Search - Jackopierce :: Finest Hour

It's not all that bad

10/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"You know, when this record first came out, I was so mad it wasn't like "old JP." But after reflecting on their great career (which ended in December of 1997), this album stands on its own with for the most part, quality songs. Besides having traces of the trademark JP sound ("Six Page Letter," "Say that you Love Me,") it has their greatest hit "Vineyard." Cary Pierce has some nice songs (especially "More than This"), but most of all it's Jack O"Neill's songs which are underrated on this disc. "River" is very much in his old style of writing, and the lyrics in the title track still make you think. The bonus track number 24 "World's Greatest" maybe one of Jack's strongest ever. No, this isn't like the earlier JP albums ("Bringing on the Weather" and "Women as Salvation" are a MUST), and there are a few songs ("Get it Together," the cheesy instrumental "Ivy") you can skip past. But give "Finest Hour" a chance. It may grow on you as it did me."

Disappointing, but still good

Allen Callison | nashville | 03/27/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"although this cd fell way short of the greatness of their previous cds, it is still very good. this was my first jackopierce cd, and I thought it was the greatest music i'd ever heard... only after hearing the rest of their music on "decade" did I realize how much of a disappointment this, their last cd, was. a good cd, but for your money, get decade, it's a similar price with all the good songs off this cd."

Loose, freewheeling band wrapped up in tidy box

David A. Barnett | Seattle, WA | 11/29/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Friends, the title I think describes accurately what happened to one of favorite bands on this, their last studio recording. For reasons that escape me, the talented and creative Dallas duo traded in their sparkling mix of acoustic and electric guitar for a more dry and contained mix. The result was supposed to be that they combined forces with a band and were now legitimate entity in the music business, ready for all that could come their way. But in the end this recording feels like Jackobox (Jackopierce in the box). Like other reviewers, it pains me to say these words, but do yourself a favor and check out Bringing On The Weather. Prouced by Counting Crowes producer T-Bond Burnett, it shimmers with an emotional pull and downright heartfelt drive."