Search - Leon Russell :: Angel in Disguise

Guilt transformed into great music

Alan Mills | Chicago, Illinois USA | 10/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Leon was one of the originals--combining rock and roll and traditional southern gospel music into a unique, powerfully rocking blend. I fell in love with "Leon Russell & The Shelter People" waaay back when it came out in 1971 (on LP, naturally), and have been listening ever since.



Flash forward 35 years, and Leon is still Leon. Angel in disguise refers to his several daughters. The liner notes don't contain the usual lyrics (whatever happened to the art of writing liner notes, by the way). Instead, they begin with a note from Leon to his daughters, basically apologizing for not being there enough, but assuring them that he always had them in his heart--followed by short statements from three of his daughters, assuring him that he is a great father.



The music echoes these written notes. Focusing on loss, seperation, and love...not so different from the Christian gospel he began with oh so many years ago. Power rock, gospel chorus, great lyrics/poetry; toss in some country slide guitars, and a great mix, and this is an albumn which ranks right up there with the best of his wrok over the last 35 years."

Magic Ride

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 11/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Angel in Disguise" may well be the record of the year. It is a stunning blast of swampy rock the overflows the well with energy and zest. "Lovin' on My Mind" is an amazing rocker with Russell's synths zooming and then the cranking percussion clicking like heartbeats as Russell's vocals burn with the urgency of a freight-train sized love, "I can feel the world a-quaking, giving and a-taking this magic ride; I feel this burn right down deep inside, If love is worth making and chances are taking that now's the time, I know that we can make it, Come on girl, shake it." It's an amazing track. The opener "Sweet Mimi" is about Leon's wife with the classic Russell piano slamming full force with Leon's spongy croon, "You came to me & took my heart to a warm and special place, Still I feel such happiness each time I see your face, Cherish me, Mimi, your dream come true, take me to a higher place, Oh Sweet Mimi I love you each time that I see your face." It's a stellar track. The title track charms with Leon's organ a soulful choir crowning the emotional level, "When she looked my way, it was a brand new day." "Black & Blue" is another incredible track with the drummer banging out an irresistible rhythm, "You say that you love me, but you're lying all the time; You spend all of my money, every nickel, every dime, You tell everybody that I'm such an evil man; I spend all of my energy trying to understand." It's a track that pops out of the speaker and rattles anyone who's had a high-maintenance relationship. Other tracks like "How Can This Be Love" and "Come for You" are also strong. This is an amazing set from Mr. Russell that is essential listening. Bravo!"

Leon Russell's best Studio Album In Decades!

Anthony Accordino | Massapequa Park, New York United States | 03/24/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In August of 2007, classic rocker and song writer Leon Russell released "Angel In Disguise", which proves to be the singers strongest album in decades. This one time arena rock act, who performed at George Harrison's "Banglsdesh Concert", and was one of the leading figures in Joe Cocker's "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" tour, and add to that, a string of hit records and songwriting triumphs back in the day of 70's rock,and you realize that this guy is a bonafide rock n roll hall of famer, who still hasn't been recognized as such. The veteran rocker has risen to the top once again with his latest studio release "Angel In Disguise". This solid four star effort is full of hard driving piano driven tunes and ballads, that is reminicent of the Leon Russell of yesteryear. Leon's keyboard playing shines on such tunes as "sweet Mimi"[a tribute to his wife], "Black N Blue", "All Through The Night", and the rocking "Honey and Eli". Leon's gravelly voice adds a distinctive texture to many of these tunes, making many of these songs down right addictive. As a long time Leon Russell fan, this is the album that I have been waiting for, and was it ever worth the wait. If you are an old-time Leon Russell fan who has lost touch with the master of space and time, I highly recommend that you purchase this cd, because this album is living proof that Leon Russell music is alive and well."