Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This CD is like a journey., August 20, 2001
I love Eric Johnson's guitar playing (he's got that 'impossible' tone). Eric also has a great voice. I noticed some people commented that they wish he wouldn't sing, but I think he does a wonderful job of it.This is my favorite out of all the EJ recordings I own. Some would probably argue that the album seems over-produced compared to things he done in the past, but I don't care. "Venus Isle" is beautifully recorded--it's a pleasure to listen to. It progresses very nicely--the songs sound like they were meant to go in the order they're in. They all meld together to form one long song. Very soothing...especially tracks like "Song for Lynette" and "When the Sun Meets the Sky." In reading other reviews, I found out that the person this album is tributed to was Johnson's girlfriend, who was unfortunately killed in a burglary. The general mood of this album makes more sense now knowing that. I highly recommend you check out this recording.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Magnificent, July 15, 2005
Eric Johnson performed in Boston during his Venus Isle tour in the fall of 1996; and before his band took the stage, an emcee took the microphone to apologize for Johnson's condition: He was recovering from an illness and wouldn't be able to sing, so the concert would be entirely instrumental. The audience erupted into a simultaneous cheer.
The fact is, Eric Johnson could guarantee himself better sales by positioning himself as a "guitar hero" and recording instrumental albums. Instead he continues to record thoughtful, cohesive music where lyrics and guitar solos collaborate to serve compositional function. He's a perfectionist with an artistic vision. You've got to respect that.
I think "Venus Isle" stands as one of the best rock albums of the Nineties. If you're hoping for pyrotechnic solos, with sweep picking and finger tapping on every track, then you'll be disappointed. On the other hand, if you're willing to set aside your expectations and judge the music on its merits, then I would suggest you listen with a good pair of headphones. There's a lot to hear, made possible by first-rate engineering and production. Each song stands solidly on its own -- and collectively, the program comprises a hell of an album.
After Johnson's hit "Cliffs of Dover," there was a lot of pressure for him to follow up with an album quickly to capitalize on his popularity. Instead of dashing off a few quick instrumentals and selling a million CDs, he spent six years planning his next work. (This infuriated his record label.) He allegedly recorded at least one other full album, which got as far as the mastering stage before he decided to discard it and start over from scratch. "Venus Isle" was the work he finally deemed worthy of release. I think it was worth the wait.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Eric Johnson-Venis Isle, February 19, 2000
When I first heard "Manhattan" on the G3 Cd, I bought Ah Via and this album. Impeccable tone, jaw-dropping speed, and deep lyrics, make this one of the most precious albums I owe. Some notable songs are: Battle We Have Won, All About You, SRV, and Pavilion. But the best track in my opinion is Manhattan. It gives me tingles listening to it. I love playing along with it on my guitar as well as SRV. Buy it and you won't be dissapointed.
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