Search - Riley Armstrong :: Riley Armstrong

Soulful and fun; an album you can cry or wash your car to

Debbie | Alberta, Canada | 04/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If music, like great art, can be judged by the artist's use of negative space, this album is a watercolor masterpiece. Riley's Armstrong's music is an intricate latticework of sound; layering upon itself, allowing the listener to see through the threads and appreciate purpose and depth supporting the gossamer finish. Marked by its musical freshness, the album contrasts themes of sorrow and loneliness with hope and celebration. When I first heard Riley Armstrong's self-titled album, the thought that came to mind was "Lenny Kravitz meets the Carpenters", a comparison which fails to do justice to this album's truly unique sound, encompassing everything from playful banjos to soulful guitar licks to the sound of a sprinkler. Armstrong's skilful use of metaphors and deceptively simple lyrics capture emotions I know have felt but have been unable to describe. Woven throughout is an underlying message of the love and interest of a creative God, which somehow never comes close to being preachy or trite. The bottom line: Armstrong's music offers the discerning listener an inspiring blend of thoughtful poetry, whimsy, and funk. It also offers substance, not empty-headed repetition or chokingly sweet sentiment. I give this album five stars for creativity, talent, skill, uniqueness and musical excellence, plus extra points for fun."

AWESOME CD!

Debbie | 03/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Riley Armstrong is a real sleeper.....an underdog ready to break through. He's what the christian/gospel genre of music has been lackingfor so long: STYLE! His style of music is so unique; the acoustic guitar, turntables and sampling recording paired with his well-honed and solid vocal capabilities. This is one of those few CD's that you can listen straight through, as all the tracks are solid, not lacking anything. "Sleep" "Papercup" and "Sunray" are the real highlights of the CD. I would reccomend this CD to any one who enjoys uplifting music paired with rare artistic style, or for those who don't like "run of the mill" music artists and want something a little different. He even has a cool website. Check it out: rileyarmstrong.com"

Rare substance

Ronald Seatter | California | 04/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Overall, I found this CD lyrical, refreshing, and stirring. I thoroughly enjoyed this CD and found Riley's lyrics to be like good poetry, revealing our world and relationships in a novel manner. Furthermore, the music is not knee-jerk copying of prevalent popular music and instead proffers a unique and decidedly original sound and style. Finally, there is an intangible element to this CD that stirs and compels me to listen again and again. Perhaps because the music is real and as a listener I can sense the sincerity and depth in the artist himself. I am looking forward to Riley's next CD and highly recommmend this one to everyone tired of insipid, mind-deadening "Top 40.""