Search - Robert Palmer :: Ridin High

Pleasantly Surprised

Justin R. Macumber | Fort Worth, Texas United States | 11/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I think of Swing or Big Band music, a lot names come to mind, but one I never would have thought of was Robert Palmer, the singer of dreadful 80s tunes like Irresistable. In my youth I was *not* a Palmer fan. But one day I was listening to the radio and I heard his rendition of "Mercy Mercy Me." Well, I thought it was great, even if he was the singer, so I bought the CD it was on ("Don't Explain"). Some of the other songs were okay, such as Housework, but I really didn't get into it until I got to the title track. When I heard the opening music, and then his voice, I was hooked. And then came Aeroplane, and lastly You're My Thrill. Those songs were great! But sadly they only made up a small segment of the CD. Well, a couple of years later, and he released "Ridin' High," a fantastic set of swinging standards and other finger-snappin' cuts. No, it's not the greatest versions of these songs on the planet, but he delivers them with real zeal and love. His voice can alternate between sultry and sizzling with ease. And what's greatest is that he turned to this style of music years before it became trendy. I highly recommend this disk."

Great Interpretations of Great Songs

L. L. Holmes | Butte, MT United States | 04/11/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Pulled this CD out the other day for a listen--had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. Palmer released this a long time before it was fashionable for rock singers to cut standards albums, and he did his with great class and style. It's not the usual collection of songs, and the arrangements are very fresh and unique. I highly recommend it to people who enjoy the classics. Not your run-of-the-mill lounge singer act."

A Fresh Voice

jazz bassplayer/composer | Ohio | 10/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Definitely one of the very best vocal albums I've heard. Robert Palmer performs these tunes with a great deal of passion and taste. The arrangements are incredible.
Alot of afficianados will never accept someone with palmer's background as a success in this genre. In my mind he certainly is.
You can tell he did the album for the love of it. He certainly could have made a more commercial album.
Moooove over sacred cows of vocaldom, Robert Palmer has turned out one sensuous work of art."