Search - Joe Henry :: Civilians

God Only Knows is Simply Masterpiece!

Sylviastel | 11/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am puzzled that I didn't know who Joe Henry was until now. If it wasn't for the TMC Remembers 2008 where they feature his song, "God Only Knows, he would have passed me by and it would have been my loss. Suddenly, I can't stop hearing "God Only Knows" enough and thankfully this compact disc saves the best song for last. Joe Henry is an acquired taste. If you like Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen or both, you might like Joe Henry, he's brilliant.



His masterpiece vocal interpretation of "God Only Knows" is sheer perfection. It's slow moving and poetic. You're mad that it's done and over with. His other songs on this compact disc are similar in interpretation but the last song is his best. I wished that he would perform it at the Academy Awards. Look, I didn't know much about Joe Henry until now. There is a lovely pamphlet with his lyrics for the songs and a biography.



Joe Henry is not well-known enough in my opinion but maybe it's best that way. I like to think of him as singing in smaller venues where he would be appreciated. Sometimes, his songs are a little dark to be considered folk music in my opinion. But then again, my opinion doesn't really matter in this case. Joe Henry's voice has a range of his own. His voice can be soothing and at times comforting.



I would like to think of Joe Henry's music playing in a small bar in the dark where the patrons are too busy thinking than drinking. That is how I like to picture it. Thank God, he's not commercial like some people. He's truly a gifted musician and artist as well as vocalist/singer. His music can also comfort us in distressing situations and after a long day of work or searching for work."