Search - Wilkinsons :: Here & Now

Another fine album by The Wilkinsons (buy it)

David and Sara | Conroe, TX | 04/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you liked "Fly" and "26 cents" from their first album (Nothing But Love), you'll want to buy this album just to get "The Only Rose". A great ballad (written by Steve Wilkinson and Steve Wariner) that reminds us all that we're special, and it's our differences that make us that way.Tyler sings lead on 5 of the songs, with Amanda doing 5, and Steve (the dad) doing "The Only Rose". Tyler's voice has definitely matured since NBL, and Amanda's voice has grown even more powerful. "Shame on Me" is another great ballad, reminding us all to take the time to cherish what we have -- because we'll miss it if we ever lose it.Tyler does three great love ballads with "One of Us is in Love", "Don't Look at Me like That", and "Me, Myself, and I". That last one is absolutely fantastic.Amanda's vocal abilities are best displayed in "It Was Only a Kiss", a powerful song describing a young woman's reaction to the kiss she just received from a guy who's definitely "getting to her". This one was written by Tyler and Amanda."Hypothetically" is a very upbeat, fun song. The tight harmonies throughout the song (not just on the chorus) testify once again to the vocal harmonies that only a family can have. If you've ever heard them without their band, you'll know what I mean. And, if you've never heard a tuba worked into a country song, you've got to listen to this one."Jimmy's Got a Girlfriend" is a very light, fun song (and was the first single from the album). If you're not tappin' your feet and smilin' by the end of this tune, you'd better have somebody check your pulse. But be warned: it's "infectious" -- you may not be able to get this tune out of your head.There's not a bad song on this album. It's not "traditional" country -- rather, it's a blend of folk, pop, and country that gives The Wilkinsons their own unique style. What The Dixie Chicks did to Bluegrass, The Wilkinsons did to Folk. I like to describe this group as "James Taylor meets The Carpenters".If you've heard them before, you'll want this album. And if you haven't heard them, you owe it to yourself to check this album out. You also get three videos (two from the first album, one from this one) in .MOV format. And a "the making of" video for JGAGF.They co-wrote 7 of the 11 songs. They love to sing, and it shows. This is a group the whole family can enjoy. Children won't be embarrased to let their parents hear this music. While many of their die-hard fans are 16-yr old girls (in love with Tyler), there are many adult fans, too (many because of their teenage daughters). We're in our mid-30's, and we both love this group. We don't typically like the same style of music, but The Wilkinsons appeal to both of us. Which says a lot about their music."

I was surprised

Jacob Chartrand | San Diego | 04/06/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I am a fan of The Wilkinson's and absolutely loved every song (except the last one) on their first CD. I bought this CD and was kind of dissapointed because there is only one fast song (#1: Jimmy's Got a Girlfriend) and every other song on there is slow, pretty decent, but slow. There tends to be a single theme throughout the whole CD also about love and breaking up.. Kind of a negative vibe. BUT....I do think it is OK and worth a purchase, If only for the first song."

A Solid Effort for Here and Now Country Music!

SandyP, Country Music Columnist @ B | Nashville, TN | 01/05/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This family trio hit Nashville like a tornado a few years back and then the industry left them dangling while going after the pop wannabes. A travesty, in my opinion. The Wilkinsons represent clean, solid, country sounds and atmosphere. This Canadian family trio is made up of teenaged brother and sister Amanda and Tyler and their dad Steve. Steve writes and arranges the sound of The Wilkinsons wonderfully.The Wilkinsons second album, Here and Now, showcases a little more contemporary country sound than their first album, Nothing but Love." Don't let that scare you away from listening or buying this album. The Wilkinsons sound make it clear that they are not headed down the cross-over path... their hearts are pure country.Most of the songs on this album tend to have a slower beat with the exception of "Jimmy's Got a Girlfriend." What really shines on this album is the improved vocals of the kids, Amanda and Tyler. The control of their voices matched with strong lyrics really come out on this album. I highly recommend this album to younger country music fans. It blends the teen-angst (that all to easily can be mistaken for adult relationship angst if you forget that teenagers are singing!) with a dash of positive advice.It will be interesting to see where The Wilkinsons go from here. The kids will be more mature and the trio could easily explore more dynamic issues in their songs. A solid hit from a family on the rise....again!"