Timothy A. Dillinger | Nashville, TN United States | 10/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In an era where singers who have little pencil voices are blared on the airwaves non-stop, Billy Porter's latest offering is a breath of fresh, fresh air. I remember seeing him on television performing "Show Me" from his debut album...somewhere around the summer of 1996 and thinking..."Finally! Someone with a real voice!" As soon as the album was released, I picked it up and have played it non-stop for the last nine years or so waiting and wondering when his new album would be released. The wait is over...and Billy is back with a vengence.
"On The Corner" is clearly a showpiece for the REAL Billy Porter. All of the power and range that we knew from the "Untitled" album is still there, but he is singing with a newly strengthened conviction. No gloss here. Pure gut. And I love it.
His gospel roots are celebrated throughout...particularly on "The World's Gon Wait"...but we also get to discover HIS thoughts via his songwriting...and also his love and appreciation for his Broadway roots as well.
The album covers alot of territory, but in a very centered way...and the 80 minute listen is over before you realize it. You won't be able to take this one out of your CD player.
Billy...we look forward to the next album...Thank you for blessing us with your otherworldly gift."
A Real Ghetto Superstar
Mark Twain | San Francisco, CA | 07/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are the kind of music listener who appreciates singing and musicianship in its highest form, this is the CD for you. Billy Porter is doing live what other recording artists wish they could capture in the studio. He seamlessly bridges the gap between Broadway, Gospel and Soul and in one fell swoop proves to the world that music is truly the universal language. His own original material shines as brightly as some of the material he covers including songs that were wrtitten by other composers with his voice in mind. Truly one of the greatest male voices of the 21st century."
Amazing grace amazing soul
Jonathan Schaefer | Laz Angeles | 03/10/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'd give ole billy a 5 but I don't want him to sit back and coast. this man is friggin' amazing with a voice that knows what limits are and how to transcend them. I always knew there was the song from Fist Wives Club but that unfortunate woman from canada recorded it and that sorta squashed it for me. once i found amazon I found what a great educational tool it is -- research, find the movie, find the song, find the man.
Man o man -- what a man. I'm ordering all his cd's but I'm amazed he has so few. When I saw Hair I thought, "Whoa, I hope he's singing 'Easy to be Hard'" With his sense of humor, and sincerity, he's be great. He could put a spin on that song NO ONE ELSE COULD. Ahh well -- dream on -- let's see Billy in a studio, unlimited food, musicians of his choice, a few back up singers and a few duets "You will sing with Tracy Nelson and like it." Maybe just him and a piano -- he could do it.
I must say singing live he is capable of sounding just as good as in a studio, I have his cd singles. I don't how much was doctored in processing but I was amazed, and appreciative, that his live audience showed such respect for him -- when he sang, they shut up and listened.
Incredible voice and good grip on reality, great perspective. Favorite cuts are 'Time' and "King of the World' and I'm amazed at the mastery he displays on Sondheim -- this man has done his homework. He SOARS. This man needs to be KNOWN."
Dreamman
A. Rettig | Cleveland,Ohio | 09/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here goes the first male recording of
And I'm telling you I'm not going?from Dreamgirls.
C/mon Condon-- If you are looking for Eppie in movie you found the
right person. You need guts.
Also Sunday from Sondheim's musical of Sunday in the==========
gets a massive production with a chorus.
Other tracks are his own songs and other current Broadway
composers.
This is a rare album when Billy can hold one's attention for