Search - Chuck Negron :: Long Road Back

Mixed Emotions

10/14/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"For those who may not know - this former Three Dog Night singer has battled and overcome a drug addiction that nearly claimed his life, as well as his soul, and certainly drained him of all of his worldly possessions including his money, his home and gold records (all sold to buy more drugs). He lost his wife and family because of drugs. But, there is a happy ending - he sought help, got it, has new hope with a new family and all of his children, as well as a renewed faith in what he describes in his liner notes as a "loving and forgiving God." With all of that said, it is for these reasons I really hate to give Chuck Negron a bad review, but this one is just not up to his former Three Dog Night standards nor his recent solo efforts including the 1995 masterpiece "Am I Still In Your Heart" and his Christmas CD from 1996 "Joy To The World." I've been a big Three Dog Night and Chuck Negron fan since the early 1970s and was really looking forward to the arrival of this new CD. I was very disappointed! His voice, while not as clear as it once was, is still one that can send chills through you. However, if you really want those Chuck Negron goosebumps and excellent post-Three Dog Night Negron music, try finding the now deleted "Am I Still In Your Heart" CD instead. This CD, "The Long Road Back," is truly for avid Three Dog Night and Negron fans only. While the CD is touching with his young daughter's voice (on almost every track) saying "I love you, Daddy" and so on and so forth - this is a bit overdone. No, it's A LOT overdone! It is something he can personally listen to and treasure years down the road. And, while I am thankful this great vocalist and kind man has found his way back to God and kicked the drug habit, and proud for him that he can share his story to hopefully help others, I think it was unnecessary to have almost every song on this entire CD about his past drug abuse years and eventual climb out of the depths of darkness. One or two songs of this nature would have been fine, but a whole CD of this was just way too much. Some straight-ahead rock & roll numbers or beautiful ballads would have been nice. The best original track on the CD is "Soul To Soul" which, ironically, is also on his 1995 solo CD "Am I Still In Your Heart," although a different version. His cover of "All I Have To Do Is Dream" is a definite 5-star recording and his re-makes of the Three Dog Night classics "Easy To Be Hard" and "Never Been To Spain" were credible but left me wanting to hear the original versions instead. The rap in the middle of the song "Mean Old Dog" was just a shock on a Chuck Negron CD. And then there she is again, his daughter, weaved in and out of the CD right up to the end of the CD and last song - a discofied remake of "Joy to the World." Hello? - Jermiah the Disco Bullfrog? I like disco just fine, but it doesn't work on this song. I do hope Chuck can help others with his openness to share his story through this CD and his book "Three Dog Nightmare." However, next time Chuck, how about a CD with just some good music without all of the messages? Whaddaya Say? Sometimes we just like to have fun. This CD is anything but fun, but it just might save a life of someone who is on a downward spiral with drugs. If this CD, though, can get one addict to get help or save one life or keep one person from trying drugs - then, it was well worth recording it. There lies - my mixed emotions."

Spoiled By "Am I Still in Your Heart"

Slademan | NJ USA | 12/08/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is merely OK - I agree with a previous critic on there having too much drug "I kicked the habit" stuff. This CD is a shadow of Am I Still.. - that was a CD of astounding quality and vibrance. The "soul-to-soul" there was dynamic, here it was not as well put together. Chuck needs to get some new creative stuff out - I'll always appreciate his power but this was a "mulligan"."

Chucky's back!

David Hugaert | Honolulu, HI United States | 06/12/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Just bought this CD, and I must say I'm impressed with Mr. Negron's vocal range throughout this CD. Not only does he cover some of the old Three Dog Night stuff, but he includes new originals as well, and he does it with a flair and style all his own! I also think including his children in some tracks is a nice, personal touch, which adds a unique, robust flavor here. The only song I don't care for is the 'discofied' version of "Joy To The World." I commend Chuck on getting his message across and for sharing his personal story with us. This is a must-have CD for all hardcore TDN fans and for those facing personal issues in their life. I highly recommend reading the book "Three Dog Nightmare", which is an accompaniment to the CD. Good work, Chuck!"