Search - Paul Brady :: Say What You Feel

A refreshing new direction from a hugely talented guy...

Sound/Word Enthusiast | Rhode Island, USA | 02/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'll admit it: Paul Brady nearly fell off my radar. I loved his trad stuff, and "Hard Station" remains one of the most angry, blunt, and difiant rock albums ever -- and rock is a genre definied by anger and defiance. As the eighties progressed, Brady's songwriting continued to grow. Unfortunately, so did his love of big production effects: gated drums, sequencers, endless vocal overdubs, syrupy synth patches, etc. It undercut and dated some of his finest material.



Well, the disarmingly titled "Say What You Feel" is just what the doctor ordered. Largely acoustic, largely live-in-the-studio, it places Paul with a small band of seasoned Nashville(!) musicians, armed with a great set of more personal than usual Brady originals. Danny Thompson is on double bass, and he's sublime. Brady has never sounded more confident-yet-relaxed. He's not straining his vocal cords as he is sometimes wont. He just sounds honest and unfettered.



The basic groove is supple, acoustic R&B. The basic message is be honest with yourself and others, and reap the rewards. It's really great to have Paul Brady back."

Meat and Potatoes.

Jason Stein | San Diego, CA United States | 02/18/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Say What You Feel" is Paul Brady's eighth proper studio album in 24 years. He is one of the most collaborated with songwriters, yet no one knows him by name since, in America at least, he has never had a solo hit on his own. Yet, a formidable songwriter he is, and "Say What You Feel" only continues to emphasize this fact. While I agree with the other reviews that this is a quieter, more intimate album, I disagree that it will put you to sleep. It's more like a relaxing massage after a long day. You put this in and relax--and it feeds your brain too.



This time around, Brady strips down and goes acoustic. It's not a far throw from 2001's "Oh What A World", yet it is more organic and less forced than that album, which is an improvement. "Say What You Feel" doesn't move me as much as 1991's "Trick Or Treat" or 1995's "Spirits Colliding", but the album as a whole works well.



Many of the themes deal with love or politics or both. Brady always has a unique way of looking at love and "The You That's Really You" is one of those songs. It took me a few listens to realize that he was singing about being yourself rather than 'he doesn't love you and know you like I do'. "Don't Try To Please Me" is a great song warning that love can't exist if you lose yourself in the other person. There are also some 'stick together and the world is a better place' songs like "Smile", "Say What You Feel" and the extremely well-written "Locked Up In Heaven". Maybe you are torn between family and work, well you have "Living For The Corporation", or perhaps you notice how society has become blinded by self-interest and greed? Then you have "Doin' It In The Dark" with Bonnie Raitt guesting.



As a whole album the sum is greater than the parts. It's cohesive and consistent and above average, yet it felt lacking in energy and compellingness, thus the four star rating. If you are just turning on to Paul start with his best of from 1999 "Nobody Knows: The Best Of Paul Brady" and then start with his first album 1981's "Hard Station" and work your way up."

Say What You Feel Career High Point for Brady

M. Morris | Kirkwood, MO | 02/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been listening to Paul Brady's music for almost 20 years. Nobody's ever doubted his ability as a writer: Bonnie Raitt, David Crosby, Carlos Santana and Tina Turner have all covered his material. And Bob Dylan was impressed enough to directly copy his arrangement on Arthur McBride as well as call him one of his heroes. When I read what Dylan had said I started to pay closer attention to this guy. On Say What You Feel, Brady raises the songwriting bar to new heights and also lowers the register a bit on his vocal and I love it. It ends up giving these songs a warm, comfortable sound. And there's a feeling on this cd that captures his live vibe -that Brady power, the way he plays guitar and that rawness. This is certainly something I haven't heard on records previous. And Brady's knack for melody is just mind-blowing. He makes songwriting seem effortless and his ability for feeling and then conveying it in song is matched by few if no-one at all. I suppose it's why Carole King and so many other great songwriters collaborate with him. Every cut on Say What You Feel, from start to finish, is good. A novel idea these days -to write and record a cd and every song is solid. Similar comparisons: If you dig Ray LaMontagne's debut, you should check this out. Simple, gorgeous, touching and the more I listen the more I know this is not only his best record but likely the place to dive in if you want to discover a songwriting giant and Irish icon."