Search - Josh Gracin :: We Weren't Crazy

Scott C. (scotso) from EAST ISLIP, NY
Reviewed on 6/10/2009...

Really good, better than the debut album as a whole, problem is the Record execs are releasing the WRONG songs as singles. Oh well, get it while you can, it seems this cd has a limited pressing, such a shame, he is a very talented vocalist, with a good range, better than most of the current crop. Idol may be a curse for him.

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Sophomore Effort has Something for Everyone

S. Noble | Atlanta, GA United States | 04/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since Josh Gracin made his debut on American Idol in early 2003, he has most wonderfully found his niche in the Country music scene. Josh has been moving forward full-steam ahead with a nation-wide tour that is now in its 3rd year and still going strong. Playing smaller venues gives Josh and the guys in the band a chance to interact more closely with the audience which is a wonderful treat for the fans. This allows us to give our feedback on what we like and what we'd like to hear more of.



Released just 2 months shy of the 4 year anniversary of the release of his self-titled debut album, "We Weren't Crazy" has been much anticipated, but well worth the wait. This album features something for everyone and leaves no one disappointed:



"Found" - This is a great opener to a killer album. The musical arrangement is absolutely wonderful - listen carefully, and you'll hear the unmistakable "plunk plunk" of the banjo in the background giving it that genuine country sound. I challenge anyone to put this CD in and not find themselves moving to the music.



"We Weren't Crazy" - The current radio single from this album, "WWC" was co-written by Josh and is an upbeat, in-your-face testament about the trials and tribulations of Josh's relationship with his lovely wife, Ann Marie. It's a song about taking chances and seeing where they lead you - good or bad. In his case, the rewards are far worth the sacrifices.



"Invisible" - Easily one of my two favorite songs on this album. With lyrics that read, "'Cause when you're all alone/and you don't know that/I'm watchin'/You're so Beautiful," this song epitomizes what every woman loves to hear from her man. Listen up, guys...this is the stuff that dreams are made of.



"Let Me Fall" - This poignant song was also co-written by Josh and speaks of the heartbreak of a relationship that has ended and the longing to move on. To hear the smooth falsetto of Josh's voice as he sings, "How do I hurt/And how do I cry/When so many times you've let me down?" gives me goose bumps. Sometimes, making a clean break isn't what you want; it's what you need to begin the healing process. "There's no use in loving you at all/So let me fall..."



"I Don't Want To Live" - Not to be confused with "I Want To Live" from Josh's debut album, this song speaks to the reality that sometimes, we all make mistakes. What you think you want most in life - in this case, freedom and independence - is in fact a prison sentence. The best way to deal with those mistakes is to admit you were wrong and try and make things right. We're all human.



"Favorite State of Mind" - Previously released as a radio single, this song feature's Josh's signature style - lots of high-energy words flowing beautifully together that challenge the listener to sing along. Another great upbeat song with a little something for everyone...especially us Georgia Peaches.



"Telluride" - Originally recorded by Tim McGraw some years back, "Telluride" is a wonderful addition to this album. It brings a sense of familiarity to the album.



"I Keep Coming Back" - Remember the old adage, "You don't know what you've got till it's gone?" This is that philosophy set to music. It speaks of how sometimes, it's necessary to venture forth into the world in order to really appreciate where you come from. "No matter where I'm at/I can't pretend/I've found something better..."



"Sweet September" - I fell in absolute love with this track at Josh's fan club party in June of 2006. It was the only time I'd heard him perform it, but I was able to get my hands on the acoustic version from the party and have listened to it umpteen times since. I had been told several times that it would not make it on the album, and was absolutely AMAZED when the track list came out and this song was on it. This song is for everyone who has that one person that will always remain in their heart. And even though we all grow up and move on, some things remain forever engrained in your memory. "I remember what song was playing/That it was raining./The time, the day, the month, the year/The sweat, the steam, the urge, the fear./There's nothin' bout that long wet/Sweet September/I don't remember..."



"Livin' It Up" - Another song that challenges the listener to remain still. With lines such as "Baby I can sleep when I die," this song makes you want to go out there and enjoy your life to the fullest. After all, "I'm only breathin'/Only feelin'/On this planet so long/So I'm livin' it up, livin' it up..."



"Unbelievable" - This song was written for by Josh for his lovely wife Ann Marie. Listening to this song, you can hear the adoration Josh has for his high school sweetheart and the mother of his 3 beautiful children. A spectacular way to close out a phenomenal album.



I HIGHLY recommend this CD to any country music fan. It's been WELL worth the wait!"

Another 4th place Idol does well!

R. STEIN | New Jersey | 04/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like daughtry, Josh Gracin came in 4th on American Idol..and like his first album, this one is fantastic. He has a Keith Urbanesque sound but a really unique voice. This one is more personal, more mature and really better than the first--if that is possible. Buy enjoy it--make him the star he deserves to be!"