"My mom used to play this album all the time when I was a tot, but she lost her copy. I was "window shopping" on Amazom.com and recognized the title. I had to have it. It took me home to my mama and her cozy little house. But now that I'm an adult, I hear what my mama heard: the sexiness, the romance, the sweet "mellowness" the words and the music create. Now, I know why my mama played it so much; she gave me appreciation for music that makes a woman melt and long for the feelings in the words. Thanks, Mom, and thanks, amazon.com"
The Masterwork
James Fenos | Columbus, OH United States | 11/12/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Michael was busy in the early eighties, he released two albums, toured and somehow found inspiration into creating this album, "Passionfruit," released in 1983. Each song stands out in it's own right yet it all comes together here in a marvelous cohesion. The album was Michael's commercial and artistic triumph. "Alone At Night" has such a great opening, it's used as the theme for a late night music program for a radio station in Cincinnati. "Never Satisfied" is an upbeat number with catchy hooks you'll be humming hours after you hear it, "Now That Your Joystick's Broke" finds Michael playing with electronic voice manipulation. After this release, Michael gets very contemporary and electronics savvy. "Never Say Die" was an Adult Contemporary radio staple, "Rainy Night In Toyko" is smooth with a tale to tell. "Tell Me All About It" is very sensual, it was recently covered by Natale Cole, who didn't miss a beat when it came to this song's sensuality, she explored this aspect of the tune and the result is a mindblower. "When Sly Calls" is a lament about Michael being stalked by a shifty fellow, it's funny and the girl chorus adds to the comedy. Like all of Michael's albums, his word choice for lyric is unparalled, the music arrangements timeless."
I could never expect an album this good !
William D. Moore III | Atlanta, Ga. United States | 07/11/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the most fantastic musical poetry I've ever heard. Only MF could have the great Astrud Gilberto sing backing vocals (Amazon.com)and pull it off without a hitch. Every track is a standout. My personal favorite is Alone At Night. However, my strongest recommendation is this. For those who are able, go out and find Passionfruit on LP. Do whatever you have to. I have 2 copys on CD and a copy on minidisc. I bought the vinyl on a whim. I was blown away. Completely. This is the ONLY way Michael Frank's music should be heard. On vinyl, the music actually involves you. I rarely listen to the CD now. I listen to the LP almost everyday! If you're looking to get into MF's music, this is the album to do it."
My very first introduction to Michael Franks
F. Aue | Berlin, Germany | 12/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album was my very first introduction to Michael Franks. He became - accidentally and until today - one of the very few, personal five-star rated performers. It's true, in my mind Passionfruit marks the paramount artistry of Franks', produced by keyboard wiz Rob Mounsey (who had previously already played with the likes of Steely Dan, James Taylor, etc.). The result is awesome! The release starts off with the atmospheric "Alone at Night", and introduces one of the moodiest and most soulful blues harp lines I've ever heard. Or take the more up-tempo "Never Satisfied". I also sympathize with every word sung, every line written for this composition. Extremely touchy for anyone who effer suffered from true loneliness. "Now That Your Joystick's Broke" is a pure keyboard-track, almost danceable, a reminiscence to modern technology. The contrast, "Never Say Die", gives you the feeling of completely getting lost in a romantic situation. "When Sly Calls (Don't Touch That Phone)" is still up-to-date, depicting Michael's desire to be away from the stressful and fast-lane life of today's big cities: "I am not here, I'm making my escape, the me you hear is magnetized on tape..." The entire album holds an innate atmosphere I've seldom heard with any other release. The most superb musicians gathered achieve an unique background soundtrack which perfectly embeds one of the most underrated artists of today's jazz scene, Michael Franks. For me, without a doubt: A full five-star rating!"
Without a doubt- the standard
F. Aue | 12/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well Micheal was just plain in the zone on this work. "Sunday Morning" is like ...Perfect. Just a great start to finish treat with all the subtle tongue in cheek lyrics and ear nibbles that make Franks a great artist. Not much more to say other than I have this in LP.Cassette and CD. Enjoy"