"I don't know why this guy isn't a bigger deal in the US. He won the first and only World Idol title (over Kelly Clarkson), and since then he has been rockin' out his own music, with thoughtful, touching lyrics and crazy pop hooks. The new CD is more of the same but ends with a soft, moving ballad Dance With Me. He has a great voice and seems like a real person, untouched by the trappings of pop stardom. Maybe that's how they do it in Norway. Highly recommended!"
Another home run for Kurt!
R. West | Atlanta, GA | 02/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"That makes three for three---his third album, all of them brilliant! Rolling down from the land of firs and clover, wet artic streets and twilight skies; this Norwegian's haunting and powerful voice continues to prove that he is the ONLY World Idol, the only suitable to wear that crown. Each song imparts a sincerity, genuinely felt heartbreak and life perspective that is rare and clarion. It is stunning that this songwriter/vocalist imparts more emotion in English, than few of that native tongue have in recent years. Kurt is the definition of "lightening in a bottle"; the kind of stellar talent that outshines all other Idols."
Pop album from World Idol
Cara Wallace | Tucson, AZ | 06/09/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here's Push, Push, pop album from world idol Kurt Nilsen. What I liked? Sensitivity! If you're not crying halfway through about this guy's lost and found love, you're not listening closely enough to the lyrics. This has what so many pop songs are missing, real world situations and feelings. It may be aimed towards the older set but younger people can still enjoy it too. What else is there to like? Perfect vocals and a distinct lack of hollywood overproduction. Not to say that it's rough by any means, just real. He sounds the same in the studio and in concert, which is more than I can say for many top-40 artists right now. If you like this, a slightly better album is Hallelujah Live; his concert album done in tandem with other Norwegian artists. Very nice upbeat music with meaningful lyrics."
Hard to Find, and Worth the Hunt!
DefSufi | US/Cambs, UK | 06/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first time I heard Kurt Nilsen's voice was when I was flicking through tv channels, trying to avoid the usual pap... including World Idol. Lucky for me, as I was hitting the "up" or "down" channel button and reached whatever station World Idol was on, Kurt was starting to perform. I stopped in my tracks, got shivers from the voice I was hearing, and looked up to see this odd looking but cute "kid" singing his heart out. And his voice still grabs me every time I listen.
This album is brilliant, from the first twang of the guitar on the opening track, where the intro builds into a net that wraps around the listener and holds them there until the last chord of the final track. There is one slow song that might have been better left off, (Still They Wait), but even it has a hook that satisfies.
It's always been a hunt to find Kurt's CDs from someplace that can ship to the US. I think Sony BMG and his management should wake up to the fact that the US would be a good market for his music without fans having to wait months for an import CD.
Buy this...invite your friends over to listen...and make 'em buy their own copies! This is one artist worth supporting, and showing that he'll sell in the US."
My wife loves Kurt's music
P. Robinson | Wichita, KS USA | 04/21/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"We bought a couple of Kurt's CDs based on the UTube videos that we found while looking for "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. He has an amazing voice that is so easy to listen to - hard to believe that English is not his first language (except his "r"s, which sometimes irritate my ear a little). I'd love to find his version of "Fly Me to the Moon" on a CD."