Robert Downey Jr - The Futurist
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Free Music Notes for The Futurist
Free Music Review: Beautifully human "Futurist" was worth the wait
Hit: 5 Stars
It begins with the pleasing musical simplicity of a solo piano. I hold my breath. Then his sensual, sumptuous voice washes over me -- "This is the night I've been dreaming of forever, the mirror takes a look at my face" -- and I smile. At first, I search for signposts in his words that will help me to connect the songs with the stark headline details of his life we all know. But then I let go and sink into the complexities that lie at the heart of his music. When it ends, and there is only the tap of rain on my window, I feel as if I have visited with Downey for a while in his own beautifully human universe.
For some of us who have been Downey fans since Less Than Zero and before, the wait for his first CD has been a long one. "The Futurist" is worth the wait. I'm old fashioned in that I think albums should be a whole experience: an interesting cover, liner notes, designed to be listened to from start to finish without interruption. After listening to "Futurist" for the last few hours, I can say that in my view it is a proper album, with a beginning, a middle and an end. It's direct and warm, emotionally and musically honest. The production doesn't disappoint. Each listen brings something new to my attention. But, it's a Robert Downey Jr. album, so along with the beauty and the genius, there are intriguing, subtle kinks and oddities.
Musically, Downey's clearly adept at genre skipping, at laying down his own richly textured path of musical expression. It is pop, but pop inspired with delicate jazz and blues flavours, and a sprinkle of classy soulful moments. Downey's vocal performances are a mix of fragility and strength, and they captivate. His voice moves comfortably between smooth as suede on the ballads, to a rock edginess, to a delicious smoky blues tone.
On the production, I have to say that in my opinion the gentler, more organic approach taken by Jonathan Elias suits Downey's music better than Mark Hudson's somewhat busy production style. But I confess to a bias in that one of my most treasured CDs is Elias's Prayer Cycle.
Downey's lyrics are strong and evocative. Sometimes he slips into the delightful wordplay that his fans have come to anticipate from his media interviews. The theme of transition prevails. He uses his songs to examine those shadowy times on the edge of love and redemption.
For now my favourite song is "Kimberley Glide," or then again "Little Clownz" and "Hannah" are really good, and there's "A Man Like Me" and "Details" to consider. And listening to "Smile" at the end of the album felt rather like opening a small velvet-wrapped present.
The creative arts always involve risk but Downey took a bold step when he committed to push at the edges of his musical competence, and create his first CD. I applaud his courage and spirit. "The Futurist" reveals to us all that as both an actor and a musician, Robert Downey Jr. is gifted, daring and imaginative.
Free Music Review: sublime
Hit: 5 Stars
It's not very often that multitalented artists like Robert Downey, Jr. come along--and when they arrive it's a pure joy. This album, entitled The Futurist by Robert Downey, Jr., is quite strong and the songs offer an intimate look into his soul and the emotional experiences so many people also share. The music isn't always completely melodious but it works very well just the same; it's very much like a fine piece of modern art that grows on you and takes on extra significance every time you look at it once more. The cover art is exceptional and the liner notes include the lyrics to most of the songs.
The album starts with Robert singing "Man Like Me;" he also plays one of the pianos for this number. Robert's excellent diction bolsters his performance and I really like this opening tune. It's thoughtful, introspective and well executed. Listen also for "Broken;" this ballad is very pretty. The guitar work at the beginning is fine and when Downey comes in this number becomes very meaningful and pleasant to the ear despite a few unexpected chord twists to keep it all interesting and very creative. "Broken" is clearly a major highlight of this album and I think you'll enjoy it very much.
"Kimberly Glide" explores love and, if I understand the lyrics correctly, Robert Downey, Jr. sings of a love that sadly goes unrequited. Maybe there was a bright light of love before but it no longer exists. Robert never misses a note when he sings and I'm very impressed. Similarly, "5:30" scores a big goal for this artist; the percussion starts the music off just right and when Robert Downey, Jr. comes in he really makes this number quite strong with his passionate delivery. You can really hear him singing with all his heart and soul; and that's exceptional.
"Your Move" again features Robert Downey, Jr. squarely front and center--right where he belongs! The music fits in well with Robert's lyrics and Robert even performs his own background vocals--this is very well done. "Details" moves me with its beauty; and I also think that "Hannah" is a major highlight of this album. "Hannah" has great keyboard work and Robert Downey, Jr. does this one up right!
The CD ends strong with Robert Downey, Jr. performing a most passionate rendition of Charlie Chaplin's classic ballad entitled "Smile." Not only did this close the CD with a number that left me wanting more, it also made me fondly recall Robert's outstanding portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in the biopic "Chaplin" from several years ago.
Robert Downey, Jr. needs to put out more great CDs like this one! The Futurist grows on you; I loved it more every time I listened to it. He's quite a talented singer. If we're lucky he'll be around to give us much more very special ballads for quite some while to come.
Free Music Review: RDJ is "The Futurist"
Hit: 5 Stars
I've been immersing myself in Robert Downey Jr's new CD after a busy evening and allowing the hypnotic melodies and lyrics to transport me to a place full of surprises. Yet, familiarity exists there too. His bluesy style is something that attracts me as I have always appreciated so many varieties of music, including blues, jazz, pop, ballads and the list goes on. Downey's music is moving, fluid and touches places deep within. It's an admission of having made wrong choices. Of battles he has lost and won. "The mirror takes a look at my face. I'm not gonna set foot in that rat hole again, but I drive to your place..." It's a fabric of pieces that meld together, making sense after only a few listens. The tracks seem to have a nameless, seamless theme, but fit one another like a hand to a glove. It's captivating. "There's an adventurous God out there." He talks of his past, of love, of reality. He speaks in a kind of rhythmic poetry. Not unlike the way he expresses himself with that verbal dexterity so prevalent in many of his film and tv characters. This music surrounds and seduces me, transforming me into a willing participant. "Man Like Me" is a perfect beginning for a CD that strips off the onion layers and reveals the man behind the mask, melody and words. This music is something to be embraced and sipped upon slowly, like anything worthwhile. A good glass of Shiraz. "Broken" is achingly tender and describes his heart just before it was embraced by love. The songs are splattered primarily with melodic piano bits, strings, various other gentle instrumentals and voice. Robert's identifiable, jazzy vocals and very competent piano playing. A lot of music today is mass produced and multi-tracked, it deters away from the performer, leaving one with a sense of doubt as to what was actually heard. That is not the case with "The Futurist". "Details" is a song I've played repeatedly now. It's one of the best songs on the CD and once it gets under your skin, you'll want to hear it again and again. If you had no idea Downey Jr. had recorded this CD, you would find it amazingly endearing and genuine. There are no false moves here. It's raw and gentle and real. "I'll spare the details of the rocks and the nails and the times that I've lied... are laid down tonight." It's about where the man has come from to reach this plateau of new beginnings and he can be very proud of his first foray into the world of musical appreciation. One last mention. Downey's cover of Yes' "Your Move" with Jon Anderson providing back up vocals is powerful and hypnotic while "Smile" pulls the entire presentation together as Downey sings about something he knows about. "Smiling while your heart is breaking." I'm smiling tonight, Mr. Downey. Thank you so much. Jill
Free Music Review: I LOVE CCR! Robert is so ready for swamp rock!
Hit: 5 Stars
I heard Broken for the first time while watching Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. This isn't a review of that movie, but I was like - if it weren't for that scene in the beginning with the kids and this song I'd be like - why'd I just see this movie? The song completely covered my fresh memory of that movie like a warm blanket. In other words, the movie left me cold, Robert Downey, jr.'s song at the end made me think - oh my god, maybe I can fall in love again. Then, I bought the CD.
In the thank you notes, Robert Downey, Jr. mentions Susie Q's samurai feedback. At first I was like, who? Then, I was like - Eureka! I get it! If you speed up the beats in a lot of his songs, then you practically got a city-boy's version of swamp backwater music. I was like! I love CCR! Susie Q is like one of their best songs! And, anyone who knows CCR music has to appreciate a) their natural images in their lyrics, aka poetry and b) they make you want to sing along. Robert Downey, jr.'s songs are great because well, I want to see along. Very, very, touchy feeling in a "I've been places you've never seen, man" kinda way. And, I'm like "Actually, I've been to some of those places myself." I even have my own Yes story. They are quite the hypnotic yet inspirationally positive band.
I really, really wish he'd do another CD. Though I want more swamp. Or, alley way runoff. Whatever works. He's a courageous singer and I look forward to the next CD I hope will be named - It's down to Syracuse. Cause I heard a rumor he might change his last name to one that suits his more natural image of an affectionate redneck born in the city. He's so not a junior anymore.
My only criticism is that although I felt like I'm ready for love again when I listen to his CD, Robert sounds like he is almost going the other way. I feel a bit selfish in that wow I feel good and ready, yet his lyrics often lend themselves to a man who actually is broken - not in a good way like a wild horse, rather the bad way like a wild horse. I'd like to hear more sexy lyrics coming out of him like "hey sweet momma; come any closer and I'll steal some that brown sugar from you" and stuff like that. I know he is capable. He just needs to be in love himself. He'll drive women crazy for sure. First those eyes then that flirting! I can't wait for his next CD!
The bottom line is everytime I listen to his voice I wish I had a dark larger in one hand and a pool stick in the other. And, then, I'm like - I either listened to his voice too long or drank too much because I'm in love again and want to make out with somebody. That's about as good of review as I got.
Free Music Review: Compelling- my fav new CD-destined to remain among my favs
Hit: 5 Stars
Haunting, vulnerable, sensitive, simple, no-nonsense yet powerful are words to describe this CD for me. It evokes numerous feelings gained through the emotional and overall intelligence evident in this artist.
I first became aware of 'The Futurist' when RDJ appeared on 'Ellen' (one of the better performances of it, BTW). Fortunately, I taped the performance and played it again and again for myself and eventually for individual friends over the phone and in my home. Immediately after becoming aware of it, I purchased the CD for myself and for others as a Christmas gift.
I own a lot of music, but keep a separate neat little stack of my favorites, including greats like Elton John, James Taylor, Art Garfunkel, Carole King, Joni Mitchell to name a few. This CD is now at the top of the stack where it belongs. I take it everywhere I go. Friends have since shared other appearances they've taped from on-air performances, because they know I admire and appreciate the music and talent of RDJ so much.
I'm very happy that he continues to take responsibility for his life and moves past his 'demons' to present himself anew for our pleasure. His sensitivity and vulnerability are apparent, and that is what makes this work so captivating. He's a real person with real life issues, but with an enormous talent that deserves to be shared and embraced. I am happy for his success on all fronts. It's well-deserved.
I will continue to support his great talent by sharing it every chance I get. I wish him well. Life is not about striving for 'perfectionism'...it's about working to be the best you can be. I'm grateful RDJ continues to honor us with his many talented efforts. I see great things in his future. I believe this CD is just the beginning (not to discount his past gifts to us). I, for one, look forward to his next 8 songs or more. I find great pleasure in listening to this one until that time. I am sure many of you will too.
*Just a note..'Man Like Me' is imprinted on my mind, I've played it so many times. I could barely move past this one song to hear the rest. His deliverance of it reveals so much personal depth. Likewise, I feel his rendition of 'Your Move' is exceptional! I know musicians, and understand that it can be difficult to deliver such an outstanding performance of another artist's music. I can't say enough good things about this CD. I believe it's destined to become a classic. Buy it, I am sure you will agree!