Stories of a Stranger

O.A.R. (Of A Revolution)

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 4, 2005)
• Original Release Date: October 4, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Lava
• ASIN: B000B5KRT8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (81 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,829 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Stories of a Stranger is arguably the first real O.A.R. album. While their sound is unmistakable, it now pulls of a contradictory feat by opening itself to a broader range of influences through songs more tightly focused than any they've done previously. By far it takes the listener closer than any other album to the matchless experience of hearing O.A.R. live-with the audio tweaked to position the listener in a center seat, a few rows back from the stage. All the ingredients are in place: the in-the-pocket lock-up of bassist Benj Gershman and drummer Chris Culos, the soulful slash and simmer of Jerry DiPizzo's sax, guitar parts from Richard On that stretch from steamy rhythm licks to souring, tuneful leads.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy it... you won't be disappointed, January 31, 2006

By	Dr. William VanHofstran (NY) - See all my reviews

For those of you who have never heard of O.A.R, they are a great band who really started their musical careers while at school at Ohio State. The type of music they played was really perfect for a college bar setting. It was easy to sing along with, good lyrics, strong beats..... great music to listen to while you were out having a few drinks. It wasn't a surprise that they quickly gained in popularity. Now with that being said, O.A.R has been around for a while and they have been out of school for a few years now. It is really no surprise that there music has matured a bit as I'm sure they have.

While I highly recommend you buy all of there albums you really can't go wrong with Stories of a Stranger. It still has that nice little reggae sound that makes O.A.R unique. The songs are well produced and Mark's vocals are as powerful as ever.

O.A.R is an easy band to listen to, which is why I think they appeal to a lot of different people. This album is a little more mature then some of there previous work, but it still makes great music to have in the car on a sunny day.

If you're not sure, buy "Wonderful Day" on iTunes and give that a listen. If you like that song then I think you'll like this album.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not like the "old" O.A.R., but not bad either, February 3, 2006

By	Q. Jeanette (Ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If I had never listened to O.A.R. before this CD I probably would have given this CD 5 stars rather than 4. The CD hasn't left my player for weeks and has a really great mix of different songs and styles. However, they do seem to have less "energy" on this CD versus their previous releases and not all of the songs have that funky O.A.R. sound. Still, a solid CD to add to your collection - don't buy into the hype that O.A.R has sold out - think of it as a maturing process!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars First impressions aside, a very solid effort, August 11, 2006

By	K. Sullivan "No accounting for taste..." (Virginia - United States) - See all my reviews

I imagine a number of O.A.R. fans who have given scathing reviews of "Stories of a Stranger" would repent of their comments given opportunity. I admit that I too was a little "shocked" by this album upon first listen. It is different, particularly the first couple tracks. But after several listens, I think "Stories" ranks as one of O.A.R.'s better albums.

The production value on this album is first rate. Some "purists" will consider this a problem because it is certainly a departure from O.A.R.'s earliest output. I personally enjoy a well polished recording and appreciate a fuller lush sound as a good thing - not the only thing, but a good thing nonetheless. Whether you like the material or not, and whether it is representative of what we appreciate about the band or not, it "sounds" good. The one problem with the new production value for O.A.R.'s albums is that it will make it harder for new fans to appreciate their older stuff.

Though doubtless they will not be, the first couple tracks could be pop standards. I think this is why most long time fans bash the record. I am unsure why pop appeal is necessarily evil. I find the tracks to be quite catchy after allowing yourself to get accustomed to a new sound. They aren't "Poker"... but they don't have to be. The third track, "Wonderful Day", was featured on 34th & 8th and is classic O.A.R. The fourth and seventh tracks, "The Stranger" and "Nasim Joon", are just okay and are probably tracks many long time fans will not quickly warm to. Tracks eight and nine, "Tragedy in Waiting" and "Daylight the Dog", are more upbeat or up tempo songs, but they are nothing remarkable. Track eleven, "Dakota", is more reflective and mellow. If this is to your taste, it's a quality song.

For my money, tracks five, six, ten, and twelve (in addition to tracks one through three) make this album worthwhile. They remind me of classic O.A.R. They are captivating. You will jam to "Lay Down" and "Program Director", and settle into a groove with "One Shot" and "52-50". As far as I'm concerned, my O.A.R. collection would not be complete without them.

This is not top to bottom a greatest hits collection. Of course, favorites will vary according to taste. But do not be quick to accuse the band of drastic change or "selling out". By and large, this is a great recording. It is very representative of who and what the band is and has been. And, for me, that's a band that produces fun, groove-filled music with lyrics that are frequently contemplative or meaningful. I for one like it... a lot.