Customer Reviews

Taken

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

 

 

This is a nicely produced bluegrass record that has a bit of a pop sound, and I miss some banjo pickin', It is good that she has some sessions players back again, really makes for a better disc.
Only problem I see is that the songs sound familiar, nothing really sticks out. It sounds like something I have heard before.
My favorite Vincent CD is Rhondas "One Step Ahead

I just find that it really does a great bluegrass sound and is a great recording.

Prime Cuts: Taken, Back on My Mind, A Little at a Time

As purveyor for of making bluegrass palpable to a younger generation, Rhonda Vincent is a prime ambassador. Rightly so, Vincent has gone all out to prove that bluegrass is not retro music for the generation passed. And this time she has visually placarded her belief by dressing herself in a tiny cleavage showing luminous blue top on the CD cover looking more like a Cosmopolitan model than a hillbilly clodhopper. Nevertheless, when it comes to the sonic content of this disc, Vincent does not sell out at all. She has remain loyal to her mother's milk even though "Taken" is the first album in over a decade not to be released on Rounder Records. Rather, it is released independently on her own Upper Management imprint. This time Vincent and her road band "Raging Live" have taken the producer's chair. But they have not chary in their production: they have again enlisted the help of some of the movers and shakers of the music industry (e.g., Dolly Parton, Richard Marx and Bryan Sutton) as well as Nashville most wanted writers (e.g., John Starling, Amy Dalley, Tom Shapiro and Roger Brown).

At the get go, it's worthwhile mentioning there are a few gems here: lovers of love ballads will be smitten by the title cut "Taken." A gorgeous ballad about love at first sight, pop crooner Richard Marx lends his radio friendly pipes to Vincent's angelic vocals that truly make this a genuine highlight. While award winning bluegrass guitarist Bryan Sutton adds his weepy slide work to the lonesome heartbreak tune of "A Little at a Time." Regardless of love in its various conditions, good or bad, Vincent sings as though she was the one engrossed in the moments. Even on the couple of inspirational numbers, Vincent never disappoints: with the gentle licks of the guitar, Vincent offers hope for the downtrodden on the beautiful "You Must Have a Dream." Backed by a heavenly sounding male chorus, Vincent brings us to church with this southern Gospel tune, "God is Watching."

When the velocity picks up Vincent is just as smashing. Calling to mind Vincent's signature tune "You Can't Take It With You," "Back On My Mind" has everything going: an infectious melody, excellent string work and Vincent's raging vocals. Lead single is the sizzling tasty "Sweet Summertime" which showcases Vincent's sweetness on this descriptive ode to the carefree living of summertime. Some serious toe taping moments abound with Vincent's fresh take of Barbara Mandrell's 1972 hit "Tonight My Baby's Coming Home." Vincent has literally transformed this Urban Cowboy pop ditty into a vacuous bluegrass endeavor. Vincent who has had sang backing for Dolly Parton on numerous records has had the favor returned. Parton joins Vincent by providing harmony vocals on "In the Garden By the Fountain"--giving life to what is otherwise an ordinary piece.

Just like with most mostly efforts--"Raging Live for You" is more a showcase for her band's mastery over their instruments than anything else. Other than such minor quibbles, "Taken" is a charming disc of well-chosen songs performed by what Wall Street Journal rightly crowns as the "Queen of Bluegrass." Take a listen to the track "Taken" and it will take your breath away.

I recently saw Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. They are a great group to listen to in person. This CD is about as close as one gets to actually being there.

Rhonda Vincent is a gem. There is no more genuine bluegrass/country/folk performer than this multi-talented woman. And while Alison Krauss may have been the one that drew my attention to the bluegrass style, I know wholeheartedly that Rhonda Vincent's music is the kind I was truly seeking. Taken, is yet another collection of very enjoyable songs, made so by Rhonda's wonderful vocals and the fine all-around musicianship. This is good dow- home, All-American music straight from the Heartland and it's just plain fun. There are a few collaborations on this CD, but Rhonda definitely shines the brightest, especially on those songs where the energy level is high. And there are several of these, my favorite being Ragin' Live for You Tonight. Overall, I really love this CD. It's probably my second favorite of hers, with 2003's One Step Ahead being just a bit better. The only out of place song is the last one You Must Have a Dream. I actually caught myself a couple of times while listening to this admitting that Alison Krauss (a very good performer in her own right) just couldn't pull it off like Rhonda does. Not even close!

She can sing the whites pages and have a hit . every song on the cd was great. I wish i could see her live on stage. 10 stars. I will buy more of cd's from Amazon.

Nice album cover with nice formulaic material inside. There is is the standard gospel song with a mix of bluegrass material. However, I find that the bluegrass material of Rhonda's albums over the past few years has been increasingly getting close to typical country music. The state of country rock, which it has been for years, and Rhonda's passion for bluegrass is the primary reason that I returned to bluegrass. Having heard a preview of her new album with Gene Watson, I fear she gone over to the "dark side", what with material that has piano, electric pedal steel guitar and drums. I thought that you gave up such a cross-over attempt with "Trouble Free". Please tell me that we have not lost you to country music, Rhonda. Please come home.

grrrrrreat cd. rhonda vincent is a beautiful, talented, musician. if you like bluegrass, this artist is a "must". she has be one of my favorites for years. and purchasing used cd's are the way to go :)

I LOVE THIS CD BY RHONDA WOULD HAVE GOTTEN FIVE STARS EXCEPT I HATE THE LAST SONG "YOU MUST HAVE A DREAM" SORRY RHONDA STILL LOVE YA

I have purchased an unlimited number of CD's from every type of music and this is by far the BEST CD EVER! Rhonda has a wonderful voice and it shows so well in her songs like 'TAKEN' and 'A LITTLE AT A TIME'. The Rage is such a great band and several songs such as 'The Court of Love' really showcases their talent. Together they are are THE BEST!

I LOVE Rhonda Vincent, and have since I was 16 years old! Now I am 22, and I still love her, but her music is leaning too much toward country instead of bluegrass. However, I have to say I HATE the cover of her CD...she's showing waaaayyy too much cleavage!!! Since she's associated with Dolly Parton, she's become more of a sex idol in bluegrass, not something I would want in a role model for young girls and women. I will not judge her for it, but I just hope she realizes what she is doing before it is too late...that's all I have to say about that!