Vocobeat [Import]

Rockapella | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 28, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Import [Generic]
• ASIN: B0000073DM
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #375,341 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. U Beat Me Up

2. Falling Over You

3. Have a Little Faith

4. My Home

5. NYC Summa

6. Follow Me to Heaven

7. Kingdom of Shy

8. Nowhere

9. Peanut Shell

10. Bodyboard

11. Quiet Sensation

12. Fat Jack and Bonefish Joe

13. I Found Sugar

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars By far, the best Rockapella album ever!, April 8, 2001

By 

Justin "The Claw" (Vernon, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Vocobeat (Audio CD)

Before I start this review, I would like to mention that I do not give a product a perfect score unless I truely believe that it deserves is. That said, Vocobeat has earned its five stars with ease.

Every song on this CD is excellently written, arranged and produced. Some tunes on Vocobeat may sound familiar to owners of Rockapella's more recent releases. Have A Little Faith was later re-released on their Don't Tell Me You Do album, and NYC Summa is rewritten and rearranged for re-release as Song 9, also on their Don't Tell Me You Do album. As far as making comparisons, Have A Little Faith on Vocobeat is a little funkier than the rerelease, with more background noise and vocals, but over-all of the same quality we have come to expect from the group. NYC Summa is almost a completely different song altogether, but just as fun and funky as Song 9 (both of which I have been known to play for extended periods of time with my CD player on repeat).

What sets this album apart from all the rest I have heard is the one trump card that their new releases lack: Sean Altman, the original Rockapella man who left the group to pursue a solo career. His songs are among the catchiest on the CD. His infectious melodies and clever lyrics were what made Rockapella what it was to begin with. Who else could could come up with lyrics such as: "I tucked an earwig 'tween your cheek'n'gum; With a nudge & a wink you're mine" (from Follow Me to Heaven)? Pure genius. The first time you listen to Sean's Peanut Shell, and every time following, it will be stuck in your head for hours.

That's the other thing that this album excels in: getting songs stuck in your head. Just about every song on this CD has some sort of hook that keeps you coming back for more. Elliott Kerman shines in his typical fashion, recreating an old fashioned acapella/barbershop quartet sound in Kingdom of Shy, Scott Leonard breaks the mold he has created lately of writing sappy, poppy love songs with fun and funky songs like U Beat Me Up, NYC Summa and Bodyboard (which he co-wrote with Elliott). Even bassist Barry Carl gets in on the song-writing action with Quiet Sensation -- one of the most romantic songs on the CD -- and Fat Jack & Bonefish Joe, to which he wrote the music and, in one of those rare but fun Rockapella moments, sings lead.

One final note: this recording marks the first time Rockapella tapped into the unbelievable talent of Jeff Thacher for their vocal percussion. Definately a plus, since he has been a major player in all their following albums and performances, assuring audiences that Rockapella truely is the ultimate unplugged group. This recording has earn its stars and worth MORE than the hefty price tag. This is a must have!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rockn' It Accapella!, June 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Vocobeat (Audio CD)

You can really tell these guys are getting thier chops on this CD. Fantastic arranging and awsome vocal percussion and Barry sings lead vocal! You will want to replay the song "BODYBOARD" once you hear it. Sooooooo Funky! "NYC SUMMA" is the original version of "SONG #9 on later recordings. Last song on the record is "I Found Sugar", the boyz kick it as usual and just when you think its over... keep listening..........

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Rockapella Import!, March 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Vocobeat (Audio CD)

If you are only going to get one of the Japanese albums, then get this one. All originals, all terrific! A must have!