Search - Jason Gonzalez (The Artist Formerly Known As Just Jay) :: Through My Eyes

Mike Newdeck, Hard RoXX Magazine Online, U.K.

03/26/2002

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Hailing from New Jersey Just Jay is a solo project put together by multi-instrumentalist Jason Gonzalez who has created a more west coast sound than his east coast roots would suggest. Gonzalez himself comes across as a Steve Perry clone, although his vocals have nowhere near the power and range of the Journey frontman. He is not helped by some cumbersome arrangements and poorly tessellated lyrics that force him to attempt vocal gymnastics that he is perhaps not equipped to deal with. Some of the verse melody lines also need working on. Coupled with a weak production and soft drum programmes 'Through My Eyes' comes across as what it really is, an amateurish attempt at AOR. Just Jay's saving grace is that Gonzalez can find his way around the guitar in a competent manner, peeling off some good solos and finding solace in the more subtle moments. Opener 'Holding On' isn't a bad song structurally but Gonzalez needs to go back to the drawing board lyrically. This should help his vocals that seem to have a problem phrasing the web of intricate verbs and nouns. 'Stand Or Fall' fares better with some neat backing vocals but alas the pop orientation doesn't lend itself well to a song that would have benefited greatly from a harder edge. 'The Groove Song' treads the formularised ballad path and Gonzalez manages to fit the lyrics to the music without the usual problems. But it becomes obvious that Gonzalez is more comfortable vocally on the more up-tempo moments such as on the Steel Breeze tinged 'Can You Read My Mind' or the Savannah like 'Lovers Curse' that borrows heavily from Journey's 'Separate Ways', and is perhaps the album's true highlight. 'Forever' is touted by the biography as an acoustic guitar rocker with a chorus that crosses Third Eye Blind with The Who... mmm, wishful thinking methinks! Compared to the current melodic rock release roster, this is a million miles away from the best at the moment - although it is perhaps a faux pas to compare them - but there is definitely potential. The weak production and drum sound don't help matters but there is no hiding some of the songs which just don't cut the sonic mustard due to some poor arrangements and lyrics. Elevation to a higher status can only be achieved by an improvement in these areas unless Just Jay wishes to remain purely a college radio concern.
5/10 Mike Newdeck"

Excellent Debut Effort for Just Jay

05/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's great to see that this genre of rock hasn't disappeared entirely from today's new music scene-- tight, polished and fun. It's quite a departure from most new rock acts of the 90's, where much more emphasis is placed on how much distortion can be achieved before the amps explode. This CD seems to be trying to recapture the catchy, vocal-based songs of the 80's without going over the top with lots of cheesy synthesizers, and it does a pretty good job. The songs have a lot of really passionate vocal performances too. Give it a try if your looking for the type of CD that will make you want to put the windows down and tap the steering wheel."