Search - Wilkinson Colm :: Some of My Best Friends Are Songs

To be sipped and savored with exquisite pleasure

Les Mis junkie | Pennsylvania, USA | 07/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One thing that needs to be made clear from the start - Jean Valjean is not singing on this album. That heroic persona is only a role (OK THE role he was born to play), but it's only one facet of this extremely talented singer. If you only want the grand theatrical style, then check out Stage Heroes. On this album, his voice is as rich, smooth and mellow as the finest Irish whisky, to be sipped and savored with exquisite pleasure while it warms a path right to your heart.



The range of musical styles covered is amazing, but Colm makes them all his own - blues, country, rock and folk/pop. What unifies them all is the tremendous heart he puts into singing that allows him to make such an emotional connection with the listener. I can (and do) listen to this CD everyday. It hasn't chased my other Wilkinson CDs out of my player, but it definitely makes them share. My personal favorites are the rock n' roll standard "Red Sails In the Sunset" and 2 original tracks, "We are One" and "I Cannot Stay". The covers of " Father and Son" and "MLK/I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" are also exceptional.



So, if you like them slow, sad, soulful and romantic, buy this album. If your lady does, then buy it for her. (And don't complain or you'll be wearing your cereal too!)"

Not what you might expect, but terrific just the same!

reneeanne70 | Rochester, NY USA | 03/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of Colm Wilkinson's since I first heard the original London cast recording of Les Miserables. Since then, I've eagerly sought out his many other theatre or theatre-inspired recordings. If you have difficulty separating Wilkinson from his theatrical personae and performances...you might want to skip this and get Stage Heroes instead.If however, you're open to hearing Wilkinson return to his roots (he performed with a number of popular Irish rock/pop bands early on in his career), you're going to enjoy this eclectic mix of country, folk, and blues-inspired tunes. Covers of classics like "You Don't Know Me" and "Funny How Time Slips Away" are respectful reimaginings that retain the charm of the originals, but benefit from Wilkinson's stunning voice and phrasing. The Cat Stevens classic "Father and Son" is beautifully performed by Wilkinson and his song Aaron, and, Cat fan that I am, I prefer Wilkinson's version! Original tracks "We Are One" and "I Cannot Stay" reveal this performer's considerable song writing skills, and in the case of "If I Knew Then," his impressive pop sensibility.While Wilkinson's Phantom and Valjean will always have a place in my heart, I'm thrilled to discover still another side to this artist. "Some of My Best Friends Are Songs" is already another beloved entry to my Wilkinson canon."

Wonderful Voice

Serling | Texas | 03/24/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First, I have to mention that I am a huge fan of Colm Wilkinson. I have several Broadway albums from a variety of shows that he has appeared in or made recordings for. I was excited when I got this CD. I mainly bought it because there was a recording of that song, "Father & Son" which I heard him sing with his son in his concert that aired on PBS. I listened to the entire album, and was somewhat disappointed with the other songs, at first. It was difficult for me to listen to this guy sing something other than showtunes. I had to listen to this album several times before it could stick with me...The songs are kinda catchy now that I've gotten used to them. Needless to say, the songs weren't bad, since I could sit through this whole album more than once. This album is a must have for any of you Colm Wilkinson fans out there. It shows the range in musical styles he has. And it shows that he is a really good songwriter as well, he wrote a few songs in this album. Go out and buy this, you won't regret it...I guess my only complaint about this CD is that there are only 12 songs on it...at a cost over over $20, there should be more music on this disc (that's why I'm giving this album only 4 stars)."