Too Funky 4 a Diamond, Emeralds of Rock & Roll
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 05/26/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Barry Mann has written some true classics; and it's marvelous to hear his less-than-perfect but highly emotional renditions of music he wrote. This album starts with "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'." Most will know the Righteous Brothers' hit version, but it has also been done by woman and man with Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood and Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway. Here Barry teams with Carole King. The call & response vocals build and the harmony vocals soar as they knock this through the roof. In a perfect world, this would top the Adult Contemporary charts! The CD would be worth the price for this track alone, but there's more. "On Broadway" shines. "Don't Know Much" which Linda Ronstadt did so effectively on her 1989 "Cry Like A Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind" CD is powerful. Teaming with Bryan Adams, Mann sings passionately with that pounding piano on the Animals' hit & Vietnam era theme song, "We Gotta Get Out this Place." "Soul & Inspiration" surges with Daryl Hall on harmony. Although I'd prefer Tina Turner's 1978 version of "Sometimes When We Touch" to this or Dan Hill, it's a sweet song that dodges schlock-rock. It's nice to hear J.D. Souther back on "I Just Can't Help Believin'," even if he's mixed low. Another great moment is when Mann teams with Peabo Bryson on "Just Once." The track should be a required text for soulful singing. Leah Kunkel really adds great strength to "Here You Come Again" which we're used to hearing by Dolly Parton. The album ends with the beautiful "Somewhere Out There." As pretty as it is, I'd have preferred if he'd ended with a rocker like "Kicks" which was #4 for Paul Revere & the Raiders. Being the first hit with an anti-drug message, this song was a milestone still relevant today. I'm sad it was passed over. Small complaint. This is an excellent addition to the legacy of the 60's. Now Mann's voice sells the songs he wrote."
Oldies written by the MANN
Lee Armstrong | 02/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"long known for his collaboration with former wife cynthia weil (leader of the Pack) mann joins up with some great singer-songwriters for his definitive version of his own songs. the result? baby boomer heaven!"
Wonderful!
ED | USA | 01/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a real 'Gem' - love his style --- and the songs they both gave us!!!!!!!!THanks!"