Customer Reviews

Underneath

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After Turning Point, I was greatly worried that David was getting away from plumbing the depths of his experience as Soul in this wild world, and starting to become predictably "sensitive" or folky. I liked some of the album, but I missed the perfectly crafted gems on his early recordings, and felt he hadn't found a good style with which to replace them.

My first spin of Underneath relieved all my fears. The second meanings have gone back to being sly and tricky, and the emotion is raw and honest again (though not as innocent as in days of old -- and who is?).

The instrumentation is not as grungy as on Turning Point (for which I'm glad) but features more energy and expansiveness than most of his older material. His voice sounds as gorgeous as ever.

The David I knew and loved is back, though he's changed and grown older. His beautiful new recording makes me willing to forget the old days, open my ears and heart, and grow with him.

The downfall of any of David Wilcox's studio albums is that they can in no way capture the essence and energy of Wilcox in concert. Only 'East Asheville Hardware (Live)' comes close, and by the artist's own admission, those songs are the one which don't fit the typical album effort.

'Underneath' is a return to what makes Wilcox great, however...a depth of lyric which challenges and defies the listener to capture the full meaning. Obviously, Wilcox means "Sex and Music" to be the explanation that he has given up trying to please the masses and instead will follow his musical heart. The words of advice Hamlet received might be most appropriate to Wilcox's latest effort: "To thine own self be true."

If Wilcox threw in a few overt references to God, this might be a best seller in the Contemporary Christian marketplace. As it is, the Wilcox's Quaker influence isn't front-and-center enough for the religious and sounds preachy to the secular. "Down Here" could be the plight of everyman who seeks to find eternal redemption in a better place. Or, it may be that only through our friends can we find redemption 'down here'.

Songs with the depth of "Spirit Wind" demand full attention, perhaps in a secluded place with headphones. Don't expect to be entertained by these songs which require full attention and some dedication to personal interpretation in order to understand and appreciate them. But then again, very few gold nuggets are ever found on top of the ground in broad daylight. That kind of treasure must be excavated.

If you are after unbelievable accoustic riffs and lyrics which keep you awake at night pondering their depth of meaning, 'Underneath' will fill the bill nicely.

After a departure with his album, Turning Point, David Wilcox has gone back to what works - simple guitar melodies, meaningful storytelling lyrics, and the background vocals of Jennifer Kimball.

Wilcox offers an intelligent alternative to what is offered by pop music's Top 40. If you're a Wilcox fan you will appreciate this album. It's reminiscent of David's earlier work. I can tell this one will become one of my favorites along with "How Did You Find Me Here?"

Do yourself a favor. Purchase this album.

I share with the view that David is at his best with a simple acoustic in his hands and a microphone. Seeing him in concert is a joy to watch. This album is at the heart of his personal touch and style that has endeared him to thousands. Damn the critics who are scared of what he has to say...I only wish more artists weren't so scared to say exactly what is on their minds. David does this and stays true to his beliefs, hopes and dreams. This is what is called "art." "Underneath" is an amazing album that is great to listen to when you want to think.

No one knows his name, unless they are a fan. If so, they know all of the words by heart. This guy is so good you can't help but listen. I'd suggest "How Did You Find Me Here" for the beginner, but you'll end up buying this one anyway. Though it's not up to his usual standard. Of course, it's still good.

I've seen David Wilcox in concert four times, each time has only gotten better. It's him, his guitar, a microphone, and an audience in the palm of his hand. Check out "East Ashville Hardware" if you want more of the concert experience. And, if you can find the video "An Artist's Profile," it also gives you a great insight to a talented artist.

(This is a repost of a review mistakenly posted as anonymous by Amazon.)

David Wilcox's music was introduced to me maybe ten years ago by a friend. I have anxiously awaited his every release since, and I have seen him in concert in Tucson. I think "Underneath" is one of his finest works. When compassion is once again in fashion, he will certainly be in the top forty. I recommend this cd to anyone, especially other acoustic folkies like myself.

Wilcox shows his mastery of the singer-songwriter genre. He's got a terrific voice (great control, with a tone resembling and almost as pretty as James Taylor's) and a great ear for lyrics.

Most songs feature standard folk-y guitar, but with a variety of accompaniments and soloists that keeps the music changing and interesting. (And having backing contributions from aces such as Jennifer Kimball, Alison Krause, Victor Wooten and Steuart Smith doesn't hurt!)

The real stars are Wilcox's captivating lyrics. They're captivating. He lays out the standard folky treatments of social themes -- injustice, greed, war -- but in original ways that avoid the standard cliches. He also finds ways to demonstrate his well-known cleverness and humor, but without the cringe-making cuteness or heavy hand that most of his singer-songwriter peers wield.

This recording should go down well with any fans of the genre. Solid, engaging, well-crafted work from start to end.

I've been a major David Wilcox fan since the beginning--when he hit the national scene with his critically acclaimed 1989 A&M album "How Did You Find Me Here." I've purchased all his other albums immediately after they were released, and seen him in concert. He is an enormous talent, a consummate artist. No singer-songwriter has moved me so much since I first discovered Jackson Browne, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell as a kid back in the early 70s. Times have changed, and David Wilcox will never be as popular as his predecessors, but he is just as talented. He has not put out a bad album or even a mediocre one. Having thus established my fan credentials, I want to say that "Underneath" is my personal DW favorite. It has had more time in my CD changer than any other in my very large collection since it arrived two years ago. "Underneath" has never been given the credit it deserved, which is a shame. I think it is one David Wilcox's most musically and lyrically mature works. I put it right at the top of the DW catalogue with my other personal favorite, "Big Horizon" (both are on my 10 favorite albums list). "Underneath" is lyrically sophisticated, musically complex and subtle at the same time. Several of the songs on this album have a bittersweet melancholia, both musically and lyrically, but the overall tone is one of discovery, hanging on, and spiritual hope, with a feel somewhat similar to James Taylor's "Hourglass." DW's virtuoso accoustic guitar work is as good on this CD as any he has recorded, but is completed nicely by other touches, including uillean pipes, keyboards, electric guitar, great percussion, and terrific harmony vocals from several artists, including Allison Krauss and Jennifer Kimball. My personal favorite songs on this CD are "Slipping Through My Fist," and "Home Within Your Heart." If you appreciate lyrically gifted singer-songwriters who deliver songs with real depth, give David Wildox and this CD a listen.

David Wilcox is a pretty amazing artist. He is a unique acoustic guitar player, a fine singer, and a songwriter who ranks far above the norm. This Cd is a winner for anyone who enjoys acoustic-guitar-based music, especially coupled with his thought provoking and obviously heart-felt lyrics. David Wilcox is a national treasure!

David Wilcox's rich baritone is at its very best on "Underneath." There are some dark, gritty emotions portrayed and David retains his ability to take us "down there." Piano is also used to great advantage, especially on "Home Within Your Heart." Other side players also really excellent. Even if you feel a bit emotionally torn up after listening, if you're like me you'll always be willing to go back there in David's music.