Search - Kyle Riabko :: Before I Speak

Incredible CD from an Incredible Talent

L. Mellors | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | 06/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw Kyle Riabko perform live at an outdoor stage during Winnipeg Canada's Jazzfest the other day. I went immediately to the store the next day to buy his CD. WOW is all I can say. He had the entire crowd speechless, then on their feet, then dancing, then all remarking to themselves "Good Lord, that guy can PLAY and SING! Who IS he?" My jaw was on the floor for at least the first 3 songs of his set. When I recovered enough to listen with a discerning ear, I heard a guitar prodigy, a master in the making, with a great voice, singing with the widsom, maturity and vocal stylings of someone 20 years older than he is. His guitar playing was so intense and awe inspiring, that listening to him play felt like he was plucking strings from inside my own chest. His performance on stage was authentic - this guy is a true musician, not an entertainer. I mean, he was feeling his own performance and was totally into it, he wasn't just just putting on a show. This cd, his debut, reflects that exact same intensity and authenticity. It is a MUST have in any true music lovers collection."

Wow - he ain't kidding around

Great Believer | Los Angeles, CA | 05/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, so I will admit I bought the CD as a risk because I never heard of Kyle, but just the song named Miss Behavin' had me intrigued that he had talent with lyrics and words at least. Well, I put in, and listened to some child talk on the CD and I thought how I wasted good money. Then, after about 30 seconds, the real Kyle starts in and WOW - here is talent that will knock on your (well the part of the body you use for sitting). Miss Behavin' is my favorite track, along with Before I Speak, but I cannot stop listening to all of it. It is a bluesy type of rock, in the style of John Mayer, and Jack Johnson, but he has more talent in his lyrics and riffs. Now, I listen to it at least once a day, and when other people hear it, they ask "who is that, it's pretty cool", and when I say Kyle Riabko, they all say WHO????? But then they listen and now they too are buying. He is an acquired tatse, and not for your typical high school socialite, but more for those who like "different", but GOOD. I could not believe he was 17. When I hear him on the CD, I thought he was older and the picture on the cover was his "early day", but I guess he is 17, but would fill the blues and rock houses of Chicago or parts of New York, and deffinately the college campus scene. I am glad he is 17, because it only means years of more and better CD's, but this is well worth every penny and although I like rap and metal (which CD is NOT), Kyle has me singing his tunes as I walk down the street. I am sure he will get all the bumps and lumps John Mayer did from critics when he started in Birmingham, as well as Johnny Lang, but here is talent that you can hear. I would love to see him perform in concert. The dude rocks. This time the universe was on my side when I took a blind leap and paid for a CD I never heard. But as a warning, you have to get past the little kid talking on the 1st and last track, it is short in time, but annoying as heck that you just have to ignore. But don't miss out on great talent because of a bad creative decision that someone actually thought a person would like to turn on a CD an have a kid talk to you like to stepped in to day care. Keep misbehaving Kyle. I need more music from you because 1 CD is NOT enough!"

Perhaps a voice for this generation?

Christine H. | Chicago, IL | 04/20/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Three and a half stars would be more accurate, but Amazon doesn't have half-stars. :-/

I had the pleasure of seeing this young man perform at Borders, and although one could tell from his stage presence that he was an old adolescent (or maybe that's just the teacher in me noticing), his music proves that there's a slightly older soul inside. He mixes blues, R&B and John Mayer-ish folk-rock well. Some of the songs are "I'm-the-best-man-for-you" sap, but the second half of his album shines with funkier grooves, such as "Chemistry" and "Miss Behavin." A couple songs, such as "Do You Right," remind me of a less deep Remy Shand. I think he's on his way to being a star, and I definitely recommend him for those who like John Mayer, Maroon 5, and singer-songwriter young adults. His soulful edge gives him "a little something more" than some other adolescent singers out there. If he's like this as a seventeen year old, I can't wait to hear what comes forth from his lips once he hits college-age and beyond."