Customer Reviews

Won't You Take Me Home

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

 

 

I don't care what your musical preferences are, Brian Kennedy's voice is just amazing. I saw him in concert in Ireland last week and he was just such a fab entertainer that I immediately had to go out and buy all his albums. Also a very nice bloke. After the concert, he hung around outside to take photos with the fans and have a chat.

It also says something about a singer when the government commission him to do a song to promote the peace process in Northern Ireland (Life, Love & Happiness).

Listen to this guy's voice. He's just simply amazing.

I received my copy of this CD two days ago and haven't listened to anything else since then (and there are few moments in the day when I'm NOT plugged in to something). This CD showcases Brian's work over a lengthy period of time not only solo but with the many collaborators he has worked with over the years. A variety of musical styles, lyrics by both Brian and others, and that voice make this CD well worth the money. That beautiful voice is what makes whatever song Brian sings perfect. There are some covers on this CD as well as a large number of songs written by Brian and others he has worked with closely. I can't say enough about this CD. I was hoping to say more but all I can say is WOW! And throw in an AWESOME! to go with it. It is an eclectic mixture of music and if you have only heard a few things by Brian, you might be surprised with some of the music on the CD. But there's always that voice. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who likes Brian Kennedy.

Belfast singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy has sung for US presidents (he sang Carrickfergus for Bill Clinton), as Van Morrison's high-profile backup singer, and had a stint on Riverdance on Broadway. Won't You Take Me Home compiles highlights of his several earlier albums: The Great War of Words (Captured, Open Arms, Town, Believe It, Hollow, I Would Not Forget You, Anniversary), A Better Man (A Better Man, For One Kiss, Won't You Take Me Home, Life, Love and Happiness, Put the Message in the Box, By the Mountain Road), and his collaboration with Sweetmouth (Dangerous, I Know Why The Willow Weeps, Forgiveness, Fear is the Enemy of Love). Also featured is his stunning cover of Carrickfergus, which is drenched in melancholy and yearning, his classic take on Van Morrison's Crazy Love, See Line Woman, and several other tracks.

First of all, this collection is a real bargain, since Brian's earlier albums (and current!) are largely available as import-only in the US, which is a shame, because Brian's soulful lyrics, gossamer voice, and strong arrangements should be appreciated by a wider audience (his concert DVD Live in Belfast is available through Curb Records).

Won't You Take Me Home introduces the listener to Brian's evolving songwriting, his range of styles, and his understated acoustic guitar. Sprinkled throughout are love songs, melancholy ballads, and upbeat songs, along with some old favorites like Crazy Love (I always thought that Brian thoroughly upstaged Van on A Night in San Francisco!). If you're tired of listening to the same five "alternative" bands on the radio, give Brian Kennedy a chance. His unique voice, soulful lyrics and masterly guitar playing will refresh your spirit.