Search - Al Jarreau :: Breakin Away

Does anyone wanna go waltzin' in the garden?

Clarissa Bolding | Austin, TX USA | 07/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first borrowed the vinyl of Breakin' Away while in high school and never gave it back. This was my introduction to a man who would later make up a great portion of my music collection. Al Jarreau's songs are timeless. He has a unique, rich sound and it's almost impossible to name only one favorite. Breaking Away has incredible tracks. "Roof Garden" has a funky groove with that famous break down and scatting. "Blue Rondo a la Turk" is a musical masterpiece refreshed in a style all his own. "Teach Me Tonight" is a laid-back, relaxing on a summer night kinda song that still gets massive air play. Lyrics and delivery are what make us love Al Jarreaus music. ("and like berries on the vine, it gets sweeter all the time", he sings on "We're in This Love Together"). "My Old Friend" is simply beautiful. I could go on and on here but won't. This is what makes a wonderful artist; when there is a story behind each song. Get this album if you don't have it already. It's "Easy" to see why Al Jarreau is one of the best loved performers in the world. Peace. CLB."

Breaking Away Will Take You Away

Todd Peterman | Greenland, NH United States | 08/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a shame that anything that is pleasant is dismissed immediately as being shallow or inferior. But anyone who dismisses Al Jarreau is simply ignorant of great music. Al Jarreau is one of those rare vocalists who actually seems to be creating a song as he sings it. And this album has many fine creations, even when they are not written or co-written by him. The favorite 'We're In This Love Together' still shines even though it is and was an obvious single. The wonderful 'My Old Friend' and 'Breaking Away' can evoke images from a perfect fall day or the best summer day. And 'Blue Rondo A La Turk' is fantastic in it's lyrical and vocal gymnastics. But the song that is the absolute highlight to this album for me is "Our Love". This song entwines the lofty ideal of love with the uncommon poetry of lovers. The melody slowly builds until the listener is soaring with the song. In concert, this is one of the most powerful songs I have ever witnessed, and all the time Al was singing as if he were creating the song on the spot, the gift of some divine muse. I first heard this album when I was 14 a few years after its release. Not a year goes by without me near wearing the tape out. Fortunately, the cd wears out a lot more slowly..."

My First Taste of Brother Al...

Honey | Heaven | 03/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was my 2nd year of High School and as I was trying to do homework and my older brother threw on this album he'd just purchased. I thought wonderful, he's going to wreck my concentration now, hope he keeps the volume down! But of course, he didn't, couldn't! As I sat there, I suddenly realized I couldn't concentrate because of the music! I was hooked instantly! Found myself toe tapping, finger popping and just swaying with the melodies! My favorites on this classic masterpiece are: Teach Me Tonight and Roof Garden! There have been many wanna-be Al's over the years, but there is still only one!



My older brother introduced me to some great music in those days and this is one of those Classic Masterpieces!"