Search - Andy Kim :: I Forgot to Mention

I Forgot to Mention - This CD is terrific!

Laura Pinto | St. Petersburg, FL United States | 11/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Over the past few decades, babyboomers like myself have been able to witness first-hand the metamorphosis of Andy Kim, beginning in 1968 with his first Top 40 hit "How'd We Get This Way," which was recorded when Andy was a mere sprout (both in life and in the music business). Quick disclaimer, though, for the teens and twenties among you who shifted uneasily on "decades" and "1968" in that first sentence - it should be noted that Andy has never been an oldies artist but, rather, a contemporary one who was blessed to have launched his career early and has never been idle since; and what's more, unlike some rockers of the era who abused their bodies with various chemicals and are now caricatures of their former selves, the tall, dark and handsome Andy essentially hit the age of 39 and has remained there since. Personally, I think he has a portrait in his attic doing his aging for him. But I digress. After Andy charted with a few singles in 1968 and in 1969, most notably "Baby I Love You" and "Be My Baby," co-wrote 1969's Song of the Year, The Archies' "Sugar, Sugar," and went on to enjoy his first #1 with "Rock Me Gently" in 1974, one would have thought that Andy had found a cozy niche into which he could happily have squeezed himself, remaining sequestered in his own little box and only sticking his head out long enough to appear in concert as a nostalgia act or to talk wistfully with interviewers about the good old days. Certainly other artists have done this, probably most artists have done this; but most artists aren't Andy Kim. Andy saw each new song, each new album, as a springboard to the next release, an opportunity to stand on his own gigantic shoulders and continue the evolution that had begun when he'd made the first tentative pencil-strokes of his first lyrics as a teen. For every single Andy Kim released has been different from the one before, containing only elements of what came before it. The wistful tunes of love and romance in the 60's became the sexy and passionate declarations in the 70's, which in turn went on to become the reflective and self-analytical soliloquies of the 80's and 90's. As the songs evolved, so did the voice, from the sweet candy-flavored whisper of the 60's to the sensual growwwwlll that became his trademark during the "Rock Me Gently" years and beyond. Now, with his long-awaited new release, "I Forgot To Mention," Andy shows the world that he is not content to stay in a corner, not afraid to leave his comfort zone, and not gullible enough to believe those who said it couldn't be done. The five songs on this CD are a revelation of the unlimited width and depth of Andy's talents, both as composer and as singer. When drafting this review, I was going to observe the complete "change" in Andy's vocal style; now I realize he hasn't changed it at all, merely altered its color for this collection in the same way that most of us don one set of clothes at home and another for work, or in this case a party. Andy's voice, especially on the powerful 'Powerdrive,' is edged with a Springsteen-like huskiness, more of an outward symbol of his humanness and passion and spirit than a conscious stylization or affectation. It's a modern sound, yes, but it's also who Andy is, since he is part of the now - as, indeed, he always has been. The title track, co-written with Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies, grabs the listener with its energetic opening chords and never wavers; 'This is Me,' although on its face a tribute to Andy's dad and a bid for acceptance, can also be interpreted as Andy's declaration of his return, as though Andy is re-introducing himself to the audience after his opening number. My personal favorite selection, the CD's third track, is a brilliantly mesmerizing tapestry of words and music with its repetitive "Love Is..." acting as the golden thread weaving its way throughout. Track 4, 'Without You,' is a meaningful entreaty for the lost lover to be found again. Andy has been found again, and his return is cause for celebration. Buy the CD, crank up the volume, and see for yourself that, in reality, Andy Kim has never really been away."

So worth it!

lmcginnis | Des Moines, Iowa, USA | 11/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Baby, he's on FIRE!! Andy Kim's new CD is everything his fans (new and those of us who are slightly worn) have been waiting for. Upbeat, sincere, and true Andy Kim as only he can do it! Linda in Iowa"

Andy Kim?s New CD ? ?I Forgot to Mention?

Bette Carl | New York, USA | 10/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have just received the new Andy Kim CD "I Forgot to Mention" and I agree with everything that Diane has written. Each song on this CD stands on its own. The lyrics reach deep into the soul. Andy Kim truly has a unique gift for writing (and performing) songs that reach out to all. I find myself listening over and over again to the great music here from the hit "I Forgot to Mention" through the awesome "This is Me", the wonderful "Love Is", the haunting and deep "Without You" and finally the re-recorded "Powerdrive".I highly recommend this CD for your collection. I love the CD so much that I am buying more as stocking stuffers for the holidays.

Bette Carl"