Melissa Ferrick found unexpected success when Morrissey chose her to open shows for his 1991 U.S. tour, but she suffered from major-label neglect when her two studio albums failed to connect commercially. The Berkeley-scho... more »oled musician has learned the hard way about the business of music. Throughout Everything I Need, Ferrick wrestles with failed success. In the title song, she discovers a moment of peace and acceptance, while tracks such as "I Will Arrive" and "I Like It That Way" find Ferrick convincing herself she's got what it takes. The mix is stark, highlighting drummer Vinny Colaiuta's (Sting, Frank Zappa) assaultive powers. Ferrick is best, though, during her quietest moments. Her voice, strident on the rockers, relaxes for intimate effect. "To Let You See Me" is tender with a scathing personal indictment underneath. "Stand Still" is mesmerizing acoustic minimalism, a quiet, contemplative gem neatly hidden at the album's midpoint. --Rob O'Connor« less
Melissa Ferrick found unexpected success when Morrissey chose her to open shows for his 1991 U.S. tour, but she suffered from major-label neglect when her two studio albums failed to connect commercially. The Berkeley-schooled musician has learned the hard way about the business of music. Throughout Everything I Need, Ferrick wrestles with failed success. In the title song, she discovers a moment of peace and acceptance, while tracks such as "I Will Arrive" and "I Like It That Way" find Ferrick convincing herself she's got what it takes. The mix is stark, highlighting drummer Vinny Colaiuta's (Sting, Frank Zappa) assaultive powers. Ferrick is best, though, during her quietest moments. Her voice, strident on the rockers, relaxes for intimate effect. "To Let You See Me" is tender with a scathing personal indictment underneath. "Stand Still" is mesmerizing acoustic minimalism, a quiet, contemplative gem neatly hidden at the album's midpoint. --Rob O'Connor
Melissa Ferrick is a very inspiring folk artist. I would recommend her to anyone!
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
Passion...
xenacucumber | Mount Desert Island, ME (yeah Maine!) | 07/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"To put it simply, I loved this album. My friend Sarah was the one who first introduced me to the music of this amazing artist. She took me to a one of her concerts in Boston, along with two of my close friends, and at this concert I experienced and saw a kind of passion that I had never seen from an adult artist before. I am a music lover, but first and foremost I am a dancer and what I listen for most of all when I listen to music is the inspiration to move and to make the body at one with the music. Ferrick did that for me and her album is now in the CD player all the time because her music has a solid, powerful, rhythm as well as lyrics that inspire which combine to make for excellent music for dancing. Her passion will make you laugh, cry, scream and dance."
Melissa Goes Beyond Previous Boundaries
Justin Utley | Murray, Utah USA | 02/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It seems as if Melissa's composing capabilities and passion, upon signing with her new label, W.A.R., were liberated. In "Melissa Ferrick +1" we found her songs stripped down to a skeleton and her quite human personality shared. Now, with "Everything I Need", Melissa brings back the band with added kick. Her contagious rhythms and melodies, which echo moments from "Willing to Wait", will have you singing along in the car within moments. An amazing songwriter, her lyrics have more depth and meaning than on her first and second studio albums. This album is a must for any Ferrick Fan, and a bonus for those who have come along the way recently. With incredible, radio-friendly songs and passionate ballads, Melissa takes you further into her music than before. An enthusiastic 5 stars given for talent, originality, and long awaited new material! (Can't wait for Freedom to be released. Stay tuned..)"
If you are not a fan yet.....
D Mason | Oakland, CA | 11/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"... you better get on board! This woman should be at the top of the charts! Loved it, loved it, loved it! Melissa writes, sings and plays from the heart; something that is missing from all those mass marketed, pre-packaged groups these days. Her music inspires one to be musical, her lyrics inspire one to write, her thoughts inspire one to think. Well, you probably get the picture. Get this album (and her others, too!), and if she comes to town, see her live! She, like Ani Difranco, is even better in front of an audience!"
Ferrick has come a long way
D Mason | 11/26/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Over the course of 4 CD's over the past five or so years, one can see the maturing of Melissa's music. Deep lyrics and intricate guitar parts are aplently on this new CD. Has the lyrical power of Willing to Wait with the musical energy of Melissa Ferrick +1. A must own for singer/songwriter fans."
MELISSA FERRICK HAS "ARRIVED"!
jamiestrng@aol.com or Corey Fusick | Ware, MA | 03/08/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Everything I Need" is everything you could want from this amazing singer/songwriter from Boston,MA. Melissa has arrived with her most inspirational and addictive CD to date. To watch an artist progress and grow throughout their career is a wonderful, fullfilling sight. Melissa's guitar playing is remarkable while her heartfelt and addictive lyrics, "To Let You See Me" ; "It's All Right" bare her body and soul to the listeners. Her personality pours out of her music...and when you see her live all you want to do is be her best friend...and now girl...just "Get Jiggy Wit It"!"