2 great albums on one cd!
Joy Andis | Seattle, WA, and London area, UK | 08/10/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is great to have "Russ Ballard" and "The Fire Still Burns" on one cd. Many people think that Russ's best work is on these two albums. While i may dissagree with that (Russ has realeased 2 more stunning albums since), it IS true that here is a fantastic body of work, by an artist who many people don't know by name, but all know his work.
When I 1st heard "Voices" I was in Southern California, and I remember that while I wasn't too fond of much of the music coming out of the 80's, this song really stood out, is seems to resonate with me, and of course now many people I talk to say exactly that too.
This is an excellent colelection of songs by a very prolific artist, certainly a great choice when looking for great music.
"
Blinded By Brilliance
S. Mehaffey | Los Angeles | 03/20/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The mad scientist of pop music, it's hard to put into words the genius of his melodies, his grasp of dynamic's undercurrent, his composition of verses that could be choruses, and then topping himself. This CD contains two of his albums, "Russ Ballard" which came out in 1982, and "Fire Still Burns", which came out in '84. I prefer "Russ Ballard;" 'I Can't Hear You No More', a lush arrangement, great groove, and extremely clever layers of hooks. 'Voices,' he already senses how talking would work in hit songs, it's the second hit rap song in history (his 'New York Groove' being the first). 'The Last Time,' a moody introspective rocker (about a powerful moment actually) with a gorgeous keyboard riff which Journey must've gotten a hold of, not crediting this man. "Fire Still Burns" is just a notch down in consistency, and uses a drum machine, which works for 'Dream On' and 'Hey Bernadette'(which I think Foreigner got a hold of), two spectacular dream weavers, but sounds way out of date on others. Beautiful tapestries of all that is important to and in pop, while leaving the listener elevated and seriously wanting more."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1
