Beautiful voice, beautiful personality
Michelle | Milton Keynes, UK | 01/16/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm sorry but after reading the vitriolic rant that was posted by the only other reviewer here so far, I really felt I had to post something to balance this out. If it hadn't been such a personal attack on Joe, I might have bought the 'I hate x factor and all it represents' tone, but to me it just smacks of sour grapes from someone who's own favourite didn't win. The RATM campaign itself was never meant as a personal attack on the winner, the organisers said that themselves, it was a protest against X Factor dominating the Christmas number one, which is fair enough and I completely respected the reasons behind it (it was started long before the winner was even known). Joe is well-loved by millions in the UK, not only for his beautiful voice but also his beautiful personality. So many viewers who had never voted before on X Factor, like me, suddenly felt compelled to vote for this lad because we wanted to keep hearing that gorgeous voice. Until then, I wasn't really an avid follower of x factor (just dipped in and out of it occasionally) but Joe's vocals got me hooked this series. He was a very worthy winner - and took the x factor 2009 crown by a landslide by the way.
On to his first single though ... admittedly I was disappointed that this was chosen as Joe's debut single and feel he was very short-changed in that regard. It didn't make the Christmas number 1 but getting to number 2 with over 450,000 sales in a single week (and then going platinum within another week or two) and with a less than popular choice of song (thanks Simon!) was such a tribute to Joe. Despite that, he made it to number 1 the week after Christmas and in Ireland remained at number 1 for 4 weeks. It isn't the greatest song, though I think Joe makes a decent effort with it. I wasn't all that keen on what they did to his naturally melodic voice either on this release, it almost doesn't sound like him it's so processed. That said, there are 2 other tracks on this which make the physical single well worth the purchase in my view. Both of the extra tracks are live recordings of songs Joe performed on the live shows. The Queen number wasn't my favourite performance of his, although he still sings it well, but Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me was terrific; I was absolutely delighted that was added to this single and shows the 'true Joe', vocally.
This guy really loves singing and performing (and unlike many others, 'being famous' isn't his main driver). We watched him get better and better, week on week during the live shows (going from 'very good' to 'stunning') due to his humility and willingness to listen and learn. If such a polite young man with a great moral compass is considered 'bland', I'll take bland over rude and obnoxious drama queens any day, thank you. He is far from dull though ... his fans recognise that he has a great sense of humour (as evidenced by all the behind the scenes clips shown all the way through the series) and, aside from Leona, is one of the most genuine and likeable contestants to come out of x factor yet. Even most of the non-fans who supported other acts at least grudgingly admit that his vocals are top-notch.
I think that may be the most I've ever written in a review and sorry about having a 'rant' of my own(!) but given that Joe is probably not known by too many in the States yet, I felt he deserved a more positive viewpoint to balance out the negative. Also, I was under the impression that Amazon reviews were supposed to be from those who actually buy the items they're reviewing. Well, unlike the other reviewer, I did actually buy this single and the second paragraph of my 'rant' actually reviews it!
And now ... can't wait for Geordie Joe's debut album!"
Unbaised Old College Coed
S. Gereaux | St. Louis, MO | 01/23/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Anyone who listens to this very young man has to admit that his voice is superb! Rancor against X-Factor contestants, hatred for Simon Cowell, or personal opinions about the ridiculous vicious contest between this poor kid and Rage Against the Machine in Great Britain has no place in a review of this song. And I have no doubt that the members of Rage Against the Machine would be furious to read some of their fans' assaults on this young man's talent, not to mention unwarranted personal attacks. Please listen to the song before you decide. Joe's voice, at such a young age, is worthy of the win, and it will be fun to watch him as he grows! Enjoy!"
Perfect debut!!
William G. Ratcliffe | Lawrenceville, New Jersey United States | 02/24/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having seen X Factor on You Tube to check out talent from overseas, I did come across Joe's audition, then followed his progress until the night that he won the competition in 2009. I liked his talent, and his humble attitude comes across like not many other singers. Joe does have talent. I do agree with a previous reviewer that those responding on these pages should just review the singer and the song in question, and not to predict, compare, or bash the singer unless it is neccessary. As for the Rage Against The Machine remarks? I thought that group was ready for the nursing home? An 18 year old kid has a better chance of a career than a has-been group who in America hasn't had a hit here in years. And rightfully so."
Track Listings (3) - Disc #1