Search - Ari Gold :: Space Under Sun

Make A 'Space' In Your Album Collection

k. lane | Florida, USA | 01/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Right now, I can tell you that Ari Gold will be the most commercially underrated artist of 2004. I know it's not completely set in stone, but his music and image, while incredibly appealing, fit in an area currently outside the American music mainstream of patriotic country singers and down and dirty rap stars. The mainstream's loss is definitely my gain, however.Something that I can say, that I personally believe really should be carved in stone, is that Ari Gold has soul. Out and out blue eyed soul. He's also got a killer groove and an amazing musical sense. This, combined with his stunning good looks and sex appeal, would in most cases, make him the total package most record labels kill themselves over. And he is, but this guy is totally independent.I really wouldn't want Ari any other way either. His material is fresh and funky, and tackles subjects outside the normal pop parameters, including a track entitled 'Caught' about being found having sex with another man. Old pop conventions are applied and twisted in Ari's own way too, with the fight over a man taken to a whole other level with his Kendra Ross duet 'He's On My Team'.Another theme of this record is tribute to the sounds of the 80s in various ways. For instance, the little known Jam & Lewis produced Thelma Houston classic 'You Used To Me Hold So Tight', is cleverly sampled on the bouncing 'Funk That Ship'. The tune 'Fan-tastic' was inspired by none other than the forever reigning pop queen Madonna. Boy George and his Culture Club also get some attention, with what is, in my opinion, a better than the original remake of 'Do You Really Want 2 Hurt Me'. The production on that one just throws me for a loop, I love it so much. The album, despite all of this, still retains a fresh 2004 sound that I adore.Other highlights include 'Bashert (Meant To Be)' and the title cut. One of my absolute favorites that I haven't mentioned yet is the current single, 'Wave Of You'. This track was also on his now out of print debut, a record I wish I had caught when originally out. The song is here in two versions - an album version and a club mix by Twisted Dee, who is usually known for her bootleg remixes and club updates. Both are great, as is the music video included as an enhanced portion.It should be a crime that he won't get the mainstream recognition he deserves, but as long as he continues and makes more music this good, I'll be forever hooked."

Pleasantly surprised

Salvatore Sapienza | 07/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I read an article about Ari Gold in one of the magazines I get, and I liked what he had to say, so I went and bought the CD without having heard any of the tracks. I simply wanted to support an artist who had the balls to be out. Truth be told, I wasn't expecting much. For one, it's released via Mr. Gold's own independent label (Gold 18 Records), and two, his shirtless photos indicate that maybe there's little talent behind the handsome face.

After listening to the first few tracks, I was blown away. The man is a true artist, with a lot of soul, spirituality, and depth. Sure, there's some fun mindless dance music here, but there's also songs like the title track, "Bashert," and "Intimate," which left me feeling renewed and proud to be who I am in this world. As a Boy George fan, I really didn't want to hear anyone cover "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me," but Mr. Gold gives the song his own spin and pulls it off nicely. Even George himself approves. The Madonna tribute "Fan-tastic" - would could have been really embarrassing - turns out to be a wonderful acknowledgement of an artist whose energy motivated so many of us to be ourselves. In fact, I'd say about Ari Gold what Madonna said about herself: They may not be the best singers in the world, but they have a driving ambition not only to be successful, but to spread a message of acceptance and love for self. I'd love to see Ari Gold's career explode, but, even if it doesn't, I anxiously await his next move.

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Buy this CD!

Chris | formerly of Etton, nr Peterborough, Cambridgeshire | 03/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Easily the most pleasurable CD I've bought recently. Ari Gold's voice is quite simply superb. His vocal technique is polished and remarkably flexible. The arrangements and production are flawless. Overall, this CD deserves to be very sucessful. If Ari had marketed himself has a neutral figure, this would probably come to pass. As it is, he undoubtedly has the talent (and, it seems, the backing) to break out of the "gay" genre and become a true crossover artist, especially in clubland. Whenever I listen to him I'm in awe of his talent. As I said to my wife today, listening to him in the car, "I WISH I could have a voice like that!" There's a mix of very danceable music and some great ballads, especially "Beshert", which is not only a good piece of music, but deeply meaningful for anyone who has an ounce of romanticism. Of course, "Wave of You" is popular, but there are a lot more potential hits in this collection. Buy it."