Search - A. J. Croce :: Transit

The cd that gets stuck in your head

05/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have so much to say about this record that it's tough to figure out where to begin. I have been an A.J. fan for years since his first album came out in '93. My wife also became a fan when we saw him play a free concert on a hot November day in Oceanside when he just blew the place away with his amazing piano playing and bluesy sound. That is really what A.J. was all about until he recorded this cd. His piano playing was unmatched and his vocals were gritty and his songs were rooted in the blues. Transit is a total departure from this style. The songs are guitar-based instead of the piano being the dominant instrument although in "Find out Now" and "Five" A.J. does bang the piano a little just to remind you that he's still the king of the 88 keys. for the most part the grit has left his voice and the songs sound more like something the beatles would have recorded in '65 or '66 at the latest. When we first listened to the cd I immediately liked "maybe" which is the single, "Summer Can't Come Too Soon", which is just a fantastic feel-good rock/pop song with a nice electric piano solo in the middle, "she Was always Right" because it makes use of his trademark lyrical sense of humor and "Five" which is just a killer rocker that takes your head off when A.J. attacks the piano in the middle of the song. As for the rest of the songs I thought they were kind of forced and that he was straining as hard as he could to sound like the Beatles, especially on "the Bargain". However, as I listened to the cd a few more times I discovered that while he may have unashamedly borrowed from some older styles he still found a way to make those songs his own and now I can honestly say that I love all of them. The last track "don't Leave me Now" was the hardest one to like. At first I couldn't get past the trite lyrics, "Please say you'll stay. Don't leave me now. I'll never leave. I don't know how." This song, like all the others, grew on me though as I listened to the instrumentation and the way it all fit together. I have asked myself if I would love this album as much if someone other than a.J. had recorded it and I can honestly say now that the answer is definitely yes! The songs are just too catchy, well-written and well-produced for me to not like them no matter who the artist is. If you are an A.J. fan already you will have to go into this record with an open mind and not expect to hear the blues piano stuff because it's not there. If you can listen to this record without dwelling in the past I promise you you'll fall in love with it as I have. If you've never heard of a.J., well then, you'll just love this record from the start. One warning though...As I said in my title once you start playing this cd you will *not* be able to get these tunes out of your head."

Such a varied talent!

E Street Exile | Flagler Beach, FL USA | 06/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A splendid diversion from his previous style, Croce shows off his true musical virtuosity on TRANSIT. Venturing into more of a "bubble-gum" style of pop music, his layered harmonies and Hammond B3 use harken back to the days of the Zombies, Byrds and even The Beatles (some of which are credited as influences in the album's liner notes.) Needless to say, his strong, witty songwriting continues at the same high level as his previous work. The title itself, TRANSIT, suggests a move in a different direction...that move being musical style, in this case. So, to those critics who are aghast at this change, just sit back and appreciate it. He pulls it off as if it's been his style all along. AJ Croce is truly a varied and special talent...unfortunately underappreciated by today's music listening public. It's their loss!"

Rockin and Rollin and DEFINATELY a chip off the old block

Michael G. Fox | Upstate NY | 02/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a big fan of Jim Croce i was VERY interested in this release. Other sons with famous fathers have had a mixed result from me.



Tal Bachman (father: Randy of Guess Who & BTO fame) is great

Joe Brucato (Father: Chuck of The Rustix) is great too

Jakob Dylan (Father: Bob) isn't as great



I was hoping he would exceed my expectations. Jim was one of the best storyteller songwriters in the history of music.



I was NOT disappointed.



AJ is a phenominal talent. Catchy songs, great hooks. Why isnt he popular? Probably the same reason Joe Brucato isn't. If it doesn't have huge boobs, people dont want to hear you for pure talent.



Here is a song rundown:



1. Maybe



the only single released (i have the 45 in my jukebox) I love the lyrics to this one (as i do with most of the songs on this cd) "Maybe means no everytime"



2. It's Only Me (Oh Ya-Ya)



Not really the best one but it sure rocks!



3. Turn Out The Light



This one rocks too but is alot better of a song. He is a hell of a pianist and shows off his chops here.



4. Summer Can't Come Too Soon



The flipside to Maybe. Another great rocker. I wish i could catch his live show, he has to smoke!



5. The Bargain



Great relationship song. "Oh the compromise we make to make it right" Great guitar solo in here too.



6. Find Out Now



Midtempo song with yet more great lyrics. He doesnt do stories like his dad did. BUT he does have a way with words.



7. Everyman



The weakest track on the cd. Not one of my favorites.



8. What I Wouldn't Do



If you say you've never said this about anything, you are lying. "What i wouldn't do to find a way. What i wouldn't do for one more day" Alot of his songs are breakup song/commentaries.



9. Change



"Do people really change" My answer would be no, seems AJ feels the same way about it. awesome song!



10. Five



Kinda corny lyrics "1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and i'm outta your life" The worst is easily "You're a fridgidaire, and you just don't care" what an interesting way to tell someone they are cold and uncaring. However it's a good rocker.



11. She Was Always Right



The story of my life, hilarious song. Good interplay between AJ and the backing vocalists.



AJ: No i can't admit it

BV: go ahead and say it

AJ: she was always right



Good for ANY guy who's woman thinks she is always right.



12. Don't Leave Me Now



Some reviewer said it wasnt as good as the rest. It is better. "Please say you'll stay, don't leave me now. I'll never leave, i don't know how."



All in all an awesome album. If you are a fan of the singer/songwriter or even his dad, please buy this album (Joe Brucato's album Swallow All Of You is a good compliment to it)



Please read and rate all my reviews



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