Search - Regie Hamm :: American Dreams

Unrealized Potential

David Berkowitz | Schaumburg, IL USA | 09/28/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"There's good news and bad news here.The good news is that Regie Hamm is an amazing songwriter. His lyrics have the poetry of a Joni Mitchell and the sharp wit of a Randy Newman. Most of the songs on American Dreams paint lyrical portraits that are right on target, whether reminiscing about childhood moments with a father, talking about his lady love or skewering middle-class America. Give a good listen to "Babies," "Old Man" and, of course, "Infidels" - the only track that seems to get radio play. His melodies, while not catchy in and of themselves, provide an adequate framework for the concepts he brilliantly weaves into each work.The bad news is that, musically, most of these numbers are poorly arranged and produced. With a few notable exceptions, the music muddies the message acting more as a distraction than a reinforcement of the underlying theme. There is just plain too much going on in most of these numbers, many of which would have been improved with a simple, elegant background instead of the persistent bass and drum beat. Listen to this album and imagine the songs as they would be covered by Tracy Chapman or Joni Mitchell. Hamm needs to learn that sometimes less is more.Let's hope that American Dreams catches the attention of a talented producer who decides to take Hamm under his wing for the next album. There is so much potential here for great artistry."

Music with a soul and a mind

Mark Publow | Phoenix, AZ USA | 06/21/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Singer/songwriter Regie Hamm has apparently been around as a songwriter for others for some time, but this is his first CD. And what a debut. Skilled and strong in both musicianship and the songwriter's craft, Hamm manages to stir both the soul and the mind with his music. Songs like "Flying" with lyrics like feeling "ten feet tall and bulletproof" in one's youth are written with a perspective that manages to take the listener from youth to old age and back again with a graceful easy style. "Infidels" has a tongue-in-cheek sense of humour, and many other songs demonstrate wit and shrewd critiques of contemporary American life. "American Dreams" is a class song that captures the greatness of America as a place where people can make a life and create a legacy through generations, whiile "White Suburban" is a somewhat cynical view of contempory suburban life. "They Know Not What They Do" and "Faith in Paradise" reflect are each reflections on faith and the human condition. All in all, this album provides a rewarding time that engages both mind and soul."

Strong Stuff

PFN | TN United States | 07/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The reviewer "L.W." is way too harsh on Regie. Regie's songs speak more unvarnished truth than much of the slick, schlocky, cliche-ridden, so-called "Christian" music being churned out today. Regie demonstrates that Christians can be witty, original, authentic, beautifully expressive, and, yes, at times brutally honest and ascerbic. I've worn out Regie's CD. It's great stuff. If you haven't listened, give it a try. Chances are you'll be hooked immediately."