Search - THE OCEAN BLUE :: Cerulean

Soft Rock Classic

Brian D. Rubendall | Oakton, VA | 08/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Ocean Blue's "Cerulean" is one of the best soft rock albums ever made, if that's the right categorization of this Pennsylvania band that sounds they're from Liverpool. The gentle guitar work, intricate sythesizers and dreamy vocals makes it seem almost like they were attempting to combine New Age music with rock and roll.What really makes "Cerulean" stand out, however, is the hook-laden songwriting. Tracks like the single "Ballerina Out of Control" start off pleasently and then surpirse with their hummable catchiness. The lyrics may not amount to much, but when the music is this good that hardly matters. The whole album has a strong consistancy with no bad songs, but in addition to the single "Marigold," "Questions of Travel" and the title track stand slightly above the rest.Overall, an atmospheric classic that is far more substantial than its soft rock sound appears at first."

Thank you, Erin!!!!!!!!

Rob O | Chicago, Illinois | 10/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Erin V. was the name of the girl that introduced me to The Ocean Blue; she is a distant memory, but the music of TOB has stayed with me for the 15 years since we have broken up. I am writing this review in the middle of the fall season and there is no better time to be listening to this album then when the leaves are changing and there is a crisp, chill in the air.



One of my favorites on this album and one of my favorites of all-time is a track called, "Ballerina out of Control". I heard that Deathcab for Cutie is covering that song; which is a shame, because they suck and TOB are exponentially better than them. Anyhow...this album is the perfect compliment to any season, but for some reason, I tend to listen to it most during the Autumn months....



Another standout track on this album is the track, "I've Sung too many songs for a crowd that didn't want to listen" Very long title and long titles are things that Morrissey and the Smiths seemed to get away with and it was quite bold of this group to take on the same bands that started this genre by giving this song such a long title.



I've seen TOB blue just about every time that they come to Chicago and the crowds are getting smaller and smaller and smaller...it really is too bad that the success of this band hasn't stuck around longer. Every person that I recommend this music to becomes an instant fan and comes to their gigs with me. The fans that I have noticed time after time coming to the gigs are loyal as heck and I have total respect for you guys.



Last, but not least...one of the sadist and emotionally inducing songs of all time is called, "A Separate Reality" This is a slow little number with bluesy lyrics and dream-pop acoustics. If you were to do nothing else in your entire life, get your iPod, sit under a tree on a crisp autumn day and listen to that song! It will bring chills down your spine and tears to your eyes, because it is THAT beautiful! Also, if it happens to be a rainy evening; you must give the track, "Hurricane Amore" a listen.



I'm telling you...TOB is soundtrack music to your life and you won't regret purchasing this album and knowing that you have just about every track for just about every occassion in your life. To sum it up, TOB make you feel happy to be alive. Cheers!



"

Soft Rock at its Best

Brian D. Rubendall | Oakton, VA | 09/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Cerulean" is one of the best soft rock albums ever recorded. Tuneful without ever being sugary or schmaltzy, it contains excellent songwriting, good singing and just enough rock tempo to keep it from feeling wimpy. The single "Ballerina Out of Control," is the best song. But there are a number of other great tracks, including "Questions of Travel," "Cerulean," and "Marigold." In fact, this is one of those rare albums that contains no weak tracks and maintains a strong consistency throughout."