Dare to Dream

Billy Gilman

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 8, 2001)
• Original Release Date: May 8, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00005EBIU
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (87 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #39,842 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It's easy to take a full-brush swipe at Billy Gilman, who recorded his first album--as well as this follow-up--by the age of 12. His voice is predictably girlish, his inspirational material goes treacly, and his country-pop offerings are usually embarrassingly lame. But technically, Gilman is a fine little singer, with an easy approach and impressive control. The problem is, his producers don't know whether to present him as a child or as a knowing young adult, and in doing both, they make him look foolish. "She's My Girl," a fluffy, pop-radio confection, has him taking a hipster stance, calling the object of his affections "a 24/7 piece of heaven." Gilman finally breaks out on the big band/rockabilly number, "You Don't You Won't," which should be a lesson to his producers: find him the best songs, forget his age, and just let him sing. If that happens, he'll attract the right audience and transcend his boy-wonder image. Otherwise, enjoy this future Catskills attraction while you can. --Alanna Nash

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Am I becoming a Billy Head? Maybe so., April 14, 2002

By	M. West (Tehachapi, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

About a year ago my then eight-year old daughter kept bringing me a CD to listen to. It was Billy Gilman's "One Voice". I listened and shoved it aside. Then I noticed my wife frequently listening to it. Having a great deal of respect for my wife's opinion, I listened to the album more closely. It really was good.
Shortly after that my wife bought tickets to a Billy Gilman concert where he would be appearing with Jessica Andrews at a local county fair. The concert was fun and very upbeat, with all age-groups enjoying themselves. After the concert everyone wanted to see Jessica Andrews, but one couldn't unless one purchased a certain dollar amount of Jessica Andrews' merchandise. Unbeknownst to most of the crowd, on the other side of the rodeo grounds Billy Gilman was signing autographs. My daughter rushed over and waited in line to have Billy sign a photo. I watched from the side as child after child (mostly young girls with their mothers) visited with Billy. Billy was the perfect gentleman, spending as much time with them as any fan wanted. After signing my daughter's photo of him, he hugged my daughter in a moment so tender that a lump formed in my throat. Now, this kid was number one in my book.
We purchased "Dare to Dream" and over the last few days I've given it some close listenings. Being a musician myself, I am impressed with not only Billy's voice, but also with the high production values in his albums; the orchestrations and instrumentations in both albums are complex and sophisticated. The choice of songs, which can be described as country pop, cover a wide range. Many, by necessity, are geared towards youngsters, but there are a few that transcend any generation gap and should have univeral appeal. (I have learned the song "My Time On Earth" on his "Dare to Dream" CD. The song is particularily poignant and I find myself easily relating to it as I am middle-aged.)
Many will say that Billy's singing voice sounds like a woman's, and that may very well be taken as a compliment. After all, a woman's voice is a mature voice. Critics who say he sounds girlish have a unsophisticated ears. Billy Gilman has a boy's voice. It is a very pleasant but powerful voice with astounding control. His phrasing is nearly flawless, though occasionally he tends to yell. (He describes himself as a belter.) I look forward to his next album. It will be interesting to hear a changed voice.
Any parent who has a child who idolizes Billy Gilman should count their blessings.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll Love Dare to Dream!, May 26, 2001

By	steph (oceanside, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Billy Gilman, a strong singer and inspirational performer, has done it again! Dare to Dream includes selections of beautiful songs appropriate for a young boy with an awesome voice. The songs are of first kisses, my girl, almost in love, and mom. The ballads include beautiful, simple lyrics. Perfect choices for Billy's flawless voice. There are some jazzy, fun songs as well, sung with enthusiasm and a style unmatched by any other performer. All of the songs have grown on me, as I'm sure they will for anyone who listens to the CD a few times. You'll love it!!

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, September 4, 2001

By	KittyKins "KittyKins" - See all my reviews

I feel the editoral review above is horrid! This is a great CD!!! Some of us like the youthfulness of Billy Gilman's music and image. Why expect the kid to grow up too fast?! Anyway, this CD displays Billy's immense talent. Many of the songs will either bring a tear to your eye or a smile to your face! "God's Alive and Well" and "The Woman in My Life" are extremely well performed. If it's true (which I don't think it is) that Billy's musical career will be short lived, it will all be worth it, because of the joy he has brought to others through his music!! I'll be the first one running to the store when he comes out with a new album!