Owsley - The Hard Way (10 tracks) +Album Reviews

A MAJOR Disappointment

Donald R. Dobrez Jr. | St. Charles, IL United States | 03/03/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I was so excited when I searched through Amazon and discovered that Owsley had a new album out. The first one, the brillant self titled debut "Owsley", was easily my favorite CD of last year (the year in which I discovered it). Wonderful pop hooks, great melodies, chill-inducing bridges. I was looking forward to many years of great CD releases. But when I popped this CD into the player, I swear I thought that the wrong CD had been hidden in the case. This sounded NOTHING at all like the first CD. Gone were the great melodies, the catchy hooks, the wonderful sounds. Instead, a generic, guitar-heavy rotation of bland songs that sound nondescript and could easily be from any other alternative/new rock artist. Even his voice sounds dramtically different. As Simon of American Idol would say, it is as if he was "affected" since the last album, i.e., someone told him to sound more like everything else that gets played on New Rock stations. THAT is a major shame. The album does redeem itself near the end, when Owsley's vocals and hooks start to return. But by that time it is all ready too late to save the CD. Please Will, go back to what made you great in the first album. And for those who have never experienced Will Owsley, skip this release and start with his debut."

Wonderful

Acronychal | Nashville, TN | 09/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to disagree with most of the reviews for this album. First of all, having worked as an engineer with Will personally, I can attest that he needs little, if any, pitch correction as mentioned in another review. He's a fantastic writer and musician, a cool person to talk to, energetic, and always in pursuit of more fans. I, as many, didn't hear of Owsley's solo efforts until the release of "The Hard Way," and find it in addition to his debut release to be pop masterpieces. Less Beatle-esque, and more radio friendly as far as the general public and new listeners are concerned. Most people aren't looking for Beatles reincarnates when searching for great music, and neither am I. This record, as mentioned in other reviews, is far more melodic, and somewhat reminiscent of many of your favorite songs, making it easily and quickly lovable. I am personally a huge fan of Owsley and have introduced his music to many others and continue to do so. Buy this album, accept it for it's wholesomeness, and you will be his next #1."

Solid Pervasive Powerpop

Lance | 07/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record has repeatedly made me late--when it's on, I want to listen & absorb it all. Bad for me, but in a good way. It doesn't help that the last (official) track, Rainy Day People, is my favorite on the record, melding perfectly from the song before it. I adore Abbey Road, so maybe that's why I can't get enough of the last part of the record: The Hard Way, Dirty Bird, Rain Day People, and the hidden & accurate McCartney homage, Band on the Run.

The first half of the record is heartfelt and honest. "Matriarch" is an especially touching song of mourning. But my vote, if you're going over the music samples, is to check out the end. Especially if you like later Beatles.

( ..and, if you get the chance, see him live! This is a studio album, but every tune sounded amazing in concert. As testimony to the him and the guys he toured with, they successfully covered Steely Dan. That's no easy feat.)"

Will moves on !!!

Neil Gibbs | Cardiff, South Glamorgan United Kingdom | 01/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've waited impatiently for this record for some 2 years or so and the wait is now over.Some people seem to think that Owsley has gone all out for commercial recognition with this record,I don't agree ! His first record was a lot sweeter and more overtly poppy.This record to me has a harder edge whilst retaining the sublime melodies of the first record.
Every time you listen to it your opinion will change of the best track(always a good sign)as "Matriarch","The Hard Way","She's The One" and "Be With You" could ALL be number ones in a parallel universe.They won't of course, because everybody knows you need a good dance routine to sell a record !
In summary then, a superb record, that you should own if only to stop the Nicklebacks of this world from making a living !"

Commercial Pop/Rock At Its Finest

okaysamurai | San Francisco, CA | 12/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I picked up Owsley's first album simply because the cover was cool - just a guy jumping insanely high in the air with his guitar. His debut album was a superbly crafted pop gem that was undeniably catchy. This new album is the logical next step. It's not as good as the first album (also a 4-star for me), but it's more of the same: radio-friendly catchy songs that are perfect for singing along to with the car windows down. I feel that the songwriting has matured and the lyrics are better (no Zavelow House here). Owsley channels the Beatles and Bob Dylan at times, and his connection to Ben Folds shows up in quite a few songs, but overall he's simply interested in rocking out - the focus here is on melody. The catchiness of the songs doesn't mean that they all sound the same - Owsley definitely has his commercial style down, with some organs, synths, electronic drums, harmonies and distorted voice sprinkled around the edges. It's a warm, fun, rock sound. A surprise cover of "Band on the Run" is hidden in one of the songs. In the end, if you're okay with catchy music that doesn't pretend to be any deeper than it is, you'll like this album. Owsley is definitely a worthy artist to add to your list of "obscure but phenomenal" artists."

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