Customer Reviews

Windows of Heaven

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

 

 

John Elefante is simply awesome in 'Windows of Heaven'. The most memorable songs on the track are 'That's Why God Made The Moon' and 'No One's Ever Died for Me Before'. John sings the song in a very simple-toned yet very expressive and heartfelt way. The only regret I have is that the rest of the CD fails to convey as much energy as the songs mentioned above. Any fan of John Elefante, producer of albums for such groups as Petra, Greg Long, or Nikki Leonti will certainly appreciate this album.

John released this, his first solo cd, in 1995. Here it is 16 years later and I wanted to say a word or two about "Windows."

I grew up a huge fan of Kansas; from the very first strands of "Can I Tell You" I was hooked. By the time Kansas released their 4th effort, Leftoverture, the rest of the world knew who they were as well: one of the most creative and talented bands around, who effectively balanced the worlds of top 40 and progressive rock. When some of the members had a falling out years later, singer Steve Walsh was one of the originals to depart, and in stepped - for a time - a young and relatively unknown ... John Elefante.

The Kansas material that Elefante was involved with wasnt their best, but it was still rather good. Those that rejected him as the new lead, or the material, well, dont blame John. His voice, his songwriting - both excellent. And the world would soon find out what a gifted producer he was {and is}. Anytime you see "produced by John and Dino Elefante" on a release of ANY type, you can be assured it will be a cut above the rest. Nearly everything they touched turned to gold -- if not monetarily or in cd sales, then simply in the beautiful, harmonious sounds they helped to create.

All this to say that after all these years, "Windows of Heaven" not only holds up well, it will be burning grooves in your ipod, cd or mp3 player ... and if you, like me, used to listen to it but had lost sight of it for years, then prepare to fall in love all over again. Elefante -- writing, producing, and voice, just flat out has it, and if you love songs that stick in your head and heart, both musically and lyrically, then get this one while you still can.

I also highly, highly recommend his excellent 2nd {97} release, Corridors, and the still very good 3rd {99} effort, Defying Gravity.

Tracks include {* marks personal favorites}:

Hello My Good Friend
Windows of Heaven *
This Is What Love Is *
What If Our World
Hold Me in Your Arms {The Prodigal}
No One's Ever Died for Me Before *
Take Me to the River *
That's Why God Made the Moon *
Lay Down Your Life
We Will Find Our Way

p.s. -- if you want something with the same standard of quality, but with more of a guitar-driven edge, check out his work with Mastadon.

This album is one of my favorite of all and definantly the best of the 3 John has put out. If you like Kansas you will love this beautiful album. Great words, music and scorching vocals will make you want his other two albums. We need a new one John.

I had searched everywhere for this album and couldn't seem to find it unless I paid over $25 for it. After I ordered it I got a confirmation from the seller within 24 hours of when it would be sent. When I received it, I was very happy. It was in new packaging and there were no defects on the cd or in the music.