Customer Reviews

Wheel

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After baring her broken heart on Interiors, Rosanne is back - This time brimming with self-confidence and a renewed zest for life (From The Ashes). On first listening, I jumped to the conclusion (never a wise move) that Rosanne had brightened her spirits by partnering with a new beau. The Wheel is about relationships, but not quite so worldly as boy-and-girl. The Wheel looks at the philosophical question, "Where does love go when a relationship ends?" `The Wheel,' `Seventh Avenue,' `Sleeping In Paris,' `The Truth About You' and `Fire Of The Newly Alive' examine the subject of undying soulmates. Rosanne also probes spirituality (If There's A God On My Side), and responds with a resurgence of self-love (Change Partners, You Won't Let Me).

Her inspiration spills over into the music and the band. John Leventhal's guitar work is perfectly balanced: compelling but subdued. For the more uplifting songs (The Wheel, Rose In The Fire), a studio luminary named Steuart Smith plays an intense lead guitar. The Wheel is captivating, spiritual, uplifting, and philosophical (oh yeah, you can dance to it also).

I originally bought THE WHEEL because I wanted to know if all the good ratings were true. The album is a life changing musical experience, CDs this good should be give medals, and the artists equal rewards. Rosanne Cash was always ahead of the rest of the music world in terms of intelligence and creativity. On THE WHEEL she took her talent to brand new levels. Each of these eleven songs contains a power so great, it can make your head spin. I listen to THE WHEEL everytime I'm upset or angry about something, it helps. Words can't describe how I feel about the album, but I'll try to portray these songs in a way to do justice to these masterpieces. Rosanne Cash's honesty is stunning. Few artists are as brave regarding their music or their lives. "The Wheel" is an incredible song, her honest and powerful lyrics are amazing. "Seventh Avenue", the symbol is the New York street, is equally impressive. "Change Partners" is a song about new hope and new beginnings. "Sleeping In Paris" is gorgeous, Cash's lyrical eloquence is constantly present. "You Won't Let Me In" a blast stronger than dynamite, about not being recognized. "From The Ashes" is a stirring moment about new beginnings. "The Truth About You" is poiginant. "Tears Falling Down" is brilliant. "Roses In The Fire" is the dramatic highlight of THE WHEEL. The lyrics are stunning. "Fire Of The Newly Alive" is marvelous. "If There's A God On My Side" is amazing. This is what great music is made of. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS CD-HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. I have large amounts of CDs, but this one is a top highlight. THE WHEEL is a part of my music collection, and after I heard it the first time, I don't want to part from it. After THE WHEEL I tried 10 SONG DEMO and INTERIORS, both albums are extraordinary. Nothing is comparable to THE WHEEL. If there was an album of the millenium, this would be it. Buy this one right now, you won't regret it.

Artistically, there are probably better Rosanne Cash disks ('Interiors'). Conceptually too ('10 Song Demo'). But 'The Wheel' is a pretty good culmination of Cash's songwriting and performing talents. Along with husband/producer John Leventhal, they managed to create a really good disk - start to finish. It might be viewed as Cash's first out and out non-country record (I don't think 'Rhythm and Romance' or 'Interiors' really hit that mark).

Due to this not being country or pop - there was no great marketing strategy for this CD, so it was more or less overlooked. However, it has very playable songs that could have been played on both formats (especially the way country radio has become more and more pop).

"The Wheel" is one of Cash's best songs in her career and deserved more exposure. I didn't think "Second Avenue" was a logical choice for first single - or any single, but had it been the title track, it could have made some inroads with the media. All songs are far above average, but a few really stand out including "Sleeping in Paris" with Mark Cohn providing wonderful harmony vocal and "Roses in the Fire", which could be the predecessor to Shawn Colvin's "Get Out of this House".

As with most of Cash's work, she doesn't stick to one format or style - and that works in her (and the listener's) favor.

Eleven songs ranking with the finest in songwriting excellence. Cash manages to provide great songs on 'The Wheel' (including the title track), and on other albums as well : I think yet that 'Rules of Travel' might be even better. Geoffrey Himes has got it right when he wrote in his editorial notes that "no one in Anglo-American pop does it better". And her voice... I've listened to more singers than I care to enumerate, from 1970's to now, and have heard no one with such a glowing, seductive -I should say 'addictive'- voice. True, a bunch of women in music have a vocal style sounding pretty much like Rosanne Cash ; but, I only said 'like' Rosanne Cash, not quite exactly the same. That makes a difference. Her voice is neither spectacular nor does she sings within a large octave range. However, there really is an 'alchemy' here, something particular that makes her voice so appealing. Just listen to 'Seventh Avenue' to be aware of that. I know it seems, actually, a bit contradictory : there are many singers in pop music with more vocal power or scream prowess, yet no one has the frail, gorgeous, silky, intimate quality of Rosanne Cash (not even the splendid Beth Nielsen Chapman). Another fact to take into consideration is her profile, rooted in country music (won't need to mention her glorious father's name). The influence of The Beatles and also folk song can also be heard, among other sources of inspiration. However, the true inspiration is in her voice, with her dedication to make good music. Grab this record as well as 'Rules', they're gifts from God.

Let me start by saying that The Wheel is not a new CD for me...I have been a long time Rosanne Cash fan so I am writing a long overdue rave review about 10 years late. I write now, because I just recently rediscovered the power and perfection of this amazing collection of 11 gems. Listening again with a new perspective and sounding brand new all over again! Rosannes's lyrics, and poetic song writing style combined with her amazing ability to wrestle with the deepest human emotions make this an absolute must have CD for these times of reflection. While her previous CD "Interiors" dealt with heartbreak and other human failings in an almost cathartic way, "The Wheel" portrays the ultimate triumph of the human condition, and tells it in a way that very few singer / songwriters can. Rosanne Cash both lyrically and musically is a unique treasure. If you are not moved by this CD, I do not know what would. I guess that this chance rediscovery of one of my all time favorites is some measure of compensation for missing new musical and lyrical offerings from one of my very favorite all time artists! Add this to your collection...you will be richly rewarded.

This is truly an amazing album to listen to. The production is top quality and the songs are all unique and stand alone as their own masterpieces. The music flows really well and Rosanne's understated vocals which she uses to quietly highlight the essence of each song. THE WHEEL is truly a landmark album.

The title track sets off the album in true fashion, the melody is unforgettable and its a good pace to set for the album. This song is quite interesting lyrically, as well is "Seventh Avenue". "Change Partners" is one of my favorites, another killer backing music track, a nice song that is full of hope. THE WHEEL features songs that are soul searching and confessional, getting into the depths of love and relationships.

While it might be easy to compare themes to her INTERIORS album, the themes may be repeated but she has never repeated herself. Take the beauty of "Sleeping In Paris", which blows me away lyrically. Nothing compares though to "Roses In The Fire" which is the climatic moment on THE WHEEL, a brilliant song. The other songs are absolutely fantastic and she never misses a beat. Some say it's a bit overproduced, I think her husband John Leventhal's production is just on key here.

Other highlights include "You Won't Let Me In", "From The Ashes", "Fire of The Newly Alive" and "The Truth About You".

You won't be disapointed with THE WHEEL. It is an exemplery album no one should miss out on hearing or owning.

Normally I don't go for "easy listening" sorts of music... but this is something well beyond that. There are several points about "The Wheel" that make it a unique collection of songs, though there is nothing particularly inventive or unusual. Musically, "The Wheel" is a classic example of "less is more" - I don't find it to be overproduced at all... and the arrangements are even a bit spare at times. Rosanne Cash does have a wonderful voice, though I'm not sure I'd call it a "small" voice. Yes, maybe it is "small" compared to Ann Wilson, Patty Griffin, Pat Benatar or Annie Lennox - but what voice wouldn't be in that company? Cash has a very different approach, never a power voice or a blasting set of pipes. Cash does the perfect thing with her voice on this CD - she brings out the subtleties and gentler dynamics of her instrument. "Tears Falling Down" is a great showcase for her voice, with the soft backing music that develops a solid presence as one goes deeper into the song. The songs here are very much personal touchstones - Cash has put forth songs that most people can relate to very easily. If that was her goal, I think she succeeds remarkably. "Roses in the Fire" is one of those songs that could be the soundtrack to any breakup - and "The Truth About You" is a soundtrack to really connecting with someone... in between those extremes are songs like "Sleeping in Paris", "Seventh Avenue" and the title track that all seem to resonate with the art of living in general. my favorite track is the last one "If There's a God on My Side"... who hasn't asked those questions --- and who says God has to be a man in the first place!!! When I listen to this CD, that twist in that song sums up the entire work very nicely.

This isn't a new cd for me, in fact this isn't even a cd. I have owned a cassette copy of "The Wheel" for well over a decade. I just threw the tape into my stereo. Almost immediately a sonic explosion went off in my head. It is that same magic and wonder that I felt when I first heard "The Wheel" when I was 18 years old ten years ago (I know, I'm dating myself). I am not a big country music fan now nor was I then. I bought "The Wheel" after hearing a few of the songs on a local radio station which wasn't a country radio station. I just loved what I heard. At the time, I never heard anyone with a voice as startlingly clear as Rosanne Cash. As I am listening to "The Wheel" for the first time in years, I have fallen in love again with songs like "The Wheel" and "Seventh Avenue". One of my personal favorite songs off this album is "Sleeping in Paris". I feel like I am in the same room with Rosanne while she is singing this gorgeous acoustic ballad. I almost wanted to cry when I listened to the song for the first time in years. The production on "The Wheel" is simply some of the best production I have ever heard period, no matter what genre of music. John Leventhal does an incredible job producing "The Wheel". After listening to "The Wheel", I definitely have to put it somewhere near my reach. I can't believe I haven't listened to this wonderful gem in over a decade.

About 'The Wheel', I have no revolutionary words to say, except maybe the word " GREAT " ! One of my all-time faves. If you like her, you should check out her '10 Song Demo', a cd that is more acoustic, a treasure. I LOVE her.

Rosanne requires alot of her listeners. She travels down intimate and deeply personal roads in the lyrics of her songs. The path isn't as dark here as in "Interiors" but the album is just as satisfying. "Roses in the Fire" would be a great radio hit, if not for the lyrical content. "Sleeping In Paris" and "If There's a God On My Side" are also faves of mine. This lady goes deep but never disappoints!!!!!