Search - Chris Isaak :: Mr Lucky

Speak of the Devil

Jason Stein | San Diego, CA United States | 03/07/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Just when you might have been thinking that Chris Isaak's career had ended--what with 2004's holiday album, 2006's hits package and then a live album--along comes "Mr. Lucky", Isaak's ninth album in 24 years, and his first since 2002's "Always Got Tonight".



So, I assume if you are reading this you are probably an Isaak fan like myself, and that you are wondering if "Mr. Lucky" is any good. I liked it better than 1996's "Baja Sessions", 1998's "Speak of the Devil" and 2002's "Always Got Tonight".



Of the fourteen tracks, the only ones I felt could have been left off were "Summer Holiday" and "Very Pretty Girl". The best tracks were the first single "We Let Her Down", "Breaking Apart", "I Lose My Heart", "Best I Ever Had" and "Take My Heart". The other seven tracks are all good, making "Mr. Lucky" Chris Isaak's first album in over a decade to get a four star rating from me.



In fact, Isaak does a nice job of tweaking his style and even inviting some upbeat, light-hearted tracks for the first time. He keeps his usual solemnness in check, creating a nicely balanced album of rockers, lilters and ballads.



Here's my comparison chart for Mr. Isaak:



1985 Silvertone: Four Stars

1987 Chris Isaak: Four Stars

1989 Heart Shaped World: Four Stars

1993 San Francisco Days: Four and a Half Stars

1995 Forever Blue: Five Stars

1996 Baja Sessions: Three Stars

1998 Speak of the Devil: Three Stars

2002 Always Got Tonight: Three Stars

2004 Christmas: Three Stars

2006 Best of: Three Stars

2009 Mr. Lucky: Four Stars"

Seven Long Years, and Mr. Lucky was Worth the Wait!

W. Dietrich | Las Vegas | 02/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It has been 7 years since the last original work by Chris Issak, and I have been waiting for this release like it was Christmas Day.



First off the two guests singers are long time Chris Issak friends (both were guests on his show) and their duets were well done and seemed like a natural pairing.

These are my two favorite songs and Breaking Apart which is a remake is better than the original. I really liked Michele Branch's duet it was almost like the song was written for her.



The title Mr. Lucky would make you think this a happy album and filled with love and surfer themes. It actually has more than one sad song where it seems as though Chris Issak is longing for a long lost love. Dont worry there are also some really uplifting songs where Chris has found love again! All in all this cd is more about love than some of his previous albums that seemed to fit the bill of travel / surf / San Francisco.



As far as the sound goes it still sounds great and honest. Every song has Chris Issak pouring his heart out. Just listening to it makes me think of a fire place a six pack of beer and friends.



I honestly liked every song and the album flows well and tells the story of broken love to rekindling love. In my opinion this is a more mature Chris Issak and I dare say his best album yet. It has been 7 long years and this album does not disapoint. This is a must have for any Chris Issak fan and I would strong suggest to anyone that is looking for a singer with a great voice and a strong backing band."

Lucky or Not, Isaak's New CD Speaks for Itself

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 02/28/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: We've Got Tomorrow, Breaking Apart (with Trisha Yearwood), I Lose My Heart (with Michelle Branch)



In today's music industry, it's rare for an artist not to be seduced by the digital dance beats or slide into the mediocrity of non-melodical amophism. Isaak's commitment to tuneful retro rock immersed in his suave and cool personality is in full vogue here. Seven years after his last studio album, Isaak still continues to charm with a touch of savor faire via these freshly self composed paeans, save for "Breaking Apart" which is a co-write between Isaak and uber hit maker Diane Warren. However, to keep things fresh and innovative, Isaak has ventured circumspectly into the fringes of country as well as swinging rockabilly; all done with a touch of modernize atmospheric echo of a Jason Marz or U2. Nevertheless, the crowning moments of the new disc is when country songbird Trisha Yearwood and country-rocker Michelle Branch share the microphone with Isaak making the rock crooner sound young again.



Shedding his manacle of his machismo, "Breaking Apart" is a gorgeous breezy ballad finding Isaak admitting heartbreak in a way that is heartfelt and sweet. Trisha Yearwood who trades lines with Isaak adds a layer of empathy that exudes a sense of warmth only an old friend can give. "I Lose My Breath," this time with Michelle Branch providing her soft harmonic touches, recalls some of the more personal moments that come out once in a while from his slyly aloof persona. Starting off slow before building to a crescendo is "Cheater's Town," a track that ought to locate Isaak back into the fold of the Hank Williams Sr. School of honky tonk laments. While the simplicity of vanguard single "We Let Her Down" is the charmer; a song that recalls Isaak endearing fan favourite "Always Tonight."



For those who are vying for something adventurous from Isaak will find plenty of reasons for rejoicing with "We've Got Tomorrow." "We've Got Tomorrow" ushers Isaak into the heart of Dixieland with its Cajun spiced-horn section. Isaak gets to pay tribute to his penchant for Roy Orbison's rockabilly with "Very Pretty Girl;" a song the Big O would have covered if he were alive. The title cut "Mr. Lonely Man" is itself a work of art: the busy uptempo percussion and screeching guitars is set ironically against the dire of the lyrics' despair. Yet, not all is perfect, a few rock fillers surface such as the ordinary "We Lost Our Way" and Bryan Adam-ish "Best I Ever Had."



Seven years later, Isaak still stays ahead of the game. His unflinching commitment to making melodies that are memorable despite trends and whistles is an encomium worthy of respect. "Mr. Lucky" is to found not lacking in any of such tunes. Further, Isaak's willingness to keep things fresh, interesting and venturesome including flushes of country, Cajun , rockabilly and soul-rock add a fresh coat of delight.



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