Customer Reviews

This Time Its Personal

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

 

 

If you think Michael Ball is only good at showcasing big musical numbers and belting out high notes, you should listen to this album. The same Michael Ball will give you different feelings and you probably will re-look some of the songs that you've already known for a long time. I have to say that Michael's singing is mesmerizing. His exquisite vocal delivery and empathy with the songs contributed the best to the artistic appealing of this album.

For the first time Michael tried his voice in American country tunes, and it is surprisingly good. Songs like "If Tomorrow Never Comes", "The Dimming of the Day", and "The Dance" simply couldn't get better. "You Bring the Best Out of Me", which is a song specifically written for Michael by Paul Carrack, is a song about the singer himself. The words are very sincere and Michael sings it with such emotions and true feelings. Michael co-authored two songs in the album. They cannot be more different in their styles. "Just When" is a touching romantic love song, flowing smoothly. "Never Coming Back", with its story-telling approach and deep punchy rhythm, expresses the feelings of struggling and desperation. A little surprise comes from Andrew Lloyd Webber's "No Matter What", for which Boyzone already set the standard with their version. There is no doubt that Michael gave this song his unique charm by adding his personal touch in it.

This is an album that is well produced and packaged. The orchestration, the sound mixing, and the recording are superb. You won't regret for every penny you spend. Please do yourself a favor after a whole day's of work: light the candles, get a glass of wine, and enjoy the wonderfulness Michael brings to you.

Too few singers take chances with their music; preferring to stick with what works. They try to reinforce what they do best, while throwing out an occasional track that deviates from their norm, merely to placate critics.

This CD again demonstrates the versatility of Michael Ball in a performance that combines subtlety and power with orchestration and interpretations that only a first-class vocalist can deliver.

I have the added benefit of having watched the videotaped performance of Michael performing these songs; the intensity of Ball's performance so clearly seen in the video, translates equally well into the music on the CD. Seldom does a vocalist make the transition from the power of Broadway's showtunes to the streets of American country music as smoothly, stylishly and emotionally as Michael Ball. His romantic rendition of the classic, "The First Time Ever I Saw Her Face" is one of the few I've heard that can stand up to Roberta Flack's soulful masterpiece. And Michael's showmanship and joy of performing is clearly in evidence in a truly rousing delivery of "Walking in Memphis."

Singers often evolve into vocalists, with their style and interpretive ability leading the way. The truly great vocalists explore beyond their strengths; expanding their musical horizons and their talents to encompass music they enjoy, offering their version of classics and new material, leading the listener into a new world of performance, trusting in the talent of the artist. Few - if any - of today's musical talents can equal Michael Ball's combination of talent, vocal power, musical styling and stage presence. "This Time It's Personal" - in both CD and video - proves this beyond a shadow of a doubt. Michael may have ventured into new ground with this album, and while I'll never get enough of his work with Broadway scores, I'll eagerly await his next venture into the next chapter of his "personal" musical evolution.

being a big country fan i was really suprised and delighted to find that micheal has sung some of the best country music songs around. i have followed micheal's path to stardom and this cd is one of the best yet. tracks such as if tomorrow never comes send a shiver down the spine, even garth brooks didn't do as good a job as micheal, think twice, no matter what and i don't want a lover show that micheal can sing any song and make it his own. any fan of micheal ball will be playing this cd over and over again i know i will.

I love Michael's voice in his wonderful broadway type of singing, but this album is a change and just as good. Wait until you hear "The First time ever I saw your Face"....wow!! I am not a "country" music fan, but you don't think anything but great songs and voice listening to this (and watching as I have the video also and it is an absolute must...there are different and more songs on the video). This album is calmer and quieter than the powerful songs on Michael's other albums and just as enjoyable. Great singer, good music, good orchestration, just buy it.

I have to admit I bought this CD only for "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". I knew that Michael's smooth seductive voice was made for such a beautifully romantic song and it was everything I imagined and more. What really surprised me though was how well he sang the country songs. "If tomorrow never comes" is great but the real shocker to me was "Still the One". As much as I love Michael I had my doubts on this one but when he started singing I found myself swaying to the music. It was definitely a pleasant surprise. I'm also glad to see that he is exploring his songwriting some more. He is quite good at it. This is a must for any Michael fan! This time it IS personal- you can hear it in his voice. Bravo Michael!

After purchasing, and listening, to other CD's by Michael Ball, I can say this latest CD is just as good, if not better! Michael Ball has chosen some recent songs for this album, which I feel he needed to do now. I think that it is nice that there are a couple of country songs on this album, for Michaels US fans! One of them is called, If Tomorrow Never Comes, and there is also the song, The Dance, which was a hit for Garth Brooks. Michael sings these two songs very well, of course! I also like the song, You Bring the Best Out of Me.There are some other very nice songs included on this CD. You won't be dissapointed, by any means, in Michaels latest, This Time It's Personal, and if you really want to get up close and personal, buy the video, of the same name! It's great!

Where do I start? Okay all you Michael Ball fans out there. If you do not have this album, I have two words for you: BUY IT! This is simply his best album. I have several of Michael's previous records, but this one is his finest work yet. From "Walking in Memphis",to "If tomorrow never comes", his voice hits every note, every word with the most pure, clear, beautiful voice.This one is a must have for all the micahel fans (but I'm sure you knew that already right?)

The songs on this CD showcase Michael's awesome talent. His voice is so rich and full. It has a feeling of sensuality that just seems to wrap you up in warmth and make you feel as if you are floating on a sea of velvet. His rendition of "Think Twice" and "The Dimming of the Day" are so full of emotion they gave me chills. While "Never Comming Back" and "Just When" highlight another dimension of his awesome talents, his song writing ability. This CD is a must for any Michael Ball fan.

When I first played this CD I found it "okay", but that is usually a good sign for me. I know that when I play it the second time, I'll like it better. Well, Michael singing a kind of "country style" is fabulous. I've worn it out. His voice takes on tones and qualities I didn't know he was capable of; so much passion and tenderness. As a Michael Ball fan I'm prejudiced, but this time, there's good reason to be. Forget the darling smile and dimples, Michael can hold his own to any performer today. American recognition and popularity is just around the corner for Michael Ball. You'll love this one, I'm sure. Get in on the new sound of Michael. "This Time It's Personal" is fabulous and if this is what's personal to Michael it has found it's way into my heart, too. .

This is a great CD for an introduction for American fans who have not been introduce to him yet. He is known for his musical career but his talent can go in so many directions. James Brown told Michael he has "soul". Walking in Memphis is a wonderful song to start this CD, it gets you started and Michael enjoys this song so much, you feel him right in Memphis. The "new country" songs he sings I know the original artist would be proud. My favorites are "The Songs Remember When" and "The Greatest Man I Ever Knew". It is so nice to hear a man sing these songs. The song that should be successful "single" should be "You Bring The Best out of Me", it reminds of song you would hear at your wedding. I reminds me alot of "Butterfly Kisses" I hope radio stations pick this up. Also the popular song "No Matter What" Michael adds a kick to it. The song I thought I would not like was "First Time I Ever Saw You Face" it blow me away. But what makes the CD great is his songs he has written; "Just When" and "Never Coming Back". All I can say is buy,buy,buy and you will go on a new journey being introduced to Michael Ball.