Customer Reviews

A World Within A World

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Raul Midon has stepped up to a new level with his newest CD 'A World Within a World'. Just when you wanted more after his previous CD 'State of Mind', Raul delivers it with an awsome array of genres.

From the 1st song 'Pick Somebody Up' (ringtone for my cellphone) to 'Peace On Earth', Raul runs the gamut of pop & soul that easily evokes the emotions that music should produce. Because each song is so uniquely exquisite you start to wonder why everyone has not heard of Raul Midon.

Do you want real value for your money? Buy this CD, for yourself or as a gift. You wont be disappointed!

For me, Raul Midon is (without question) one of the most talented and underrated performers around today. Comparable to great singers like Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder and Jose Feliciano, Midon takes us all on a glorious musical journey, on A WORLD WITHIN A WORLD. His influences are rooted in many genres of music, yet, his sound is truly distinctive. These sounds include r&b/soul ("Pick Somebody Up," the first track, is a great example of this), folk ("Save My Life"), and South American rhythms ("Tembererana," and "Caminando"). Of course, to describe merely the sound of his tunes only skims the surface of his depth, as a musican. His lyrics are pure poetry. They are filled with messages about society ("All the Answers," an ode to the age of blackberries, cell phones and instant gratification in the 21st century), love ("Save My Life"), social responsability in the face of injustice ("Tembererana") and mourning ("Song For Sandra").

A WORLD WITHIN A WORLD is Raul Midon's third and best album, to date, in my opinion. It is amazing to me that not more people know this man's name by now! Midon is incomparable and truly a visionary poet who sets his imagery to music. Support him and I guarantee that this album will make you a fan.

For me, Raul Midon is (without question) one of the most talented and underrated performers around today. Comparable to great singers like Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder and Jose Feliciano, Midon takes us all on a glorious musical journey, on A WORLD WITHIN A WORLD. His influences are rooted in many genres of music, yet, his sound is truly distinctive. These sounds include r&b/soul ("Pick Somebody Up," the first track, is a great example of this), folk ("Save My Life"), and South American rhythms ("Tembererana," and "Caminando"). Of course, to describe merely the sound of his tunes only skims the surface of his depth, as a musican. His lyrics are pure poetry. They are filled with messages about society ("All the Answers," an ode to the age of blackberries, cell phones and instant gratification in the 21st century), love ("Save My Life"), social responsability in the face of injustice ("Tembererana") and mourning ("Song For Sandra").

A WORLD WITHIN A WORLD is Raul Midon's third and best album, to date, in my opinion. It is amazing to me that not more people know this man's name by now! Midon is incomparable and truly a visionary poet who sets his imagery to music. Support him and I guarantee that this album will make you a fan.

OK, quick update. I have now received both albums and while they are very good, I think I should apologize to the two people who found my original review helpful. His live performance was absolutely electric, but the album is, well, studio plain. I'm a bit let down. However, I stand by my earlier comments regarding his talent; he's truly amazing.

I hope he releases an album of his best live performances as that will be an awesome collection. In the meantime, it's off to You-Tube for me to see if anyone has posted the Craig Ferguson clip--the Leno clip is almost as good.

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I just heard Raul Midon on Craig Ferguson's Late Late Show performing "Pick Me Up". Wow! I am buying both albums tonight. What an incredible talent! Craig introduced him as a man "known for his syncopated guitar playing and his incredibly soulful voice" and he was not kidding. I don't know what impressed me more--hearing the music performed live or watching the performance. Mr Midon plays his guitar in a most rhythmic and beautiful manner and augments the melody with a voice that reminds me of the depth and warmth of Billy Ocean. At one point he mimics a trumpet. At first I thought he was being accompanied. Nope. It's all him.

I first heard State of Mind (Midon's first CD in a Borders. I was instantly blown away. The parallels to Stevie Wonder were clear and the guitar work with hints of the best of Richie Havens (anyone old enough to remember?) The eloquence and artistry of the melodies, lyrics, and musicianship are remarkable, particularly for a first album. The last artist I heard with an opening CD on this level was Lizz Wright, with her remarkable first album Salt. But like Lizz, Raul does not have the same artistry and emotion and maturity in the second album. Both are remarkable talents but both have second albums that are a bit of a letdown compared to their first offerings. Both Lizz and Raul are remarkalble at delivering ballads with blues and Jazz exuding. Unfortunately in Lizz Wright's case, the second album, which was still wonderful, but not up to the fresh excitement of the first, and it appears that her career is a little less on the rise than we would have expected after Salt. I just hope that the same will not happen with Raul Midon. From all the appearances he has made on TV and festivals this seels unlikely. But I for one was a little disappointed in the second album which seems quite a bit less interesting, artistic, and fresh than his first. If you do not already have State of Mind, get it. If you love that CD you will also like the new CD. But I expect to listen a lot more to the first CD. Hope the next CD from Raul returns to the style of State of Mind.

Raul Midon's first album is one of my absolute favorites. With simple arrangements and just a few instruments Raul created an intimate and fun experience. The new CD has a little more production on some numbers, but it is still basically a showcase for an outstanding singer/songwriter. If I ever get tired of hearing the first CD (unlikely) I can keep the good feelings going by popping in "A World Within A World".I don't know how to classify what Midon does. A mixture of folk, latin and soul? Reminiscent of Stevie Wonder in earlier, simpler times? You decide.

D.Pawl did a great job reviewing this CD, so I'm not going to restate the obvious. ALL of these tracks are awesome. Raul's previous CD "A State of Mind" is also a "must have" in your collection. I've seen Raul perform live three times and he's an amazing guitar player. I just couldn't believe that a solo performer can create such multiple sounds playing just an acoustic guitar. There are numerous video's out on the web of his performances. There's a video of a song "Sunshine" (from State of Mind) that you can easily search for, that will blow you away. It's a great example of his wonderful vocals, guitar technique and mouth trumpet. The only thing I can't figure out with Raul is , HOW IS HE NOT A HOUSEHOLD NAME ?

Raul Midon's first album, State of Mind, was an immediate hit. And I have been waiting for another from him. I just love the lyrics of his songs and his voice is just incredibly soothing. His songs remind me of Stevie Wonder and I've been anxious to hear more from him.

Well this album has been worth the wait. Every song is incredible. I can't get them out of my head. They are just that good! I can't wait to see him perform live!!

Thank you Raul for this sweet album. It is very easy to listen to and makes you really feel good. I love "Pick Somebody Up." If only we all could have that wonderful attitude.
See you in Chicago on the 16th
Love from Morley's Auntie C.

I saw Raul Midon for my birthday and I was truly pleased, impressed and wowed! I love his style, music and his words are so poignant and you can hear what he sings to you.