Search - Sister Hazel :: Sister Hazel

Just plain ol' good music!

FreefFreefieFreefinatorFreeforAllFr | Seattle, WA USA | 09/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's not to say that Sister Hazel's self-titled album isn't unlike anything you've heard before. The catchy tunes, simple riffs, and open vocals will remind you of any number of bands: Hootie and the Blowfish, Counting Crows, Third Eye Blind. That doesn't mean, though, that "Sister Hazel" isn't a great album. The music is simple and the lyrics are sometimes downright cheesey ("One Nation"). But nonetheless, Sister Hazel delivers a precision product that pleases with the intensity, compassion and soulfullness in a way that will likely conjur an image of their namesake.Whether I like "Somewhere More Familiar" or "Fortress" less or more than the self-titled "Sister Hazel" all depends on the day that you ask me. "Sister Hazel" is undoubtedly more bluesey than the others, especially prominent in "Will Not Follow" and "Bring It On Home" which also draws on some obvious gospel influences. You'll find yourself bee-boppin' to the upbeats of "Feel It" and "Sometimes". The toned down harmonious version of "All for You" while heartfelt reminds me a little too much of Extreme's "More Than Words" to be my favorite version, but still an 'ok' rendition.All in all, I still find myself continually impressed with the five member band from Gainesville Florida. They're well worth the listen."

Better than Fortress -- almost as good as SMF!

jeffsdate | Boxford, MA USA | 10/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I thought this album might be a little rough and iffy, since it's their first, but I was pleasantly surprised! The music is less hard-rocking than on Fortress, and on the whole very solid. I especially love their cover of Sam Cooke's "Bring it on Home" - I didn't know it was going to be the same song and they do such a GREAT job with it, I really got into it and started singing along."