Why hasn't the U.S. Discovered Ray Wilson yet?
L.A. Scene | Indian Trail, NC USA | 05/05/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The career of Ray Wilson can best be summed up as being as close to a roller coaster as any career in the 1990s. Ray Wilson rose to fame in the early 1990s as the front-man for Stiltskin. But Wilson is best known for being the vocalist selected by Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford to replace Phil Collins as lead singer of Genesis. As a member of Genesis, Wilson was part of a very underappreciated effort called "Calling All Stations". I personally think that "Calling All Stations" was an excellent album, but the album didn't do well commercially - particularly in the United States. As a result, Wilson took the fall and that would be the only album he would do as a part of Genesis. Despite no longer being a part of Genesis, Ray has kept busy - as a front man for the group Cut, participating on the Scorpions album "Moment of Glory", and of course a solo career. Ray's first solo effort was a 2001 live album called "Live and Acoustic". This effort represented a terrific cross section of all of the music collaborations that Wilson has been a part of. Two years later, Ray would release his first true "solo" studio album entitled "Change". The album is appropriately titled because Ray has truly undergone a "Change" in his career.
Ray has been involved in several projects in his career. Before being recruited for Genesis, Ray was the lead singer for a Scottish band called Stiltskin. Stiltskin is best known for their hit song "Inside". Stiltskin for the most part was an Alternative Rock style band with a Grunge influence. When Wilson released his solo work - "Live and Acoustic", he released what I term a truly acoustic album using just vocals and guitar (no percussion or bass). It seems like that Wilson was influenced by this style because he continues this style on "Change". Ray Wilson puts together what I would call a true "coffee house style album" - with a heavy acoustic influence. In a way, this can mark Wilson doing his first album of new material with this new adopted style.
Although the acoustic sound is paramount, this album utilizes a wide variety of instruments. Ray himself is the main Guitar and Bass Player - but also contributes on Organ, Piano, and Strings. Ray's brother Steve also plays guitar and provides background vocals. Amanda Lynn, who was heard on the "Live and Acoustic" album is also back. As for the instruments, this album utilizes Drums, Percussion, Accordion, Hammond Organ, Wurlitzer Organ, Slide Guitar, Mandolin, Violin, and Clarinet - giving this album a unique feel. On the songs, Ray employs a style in which many of the songs "build up" in intensity as the song progresses.
Here is a brief synopsis of the tracks:
"Intro" is a 26 second preview of the 13th track "The Last Horizon". It provides a nice segue into the next song...
"Goodbye Baby Blue": This starts out as a Acoustic, Coffee House song. Ray's powerful haunting vocals are showcased. This song also builds up to a crescendo as it progresses.
"Change": One of the more catchy songs on the collection. Still an Acoustic, Coffee House feel to it There is a sort of an irony of this song because even though this album marks a "Change" in Ray's new material - Ray sings "I don't think that I can change...I ain't gonna change". Great background vocals augment this song. Best track of the collection.
"Along the Way": More heavy acoustic guitar. Although not one of my favorite tracks, this song is highlighted by the use of the Violin.
"Yesterday": Although "Goodbye Baby Blue" and "Change" use the Accordian, Mandolin and Slide Guitar, it is this track that does it best. It almost has an Irish Rock sound combined with more acoustic guitar.
"Beach": This song uses some synth influences to create the illusion of being on a quiet beach. This soft song has more of a keyboard influence. Wilson's haunting style vocals are right on form.
"Cry If You Want To": Very good song. Much in the flavor of "Goodbye Baby Blue" - starts out Coffee House Style and then the electic guitar and the harder rock sound take over.
"Beautiful Child": Strong Acoustic style back on this track. This song also builds up - listen to when the accordion is folded in about 2 1/2 minutes into the song.
"She Fades Away": I found this one of the weaker songs of the collection. However, this song once again shows the collection's trademark build-up.
"I Look For You There": Short track (under 1 minute) - very acoustic. The song has four lines.
"Believe": A harmonica-like sound starts out this song. It starts with a country/folk feel, but then moves into acoustic mode.
"Another Day": While this song has an acoustic feel, Ray uses his haunting vocals on this song.
"The Last Horizon": Pure Instrumental - although you can hear something resembling Ray's voice. This song makes more use of the Synthesizers and Organs for its sound. This instrumental definitely has a haunting feel that will hook you.
"Gouranga": This is a pure hard rock track - although there is a strong string element in this song. Amanda Lynn shows her strongest background vocals. Very good track.
"Dark": This song sounds much like the alternative rock music that is overloading the radio airwaves today.
"Cool Water": This song employs the use of an clarinet. The song features the use of acoustics, haunting vocals (and instrumentation), and uses a build-up.
The lyrics and musician credits are included in this collection. Despite some of the weak songs, this is a very good effort. While I am not the biggest fan of the acoustic/coffee house sound - this collection seems to do very well. Ray Wilson still isn't known to American audiences - and this is a shame, because this collection proves what a talent he is."
Superb Solo Debut from former Genesis vocalist!
Louie Bourland | Garden Grove CA | 05/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Former Genesis lead singer Ray Wilson has displayed his musical talents beautifully with his solo studio debut entitled "Change".
In addition to writing most of the material and producing the album, Ray also plays many of the instruments himself as well.
Had Genesis carried on after their sole album with Wilson, "Calling All Stations", there is a good chance that the next album by the band could've closely resembled what is heard here. Ray has proven himself to be a gifted songwriter and vocalist. With this album, he has all the elements necessary to hit it big as a solo act. Standout tracks include "Goodbye Baby Blue", "Yesterday", "Cry If You Want to", "Believe", "Another Day" and the title track."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1