"Beth Nielsen Chapman deserves to be a star. Best known for her biggest "pop" hit, "All I Have," a love song used in more movies and TV shows than I can count, Nielsen Chapman's universally moving songs are usually hits for bigger names--she has penned hits for stars Sarah McLachlan and Bette Midler, among others--but that's just because most people have missed out on this powerful songstress.Her self-titled 1990 release was the first Nielsen Chapman CD I owned, but I quickly added to my collection. From the romantic ballad "All I Have" to the heartbreaking "Emily," Nielsen Chapman spans the emotional gamut, using personal experiences-- she's a widow and single mother--to touch her listener's soul. It's one of those CDs you leave in your stereo and listen to over and over again.Far superior to most of the new breed of female "folk singers," Nielsen Chapman is an intriguing cross between Jewel, McLachlan and Midler, with a maturity and sincerity all her own. Nielsen Chapman's music is perfect for anyone with a tender heart."
Songwriting is a rare talent.
AJ | AZ | 12/27/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"About 10 years ago, driving to High School, I heard "All I Have" on the radio. I scrambled to find a pen in the car so that I could write down the song title and singer. I wasn't prepared for the last name, but hey, what can you do? Anyway, I bought the cd and found a friend in Beth's music. She brings out feelings that can make you warm and fuzzy, one moment, grieving and anguished, the next. A roller coaster of emotions that is going to live within me for a long time to come. "All I Have" was the song that I sang at every wedding in the years that I lived in my town. People would hear it and be anxious to hear more about the person who wrote it. I sent them off with her name and they have all thanked me after they heard the rest. Go buy it. It will make you remember what good songwriting is all about and how a woman can sing about her pain and make you feel it, too."
Beth Nielsen Chapman
madrid1299 | California - ? | 01/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Out of my approximate 400 CD collection, I would have to say this CD is rated one of the top 10! Many years ago, I heard the cut "All I Have" on the radio and spent 3 years looking for it, until one day....I got lucky! A friend listened to it and ended up borrowing it - never to see it again. I've since then purchases 2 more, just in case....and I strongly recommend you do the same. The cut "Down On My Knees" is another moving song as well. Beth is truly one of the best out there. Especially for women who are in touch with their sentimental emotional expression and who can appreciate good lyrics. I certainly hope you'll add this one to your collection and enjoy it as much as I have. I'm sure it's a purchase you won't regret! ENJOY!"
Poetry in music
madrid1299 | 03/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ok, so the previous reviewers seem to be fascinated with the wedding application of "All I Have" -- and in fact, my wife and I used it as our first dance at our wedding reception last summer. BUT, this disc is SO much more than just that one song, and for SO many different emotions! "No System for Love" will touch anyone who has ever wondered and been frustrated in finding that special someone. "Down on My Knees" is for the one who doesn't want to lose that love; "Avalanche" and "That's the Easy Part" are for one who has lost their love.BNC's later works (that she recorded, not those she wrote for others) have similar - or even more - depth of emotion, but they seem to lack the musical quality of this eponymous disc. The songs on this disc have a better feel of music blended with the lyrics, sharing and accentuating the emotions. Her second release "You Hold the Key" is solid and very worthwhile, though not quite as good as this one. I hate to criticize "Sand and Water", because I know the life events BNC was working through in writing it, but it just doesn't touch me like this disc does. However, it might be perfect for those with similar experiences.In any case, this disc is *amazingly* good, and I highly recommend it. Even if you have her "Greatest Hits", get this disc, too. You won't regret it."