Customer Reviews

World Outside My Window

5 star:		(64)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This album exceeded my expectations for Lewis's oft-pushed back debut, and my expectations were extremely high. The single, "Don't You Forget It", was so super-hot and intricately arranged that I just knew the full-length would be great. And it is, period.

The guy has Stevie Wonder's vocal chords, no doubt, but takes them in some original corners and gives us a 100% solid record that you imagine Stevie himself might have put out if he were still the Stevie we knew and loved 15 years ago. Don't let the comparisons fool you, though: Lewis is all himself, and the songs (produced by the team that gave us the great Jill Scott records throughout) are a testimony to his values and the age in which he exists. His songs are current and his music incredibly played and tightened.

To top it off, he likes to take his songs' stories (the fact that he has stories at all instead of the regular chant-smashing, party-calling we've been subjected to lately is refreshing in and of itself) and twist them a bit, not ending up where you think the tone or the first lyric might suggest. Simply put, it's the most completey intelligent R&B record to come down the pike in two years, and is the record - R&B or otherwise - to beat this year.

I first heard "Don't You Forget It" on a CD that I had purchased called "Red Star Sounds Volume 1: Soul Searching". The CD featured various songs that included Jill Scott's "Long Walk" (Remix), India Arie's "Butterfly" and Erykah Badu's "Today". For some reason, even with the well known artists on the CD, "Don't You Forget It" stood out amongst the songs. I caught the video on BET's "Midnight Love" and I knew that once his CD came out I would definitely purchase it. "World Outside My Window" is an excellent debut CD from the artist from Canada. You will never be able to classify Glenn Lewis as a one hit wonder. The production is handled by Andre Harris and Vidal Davis from A Touch Of Jazz Productions. The same people that were behind Jill Scott's and Musiq Soulchild's debut CDs. As far as Glenn Lewis' voice is concerned, he sounds very similar to Stevie Wonder, and that is clearly the case on several songs on this CD. However, that does not take anything away from the quality of music and songs that we are presented with on "World Outside My Window". Continuing in the footsteps of the growing roster of Neo Soul artists like Maxwell, D'Angelo, Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Amel Larrieux, Jazzyfatnastees, Musiq Soulchild and Jaguar Wright, Glenn Lewis demonstrates that he belongs in this category. On "Simple Things", Glenn Lewis lets us know about how we should appreciate just being able to be involved in everyday life and not taking things for grantite, on "Lonely", Glenn talks about a woman that he was involved with and had a friendship with that decides to leave him. In the song, he's telling her how she will regret leaving him more than he will regret losing her, so she should think twice about what she is doing. It's a very nice uptempo song. "Never Too Late" follows a similar theme. In this song, he is telling the woman eventhough we may not be together and she has moved on to be in another situation that she can always come back to what she had. Sure these topics have been covered before, but it's all about the presentation of each track. My favorite song has to be what I hope will be the next single, "This Love". If you don't see Glenn's talent after this nice slow jam then I suggest that you get some help for real. This song summarizes Glenn's opinion of a relationship that he may have been in and he's trying to realize what happened between their love. Other noteworthy songs include, "It's Not Fair", "Something To See", "Dream", and "Take You High". There is a little bit of everything on "World Outside My Window". You get a fair share of uptempo, midtempo and slow songs. The fast forward or skip track button will not be necessary for this CD. You can listen to this Cd in its entirety. I am thoroughly impressed with Glenn Lewis and his talent. He has a very bright future ahead of him. I recommend this CD to anyone that likes good r&b or Neo Soul music.

James' Top 5

1. This Love
2. Don't You Forget It
3. Never Too Late
4. Lonely
5. Simple Things

This brotha has a melodic flow that makes his album amazing. It captivates you and puts you in a relaxed mood that makes things OK. It is so nice to hear positive lyrics in this day in age. I recommend everyone purchase this, because this is definitely the start of something wonderful.

Track to Listen to:

Beautiful Eyes
This Love
Simple Things

Many More....

Glenn Lewis has "it": the mystical qualities that lead to staying power in this business: Unique presence. Vocal skills. Writing talent. World Outside My Window is a strong album for this newcomer. The smash single "Don't You Forget It" was the song/video that captured our interest & the rest of this album keeps us listening.

Favorite tracks - "Simple Things" - like the title suggests, the song beautifies things we often take for granted in life.

"Lonely" - funky midtempo with head-bobbing percussion and a universal message we all can relate to ("if its game you want then you know i came to play")

"take me" - This song tells a story that the listener can actually visualize as he sings. The lyrics are haunting & moving, the chorus is gorgeous.

"one more day" - head bobbin' uptempo that has a musiq soulchild feel to it.

"Take You High" - soft, sensual mid-tempo with a mellow flow and sweet chorus.

"This Love" - one of several tracks that the STEVIE comparison comes into play.

Along with story-telling lyrics, the string arrangements laced throughout WOMW add a surreal, relaxing vibe to the album.
BUT...
Glenn Lewis sounds so much like Stevie that one has to keep remembering it is not "Fingertips" himself. (ie: "Sorry" and "Never too Late") I honestly don't know if that is a good or bad thing. The bridge of "Don't U Forget It" illustrates this clearly. This is why I rate WOMW 4 stars. Hopefully future projects will bring more of Glenn's own essence into the mix. Constant comparisons to the legendary Wonder may prove too distracting.

WOMY is a great album, however and a must-have for all lovers of true soul music. Get your copy now. Peace. CLB.

When I first heard the single, "Don't You Forget It", I was so impressed and amazed by his voice, I could not wait to hear more from Glenn. I bought the Red Star Sounds, Vol. 1: Soul Searching CD and just put this song on repeat. Since the album has dropped, I have not listened to anything else. All 15 songs are incredible. Andre Harris is an awesome Producer and Writer (he wrote Michael Jackson's "Butterflies" along with Marsha Ambrosius). If you have always been a long time fan of Stevie Wonder's and you love Musiq Soulchild, then please go and purchase this CD, it's totally worth it.

Glenn Lewis's first album "World Outside my Window" has some smooth melodic soulful music that makes it an album worth listening to. The first track "Simple Things" starts the album off well, a track where Lewis hits all the right notes, followed up by "Beautiful Eyes" a track for ones love. Next comes the albums lead single "Don't You Forget It", bought this album because this track sparked my intrest, a very soulful track about holding on to whats important. "One More Day" has an upbeat feel to it, a track where Lewis asks for more chance to make it right. After this album hits some skip material for me, none of tracks bad but none of them really standing out for me. Then comes "Take You Higher" a memorable track, with a nice chorus. Followed up by "It's Not Fair" my favourite track on this album, Glenn Lewis really captures the feeling of being wronged in a tale of betrayal, his lyrics and flow on this are powerfull. Album closes with "For You" (Your Song) an echoing love song, Glenn Lewis really steps it up on track, a good way to end an impressive debut album from an up and coming R & B singer. The fact that he is Canadian makes it all the better, as in my opinion over here we have a limited amount of R & B talent that is getting exposure. Glenn Lewis's "World outside My Window" is a good album, looking forward to his next.

Here is my interpretation of this CD, somebody broke Glenn Lewis heart and he wrote a few songs about it! If you had that "special love" in your life and you need a song or two to express your feelings...this is your CD! He wrote or co-wrote most of these songs so it's safe to conclude that - "This man is deep!" My only criticism is Glenn vocally favors Stevie Wonder and some of the production sounds similar. With that said I rated this CD 4 instead of a 5, however it is a very commendable piece of work. I also feel that "It's not fair" should have not been released as a single. It's a decent song but it's goes under the classification of "Trife Life/Drama" and not everyone can relate to that. The content of that song and production was a bit morbid and a slight turn off which can make the difference from an artist going gold, platinum, and beyond. I would have released, Beautiful Eyes, Lonely, Simple Things, or This Love instead. Overall I love this CD and I can see me playing this now and many years to come - It's a classic!

My favorite songs and break down:

Inspirational Track
Simple Things

Songs for my "Special Love" Tracks
Don't you forget it
Dream
Your song (For You)

Love Songs Tracks
Beautiful Eyes
Take You High

Second Chance/Confusion Tracks
One More Day
Never Too Late
Something To See
This Love

It's Over Tracks!
It's Not Fair
Lonely

Canada's very own Glenn Lewis is one of the most exciting new R&B newcomers today. His debut album WORLD OUTSIDE MY WINDOW is a collection of R&B and soul songs which are both beautiful and enjoyable at the same time. Glenn has a beautiful voice, which R&B has missed in the past few years. His music reminds me of a more updated version of Stevie Wonder. The lead single Don't You Forget It is an irresistible mix of R&B and beautiful vocals, as are many of the tracks on WORLD. He sings the typical love songs, with his own flair, such as Beautiful Eyes, Simple Things, One More Day, Your Song, Take You High, Take Me, and many more. As a promise of what he has to offer, I can see this rising star continuing to do great things in his career. This CD has a nice vibe that will put you in a relaxed mood. Give this one a try if you are looking for some new talent, or if you are just bored of R&B's current state of cookie cutter sound alike sameness.

When I first played this cd, my soul was soothed by the smooth voice, syrupy, mellifluous strings, and vocals on this album. This is definitely a step towards superstardom for this artist from Canada. He sounds like an admixture of Musiq Soulchild and Stevie Wonder, but do not let these comparisions discourage you; the brother definitely has his own style and is not just another neo-soul clone. It's good to have a singer out there who delves into romance more than booty calling. If you love warm, smooth lyrics, this alblum is for you. Favorite songs:

Simple Things

Beautiful Eyes
Don't you forget it
This Love
Dream
It's not fair

When was the last time you purchased a CD, excitedly threw it in the box prepared to do your usual "check-out-the-first-8-seconds-then-move-to-the-next-cut" preview, but instead found yourself unable to do so 'cause from jump you are hooked. EVERY SINGLE TRACK on this CD -- and there are 15 (thank you, Glenn, for a full CD worth the $$) -- is captivating. After months of highly anticipated releases that disappoint, Glenn Lewis saves the day... the year! Get this, today.