when Ryan tackles sex, the lyrics can go from tolerable ("Let's Take Our Time") to, well, corny ("Shame On Me" -- "I want to work you out"? *sigh*). "40 Kinds of Sadness" suffers from a corny chorus, too. All that aside, though, Take It All Away is a pretty solid album that should be suitable for teens and adults alike.

Anthony Rupert

Well, the CD "Take It All Away" is much more guitar driven than I had anticipated, as many will agree with me. On first listen, you will like it alot, second listen, love it, and from then on it grows on you more and more.

LETS TAKE OUR TIME 5/10... stupid stupid song. sounds like JC Chasez which is the worst thing you can sound like. yes, thing.
ON THE WAY DOWN 10/10... great lyrics, catchy melodies
TRUE 9/10... great ballad about a girl not liking/loving you back
EXIT TO EXIT 10/10... catchy, fun, great song
40 KINDS OF SADNESS 9/10... awesome but seems to be easily forgotten.
ECHO PARK 10/10... awesome, New York feel to it.
TAKE IT ALL AWAY 10/10... Ryan wrote this on the toilet and its a great song, and a great title for the album.
SHAME ON ME 8/10... I dont like this AS MUCH merely because of the Santana guitars
SHE'S 50/10... dark, slow, painful song that is one of the most beautiful songs I've heard in a while. wonderful. if its not a single, I'd be very suprised.
ILLUSIONS 9/10... catchy.
BLIND SIGHT 10/10... amazing end to the album, saxaphones add emotion and Ryans vocals soar and make you wanna start the album over again, such as I did.

Kickass debut from Ryan Cabrera, amazing musicianship, wonderful songwriting. A great influence for young musicians.

To be completely objective, Ryan Cabrera's "Take It All Away" doesn't really break any new ground musically. But when a boyishly-handsome, barely-21-year-old's major-label debut album is this enjoyable, who cares?! With sensitive-guy melodies and lyrics backed with just the right guitar-rock punch, as well as a pleasant and breezy voice that makes it seem like singing is as natural to him as breathing, Ryan Cabrera has made a deft and graceful entry into the ranks of the new generation of young male singer-songwriters such as Gavin deGraw, John Mayer, and Michael Tolcher.

The album kicks off with one of my favorite tracks, "Let's Take Our Time", which features a rock-solid beat, and a great guitar riff in the chorus that glues the song together. Then comes the excellent first single, "On The Way Down". Among the more memorable uptempo songs are the driving (in both mood and subject matter) "Exit To Exit", the semi-funky "Shame On Me" (including a guitar vaguely reminiscent of Carlos Santana), the uplifting anthem "Illusions", and the beautiful picture-postcard of California, "Echo Park". "She's" is perhaps the best of the three ballads on the album, taking on a somewhat dark, eerie beginning before building to a first-rate power-ballad conclusion. And the album's closing track, "Blind Sight" (the only track written solely by Ryan himself), is an electrifying showcase of his raw talent. Also featured on the CD is an enhanced section for your computer, including the "On The Way Down" video and much more.

Having met Ryan in Portland during a promotional mall tour in the Spring of 2004, I can comfortably say that he's an all-around nice and personable guy, and he's all about the music. Hopefully the cross-promotion on Ashlee Simpson's MTV show won't pigeonhole him as a "teen pop" star, but will at the same time give him the popularity and success he deserves ... not to mention get his rare and much-sought-after independent release, "Elm Street", a re-print!

After his hit "On the Way Down" I'd heard on the radio for some time, I figured to give his CD a try. Not disappointed yet! His hit tracks would have to be 2: On the Way Down, 4: Exit to Exit, 5: 40 Kinds of Sadness, 6: Echo Park, 8: Shame on Me, 10: Illusions...Track 12 doesn't sound as good in straight acoustic, so just stick with #2 version...#3 & #9 are slower songs of his, and rather sappy. There are no disagreements for believers out there too...under "Special Thanks" he thanks Jesus, and tracks #7 and #10 are rather spiritually based...
Overall, an improvement to the other young artists out there right now, with great aspects for all different music lovers. He's a sweetie & hottie 2...
Give him a chance on ur next visit to the CD section...

When I first heard that this dude was getting radio play and releasing an album, I was disgusted. I automatically just assumed it was all because of the exposure he got while dating Ashlee Simpson *which is still true* and he probably stunk. Well, I was wrong on the second count. This album is actually quite good.

While definitely a pop record, this album is so catchy, it should not matter. There is not a bad song on the whole thing *hence the 5 star rating.* The album is veiled as a typical "boy loves girl" album, but there are actually a lot of inspirational themes hidden in the songs....the whole love gimmick is just a clever cover-up. If you don't know what I'm talking about, just take a close look at the lyrics of "On the Way Down."

Anyhow, the first single was "On the Way Down" and is one of teh catchiest songs to hit radio thsi year. Very good radio track which I'm sure will get airplay for years to come. "True" is the next single and a very nice, sweet love ballad. Other highlights include the uptempos "Exit to Exit" and "40 Kinds of Sadness." "Take it All Away" is slower, but would still make a great single. Actually, every track on here is a highlight.

This is truly a good pop album. Don't be suspicious of it just because of his Simpson family connections *those are the singers...not teh TV show* Cabrera is yet another breath of fresh air from the hip hop saturated music landscape.

I bought this album after listening to some of the sample music from Amazon here. Guitar music interest me because I'm trying to learn how to play.

I was amazed that the online samples didn't do the CD any justice. What I found was a talented and creative artiste who could write as well as he could sing and play! Ryan's going to go a long way for sure!

My favorite song is True, which had alot of meaning for me. The rest of the songs were just bonus after bonus of creativity in terms of rhythms and sound. I just loved every song!

We need more people like this in the music industry to give us something from the heart and to inspire us.

I anxiously look forward to your next album Ryan!

If you don't know who Ryan Cabrera is, get used to hearing the name. His Atlantic Records debut, 'Take It All Away', absolutely blew my mind. I bought the CD without very high expectations, knowing that many new artists will rely completely on the success of two or three singles to sell their music. However, this is not the case in Ryan's situation, since the album is absolutely fantastic. I was shocked when I popped the disc in and listened to the entire thing without skipping a single track. I also really appreciate the fact that Ryan wrote or co-wrote all of his songs, ensuring that his jump into the mainstream will be a successful one. He has the talent to keep writing music for a long time, and I look forward to hearing more of Ryan Cabrera in the future.

Ryan Cabrera seems to have amassed an impressive amount of popularity over the course of a short period of time. You know what this means? People are automatically going to jump to conclusions about this guy's talent, which is incredibly exaggerated. Because the media and record label are doing such a great job in drumming up publicity for this guy, people are going to think that Ryan Cabrera is the greatest thing since sliced bread, and that this album is a thoughtful and profound recording.

The reason why I am writing this review is to help the people in the aforementioned category save their money. Don't buy into the hype. Cabrera received a recording contract for two reasons - his smoldering soap-opera star good looks and because he co-starred on The Ashlee Simpson Show as "The Boyfriend". Which, of course, is of little relevance whatsoever, since neither have any bearing on the product in question, that being Cabrera's latest CD, Take It All Away.

This album is perfect for people who find someone like John Mayer "too thought provoking" or "too edgy", which gives you some insight on how this album sounds - if you are prone to attacks of narcolepsy, I highly suggest you steer clear of this album. As far as the songs are concerned, they're pure product - the angst-lite of "On The Way Down" makes it perfect for one of those WB melodramas filled with brooding teenagers, while listening to treacly ballads like "True" and "She's" will probably make you sick to your stomach unless you are 13 and female. Worse yet, these songs sound like they could have been rejects from Max Martin - the insipid subject matter and bland arrangements would have lended themselves very well to a group like 'N Sync or 98 Degrees. It's quite a letdown from what the media will have you believe -he's no Lennon or McCartney, that's for sure, but he even manages to make the guys in Blink 182 look like Mozart by comparison.

In summary: A lackluster release by one of the year's most publicized new artists, Take It All Away by Ryan Cabrera is so bland and generic that you'll get bored listening to it fast. Basically, picture John Mayer fronting 'N Sync and you'll get a pretty good idea of what this sounds like. Young women like him because they think he's cute, so I'll give you all a tip: Find a picture of him, enjoy a nice refreshing beverage, light a potpourri candle, close your eyes, and imagine Ryan Cabrera whispering sweet nothings into your ear. There, I just saved you $15.00. There is nothing redeeming about this album whatsoever, and it is without question one of the worst releases of 2004, along with Ashlee Simpson, Lindsay Lohan and Gwen Stefani. Not recommended.

I was first introduced to ryan cabrera on the ashlee simpson show, and like many girls just thought he was a total hottie... but once i heard his song "on the way down" on the radio i decided to check out his cd, and let me tell you it was worth it. "Take it all away" is one of the best cds ive listened to in a really long time, and ryan shines on this sensational debut. I wish i could give you a favorite track but in all honesty theyre all great. I saw ryan in concert about 2 weeks ago and he is even better live (and yes he is still a total hottie). I reccomend that you check this guy out. Believe me you wont regret it- he is in all truth the next big thing.