Search - Michael Franks :: Blue Pacific

A Place In The Sun

douglas barton | Arlington, Va. | 12/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This review is being written to currently right an egregious wrong. Which is simply that Michael Franks "Blue Pacific" is quite possibly, when listened to in it's entirety ( as opposed to evaluating each song seperately ) his best work as of this date. Don't misunderstand me, Michael Franks back catalogue is nothing short of amazing, having written some tunes that will forever be on my list of favorites, as I'm sure they will be on many other listener's lists as well. But, that being the case, when judged as a complete disc "Blue Pacific", with it's picturesque songs of oceans, sand and unrequited love ( what other kind is there? ) simply does not require me to search for the 'skip' button on my cd player. And the strength that comes from each song so wonderfully complementing the last is what makes it an extrodinary listening experience. Starting off with the funky, uptempo "Art Of Love", which really sets the tone of the disc extremely well, the album is off and running. To put it mildly this song has a groove you can 'take to the bank'! Followed by the leisurely "Woman In The Waves" which reminds me of Antonio Jobim's "Girl From Ipanema", the song is amazingly descriptive, seductive and sinfully playfull! There really are so many highlights to this disc.... including "Long Slow Distance" which, for me, is easily the standout track. Performed at mid-tempo, while Michael sings coyingly about pacing yourself for the "long distance" when entering a relationship and attempting to keep things nice and slow to make it last, is a work of true lyrical art! Plus, with a piano solo by Joe Sample that flows so well I almost started to laugh! The other true highlight would have to be "Vincent's Ear", obviously a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh's tortured life and the price some artist's pay for their talent's. The song is at once sympathetic of this true artist yet at the same time still in awe of the man himself. Finishing off the disc is a wonderful 'lullaby' called " Crayon Sun ( Safe At Home )a simple and elegant selection that finds Michael 'safe at home' and ultimately happy and satisfied with his journey. A fitting end to a cd that is at once imaginative, playful and yet strangely innocent in a child like wonder of the world. Overall, this album has much to offer the listener who is looking for a style of music that conjure's up a setting that is graphically set on any beach front where the lure of the ocean is still a powerful magnet to many of us. And one where the artist is still able to marvel at life's small pleasures and the beauty of what is all around him. A cd that, I find, is richly textured, immenently more mature than his previous work and shows Michael Franks at the top of his game. For me, personally, I'm going to sit back, reach for my pina colada and relax! It may be the middle of December but I've indeed found my place in the sun! Thanks!"

Perfect Pacific

Robin L. McLaughlin | Seattle, Wa. | 04/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A friend turned me on to Michael Franks back in the early 80's. His unusual voice and musical style, along with his adeptness with lyrics, really resonate with me. I'm not a fanatical fan by any means, but there are certain moods for which his music is absolutely the best choice. I've owned Blue Pacific since it was first released, and if anything I enjoy and appreciate it more now than when I first purchased it.



All of his other albums I've heard have songs I love, like, and don't much like. But Blue Pacific is that very rare thing, a perfect album. It's not that I absolutely love every single song on the album. It's that even my less favorite songs still obviously belong here. All the songs seamlessly flow together into one beautifully cohesive whole. The entire album strikes a tone and mood that is consistent throughout, and as others mentioned, it really does transport you mentally to the ocean.



My favorite on the album by far is "Woman in the Waves". It's a combination of the lyrics and how the song sounds, along with it bringing back memories of swimming in the ocean with my friend who introduced me to Michael Franks. "Blue Pacific" ranks next. I can't really put into words what the song evokes in me, but it's magical. The rest of the songs are all really solid and which ones I like more than others depends on what day I'm listening to the album.



I highly recommend Blue Pacific as THE Michael Franks album to own. All others are icing on the proverbial cake, but this is the one that it would be a tragedy to not have in your music collection."

Another Winner For Mr. Franks!!!

Mr. Music Critic | Georgia | 12/31/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have been listening to Michael Franks since the late 70's. He has a unique soft voice...that people seem to either love or hate. His songs can be serious or cynical...love songs or break-up songs. The top selections on this one are The Art Of Love, Long Slow Distance...on this one he ties running into a relationship with a person. Vincent's Ear (this is a tribute to Vincent van Gogh). Also Crayon Sun (Safe At Home). This one may be my particular favorite on this CD. In my opinion this is another winner for Mr. Franks!!!! Buy it and you'll see what I mean."