Are You Lookin' at Me? is Colin Hay's first studio album of new material in over five years. A tuneful, insightful meditation on life, love, sobriety, maturity and perseverance, the album finds Hay at the absolute peak of ... more »his craft. As a writer and vocalist, he has never been more masterful: finding intriguing new angles on instantly relatable scenarios, skewering and savoring in equal measure. His less acclaimed but no less formidable skills as arranger, engineer and bandleader insure that each song is supported by evocative musical backdrops ranging from electronic textures to plaintive acoustic balladry to classic guitar-driven pop. Are You Lookin' at Me? is unified by Hay's immediately identifiable voice, relentless curiosity, wonder and a decidedly uncluttered sound which has its roots in Hay's consistently busy tour schedule.
Are You Lookin' at Me? is Colin Hay's first studio album of new material in over five years. A tuneful, insightful meditation on life, love, sobriety, maturity and perseverance, the album finds Hay at the absolute peak of his craft. As a writer and vocalist, he has never been more masterful: finding intriguing new angles on instantly relatable scenarios, skewering and savoring in equal measure. His less acclaimed but no less formidable skills as arranger, engineer and bandleader insure that each song is supported by evocative musical backdrops ranging from electronic textures to plaintive acoustic balladry to classic guitar-driven pop. Are You Lookin' at Me? is unified by Hay's immediately identifiable voice, relentless curiosity, wonder and a decidedly uncluttered sound which has its roots in Hay's consistently busy tour schedule.
More from Colin Hay
Man at Work
Going Somewhere
Peaks & Valleys
"It's great to have new material from Colin Hay. The variety of styles on this album is a real strength, and it's great to hear him with a band again despite his great acoustic sound. The sound here is fleshed out but not over-produced. Try the beautiful and melodious "Pure Love," the quirky "What Would Bob Do?" and the dynamite "No One Knows." "Me and My Imaginary Friend" sounds a little like Camper van Beethoven, while there's a little Stray Cats sound in "Lose to Win." This album is eclectic and enjoyable all the way through!"
Full arrangements seem to muck it up
Virginia I. Labella | 05/29/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I ordered this along with an acoustic album by Colin Hay, "Going Somewhere". I listed to "Going Somewhere" first, and was mesmerized by its lovely acoustic vocals and guitar, which really let the songwriting shine. Then I popped in "Are You Looking at Me?" expecting more of the same. I was surprised to hear full arrangements on this album, but listened attentively to see if I was struck again by the songwriting and performance. I really wasn't. I feel the arrangements/production choices on several of the tracks contain distracting sounds or background vocals, and that they really take the focus away from the songwriting. Having recently discovered Colin's solo work, and read some about his love of songwriting, I have a genuine respect for him. So I certainly don't want to take anything away from him. But listeners who enjoyed his acoustic work should know that this album is very different, and in my opinion - not in a good way."
Perfect!
B. Stansfield | Kettering, OH | 07/28/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was lucky enough to see Colin Hay and his lovely wife perfom here in an outdoor venue last evening. The rain kept too many people away (although it did clear up for the entire performace). I bought his newest CD and it's a perfect listen. Thoughtful, funny,and beautiful. A great showman, a genuine nice, approachable guy and one of the most talented song writers that deserves so much more attention. Keep it coming Colin. I hope to share this CD with my friends who haven't rediscovered you ... yet!"
I bought myself new glasses...
John Keating | 07/14/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Such a great CD. I came to know Colin Hay the solo artist via his song on the Garden State soundtrack. Then I picked up Man @ Work and Going Somewhere and have since become a huge fan of his work.
This album took a bit to grow on me and once it did, I couldn't stop listening to it. I think my favorite song is "Lonely Without You" but honestly, there's not one song on this CD that I skip past. It's a great listen from top to bottom and one of those CDs that you can have on in the background as you're chilling out or blaring through your speakers as you head out out of Hollywood and drive into the hills."