Scott B. (scottb211) from GAYLORD, MI Reviewed on 7/13/2014...
Good CD. One of the more underrated bands of the 90's.
CD Reviews
Simply Amazing
Marc | Philly | 02/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13. These are the best tracks on the Splender cd, Halfway Down the Sky. Coincidentaly, they are also all of the songs on the CD. This CD is an amazing work of music, and anyone who likes Alternative music should go and buy it. With songs like the semi-hit "Yeah, whatever", "I Don't Understand", "Monotone", and the softer "Spaceboy" and "I Think God Can Explain", this is a CD that will never leave your stereo. If my recomendation isn't enough, then do yourself a favor and listen to some of the songs online. You'll be glad you did."
Very original, heartfelt. An oasis for 90s musical sameness.
Natalie T. | Florida, USA | 10/31/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well when I heard "Yeah, Whatever" I knew this band was different and had their own sound going. There is a level of enthusiasm coming forth through their music and through Waymon's blessed voice that you can't quite put into words. That remark about Waymon resembling Hootie should be spliced off this comment board. One has absolutely nothing to do with the other. Waymon has an excellent and delicately melodic voice, and feeling gushing through his vocals with the emotional intesity of things that can oft only be expressed through music. I see the criticisms about production, requests for more instrumentation and a closer interplay between vocals and instruments, and while those are valid points, the fact is I personally have been playing this CD in my car for the past 4 weeks... and still going strong. I don't want to change it because I'm not yet sick of it, and for me this is rare. There is not a bad song on here, in fact I look forward to each one. Though the sound does not range too dramatically like you have on some artist's albums, each piece has its own mood and personality, and it rocks your emotions to the hilt, then it calms you, then it brings you inward, to a level of much enjoyed introspection. Sincere effort is put into each song, as there are no fillers. Choruses and pop harmonies are inspiring, as the listener sways with the mood of Waymon (sp?). I don't see much ego waving brashly in the spotlight here, rather Waymon's strong yet soothing vocals are an incredible alternative to much of what we have out there to contend with. I fought armies and sliced through dense jungles just to find the name of this band and the CD after hearing 'Yeah, Whatever' for the first time, before they were cool. Glorious. I knew damn well they were cool after all of 10 seconds into this intense piece, and while I have yet to see them live I'll tell you what...this will not be their last album. The band's got great chemistry and potential, and a real genuine and infectious sound I have not heard, honestly, since the 80's. I wish I could thank them for their expression and for inspiring me through their music. The meaning of the song lyrics may be more hidden than some, but that is Waymon's style, and it's more the tone of the expression and energy traversed from their hearts to our CD players that matters most. Though the instrumentation is not of Carlos Santana quality, for example, the musicianship works, and works well. In the future, certain pieces may become more refined and experimental, but whatever happens, my instinct tells me Splender is going to be around for a while, and along with many of the above folks on this commentary board, I am utterly grateful! :)-Natalie T.nataliet@ccess.net OR cawfee_tawk@yahoo.com"
Great cd! Read this review, it's truthful.
Matt | 12/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I picked this cd up a couple of days after i heard "yeah,whatever" on the radio. it turned out to be a great cd, one of my favorites, definately. if u like alternative/rock you'll love this cd. it's like the perfect cd. if u like music with great lyrics and catchy guitar tunes,and if you are reading this right now, it rocks! buy it!"
Fullway up to the stars....
Stefano | Rome, Italy | 03/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well, this is my 2nd review...what a better band to review about than Splender? This is a great album with deep-impact lyrics and hypnotic guitar riffs...my favourite song is "I think God can explain" but there are many others good song... So if u are an alternative one and u like Finger Eleven, Dovetail Joint, Oleander and so on, don't miss it..."
I'm 50 and love this CD!
Matt | 06/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My 18-year-old son accidentally left this CD in my car player and I was immediately hooked. Each track was better than the last! Apparently "Yeah, Whatever" was the group's first hit, but it's good to hear "I Think God Can Explain" get its deservedly increased airplay. I think "Spaceboy" or "Special" are potential hits as well. Buy this one if you like great lyrics, great instrumentation, and one heckuva great lead voice. Can't wait to see what Waymon Boone & his band do for an encore!"