Chris Isaak

Chris Isaak

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: July 7, 1987
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Reprise / Wea
• ASIN: B000002LAZ
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,228 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

Just before all commercial hell broke loose for Chris Isaak, he made another record drenched in reverb, salty tears (he'll have you believe his heart is forever being broken), and the scent of lust. Ignoring the wave of pop and punk-inspired rock that was gaining notice in the late '80s, Isaak continued in his adoration for artists like Roy Orbison and Elvis (uh, Presley), and wailed on "Cryin'," "Lie to Me," and "You Owe Me Some Kind of Love." Isaak's bad-boy tease is irresistible on "Lover's Game," and he exudes a hopeful, endearing optimism on "This Love Will Last." His classic "Blue Hotel" steals the show (he should have earned his fame on this track instead of "Wicked Game"), and his cover of "Heart Full of Soul" (originally done by the Yardbirds) is faithful and passionate. --Lorry Fleming

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You owe yourself a listen to this CD, October 6, 2004

By	Tim Brough "author and music buff" (Springfield, PA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

During my days as a radio programmer, a 45 by some guy I never heard of before crossed my desk. It was called "Blue Hotel." I put it on the little turntable in my office, and listened. When it was over, I got up, closed the door, and played it again. Loud. After that, I was hooked. Chris Isaak had made me a fan with one 45.

I then went out and found this CD in a Rehoboth Beach Delaware boardwalk record store, and was blown away. The music was dark and sexy, evocative and moody, and rang of broken hearts drenched in reverb. "Chris Isaak" was so beyond anything being released in the period that I had to play it for friends, to show them real musicians still made rock the old fashioned way. Isaak even took a classic chestnut (The Yardbirds' "Heart Full Of Soul") and completely reclaimed it.

This was the CD where Isaak and his band Silvertone found their voice. The album sounds full and rich, both deliciously retro and thoroughly modern at the same time. He was able to tread that line perfectly here and on the follow-up, "Heart Shaped World," so if you ever wondered where all that original excitement about Chris Isaak sprouted from, just pop this CD into the player and cue up "Blue Hotel." Hearts in agony never sounded this good.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is what "good music" is all about...., January 23, 2004

By	Frank Garon (Breinigsville, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I only vaguely knew who this "Chris Isaak" guy was, prior to a dear friend of mine turning me on to "Speak of the Devil" and "Baja Sessions".

Those two CDs blew my mind, so naturally I HAD to to go out and buy his entire cataloge.

Let me tell you about this title - this one ROCKS! It's really just a perfect CD, nothing but great songs all the way through.

I found it hard to get past "Lie To Me", "Fade Away","This Love Will Last" and "You Took My Heart". I just keep playing those 4 over and over and over.

One special note - the guitar work on this CD is nothing short of awesome. James Calvin Wilsey and Chris really put out some serious sound here.

All in all, this one is WELL worth the money. And then some, actually...

Rock on, Chris. Good stuff!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chris's Masterpiece, January 15, 2000

By	William Fricke (St. Paul, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This album was a landmark recording for me. I heard (and purchased) "Silvertone" while living in the Bay Area. When this record came out, I was blown away. The production values are outstanding and the music is unbelievable. Although you can't deny Chris and his fabulous voice, kudos have to go to guitarist James Calvin Wilsey and producer, Erik Jacobsen for creating an awesome space on top of which Chris can shine. Well versed in the ways of creating the "sound" full of reverb, twang, gently bent notes and ambience, Chris and the band take you back in time, while still keeping you in the present.

This is Chris Isaak's most consistent record, and his best, in my opinion. "Fade Away," to me, is the best Chris Isaak song ever. You'll never get sick of it. The rest of the album is great as well.