John Stevens - Red (11 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

The Great American Songbook is in good hands...

B. J. Lane | Levittown, PA United States | 07/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although only 17, John Stevens has a stunning future with the Great American Songbook...and this brilliant debut album is one shining example.

Thanks to Steve Tyrell and David Foster's superb production, Bob Mann's wonderful arrangements, and the just-right musical accompaniment (happily NO BIG BAND in sight), John has created a winning lineup of standards (both old and new), starting with "Come Fly with Me" and concluding with "Don't Get Around Much Anymore." I was not aware of Maroon 5's "This Love" until I heard John's heartfelt rendition - just perfect! And "Here, There and Everywhere" is a marvelous Beatles song that is perfect in a jazzy setting.

There is no need for me to add to what most of the other reviewers have already written, but this CD is a winner! And with careful handling, John Stevens has the talent to rival the likes of Michael Buble, Peter Cincotti, Renee Olstead and other up-and coming young vocal stylists for years to come.

"

Pretty good for someone who is so young

Movie and Music lover! | HOLLYWOOD, California | 07/06/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think John did a respectable job for someone who is so young, and new to the music business. I believe that John will definitely get better with time, and his future projects will probably be great, and maybe even grammy worthy.

The positive points of the cd: I think the production was good, and the orchestration and instrumentation was wonderful. John did a good job on most of the songs (a surprising addition was the pop ballad, "Here, There and Everywhere"). My two favorite songs on the cd are "This Love," and the wonderful duet with Erika Christensen, "Let's Fall in Love."

The negative points: I think some of the interpretation and phrasing was a bit "lazy and boring" at times. Also, John's vibrato seemed washed out and faded when it should have been stronger. I believer, however, with more experience and confidence, the problem with interpretation, phrasing and vibrato will easily be corrected. My least favorite songs were "I Only Have Eyes for You" and "My Blue Heaven."

Overall, I think Frank, Sammy and Dean would be proud of the Job that John has done. They would also agree that John will only get better with time. I will enjoy this cd until John releases another cd, and I will purchase that cd as well.

Well, I hope this review was helpful to you.

Cheers to you! :)"

It Is Surprisingly, Pretty Good.

Thepenismightierthanthesword | Singapore | 01/11/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"
Yep, I didn't expect it to be that good but it was.

John Stevens is definitely in his elements. He sounds better than he ever did on AI and this is the potential the judges probably saw in him in the first place. And he acquitted himself par excellance.

Forget Buble and the whole host of overrated youngsters trying to milk the genre for its nostalgic value.

This is it. I swear I actually thought I was listening to a young old blue eyes, especially as I had both albums put back to back in my car.

It was with a start that I realised that the CD had changed.

What are you waiting for? Get it."

Red Rocks!

spacefan | Singapore, Southeast Asia | 12/20/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a big fan of the American Idol franchise ( we get satellite telecasts just a few hours after it airs in the U.S., imagine that! ), but few AI products have gained my approval thus far. Clay Aiken is one of them, and - surprise, surprise - another redhead has joined the list.

Jazz isn't something new for me, since I listen to Michael Buble, Peter Cincotti, Renee Olstead, Jamie Cullum, Chris Botti, Diana Krall, Kenny G, Jane Monheit, Norah Jones, Steve Tyrell and many others.

Comparing John's debut effort with his more well-known predecessors, however, I can happily report that it's actually really good.

David Foster and Steve Tyrell did a great job producing the album, which features terrific arrangements that both preserve the original's magic yet add a nice contemporary feel. Tyrell, best known for light, enjoyable pieces, lends his trademark touches, while Foster, a veritable master as evidenced by an illustrious career spanning many decades and his immense successes with Josh Groban, Buble and Olstead, knows exactly which buttons to push.

The result - a very slick record peppered with famous crowd pleasers ( Come Fly With Me, I Only Have Eyes For You, It Had To Be You ), done JUST right, with minimal jamming. So don't expect any head-spinning/banging rhythms here.

Vocally, it depends on your taste. I, for one, always find something worth savouring, whether it's Buble's honey-smooth vibrato, Cullum's raspy growl, or Cincotti's smoky boyishness.

John, in my opinion, does indeed possess something very special - a voice that belies his tender age ( 17, I believe ), both old and youthful at the same time, and brimming with potential. He definitely sounds very different from his AI days, when his monotonous deliveries resulted in an early departure from the competition.

Here, he shows more confidence, even a little mischievous streak, with subtle inflections ( Come Fly With Me ) and a palpable sense of swing ( Don't Get Around Much Anymore ).

My personal favourites include This Love ( a haunting ballad in contrast to Maroon 5's rock version ), Let's Fall In Love ( a rousing duet with Erika Christensen - is that the blonde actress??? ), and The Shadow Of Your Smile ( an exquisite bossa nova piece which caused a few goosebumps when I heard it for the very first time ). Yes, people, John Stevens can do bossa nova! :)

I agree with all other reviewers who've written about how John will probably blossom as he grows older. He's already demonstrated lots of progress since his stint on AI3, and I hope he'll continue to sing the songs he loves and bring a whole new generation along with him."

What a fantastic CD

Jacquelynn I. Cardin | Houston, TX | 10/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My husband and I watched John Stevens perform on American Idol and have been anticipating the release of Steven's first CD. Unfortunately, his publicity machine didn't reach Texas because we just heard about it by accident last week. We've listened to the whole CD and think it's just fantastic! Every song is great. I took it to work and played it and now everyone there is a John Steven's fan. From webmasters to mechanics, this kid appeals to everyone. I especially like the Beatles cover of Here There and Everywhere. My co-workers think All of Me is his best. Anyone who buys this CD will think it's worth every penny."

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