Search - Jamie O'Hara :: Rise Above It

Simple, literate, and effective

James R. Ogden | 02/13/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Former member of the O'Kanes and one-time college football
star, Jamie O'Hara was a hit songwriter prior to gaining a short
blast of acclaim in his partnership with Kieran Kane. On his own,
he creates rugged, sparse country music that is simple, literate,
and effective. On 'Rise Above It' O'Hara wrote all ten songs, a rare and commendable thing in Nashville. The songs are primal and direct, with a slight but chugging rhythm and bluesy underpinning lending a swagger to his lean, seductive lyricism. "Cold, Hard Truth" is a great hard-country ballad about a man coming face-to-face with his deceitful ways. -- Michael McCall, All Music Guide"

An Obscure Masterpiece

jekyllnhyde | NJ | 10/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got this CD primarily for "What's A Good Ol' Boy To Do", which received heavy video play upon its release. Turns out that's not even my favorite track on the collection. It's a thoroughly enjoyable release from start to finish, with a chugging, bluesy rhythm on several tunes. The entire CD was written solely by O'Hara himself, as he proves himself a master wordsmith. Several exceptional ballads are also sprinkled in, including "The Cold Hard Truth", which George Jones covered on his album of the same name. "It Ain't Over" is a soft country lullaby, while "50,000 Names" (another tune covered by Jones) is a touching Viet Nam tribute.

Whether it's the rockers or ballads, O'Hara has an easygoing vocal delivery reminiscent of Billy Ray Cyrus's softer side, which maintains a laidback feel throughout, along with a distinct Roy Orbison vibe. A true gem."