Calvin93 | Fort Lee, NJ United States | 09/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A View From 3rd Street is proof (for anyone who still needs it) that lots of great music never gets on the radio. Though Jude scored a minor radio hit in 1992 with TELL THE TRUTH, this album could have spawned numerous hits, perhaps all 10 songs. I can't think of any rock/pop hits that exceed the power and hook of TIME FOR LETTING GO (the best song on here), HALLOWED GROUND (the moody, excellent leadoff song) BABY IT'S TONIGHT (upbeat) or the heartfelt, slower ballad COMPARED TO NOTHING. No, the lyrics aren't deep, they're mostly about problematic relationships, breaking up, and lost love (isn't that what ALL the best top 40 stuff is?) But Cole demonstrates mastery of the 4 minute single format here (he would branch out and experiment more on Start the Car and then A LOT more on the commercially-fatal I Don't Know Why I Act This Way) He has a great voice, great guitar riffs, and the tunes will stay with you a long time after you hear them. The album ends on a hopeful note with PROVE ME WRONG and includes a gospel tinge with GET ME THROUGH THE NIGHT. If you've missed it this long, don't delay another day."
Finally got it
Bon Jovi fan | United States | 03/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jude Cole is one of those artists I have loved but I've tended to sort of forget about until the next rare time I would hear "Baby It's Tonight" on the radio. The most recent occasion of hearing that song a couple of weeks ago, however, motivated me to get online and look for this CD "A View From 3rd Street" and I will NEVER forget about Jude Cole again.
Like everyone else who first established themselves in the very-late 80s and early-90s, Cole's style became a victim of the depression and angst-filled decade following the advent of Nirvana et al. Cole sings a lot about breakups and heartbreaks, which aren't the happiest feelings themselves, but he takes a more upbeat musical approach to the subjects. "Baby It's Tonight" was one of my favorite songs in junior high and I'm glad I've rediscovered "House Full of Reasons" and "Time for Letting Go", both of which I recognized immediately upon hearing despite having heard them even LESS than "Baby It's Tonight" over the years. That often doesn't happen with a lot of songs. But this CD also contains awesome undiscovered stuff like "Heart of Blues".
Little can be said about the talent of Jude Cole that hasn't been said or discovered by fans of this unique and incredible artist, but the preceding has just been my take.
"
One of the best pop/rock albums ever
Scott Holder | Bonnots Mill Missouri | 12/14/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's too bad Jude's radio reputation put him in the "adult contemporary" or "soft rock" category, it's very misleading. And that's really limited his exposure to people who would love his material--this guy is no syrupy Richard Marx clone. Sure, Jude has an amazing knack for writing catchy tunes with pop hooks, but he's a good ole fashioned rock guitarist and it shows in the music. Plus, he's one great lyricist. You will find at least one song (at least) on each album that somehow speaks to you. "3rd St" leans a bit more to the pop side than his edgier "Start the Car"(which alas, is out of print but easily available on most used CD sites on the web--if you're musical tastes are a bit more on the rock side, you MUST go out and get a copy of Start the Car), but, on only his second album, he's got wonderful layered arrangements that end up providing a great counterpoint to the basic pop essence on certain songs. You won't get tired of this album anytime soon--it's timeless."
The Man who does it all...
Melissa F. Packer | Colorado, USA | 12/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jude Cole is an amazing performer. From the first time I heard the first few riffs of "Baby, It's Tonight" on the radio, I was in love. _A View From Third Street_ is one of those CDs you will memorize. You will sing along to every verse of every song at the top of your lungs in your car.
There is a reason Jude Cole is respected the way he is throughout the musical community. There is a reason why new artists such as Lifehouse are collaborating and recording in his studio. He's a writer, producer, singer, and plays multiple instruments. His work goes greatly underappreciated and under-recognized.
Buy this CD -- you won't be disappointed."
A great CD from the early 1990's... A View from 3rd Street
Spartacus | West Chester, PA | 04/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Embarking on a solo career in 1987, Jude Cole released his self-titled solo debut on Reprise Records. While his debut was mostly overlooked by critics and fans alike; Jude's sophomore release, A View from 3rd Street [Reprise Records], faired much better. It received critical acclaim and was openly embraced by adoring fans. Unfortunately, this was the apex of Jude's solo career. His subsequent releases failed to spark interest and have gone mostly ignored.
Since 3rd Street's release, Jude has put out three more solo records. Start the Car was released in 1992. It spawned two moderate hits with "Start the Car" and "Tell the Truth." His next release came in 1995 with I Don't Know Why I Act This Way, released on Island Records. His final release as a solo artist came in 2000 with Falling Home, released independently on CDX Records.
A View from 3rd Street is easily Jude's most prominent foray into popular music. Its bluesy-rock appeal engaged fans and garnered radio support. "Baby, It's Tonight," "Time for Letting Go" and "House Full of Reasons" all made an impact on the charts. "Baby, It's Tonight" reached the Top 20 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart in Spring, 1990. In addition to the hits, other notable tracks include: "Compared to Nothing," "Prove Me Wrong" and "Hallowed Ground."
It's no denying that Jude Cole's influences are strongly rooted in blues and folk-rock music. These influences are enhanced by the production crew and contributing musicians. Dave Tyson produced the set. He was the driving force behind production for Alannah Myles self-titled 1989 debut album which spawned the number one hit, "Black Velvet." Additionally, Jeff Porcaro (of Toto) contributed on drums to "Compared to Nothing" and Pat Mastelotto (of King Crimson) contributed on drums and percussion.
Jude Cole's most recent contribution to music has been through songwriting. His credits can be seen on the most recent hit for Lifehouse, "You & Me." He co-authored the track with the band's lead singer, Jason Wade.