Customer Reviews

You Must Ask the Heart

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

 

 

Jonathan Richman's biggest asset (along with his wonderfully entertaining live performances, of course) is his refreshing sound and approach to life. Who else would sing a capella about baseball's legendary good-guy, Walter "Big Train" Johnson? This is a simple little album, and its best moments are simply beautiful, with songs like "You Must Ask The Heart" and "City Vs. Country." As always, no matter what mood the songs portray, the words are Richman at his most honest. More importantly, it's not just the words, but his vocal style as well that is refreshingly honest. Note the sincerity in the "No! No!" that follows the line, "You want to warn her how her boyfriend's no good" in "Let Her Go Into The Darkness." Richman isn't just a seriously honest guy, however; he displays his unique lighter side in the songs "Vampire Girl" and "Just Because I'm Irish," which is a duet with Saturday Night Live alumna (is that proper Latin?) Julia Sweeney. While his covers of "The Rose" and "Nothing Can Change This Love" may not be the most inspired recordings of JoJo's career, they are surely preferable to the complete musical fracturing of standards that seems to be the road more traveled these days. The only real problem with this album is its length, which measures in at just under thirty-three minutes. That's simply not enough of a good thing in this case.

Jonathan Richman has presented himself as many things in the mood of his records and the varying subjects of his songwriting. Alot of people only know him as the guy who wrote 'Roadrunner' and then disappeared off the face of the earth.
But since that punk standard, Jonathan has presented himself as one thing through all the angle-altering, and that is a man of his own invention.
So, in many ways this album works because its JoJo. It's him showing us all the music he loves in half an hour, using limited accompaniment (as expected) and largeley to-the-point material.
The title track is a standout for me, and its not a disappointment that its a serious number. I admit to waiting for the jokes on this song (and others on the record), but I think Jon deserves praise for keeping it serious. It actually makes for some very touching moments on the album, and the lighter moments - when they come - are well-placed and not unduly silly.
A magnificent cover of the Tom Waits classic 'The Heart of Saturday Night' is a real swinger, while 'The Rose' is an intriguing and thoughtful rediscovery.
But the highlights of this album , for me, are the closing acapella numbers, which really bring the true JR to the recording. 'Walter Johnson' is beautifully paced and thoroughly engaging, whilst the inclusion of 'Nishi' is a masterstroke to bring up the folk underbelly of the entire LP.

Jonathan Richman is living proof of a higher power in the universe

If you ever get a chance to see Jonathan in person, do so!!! You will love his sincere heart, and this album is one way to enjoy it if you can't get to his shows. He is smart, silly, love-struck, fun, genuine and original. He never disappoints. This album is one of my favorites!

Jonathan Richman is still going strong after almost thirty years. Albums like I, Jonathan and You Must Ask The Heart prove that he is as good as ever. While I, Jonathan is a fun, faster album, You Must Ask The Heart is really Jonathan's soft side, although still fun. Songs like To Hide A Little Thought, Let Her Go Into the Darkness, and Nothing Can Change This Love are all great. You Must Ask The Heart and City Vs. Country are the best on the album. Vampire Girl, Just Because I'm Irish and Walter Johnson are the playful side of Jonathan. Overall, this is a great album and essential for fans.

This is one of my favorite records that I have bought in the last year. Especially with the icky synth fake plastic sounding garbage that is all over the radio right now, hearing someone who can really play the guitar is a nice breath of fresh air. The album art made me do a double take, it looks a little cagey. But you have to listen to it! give it a chance! It is decidedly quirky and worth the time. **go little vampire girl**