Search - Russell Crowe, The Ordinary Fear of God :: My Hand My Heart

A shining moment

Damian Gunn | I am everywhere | 05/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a very biased reviewer for I believe Russell Crowe to be a god amoung men BUT I will do my best to make this as true to self as possible. 'My Hand, My Heart' states a turning point in Crowes musical career as he says goodbye to longtime band mates of 30 Odd Foot of Grunts and says hello to solo-hood. Now Russell Crowe is by no means the most pollished of singers but his voice has a rasp and deep sentimentality that calls to mind the great Johnny Cash. On songs like the single 'Raewyn' Crowe touches on some personal history that carries his songs from your standard 'that sounds nice' to 'wow, that means something'...and that's what I admire about Mr. Crowe is that no matter what he does, whether it's acting or now singing, he wants it to mean something. His voice shines on three songs in particular, track 2 'How Did We Get From Saying I Love You?' which is actually a remake and it's quite good...track 8 'One Good Year' which starts off brilliantly, and while it's still a good song I think it would have been better all strings...and the final track 'I Miss My Mind' which is just beautifully sung. On track 6 'Worst in the World' Russ touches on the fact that he's media fodder at this point, being critisized for for everything he does and picked apart for just being a human being. I think this is a great shot back at those who have nothing better to do than make you look bad. The opening track 'Weight of a Man' shows the ability for Crowe to be humble, and atribute that too many accuse him of lacking, where he laments over his personal problems and thanks his wife for sticking with him in spite of his issues. Crowe shows brilliant maturity here addressing subjects that most won't tackle, going as far as to attack himself and expose his weaknesses and that's comendable for not only does it make good music but it also gives us an inside look at the man that is Russell Crowe."

Russell Crowe & TOFOG are brilliant

Happy & Retired | USA | 05/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Had to purchase this album (the advance copy) from an Aussie, as it is not available anywhere, but it SHOULD be! The emotion written and sung in every track is so tremendous. Russell sings from his gut and you can feel what he's feeling in every word. The subtle touch of the brass instruments gives this album soul and purpose. Russell knows what he's doing, and I do wish he would do more."

Crowe's voice is weakest link

PCAman | Greenwood Village, CO USA | 07/14/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The lyrics, the instrumentation and the arrangements are nearly flawless. Wish Russell Crowe had a better voice. But considering the stories behind some of the songs, it sheds a totally new (and complimentary) light on one of my favorite actors."