Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Better yet, from the unknown Eagle., September 5, 2001
Of course, Souther was never an Eagle..and may never really have desired to be. He did co-write several hits for the group, and even continued into Henley's solo career (Heart of the Matter).
Of the talent that all seems to have taken at least one orbital spin around Linda Ronstadt..including her excellent sideman, and later solo artist, Andrew Gold (remember "Lonely Boy"?) one has to wonder, as the Eagles put it " why fortune smiles on some, and lets the rest go free".
Souther has a style and voice that evoke love or hate. I for one, have been a fan, along apparently with many other musicians. Even Nashville's Dixie Chicks cover a Souther song on their first album..
Yet of all the covers, none do a song justice like JD Souther..great range, and a smooth, silky voice. His third album, "You're Only Lonely" is another group of well crafted, thoughful songs that have excellent harmonies, Souther's trademark voice, some very rememarkable tunes.. catchy, some soulful..all brimming with hooks.
This is a great introduction to Souther , a must have for fans, and certainly Eagles fans will appreciate most of Souther's work. Black Rose is also a must have, while his self titled debut did not enthrall me like most Souther fans, I do own it. His 4th album, (Home by Dawn?), is even better, but for whatever reason, has not been released on CD.
Souther has another excellent song, possibly titled "Shining Star", a track in a forgetable movie dealing with the serious subject of teen suicide..but it is not available at all. (as far as I can tell). If you like the "Southern California" style of music, ..try JD Souther.
|
|
|
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Souther Solo, July 17, 2001
John David Souther is most well known for his association with The Eagles. He appeared on the back cover of the band's Desperado album, has toured and sang backup with them and most notably has co-written many of their most well known songs including the number one hits "Best Of My Love" and "New Kid In Town". In fact, Mr. Souther's greatest triumphs have come as a songwriter. But he has released some fine solo albums, with the biggest being You're Only Lonely. Mr. Souther has a smooth and easy voice that floats effortless through his songs. The title track is far and away his biggest solo hit, peaking at number seven, and deservedly so. It is a gorgeous song with an easy rhythm and beautiful harmonies. Other strong tracks include "The Moon Just Turned Blue", "Til' The Bars Burn Down" and "Trouble In Paradise".
|
|
|
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A (mostly) forgotten gem, January 8, 2004
John David Souther's only significant chart hit (not counting his 1981 duet with James Taylor, "Her Town Too"), the title track of this album, came in 1979, as the whole California country-rock scene was winding down and New Wave was the new trend. (In 1980, Linda Ronstadt would release her Mad Love album, to mixed reviews, while the Eagles continued the disintegration which had begun with the departures of Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner prior to Hotel California...) Nevertheless, the album featured some classic country-rock tracks, including "The Moon Just Turned Blue", which I had first heard by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on their 1976 disc Symphonion Dream. "Trouble In Paradise" had been the title track of the second (and last) Souther-Hillman-Furay Band album in '75, but I think I like this version a little better. Unlike some other reviewers, I like the rocker "Til The Bars Burn Down"--it reminds me of other party tunes that his former partner Glenn Frey always seemed to enjoy ("Out Of Control," "The Greeks Don't Want No Freaks," "Partytown," etc.)
The title track is a great record and deserved to be a hit. Finally, though, the highlight for me is "White Rhythm and Blues." Long-time friend Ronstadt had previously recorded this gem on her Living In The USA album in '78, but Souther's version of the song is perhaps my favorite song EVER. Great vocals, great lyrics, great guitars and even harmonica by Dirt Bander Jeff Hanna...thanks J.D.!
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
Interact With Your Music: Discover, listen to, and buy new music, all from the pages of SPIN's digital edition, free to Amazon customers.
by J.D. Souther 
