Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
SIMPLE TRUTHS, March 11, 2007
I was reluctant initially to purchase this CD because I was somewhat disappointed by his first release which I considered only above average. However, after hearing his selection included on the Paste Music Sampler, as well as reading a positive and negative (from a true Bozette) Amazon review I decided to take a chance. I am very glad I did.
This is a rich, complex collection of songs that display the talents of a very intellegent and insightful songwriter. His voice is expressive and while it may lack some range, on this collection it exhibits subtle variations that work well with the individual songs. The arrangements are like fine art. They possess a mesmerizing musical diversity that keeps the CD fresh and distinct throughout. Whoever produced this album did a super job. The band is cohesive and displays great musicianship. This effort is really "So Much More". It is a true classic and I hope it provides Mr. Dennon with the appropriate recognition. I can not even come up with a few highlights since the whole collection is precious.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not perfect; just great., May 25, 2007
okay, I read through all the other reviews here. And I agree with them. I'm adding my own just to add a little more mass to the average score, which I also agree with.
A.Butterfield's review is probably closest to my own impression, though I would spin it a bit more positively. Dennan's voice is unique and beautiful. It's somehow very young, mature, emotional, craggy, masculine and feminine at the same time. His songs are catchy, and the lyrics are very good. One can't deny that "Ain't No Reason","She's Mine", "There Is So Much More", and "Because You Are a Woman" are very good songs, some with exceptionally good lyrics. For example:
"Preachers on the podium speaking of saints/
Prophets on the sidewalk begging for change"
...come on, that's great!!! Not only is the second line a double-entendre (could be read as "beggars asking for money" or "spiritual leaders begging people to change their ways") he suggests in the wordplay that they are one and the same person in our culture, that as a culture we have thoughtlessly pushed our soul-searchers into the gutter. How many artists put that much sensitivity and polish into one line?
Still, I would agree with the negatives that Butterfield points out; yes, these songs do start sounding the same after awhile, especially if you are using it as "background music". His architecture is pretty formulaic: a double-long intro, a slightly more energetic refrain, two or three verses, and Paul-Simonesque guitar knitting it all together. The tempo and overall sound is the same for every song on the disk ("Because You Are A Woman" being the exception). Some of his lyrics are below average, too, especially towards the end of the album. And while I don't think his range is limited, I do think he's not using it. Come on, Brett! Raise your voice a little bit when you're talking about people marching on the White House! Not everything needs to sound like a pretty little ballad; some things are worth screaming about.
I've come to the conclusion that Brett Dennan is already great, and I'll never regret buying this album. But he's a work in progress as an artist. He'll keep making music, and when he's thirty, he'll be one of the best there is. When he's 50...that amazing voice back by 30 more years of experience? It gives me chills.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
How comforting can it get , January 14, 2007
There is some music that can change the listener's mood and people would refer to it as good; Brett Dennen's music has the ability to change the way an individual views each new day and I would refer to it as great. The ease with which Dennen slips his inspiring lyrics into his music creates a great feeling of comfort. It has literally been years since I have heard a sound that is so fresh and I venture to say that Brett Dennen may be one of the best musicians I have ever heard in my life.
Dennen is truly the total package when it comes to the ultimate auditory experience. It is hard to put a finger on exactly what it is that makes his music head and shoulders above the onslaught of new artist but whatever it is, he has it. His music flows so well in each and every song; a perfect balance of an amazing voice, a sharp instrumental blend, and awe inspiring lyrics. While I probably don't have to say it at this point, I would strongly recommend any of Brett Dennen's work to anyone who appreciates great music for what it is. You won't hear it at your local dance club and it's perfect for those occasions when you want to forget about whatever it is that worries you.
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by Brett Dennen 
