Search - Johnny Rodgers :: Box of Photographs

Piano Pounding Pop Songs Influenced by the Great Singer Song

Matt Alexander | New York, New York | 08/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The piano pounding pop songs and lovely ballads on Johnny Rodgers' debut recording are sure to draw comparisons to the early works of Billy Joel* or James Taylor. And there's nothing wrong with that! Although "Box of Photographs" is heavily influenced by the singer-songwriters of the 1970s, the music still feels fresh and lively. The killer harmonies, soaring vocals, and joyful arrangements (check out the marching band percussion solo on "Mary Jean") all make this album a true treat to listen to. "Box of Photographs" may be one of the most exciting discs in this genre since Marc Cohn's self titled debut.



*YOUNG Billy Joel. His "Turnstiles" album springs to mind."

Make sure you have a full box of Kleenex!

Kim Smith | Deltona, Florida | 11/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Oh...my...gosh...

When I heard about this album, I was thrilled. When I listened to it, I was amazed. I've always been a huge fan of many of the music styles that Johnny is inspired by...Billy Joel, Elton John, James Taylor (just to name a few). But to hear their talents channeled through and surpassed by him...? Incredible.



I campletely agree with the other reviewers. Each song beautifully combines different flavors and styles into a snapshot in time. The title song really sums it up so well! I could listen to that one all day. His voice positively soars. "Mary Jean" is another favorite -- it's like a celebration of her. "She" reminds me a lot of Billy Joel's "Stiletto". Blues-y & snappy. Love it. "In the End"? Yeah...this is where the Kleenex comes in. I absolutely can't make it through this song without sobbing. It is the most beautiful "thank you" a man could ever give his father. And "Sweet Georgia Smile" was written for the luckiest woman on Earth. Every woman should be loved like that!



I'm not surprised to see another reviewer compare "Box of Photographs" to "Turnstiles". I am a HUGE Billy Joel fan, and "Turnstiles" is my favorite album. "Box..." easily ties "Turnstiles" in my list of favorites. Johnny is definitely a young Billy ready to make his mark.



Thank you, Johnny, for sharing your beautiful soul with the world. I honestly believe that you will be a legend. I am eagerly awaiting what gifts you have for us in the future. When you do make your mark, Johnny....make it BIG! You are a star!"

Box of Magic

Richard Benson | Plant City, FL USA | 10/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been trying to write this review for quite some time now, but have been unable to find words to describe Johnny Rodgers' music. It really defies description - it's some of the best poprock / country / folk / Dixieland jazz I've ever heard. My first thought when listening to it was that it's "American music," but even that may be too limiting. Johnny's voice has quickly become one of my favorite male voices in any genre, and his work on the piano is absolutely amazing. That Johnny wrote or co-wrote all the songs on this CD makes me admire him even more, but what really gets me is that he is able to convey emotion through lyric like one of the all-time greats - and I'm talking Billie Holliday, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald. Johnny Rodgers has a seemingly unlimited about of talent, and I can't wait to see what he brings us next.



My favorite tracks from this CD are "Is It The Way?," "Mary Jean," "Miss Dixie," "In The End (Song For My Father)" - what a tearjerker - "Home To Mendocino" and the title track.

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