Ryan Cabrera - The Moon Under Water Audio CD
A fair review of the Ryan Cabrera "The Moon Under Water" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all
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Band: Ryan Cabrera
Title: The Moon Under Water
Rating: 
Release Date: 2008-05-13
Media: Audio CD
Tracks: 1: In Between Lights 2: Enemies 3: Say 4: Rise (The Dog Barks) 5: Sit Back, Relax 6: The Tango 7: How 'Bout Tonight 8: I Shoulda' Kissed You 9: Say You Will 10: Lie To Me 11: I Will Remember You
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Cabrera is much more than your standard pop-rock flavor of the month The vocal hook of "Enemies" is instantly memorable. The Good
"In Between Lights" kicks the album off with plenty of energy and vocal melody. The added electronic effects add texture to the track. The album's first single "Say" becomes quite addictive with it's repetitive chorus and syncopated drum beat. "Sit Back, Relax" starts off mellow with electronics dominating. Guitar fuzz kicks in around the dramatic chorus. "The Tango" is a guitar heavy track. "I Shoulda Kissed U" is a somber ballad of lost love and tender memories. "I Will Remember You" tends to tread the same territory, but does so in more of an promising way.
The Bad
Nothing notable
The Verdict
I'll admit it, I had no idea who Ryan Cabrera was. I just assumed he was another American Idol reject. That's the ignorant rocker in me. I pretty much avoided this release I much as I could. What was I thinking? Cabrera is much more than your standard pop-rock flavor of the month. First off, the guy can write a catchy song. Second, the backing electronic effects add a wonderful texture to his pop rock sound. Third, the guitars aren't pushed to the back where you can barely hear them. Fourth, the guy can sing, and sing well. Fifth. . . you know what, I could go on and on. Moon Under Water rocks, but still pops enough for all to enjoy.
The mainstream stigma is gone, so what's up with Ryan these days?
The Moon Under Water never strays far from mainstream pop conventions, but Cabrera layers on a mixture of instrumentation that lends itself to some of what we see in today's indie-pop. Ryan Cabrera had a decent run of success with his first two major label efforts, and on his latest effort, The Moon Under Water, he's back to small label antics with creative freedom, a new grungy look, and fortunately - an album worth your time as a fan or pop listener. "In Between Lights" kicks things off with a fresh energy and a chorus littered with hooks - showcasing Cabrera's smart writing. I think one of the things people like about Cabrera is that he doesn't take himself too seriously, and you can hear it in his lyrics in between the more sentimental and serious moments. The record strikes a fine balance between moods and provides a sense of roundness that many records of this genre don't quite flesh out.
The production on The Moon Under Water is layered with a lot of effects and classic instrumentation, making it refreshingly musical. Songs like "Enemies", "Rise (The Dog Barks)", and the infectious "Say" are good examples of the thoughtful and creative instrumentals. "Say" should have been a huge radio hit, and if it had enough exposure, I'm sure it would have been. So many artists are left out in the cold simply because they don't have the heavy backing of big fish industry advertisers. The album's modest commercial success is by no means a reflection of its' outstanding quality in musicianship.
I took a chance on the strength of past releases, and came away very pleased with The Moon Under Water. I hope more people listen to it, and I hope to hear more from this amazingly talented vocalist and writer. Very thoughtful, very smart, and worthy of a place in my collection as a buried treasure.
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Where has the real Ryan been?!
So I've been a fan ever since the day I saw him open for Jessica Simpson!
I own all of his CDs and on this one. . he really shines! I'm so sick of hearing about how he "looks different" now. So what? This is about MUSIC! He found his place and he didn't need to be "hott" to sell records. I went and saw him at House of Blues promoting this record and guess what, long dark hair and all - HE SOUNDS JUST AS WONDERFUL AS HE DID BEFORE with short spikey blonde hair!! He's an AMAZING singer and an AMAZING performer! This CD is for those that appreciate music and not just a singer's appearance. His heart and soul is definitely in this record. .
Amaazing
I have listened to this cd over and over and over and I never get sick of it! I cant wait until he makes another independent record, they seem to be getting better and better each record that is produced! . This album is the best one created so far! I think that indie is the way to go, and I am so glad that Ryan chose this route.
Ryan's BEST ALBUM YET! :)
I can't stop listening to it :D. I love it! The album- like Ryan said is a variety of different sounds.
You can see a complete list of all Ryan Cabrera discography, or go back to the Ryan Cabrera tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.