Customer Reviews

Telegraph

5 star:		(57)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

In my opinion, you don't have to be a young boy or girl who finds Drake 'dreamy' to really appreciate this album (not AT ALL to devalue the musical tastes or celebrity crushes of younger folks).

Whereas most 19-year-olds with guitars are just young people who can write songs, Drake is a SONGWRITER. Whereas most of those 19-year-olds can play the guitar, Drake is a GUITARIST. He's the real deal and has more than enough talent to spread over the 10 of these 12 music tracks.

I'd say he leans toward the rock (as opposed to pop) genre, but there's nothing abrasive about his rock and roll style. Take any period of the Beatles, pretend they're spices and you can find them seasoning up the entire album in one way or another. There's also some Patty Griffin (the paradoxical semi-detached yet achingly personal lyrical style), some of Bruce Springsteen's blue-collar-workin'-man energy, and a bit of John Mayer (not so much the glossy sound... but the journalist-turned-songwriter sensibilities). He even has a gift for Jason Mraz-esque word-play, but where Jason uses it (or seems to use it) as a novelty that serves his musical style, Drake seamlessly incorporates its usage into the bigger picture.

If this album doesn't get much radio play (and that would be radio's loss), it's because it's more varied and musically sophisticated than the stuff radio programmers are comfortable with. I'm not saying it's "experimental" or "abstract" by any means. There's just plenty of blues, jazz, classic rock, and folk rock to go around and yet there's no one song that conforms cleanly to any of those genres. He's a renaissance man who deserves to be at the front of the line along his 20-something-year-old peers.

By-the-by, this album provided the perfect soundtrack for a cross-country drive. It's a good, fun album to drive by. Good energy, strength... never over-the-top and not an ounce of whimpishness (for lack of an actual word).

For those curious, his voice is pleasantly raspy and there's always a sense of unapologetic know-how in his delivery, without the bratty psuedo-punk attitude that litters many a radio station. The concerns are always beyond that of typical late-teen angst as well (no doubt due to his having to grow up pretty fast due to his young celebrity status, which he seems to approach with a refreshing lack of arrogance). As sophisticated as he is in his lyrical style, he always gives the songs room to breathe and even indulge in good-clean-fun of the California Rock variety.

For those teetering on the brink of buying this album, I'd say it's safe to put both feet through the door. To coin a cliché, "What's not to like"?

Full disclosure: I'm a 40 y/o SAHM who has been exposed to Drake Bell's music on Nick's "Drake & Josh" thanks to my 11 y/o son. Once I heard "Found A Way" off the newer album, I was hooked!

"Telegraph" was released independently in the fall of '05, and (I believe) riding the wave of attention Drake Bell is getting from being on tour w/his new album - as well as the special movie ending of the Nick show - has been rereleased w/an 07 publishing date.

Why there are two product listings for "Telegraph" on Amazon, I have no idea. But there are 60+ GLOWING reviews of this album at the original product listing. I wanted desperately to own this album after falling in love with "It's Only Time," released Dec 06. But all I found here was a handful of collectible-quality CDs priced over $100! (And I'm a sucker for liner notes) So to have the opportunity last week to preorder "Telegraph" directly from Amazon was a real treat!

Unfortunately, when I tried to spread the word of a rerelease of "Telegraph," most pp found the original product listing, which shows to be available from 3rd-party sellers only. So, I'm definitely going to send all my friends a direct link to the NEW Amazon listing for "Telegraph", because it is completely worth it to get an original recording of this album, as opposed to the 2nd or 3rd gen I've been listening to!

As an older listener, I love catching the more obscure influences Drake has obviously referenced - clearly, The Beatles has had an enormous effect on the development of his writing and playing skills. But I hear more current influences on the "Telegraph" songs: as varied as Green Day, ska/reggae, some Spanish guitar at the beginning of "Somewhere" and, believe it or not, even more mature lyrics than those that some mothers of preteens have complained about on "IOT." I could see 3-4 potential radio hits on this album, if it is given the chance.

"Telegraph" is a great first release by musician/actor Drake Bell. Ok, for those of you who just want a quick review, here it is, in this one paragraph, you need read no further unless you want particulars; if anyone chooses to read the rest of my review, that's your choice. This CD rocks! It is not continuous rock, but it reaches moments of real rock intensity. Drake Bell is a skilled vocalist, all the back up musicians are good, and the lyrics of the songs tell interesting stories. This quality music is appealing to a variety of age groups, and parents need not worry because there is no foul language. The CD is great and compelling because it is fresh, energetic and impassioned, as well as well-crafted.









The opening track entitled "Found a Way" should not be dismissed as being merely a television theme song; it is tight and poppy and well-constructed. The keyboards warble pleasantly and the guitars chug nicely. "Circles" is more laid back and bouncy; it describes being at a party, and features Drake's co-star Josh Peck on beat box. The feel-good groove is not unlike that of the Sugar Ray song "Fly." The fade out of the song, with its circular piano and guitar, reminds me of a passage in "Teenage Wasteland" by the Who.

"Somehow" is introduced with piano and moody Spanish guitar, then moves immediately to a powerful chorus of vocals and heavy guitar. The song is a dark story, filled with imagery and feeling. Drake stretches his voice with passionate intensity. "In the End" is one of several songs that deal with relationships; there is uncertainty, mixed feelings, and wistfulness.

"Don't Preach" seethes with controlled anger; if it is a response to an actual experience with a parent or agent, then it is truly unfortunate; as a song, it is brash and loud and in your face-- and, well, success is the best revenge. In "Hollywood Girl" the lyrics seem to convey that there is a superficiality that comes with celebrity, but that it is something to be avoided; the song's narrator seems to speak negatively of the Hollywood Girl because "She doesn't believe in believing. Miracles have died in her mind."

The song "Golden Days" has the same insistent, rhythmic punchiness as in XTC's "Ball and Chain," and it is possible that we also hear the influence of The Clash's "London Calling" in the crunchiness of the guitars. There's a lot of piano on this release, and it is in the forefront here, which might bring comparisons to Ben Folds Five; there's also some Bobby McFerrin-like singing in the background harmonies.

"Down We Fall," with its multilayered orchestration, swirling backing vocals, and with the soft, clear quality to the lead vocal, makes me think of the song "Fall at Your Feet" by Crowded House; the emotional tone of the song also reminds me of the Crowded House song, the gentle openness, with lyrics such as, "And all I can say is you saved me, changed all the things that have made me." The song builds to a Beatles-like harmonic chord, then layers of spoken voices over guitar evoke the circus feel of Sgt. Pepper's circa Beatles, followed by searing electric rock guitar. It is to be heard with headphones, when the guitar and vocals shift from side to side..

"Highway to Nowhere" opens with Drake purring and growling like Patti LaBelle-I am sorry if I offend by making a comparison to a female vocalist, but there is a certain knowing raunchiness that he captures; if I had to pick a male equivalent for the vocal quality in this song, I guess it would be Simply Red's Mick Hucknall-- plus there is definitely a little Mick Jaggar from "Stray Cat Blues." The song transitions from a rock number into a handclapping gospel singalong.

Drake bends notes skillfully in "Telegraph," a song in which the complexity of the emotion of the lyrics is set off by the simplicity of the music. The opening piano notes prepare you for the earnestness of the lead vocal which is accompanied by layered backing harmonies-- and maybe I haven't mentioned yet, but Drake does his own backing harmonies. Drake uses his voice as his most powerful instrument, varying in loudness and quietness, in softness and raspiness.

Drake Bell's CD has a lot of texture. The songs incorporate a variety of genres and moods. There is pop song and rock anthem, singer/songwriter melody and power ballad. There is storytelling in the lyrics, strong guitars, and Drake's alternately clear and raspy vocals.

I appreciate Drake Bell's CD "Telegraph" for what it is musically. I also appreciate it because it can be enjoyed by several age groups. I am almost 45 years old, and my son is 7. We watch "The Amanda Show" and the "Drake and Josh Show" together; I had seen Drake Bell in "High Fidelity" and "The Jack Bull" years ago, but we'd never then known of his musical ability.

Of course we bought "Telegraph" and the "Drake and Josh" cd's because we loved Drake Bell's acting on the T.V. shows and in the movies. We were intrigued. What was gratifying was to discover that Drake Bell is truly a musician.

He writes the music, the lyrics, and plays guitar. He was schooled in guitar by one of the rock'n'roll greats, Roger Daltrey, and he looks to his predecessors, such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck, for inspiration. Oh, and of course, to the Beatles-- you can hear the Beatles interwoven throughout "Telegraph," in the multi-layered harmonies. Drake shows skill in his vocal phrasing, and he brings playfulness and passion to his singing.

As a parent , I am very grateful to Drake for providing a positive male role model and quality music to listen to for my son, who also wants to be cool and to be a musician (and I understand that the lyrics of Drake's album were toned down just a shade). There isn't foul language, and more mature themes are handled responsibly (for instance, in "Circles," at a party the narrator is concerned that all partygoers are returning home sober). As an adult I appreciate the sentiment and narrative that go on in the lyrics far above what younger listeners would ever pick up on. There is a maturity of feeling in this album, a complexity and depth of feeling, that is articulated in a way that makes this CD not seem like a "teen" record. It is enjoyable for both the teen and the adult listening audience, and it is not something to be avoided for the younger listening audience.

Drake's earnestness and his passion come through in his voice. There is an energy and a freshness and an intensity to the "Telegraph" CD that is to be appreciated by everyone.This disc is proof that Drake Bell is a musician, as well as an actor. I look forward to Drake Bell's next CD.

Filled with intensity and wise beyond his 19 years, Drake Bell's lust for life nostalgic is surpassed only by his musical talents; singing, songwriting and guitar playing.
The CD kicks off with "Found a Way" the theme song to his hit television show, Drake and Josh. An upbeat pop tune that might be mistakenly dismissed solely as kiddie fodder, its appeal is multi-generational. Tucked away in this lively melody is a revelation of self-assuredness "no one cares what you give/you know you gotta live like you wanna live"
Go for it.
With "Somehow", Drake moves beyond melodic and melancholy with a haunting strength so lacking in music today. "And all that she could take/ lies at the bottom of a lake", impresses a soul stirring image of a tortured psyche wrestling with the commission of a grave transgression, from which "she fell to her knees/ screaming God please" begging for absolution.
As a spokesperson for this generation, Drake Bell has the intelligence, passion and talent to take us all back to a better time, and to move us forward with anticipation and fond memories.
Which brings me to "Golden Days".
"These are the golden days/ in this golden age that we're living", where is the video for this one?? This is a truly `golden' song, that just makes you feel warm all over... it's summer time again, and I'm cruising with the top down...
From there, Bell flows effortlessly into the brilliant Beatles homage "Down We Fall". Enough said.
I have been touched and amazed; this entire album is a reckoning for this and the next generation of musicians. There isn't a bad song on the CD.
And finally, the heart wrenching lyrics Drake belts out in "Telegraph" the CD's title track, harkens back yet again to a timeless musical era and wraps things up quite nicely.
Drake Bell is going places.
Don't miss out.

If you haven't purchased this cd, you need to do it now. Drake Bell's musical influences shine through in this freshman effort. Though he is a Nickelodeon actor, this cd doesn't show it. The lyrics are meaningful, thought provoking, and artistic. After the poppy "I Found a Way", the cd takes a whole new direction. These songs are storytelling reminiscent of Bob Dylan and the Beatles. The influences of Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds also shine through. Drake Bell proves himself as an artist with definite maturity beyond his years. My favorite selections include: Telegraph, In the End, and Down We Fall. These songs represent feelings of inner emotion that successful artists allow their fans to experience along with the artist. I've been a fan of Drake's for three years and I am glad to see that he is maturing into the fabulous singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist that he deserves to be. Talent like his doesn't come along everyday.

This cd is amazing! I've watched Drake grow as an sctor and musician but this clearly shows what talent he really has! I really loved this CD from the start. I love the lyrics to all the songs and Telegraph brought me to tears. I was surprised by the quality and originality of the music even with the ones that we've heard before. It was the best thing I've ever gotten and something I could listen to on end. I love every song which is rare and most of all am proud that everything came together "in the end." I can't say I have favorites because I love them all but the ones I listen to more frequently is Golden Days, Somehow, Telegraph and also Dont Preach. I never knew I'd love anything so much.

Here is an overview:
1. Intro-this intro was strange but I find it oddly cool. It's simple but you know exactly what is happening but the sounds. Interesting 10 second filler and transition into the next song.

2. I Found A Way-the classic Drake and Josh theme in it's full entirety and you find the rest of the song is awesome. This is the song that usually brings fans to Drake I find and anyone who listens to it loves it.

3. Circles- very good guitar and Josh Peck doing Beatbox in the background. It uses different things that make songs famous and is a great single to listen to. The end is different from the rest but it fits. He uses lyrics and changing the styles to make it worthwhile.

4. Somehow-This song I love to listen to because its so beautiful with the words and vocals. It reminds you of something you'd hear in a movie walking down the road in the rain after someone just broke up with you or something. Its one of my top favorites in originality and seeing a sensitive side in the music. Shows a sense reality in the fantasy world we live in. Now as people have warned the ending is weird, fun, and somehow fits. It's just different first few times. I love it tho!

5. In The End-This song is slow and sometimes it can seem a little too slow but dont skip it. It's definately worth listening to and the story is enchanting. Its motivational and is something everyone can listen and relate to in a point in their life.

6. Don't Preach-This song is angry and angst and I love it. It's got the feeling of rebellion and the music is great rock. I lvoe the guitar. Great to sing real loud in your car. The lyrics are realistic and reminds you of what happened to the Culkin kid. Hope it isn't true but it makes a great song

7. Hollywood Girl-Great song which also ties into a reality most of us don't know. The celebrity life. It has an addictive beat and being simple its simply a great song to listen to. The lyrics are fun and three cheers to hollywood girl.

8. Golden Days-Damn. This song is so much fun to sing and so easy to emmorize and have stuck in your head. I walked around for days singing this. It reminds me of a partridge family sort of thing. I could listen to this on repeat and not be bored. Definately a toe tapper ;)

9. Down We Fall-Premiered on Drake and Josh in the episode of Number One Fan. A beautiful song you can enjoy and imagine him singing to you. Intriquite guitar and lyrics make this song great. It is long but its hard to tell but you can relate to it. I've always loved this song and his voice is just heavenly.

10. The Backhouse-Interesting little filler, by Backhouse Mike I believe (no Drake) and it's cute. THe end has a weird but funny sound to it. Transition works to the next song.

11. Highway To Nowhere-This was seen when he was a special guest on Zoey 101 (Spring Fling). It's a neat arrangement of rock and church choir at the end. The words are a little different than before but the music is great. The voacls are difficult to reach but Drake pulls it off. If people don't like I Found a Way, it's usually because they like this song more. This also brought him more fans. Definately worth listening to...for long periods of time.

12. Telegraph-My absolute favorite and Drake's trophy. This song is the most beautiful being only piano and vocals. It brought me to tears. I listened to this song on repeat for hours and was never tired of it. I sing it all the time and can even imagine a music video in my head. It's the thing you should not miss at all. I'd pay this price for this song alone. It is something you would not regret buying.

This cd is definately worth your time but also others. Every person that has heard this cd has gone to buy it. You can get it for your friends and it's something all can enjoy. This Nick star defiantely has talent compared to...well he has some serious talent and knows how to use it.
The cd slip is definately worth a look. Great pictures...for any Drake fan...and it also give the lyrics to all the songs which can come in handy for people who tend to sing the wrong words for too long like me. I do not have regrets buying this cd or any negative comments against it only because there are none. You do not have to be a major Drake Bell fan to buy this cd, though when you do, you may change your mind. Best debut album ever released! Hope this helps!

Don't be swayed by the comments from young girls that have a crush on this handsome young man-I am not young (40's to be exact) and this young man is a seriously talented musician that is being unfairly lumped into the teen idol category and compared to Jesse McCartney, etc. He is NOT of that mold. He is more classic rock, R & B, etc. He is immensely talented and should be taken very seriously as a musician and should get more credit for this than he currently does. This CD will appeal to all ages and maybe even more so to adults if they will give it a listen. If the public and the media continue to refuse to give him the credit he's due simply because he is nice looking/young and therefore has a large pre-teen/teen fan base, then they're going to miss out on a huge talent. Buy this CD and enjoy the MUSIC.

Take away the fact that Drake Bell is a very hot young actor adored by little girls (and much older girls), and you're left with a good deal of refreshing musical talent. Telegraph is definitly NOT the type of CD you'd expect from a star of a children's t.v. show, it's in all honesty a smoregesboard of rock and pop, one song a complete 180 from the next. You can feel inspiration from all sorts, classic rock is very heavy in certain tracks such as Highway to Nowhere and Golden Days. I'll give a short review of each song to prove the feel of Telegraph.

Track listing

I Found a Way- The adored theme song of Drake and Josh, very pop-rock with its high-pitched back-up vocals and bouncy guitar chords. The only song really "skip-worthy," after it's been heard 20 times.

Circles- Nice beat with amusing lyrics, his verses sound very "Mrazish," with its fun pop rapping, and Drake introduces us to Telegraph's trademark endings which are usually very interesting, and quite uniquely fit with the rest of the song.

Somehow- Possibly my favorite track on the CD. The lyrics are very mysterious and beautiful, the music a blend of spanish guitar and Gavin Degraw. There's a heavy story-theme to this song, evidence of his Beatle infulence. All around just a gorgeous song, very bitter-sweet.

In the End- His voice in this song is very sweet and soft, fitting the mood of the song perfectly. A relatable song for many situations with an optimistic outlook, a "things suck, but it'll be ok," promise to it. It has a lot of qoute-worthy lyrics as well, the kind that are more hard to forget than easy to remember.

Don't Preach- This is more of a rock-ish song as compared to the others, with rebelious lyrics and sightly rougher vocals. It still carries its poppy melody around and ryhmey lyrics, a good listen if you haven't had your pop-rock dosage for the day.

Hollywood Girl- Again an up-beat pop-rock song, but much catchier. The guitar seems to have more power in this song, and the lyrics are pretty funny, with still a bit of seriousness to them like "she doesn't believe in believing, miracles have died in her mind/she knows the world is decieving, everything is wasting her time". Towards the end we get an oldies feel with a choppy guitar rythym and slower vocals. A very fun song with a bit more an original feel to it than some of the others.

Golden Days- It reminds me a lot of "One is the loneliest number," but it still manages to hold its own. The lyrics are a bit of teenage rebellion, with lines such as "You've got the years , but we've got the time" and "You can say what you want, we don't need your permission." Personally I love singing this when my dad's around, and it's very classic rock.

Down We Fall- I love the chord progression in the beginning of this song, filled with minor guitar chords it's very nice. The vocals vary from mellow and sweet to slightly more powerful. The words are also consoling, much like In the End, he proves to us he himself has his own unique style of song-writing.

Highway to Nowhere- His voice is very awesome here, strong and raspy and the gospal-choir ending rocks. This is also classic-rock inspired like Golden Days, but the rock is emphazised more strongly here. The guitar solo is nicely mathed with the piano riffs, and the whole combination makes you wish you could sing like Aretha and join in.

Telegraph- Probably one of my all-time favorite songs ever. A piano ballad comparable to the likes of Billy Joel, but much more original than I give it credit for. It screams DRAKE, but in a much softer sort of power. Very beautiful, his voice compliments the piano for once and the harmony is amazing. A perfect closure for Telegraph.


Overall Telegraph is a very fun and thought-provoking CD, whatever to fit your mood at the moment. Its varied feel and influence lets you breath and makes it so much harder to get sick of than other CD's. Don't debate, just get it. If the music doesn't do it, You can always just stare at Drake's butt ;).

I really bought this album for my boys, who are huge fans of Drake's TV show. But I find myself the one listening to it over and over. If Drake's this good at 19, I hope we can expect to see much more excellent music from him in the years to come. This isn't pop music that sounds like everyone else. It's nice and easy rock and roll. I (and my boys!) love it.

I was blown away by this album! For a debut album, it is awesome! It contains a wide variety of musical sounds (with mostly a pop/rock feel) with a hint of The Beatles in a few songs. You can tell Drake and the band had a lot of fun making this album! With songs like "Don't Preach", "Somehow", "Circles", "Telegraph", "Golden Days", and "In The End", as well as other great songs, Drake will definitely be around for a long time!