Customer Reviews

Universal Truth

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Can't believe how I stumbled upon this little secret. Andy Caldwell, Samantha James, Kascade, Soulstice, Om Records y'all so blow my mind!! THANK YOU. There is a difference between Dj House, trance, electronica, Deep house. This is not for those who like top 40 remix trash. This is ART, more like the UK-European sound I've been struggling to find in the states. Music doesn't have to be new just D**n good.

I first heard Andy's music back in the original Om Lounge/Soulstice days. Really awesome tunes like Carnaval, Lovely, The Reason are still some of my favorites. I was pleased to find out he finally released a full length album of all original material. Heard Jason Bentley on KCRW kick off his show w/ "Warrior" and I decided I'd pick up the album. If you're a fan of the Soulstice stuff, you'll be pleased. There are 4 tracks featuring Gina Rene' on vocals, along w/ most of the album co-produced by her brother and fellow Soulstice member Gabriel Rene. That's practically all of Soulstice right there minus one member (Mei-Lwun)! Also, if you're a fan of another really awesome Om artist Afro-Mystik, you'll be pleased to see that their lead vocalist Omega makes it onto 4 songs as well. If that's not enough to convince you the album is worth picking up, Lisa Shaw, the amazing Naked Music soul slinger graces her honey dripped vocals on 3 songs. For those fans of Om lounge, soul, deep house, jazz, this album is for you. And for those that crave the 4/4 remixes, check out the various 12"s that Om will surely put out soon.

I am very surprised that more comments haven't been placed here as this is a wonderful album. Furthermore, I am not in agreement with one of the posters that indicated that this was "rock" driven. That is NOT an accurate description of the feel of this album. Yes, the first song does have rock overtones, but clearly electronica rules on this song. Gina Rene is known for playing with the dexterity of house music and this is just another example of how she does that very well.

Listening to this album for the first time flashed me back to when I first heard the "Pearl" by Aquanote a few years back. That heady, trippy, soulful experience came rushing back, only this time a lot more grown up, sexy and daring. "Warrior" always captures my imagination with its lilting voices and melodic tunes. This song is really, absolutely, genius. The lyrics simply rock.

"The Real" is very 80's inspired, which is fine with me...done right, 80's throwbacks can be *oh so right now*.

I love Omega's voice and it was such a pleasure hearing her on several of the tracks. Thus, making the following songs my favorite: "Pushin" "Don't Hold Back" and "I can't wait."

Those who enjoyed "Beautiful Tomorrow" and "The Pearl", will not be able to stop listening to this truly brilliant and beautiful album. The fact that so many of the Deep House music divas performed on this album should be enough for one to check it out. But, the performances will keep you listening to this gem everyday for a long time to come.

Andy Caldwell's first full-length, UNIVERSAL TRUTH, certainly starts off with a bang: grinding rock guitars and a house beat of "Runaway" promise an exciting time ahead. Sadly, though, the album quickly shifts into good, if uninspiring, mid-tempo house. The electro grooves on "Warrior" help it stick out among the pack, but much of the rest of the album passes by without leaving much of a mark. That's too bad, as you can see glimpses of potential in these tracks that's not quite realized: "Don't You Love Me" has some fun with its syncopation during the chorus, but it's not enough. Some of the ballads go way over the top, like "The Question," which could have come off of a bad episode of American Idol. "Don't Hold Back" helps mitigate that track, and the acoustic version of "I Can't Wait" gives that track new life, even if I do prefer the dancefloor version. So while this album isn't a failure, I hope that Caldwell's next album will have a little more spark and ingenuity.

Being a big fan of Soulstice, and many of OM's other groups and artists, and of vocalists like Gina Rene and Omega, and of soulful deep house in general, I was really looking forward to Andy Caldwell's album... I really hyped myself up for it, which might be why I was so disappointed by it, since I was expecting so much more, and something so much different.

"Universal Truth" in my view is too commerical sounding, too over produced, and too... "poppy". Nice enough to listen to, but not memorable to remember. It is not a bad album per say, but if you are expecting something in the calibur of Soulstice's works, something deep soulful and funky - if you are looking for some decent deep house, look elsewhere. This is commerical pop/dance, pure and simple.

I've had this cd for a while now and I absolutely love it. Andy's music is not only soulful and melodic; it is emotionally pure and inspiring. The music on this CD, and any of his music, has the ability to wash over you like a warm calm or it will make you wana get up and dance. For any fan of Andy's music, remixes or DJ sets, its a must have. Definitely check out upcoming remixes of Warrior.

The title says it all. I have all but 1 Andy Caldwell album, and can say that each and every one has been real. Any Andy Caldwell album that has songs featuring Latrice Barnett, Lisa Shaw & Omega will be nothing but TIGHT!!! Stand out tracks that make you move and groove include Universal Truth, The Stars, Pushin' and Warrior.

This artist has put a good amount of personal touch and expression into his work. Ok, it's not your typical `rock around the clock' house album, but it really grew on me after a couple of runs. If you have ever seen Andy Caldwell work his sets, he has his own distinctive sound and style. I can definitely hear the same trend throughout his debut album. Some songs are very melodic, soft, and some have a hip electronic sound to it; besides, excellent arrangement, and definitely some good club hits there. This CD puts me in a good mood! Love it!!!

Andy Caldwell's debut album "The Universal Truth" is a delightful blend of soulful House, Jazz, Rock, and Electro sang nicely by the likes of house diva Lisa Shaw, Soulstice's Gina Rene, Omega and even Andy himself. A truly ambitious and creative work of original material from one of the most prolific producers and DJs on the scene...Not to be missed or overlooked by any means!!!

Very well done, Andy...

U Da Man!!!

I love soulful house music of the type usually played and created by Andy Caldwell & Om Records.

This set however is too rock orientated on several tracks for my taste. Track 1 in particluar i just have to skip, Tracks 2,9 & 10 i also cannot stand.

The other tracks are really good, but for me the album is ruined by the 4 "rocky" (IMO) tracks listed above.

Maybe my tastes are narrow, but i just like soulful vocal house music through to RnB.