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Reviews
CD- Important
Michael Stevens Important
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author: Mike Szajna
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***** Michael
Stevens, on his new release "Important", has once again
demonstrated that he is a gifted songwriter. "Important" captures his ability to master a wide range of musical styles and
lyrical subjects. The album begins formidably with "Me and Joe". On this track he sings of a "new revolution" as he rails
against the Bush Administration, the war in Iraq, Corrupt politicians, and the Country's health care system. Even if you don't
care for Stevens' politics, you'd have to agree its a great song. The album includes many other highlights. "Say You'll Be
Mine" is a beautifully written love song with a strong melody. "Dancing on a Star" presents a whimsical and touching view
of the emotions surrounding the miracle of a newborn child. "Awake Again" is an engaging tune about gratitude for health and
the simple pleasures of life. "99" is Stevens' vision for social justice, peace, and an end to poverty all set to an enchanting
melody. "He Got It Right" is an extremely catchy tribute to the life of legendary Reggae artist Bob Marley. The album closes
with a gem, the title track "Important", which seems to evoke the desperation of a forgotten soul longing for the past, a
lost love and a sense of purpose as he watches ships sailing by on the ocean. Overall this is an outstanding effort from Michael
Stevens. The songs are performed with acoustic and electric guitar, various keyboards, bass and drums. Stevens' voice is unique
and appealing. The album could have benefited from stronger production but this does not detract from the main component,
the songwriting, which clearly shows a special gift for melody and story.
authors : Xavier P. and Radioindy.com
*****
Important by Michael Stevens is a soul-enlightening collection of acoustic tunes.
In this pacifying collection, Michael makes meaningful lyrics through introspection, social statements, faith, love, and philosophy.
His mid-tempo, acoustic-driven songs are soul-stirring and meet listeners on a very personal level. Moreover, Michael's unique
calm and passionate vocal tone adds to the serenity of these tunes. Can't Wait No More and Awake Again both stand out
as musically and melodically catchy. Consistently, Michael delivers thought-provoking and emotion-invoking songs on "Important".
Stripped down production makes this CD all the more personal. Fans of James Taylor and Neil Young will enjoy this new CD!
Author: Damon Kellard at Bryan Farrish Radio Promotion
Simple and precise. Michael Stevens delivers a composition of pure sentiment, heartfelt
melodies and lyrical uniqueness. The songs are primarily acoustic driven, with minimal layers such as bass and drums, making
for a very simplistic sounding group of tracks. Sharing both the same last name and certain musical similarities to "Cat Stevens"
such as his well toned vocal presense accompanied by a well toned acoustic. "Me and Joe" is a laid back melody which opens
the CD perfectly with politically influenced lyrics. "Awake Again" is more of a up beat track with a great vocal melody for
both its verses and choruses. "Important " is a great title and ending track, wrapping up the album with a more layered and
produced approach to the song list.
REVIEWS
Story-telling folk/easy-listening music.
Reviewer: RadioIndy.com staff
Posted by: radioindy
on 22 Jan 2007
"Dreaming About The Past" is a CD full of heartfelt songs that tell stories about life and
love. The production is very clean and allows the lyrics to cut through the music. Most of the tracks, such as Gotta Find
Time, are story-telling folk music, with some tracks, such as The Mirror is Getting Older and 27 Shades of Black, being a
more easy-listening style with an alternative music influence. Michael's vocal style has a retro 60s folk/easy-listening feel
to it. Tracks such as 27 Shades of Black, have memorable choruses and clever lyrics. If you enjoy singer-songwriter folk artists
such as Simon and Garfunkel, you'll enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
The Best Lyrics I Have Heard In Years
Reviewer: Jeff Sands *****
This CD has some the best lyrics I have heard in years. I have been listening to this CD for
the past week and every song is good from the beginning to end. My favorite songs on the CD are Love Of A Lifetime, Anything
I Can, and Heartbeat. Love Of A Lifetime because I can really relate to it. Being from Pennsylvania myself the title track
Anything I Can is a great song about Pennsylvania. Heartbeat is probably the best song on the CD and could be played on any
radio station.
Jeff Sands - CD Baby Customer
Songs and Lyrics (Copyright 2006)
All Songs Written By Michael Stevens
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