Robert Downey Jr - The Futurist
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Music CD Cover
Artist: Robert Downey JrEdition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2004-11-23
Music Label: Sony
Soundtracks:
- Man Like Me
- Broken
- Kimberly Glide
- The Futurist
- Little Clownz
- 5:30
- Your Move
- Details
- Hannah
- Smile
Free Music Notes for The Futurist
Free Music Review: Robert Shines In His CD Debut
Hit: 5 Stars
I received my copy of Robert's CD when he was a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show on November 10th (the show aired November 23rd on ABC). I have been listening to it non stop for the past 2 weeks now. I have been a fan of Robert's acting since 1993, when I first saw his movie "Heart and Souls" at the movie theatre.
I became a fan of Robert's singing shortly thereafter. I loved when he sang the Charlie Chaplin penned song "Smile" for the movie "Chaplin," as well as all the other times he sang in a movie or on a soundtrack over the years. Some other times included when he sang "The Star Spangled Banner" for the "Heart and Souls" soundtrack and "You Don't Know Me" in the movie "Two Girls and a Guy."
Even though I was a fan of Robert's singing early on in his career, I believe the world really got a true taste of his singing ability on the TV show "Ally McBeal." I think the world was amazed that he had such an amazing voice to go along with his amazing talent as an actor. The world probably didn't even know that he could play the piano as well as he could.
Robert covers the Charlie Chaplin penned song "Smile" again on his debut CD. This time the song sounds more haunting, almost as if he had sung it to himself during one of his past dark episodes, as a reminder that someday he would see his way out of the dark.
The song "Man Like Me" seems to take a look inward at a troubled man. It tells the tale of a friend or loved one that is unsure if his or her woman friend should be mixed up with this man as a result of his troubles. The woman in the song doesn't choose to see the troubles, rather she chooses to see only the good points about this man. She sees hope for him, rather than disaster.
Some other gems on this CD include "Broken" (its infectious melody will get in your head and never leave), "Little Clownz" (it speaks of a man that wants to change the world), and "Details" (it speaks of a man who has told so many lies that he can't sleep sound anymore).
I don't know if all of these songs are autobiographical, but you can almost assume that they are in some way or another. The songs seem to mirror a man that has, like I said, been to hell and back. Listening to these songs are like reading the pages of Robert's personal diary. The songs speak of his trials and tribulations. Through listening to these songs, I believe you can gain insight into what it must have been like for him to go through those tough times. All his songs are deeply moving. Robert even makes the covers of "Smile" and "Your Move" his own. I am honored that Robert was willing to reveal so much of himself in these songs. It is probably a sort of healing for him to write his feelings down on paper. Writing down his feelings allows himself to move past his troubles and onto his happy brand new life.
I have been waiting years for Robert to release a CD, ever since hearing him sing "Smile" for the movie "Chaplin." My long wait is finally over! The CD is so wonderful! Robert pours his heart and soul into every song. He has a way with words that is very rare in this day and age. His songs are heart felt and genuine. His voice is so beautiful; it blends very well with his brilliant gift as a pianist.
Robert is a genius plain and simple. He is very versatile - he can take on anything (whether it be a movie, a TV show, or a song) and make it better than anyone could ever imagine.
I am so happy that Robert is doing well and that his drug problems are way behind him. All the support his fans have given him, including mine, have helped him see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. I am so glad that he is doing better because the entertainment world would not be the same without him in it.
"The Futurist" is an appropriate title for his debut CD because it speaks of a man that is looking to his future, rather than his past. It speaks of a man that has been to hell and back, but despite being in the depths of despair for so long, has been able to take charge of his life again, and to even find a new love of his life. Moreover, Robert's CD speaks of a man that realizes he has so much more to offer this world.
Robert's new journey as a singer/songwriter is rich with possibilities. His debut CD is just the beginning of what great things he will no doubt take on and accomplish in the future.
As I said before, Robert is a genius plain and simple. His amazing ability is going to come alive to the whole world with the release of his debut CD.
I recommend Robert's CD to everyone. You will be amazed that this brilliant actor/pianist can write and perform songs that will melt your heart, touch your soul, and make you think.
So please pick up Robert's CD today! I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
The Futurist Poster
Robert Downey Jr, The FuturistThe actor-turned-recording-artist oeuvre has long been ripe for ridicule -- Sebastian Cabot does Dylan, anyone? -- and short on surprises, but this warm, low-key effort by Downey offers up a few intriguing ones. Though he's toyed with music previously, the actor's commitment here is a total one, his troubadour guise carried via an earthy voice with echoes of Dave Matthews' and informed by lyrics with more than a little personal, if lyrically opaque, truth. The wistful "Broken" may be carried on the album's most lilting melody, but its repeated AA-creed refrain is a bittersweet reminder of Downey's personal demons. Spare, jazzy arrangements help keep the focus on Downey's voice throughout, a brave tack that sometimes overplays his novice songwriting skills. But while songs like the Wonder Boys-inspired "Hannah" may amble, the forceful "Man Like Me" and stately grace of "Kimberly Glide" are better showcases for Downey's musical promise. His eight originals are supplemented by two covers: an expected, if overly smoky jazz trio cover of Chaplin's "Smile" and a quaintly confident cover of Yes' "Your Move" sweetened by Jon Anderson himself on backing vocals. -- Jerry McCulley
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