Customer Reviews

Zygote

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I have enjoyed most of John Popper's work, and this is no exception, save for one thing: if you're looking for the extensive harmonica sequences, this will be a disappointment to you. I hope this helps you in your quest for experiencing John Popper's unique gift for this highly under-rated instrument. Mr. Popper must have decided to keep this talent at bay, focusing more on his vocal talents. Growing in Dirt and Home portrays his best efforts at exploiting both harp and vocal harmonics.

I got this cd because I love Blues Traveler. True, I was expecting more harmonica parts, but now that I've listened to the cd, I'm glad he left them out. It let him focus more on the lyrics, and that, is the best part of any past Blues Traveler song.

However, this cd is definitly not BT. If you are buying this cd just to get BT type stuff, then don't bother. Yes, the songs are great, but in a different way than BT songs.

John Popper ranks with the greatest lyricists. He is right up there with Paul McCartney, Michael Stipe, and James Hetfield (yes, the same Hetfield from Metallica). Popper is truely a bard, and if you haven't firgured that out in a BT album, then you will absolutely find that on this CD. Its terrific

Popper is a musical genius. Not only does he wail on his harmonica, but he plays a mean lead guitar. This, coupled with the fact that Popper often records a couple of vocal tracks to accompany himself, makes this album a real testament to his versatility and ability. On the last song, you can really hear him stretching for Brian May's sound. This record is simply beautiful. To everyone that got to see him in Burlington, I proclaim my jealousy of you. John Popper is a true bard. His solo effort sends chills down my spine and inspires my own creativity. I am glad to have had the chance to hear him.

Without having heard a single track off this album I bought it when it was first released, having faith in John Popper's ability to craft music and lyrics. I've heard plenty of complaints of how it doesn't sound enough like Blues Traveler. That's even foolish to even mention. If John Popper had wanted to sound like Blues Traveler, I'd assume he'd have taken to the studio with them. If one has read any of the interviews with Mr. Popper in which he discusses this sensational solo venture, he explains that he wanted to try something different. Which he did, and it turned out to be a more-than-decent record. Mr. Popper took on the role as lyricist, vocalist, guitar player, and of course, harmonica player in this album. And he did so with great skill. He added some funk, so folk, some ballad rock, and some classic rock, making a CD that's more than piece of soon-forgotten pop ear candy. This is an album that finds itself remaining in the CD player for multiple spinnings before it's taken out again. A fine performance from Blues Traveler's frontman. Definitely worth buying. Be sure to give the tracks "Miserable Bastard", "Home" a listen. Or better yet, buy it, and enjoy it.

Well, if you are a person that apreciates good music and feel the music you have to buy this cd because is excellent, a masterpiece that you need in your life

I've always been a Blues Traveller fan, mostly because they have given us a real change of pace. Obviously, the driving force of the group is John Popper, so I wasn't surprised to find this solo debut to be more of the same: excellent and a little off-beat. For my money "Once You Wake Up" and "Home" are ballads as good as anyone has produced. I also enjoyed "How About Now", "Fledgling" and "Growing in Dirt" a lot. The entire cd is first rate with very few exceptions. I hope to see John visit his pal Dave Letterman and perform some of the cuts from this cd. Great job John.

This album is, let's say different. Don't let people fool you, it takes a while to get used to this cd. Popper Has a few great songs on here but nothing that jumps out at you like in previous BT albums. I am afraid this won't be a very successful album

Ever since i bought this cd,the day it came out i have not taken it out of the cd player.The album is great from begining to end."Miserable bastard" is an up-beat catchy ditty,and the next song "Once you wake up" is a melodic radio friendly song talking about john being "asleep" and not being aware of how his life is takeng off in the wrong directon( the wheight thing)...."Tip the Domino" has a very catchy guitar line and the lyrics are great...."Home" wich is an older popper song is in my opinion one of the best on the album,Hell they're all great!

If you like Blues Traveler then you'll probably like their frontman and Harmonica virtuoso's solo work. There are some familiar BT harmonica licks on a few songs but altogether it is a refreshing departure from JP's work with BT. The songs are less dependant on blazing harmonica riffs and make up for it with excellent lyrical phrasing and John's sincere voice. I especially like Tip the Domino and Growing in Dirt. There is another version of the BT classic Fledgling that validates the fact that good songwriting doesn't need a huge sound behind it. JP has Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews band) on drums and a host of other excellent musicians including blues guitar sensation Jonny Lang playing on a track too.

If your looking for another Blues Traveler Album, this really isn't for you. If you looking fo interesting ballads and humble regresssions than this will almost certainly inspire you. This is great work!