Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
a wonderfully entertaining and beautiful album....., December 22, 2007
For those of you looking for a great introduction to Bobby McFerrin, SIMPLE PLEASURES is probably one of his best albums, by far. It features one of his most popular songs of all time, "Don't Worry, Be Happy," a reggae-inspired a cappella tune that encourages us to cast aside worry and trouble to embrace joy. We also hear McFerrin's wonderful interpretations of The Beatles "Drive My Car," The Lovin' Spoonfuls "Good Lovin'", Creedance Clearwater's "Susie Q," and Cream's "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," as well as some great original songs composed by McFerrin.
Bobby McFerrin's four octave range, use of vocal percussion (simulating drums, for example, while singing), and the ability to sing three notes simultaneously (a talent he developed after studying Tibetan monks and their common practice of this style of singing) set him apart from other vocalists. What's more, McFerrin has a wonderful sense of humor, makes every song an adventure and a truly entertaining musical journey for all who listen to him. Though, this album is nearly twenty years old, it still stands the test of time and is a great CD to add to your collection.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A mainstream hit, January 26, 2000
This is the disc that brought McFerrin to a deservedly wider audience. As such, it has broader, but to these ears, shallower appeal than a couple of albums that preceded it and his more adventurous work to follow.I wonder if "A music fan from NY" bothered to listen to the whole album. "Don't Worry, Be Happy" is the first cut and easily disposed of. In the right mood, or to certain listeners, it can hit the spot, but it's easily the least interesting tune on the album (save, perhaps, for "Come to Me"). I suspect McFerrin himself shares "music fan"'s low opinion of the piece: I have seen him live in concert eight times and he has never once sung that song. That's probably why he released it to a rental car company for their TV ads. There are several fabulous cuts that more than make up for the hit single. "Drive," which is probably just cool on disc, is amazing when McFerrin riffs on it live. Most of the cover tunes are pretty arresting, especially McFerrin's vocal rendition of a screaming lead guitar on "Sunshine Of Your Love," but probably don't wear that well over time. I've always liked Creedence's "Suzie Q," so McFerrin's version, with a spooky bass rhythm/harmony line, still gets me. And yet another Beatles cover (there's one on each of the two preceding albums) done well.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bobby makes it big, August 23, 1999
This first album by Bobby to thrust him into the spot light. A true pioneering musical endevor. His incredible ability to hold melody and rhythm with one voice is unique and endearing. His music inspires powerful nostalgic emotion. The first of many great masterpieces from a musical Edison.
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