Search - Eric Carmen :: I Was Born to Love You

Well Worth the Wait!

Susan M. Teaford | Pennsylvania | 05/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a shame that we've had to wait so long for a new Eric Carmen release, but this one was definitely worth the wait!I bought this CD without hearing any of the songs on it beforehand. I've been a fan for more years than I care to admit, but this album is Eric at his best. The title track, "I Was Born to Love You" and "Someone That You Loved Before" have the kind of music and lyrics that we've come to know and love by Eric. And his voice is as smooth as ever. The melodies are moving, whether you're listening to the ballads or catchy little numbers like "Top Down Summer." Even the remake of "Walk Away Renee" sounds fresh and current. If you're a Raspberries fan, this album might be a little too mellow for you, but if you're looking for a great collection of fun tunes and romantic songs, this album is for you. Enjoy this one with someone you love!"

A welcome return, but...

Chuck Limmer | Glendale, AZ USA | 12/21/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"...why does Eric continue to squander his still-intact vocal chops on mostly innocuous AC-with-a-beat? And why did he feel the need, after 16 years, to cover his hit ballad composition for Mike Reno and Ann Wilson, "Almost Paradise," as well as the more-recent duet of his "I Wanna Take Forever Tonight" by Peter Cetera & Crystal Bernard?On the other hand, he also tosses off wonderful ersatz Beach Boys stuff like "Top Down Summer," a note-perfect version of the classic "Walk Away Renee" (in which Eric absolutely nails the airy, almost-ethereal harmonies on the chorus, unlike any other cover I've ever heard of the old Left Banke hit) and crisp, confident pop like "Cartoon World," an unexpected songwriting collaboration with John Wesley Harding. There's also the bouncy pop-rocker "I Could Really Love You," with acoustic and electric guitar parts by ex-Raspberry Wally Bryson; it ain't the 'berries, but it ain't bad.What I don't get is how a guy with the songwriting chops to pen eleven Top 40 hits for himself and the Raspberries (and a few more for other artists), the ability to play pretty much all the instruments, obvious skill as an arranger and producer, and a great pop tenor--range seemingly unimpaired by time--could go a decade-and a-half between albums. I hadn't even heard a rumor of new material since the late '80s, when he was supposedly working with Jimmy Ienner to follow-up the 1988 hit "Make Me Lose Control" with an album for Arista. Since then, nada.For me, then, the buying decision on I WAS BORN TO LOVE YOU would be pretty simple: there are enough standout tracks to outweigh the filler, and it's been a 16-year wait since his last album of new recordings. Don't wait any longer."

Classic Carmen product - A Must Buy for 2000

Annie Kalotschke | New York | 04/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Eric Carmen's consistently brilliant songwriting talents are very evident on this album. The arrangements are moving and mixed so that something is always catching your ear. "Walk Away Renee" should definitely break into the hot play lists, as well as "I was Born to Love You". I expect to hear it at every prom, wedding, and celebration! "Cartoon World" speaks perfectly to today's media-crazed consumers. Eric's vocals still touch all those heartstrings. "Top Down Summer" is an instant spirit lifter - if you're listening to this song in the car, watch your speed! "Isn't It Romantic" or "I wanna Take Forever Tonight" are the songs to play to seduce your significant other. There is something for everyone on this must-have.Don't make us wait so long for the next CD, Eric!"