In The Pursuit Of Leisure [ENHANCED]

Sugar Ray

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 3, 2003)
• Original Release Date: June 3, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Atlantic / Wea
• ASIN: B00008OWZF
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (80 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #41,668 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
While Sugar Ray have reunited with longtime producer David Kahne, after their brief romance with Don Gilmore on 2001's self-titled album, they haven't returned to their party-on roots. Kahne has added some sophisticated flourishes to their sound, which seems to weigh them down. The cinematic string intro on "Chasing You Around," is a little top heavy. The strings on "Can't Start," a simple breezy gem about lost love, are equally incongruent. While the dense soundscape Kahne creates for the "Mr. Bartender (It's So Easy)" makes sense, adding a hip-hop back beat, jazzy piano, and background chatter gives the tune the same anthemic quality as Pink's "Get This Party Started." Mark McGrath singing seems a little too tame for the crazy mix. McGrath does a not- perfect rendition of Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out with Him," and doesn't change a thing, which is unusual for the singer, who usually doesn't like to play it that safe. These bawdy Peter Pans of rock are more appealing when they summon their innate raunchy power, instead of coming off like a 2003 version of the Beach Boys with the sand washed off. --Jaan Uhelszki

Product Description
One of the most eagerly anticipated releases of Summer 2003! The album sees the band blending a wide variety of sounds - including summery island rhythms, funky hip hop grooves, and infectious 80s-inspired melodies - into their own uniquely characteristic pop/rock cocktail. Featuring the first single 'Mr. Bartender (It's So Easy)'. The CD is also enhanced with the bonus video for 'Mr. Bartender (It's So Easy)'. Atlantic.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sugar Ray finds a sweet groove, June 15, 2003

By	Vera Leopold (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

On In The Pursuit of Leisure, Sugar Ray is at their most mellow. Reminiscent of their earlier radio hits "Fly" and "Someday," the overall sound of the CD is that smooth, breezy, island style that makes for the best chilling music. With gorgeous guitar strumming and Mark McGrath's honeyed vocals, songs such as the appropriately-titled track "Heaven" generate images of so-Cal beaches, starry nights, and frosty drinks. The lyrics aren't just pure confection either; they derive from personal experience on "Chasin' You Around" and the touching "Photograph of You."

In keeping with the variety we've come to expect from Sugar Ray, In The Pursuit of Leisure offers something for almost everyone. Those who love the usual high energy of this band will be gratified by the single, "Mr Bartender (It's So Easy)." With its catchy tune and irresistible dance beat, it challenges anyone NOT to get up and move! Also, fans nostalgic for Sugar Ray's headbanging past get a treat with "In Through The Doggie Door," a howlingly good little rock number. The CD is rounded out with the unique guest stylings of Shaggy on "56 Hope Rd" and a tight, fun cover of Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" For groovin' on those balmy summer nights, cruising with all the windows down, and relaxing in the sun, this is the perfect album to accompany you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Album of Moods, June 29, 2003

By	Shawn L. Nelson (Mesa, AZ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've been listening to this album since it's release and I can definitely say that this album can tap into your mood and imagination. This album can take the stress right out of a bad day if you let it. It can take you from partying on the river with songs like "Mr. Bartender (It's So Easy)" and "Chasin' You Around"; to the carribean beaches with "56 Hope Road" and "Whatever We Are"; to relaxing by the pool with "Heaven" and "She's Different". All you need is the mood and an imagination. I enjoy listening to this new album because of where it can take me. Try it and see where Sugar Ray can take you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Is Sugar Ray About To Receive The Leisure They Seek?, June 14, 2003

By	Daphne Hunter (TN) - See all my reviews

Sorry, not this time guys!

Two years after the release of Sugar Ray's self-titled album featuring the hit single "When It's Over", this So Cal quintet has reunited with David Kahne, who produced 1997's "Floored" and 1999's "14:59" and the result was the June 3rd release of their fifth album "In The Pursuit Of Leisure". The bands first single Mr. Bartender borrows respectively from Sweet's 'Love Is Like Oxygen' and Midnight Star's 'No Parking (On the Dance Floor)'. Blend a little Sugar Ray flavor into that and add a collaboration with upcoming artist ProHoeZak and you have a very catchy, upbeat song sure to be a hit.

"In The Pursuit Of Leisure" combines '80s inspired melodies, island rhythms, and hip-hop into their usual pop-rock uniqueness. Sugar Ray displays a level of maturity with this new album far from any other in their entire music career. Although more mellow overall, you will still find a hint of wild immature rock star in a few songs included on this album...namely a track called "In Through The Doggie Door".

Other songs included on this 12 track album are "56 Hope Road" named for Bob Marley's old address in Jamaica which features Jamaica's 'Shaggy', "Heaven" featuring Canada's 'Esthero', "Chasing You Around" with the chorus written by guitarist Rodney Sheppard about his son, a cover of Joe Jackson's 1979 hit "Is She Really Going Out With Him?", and much more.

For it's merging of genres, upbeat fun sounds, and lyrical maturity, I give Sugar Ray's "In The Pursuit Of Leisure" 4 stars.