Search - Bob James :: Obsession

The Definitive Reference CD

Kevin Callis | 02/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bob James' "Obsession" is one of those rare CDs that just oozes with perfection. A disc where you never skip a track because you don't like a particular song. But even above this CD's delightful music is its value as an audio tuning tool.For over a decade, every piece of audio equipment I have bought has had to undergo (and pass, if I intend to keep it) the Obsession test. That title song is simply amazing! It is the most perfectly recorded and engineered song I have ever heard. Frequency response, channel separation, signal level- I have literally listened to this one song over a thousand times (an obsession??), and to this day it still amazes me. You can find flaws in practically any stereo equipment with Obsession. Every speaker, every amplifier or receiver, every set of headphones, every equalizer, every CD player that I have owned since first getting this CD has been broken in with this song. And yes, it really is good enough to pinpoint sonic differences between two CD players.Oh yeah, the music... The pace is rapid throughout, opening with the frenzied (and VERY appropriately named) title song, and only slowing down for the very pensive "Rain". "Gone Hollywood" makes a profound statement, even 15+ years after this disc's release. And Mr. James' attack on the piano in "3 A.M." is absolutely unforgettable. Again, the tonal quality of this entire CD is superlative, and no two songs sound even remotely alike."Obsession" is a timeless classic that has become my one and only test disc for every stereo I own (home, computer, and vehicle). You simply cannot go wrong in buying this CD. If the content doesn't hook you, the sonic purity will."

Awesome

S. Fayne | United Kingdom | 06/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not many albums blow you away on first listening. This one definately does. I bought this album in 1989 and still listen to it regulary now and each time is just like the first. Simply fantastic. Also this album is aways played at Wembley Arena in London before a concert."

Just Doing My Part

Jazz B. | 10/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So many reviews have been written about this CD but none have the musicians on it. So, that is what I will do for you: give you the musicians for this CD. Randy Brecker & Jon Faddis (trumpet); Mike Brecker, Andy Snitzer & Kirk Whalum (sax); Sharon Bryant, Renee Diggs, Lisa Fischer & Vaneese Thomas (vocals); Steve Khan & Nick Moroch (electric guitar); Marcus Miller (electric bass); Lenny White, Mike Colina, Ray Bardani & Bob James (programming)

Enjoy this CD!"