Jimmy Buffett Album: “Don't Stop the Carnival”

Maybe people don't like the "new" Bryan Adams, but the music is so strong on this album. The songs rocks, like no other of his records.

Just play it loud!

Bryan Adams has always been one of the most interesting solo rockers. The first record I remember purchasing myself at the age of 7 was Bryan Adams' 1984 album Reckless. With that in mind, I feel no shame in saying that I am a fan of Bryan's music.

His career might have recieved a renewed boost in the early 90's with the classic Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves ballad Everything I Do (I Do It For You), but the lyrics and music on 18 Til I Die still sounds as raw and electrifying as it did in the early to mid 80's. The title track says it all with lines like "someday I'll be 18 going on 55..." True to the lyric, Bryan doesn't seem to be growing any older as far as the record is concerned. He sings about things that only adolescents would dare sing about, take (I Wanna Be) Your Underwear for instance. However, Bryan delivers such charming rockers as The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You which ranks up there with Summer Of 69 and Cuts Like A Knife as one of his best rock songs, the groovy hit single Let's Make A Night To Remember, the uplifting Star, and the ballads You're Still Beautiful To Me, I'll Always Be Right There, and I Think About You.

18 Til I Die signifies Bryan Adams' most commercially successful work over the past decade. It also symbolizes that there's no growing up completely for Bryan Adams, at least not for now, but why should he grow up?

He'll be 18 til he dies alright!

Recommended

B+

Bryan's songwriting talents come full circle on this stunning, spectacular release. His ballads are instantly classic and his rockers pack more punch than most alternative groups' half his age.

The album kicks off with "The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me is You," a spirited rocker that deserved a higher perch on the pop charts. "Do to You" is the gritty, down-and-dirty followup that boasts a manic tempo and irresistible, intense guitars. "Let's Make a Night to Remember," another single is classic Adams, complete with self-harmony, romantic lyrics and plenty of guitar riffs.

The title track is a tune that would have sounded perfect cranked up at pool halls and bars, had anyone at A&M bothered to release it as a single. "Star" is a lovely ballad that gets its juice from a programmed drum loop and the welcome inclusion of a piano, an instrument not entirely common to Bryan Adams. "(I Wanna Be) Your Underwear" got a lot of critical slack for the bluntness of its title, but the slow grind of the rhythm and clever lyrics make this one of the album's strongest, most enjoyable tracks. The start of each chorus line ("I wanna be"...etc.) is nothing if not anthemic, and the sample used in the drum track nicely compliments, not compromises, the song's rocking feel.

"We're Gonna Win" is a decent enough speed-rocker, and "I Think About You" is the sort of ballad we've come to expect from him. But "I'll Always Be Right There," on the other hand, is a mature and dignified declaration of love helped along by a drop-dead gorgeous string section.

"It Ain't a Party (if You Can't Come 'Round)" and "Black Pearl" are the only songs the album could have done without..."Party" features a run-of-the-mill shuffle beat and "Black Pearl," a rocker that finds Bryan coming down with a touch of jungle fever, is passable but a little unnecessary; surely he's not the first white rocker to get down and dirty with a woman of color. "You're Still Beautiful to Me" adds a nice hint of country, and the classic "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?," with its crystal-clear rhythm track and exotic guitars, remains not only one of Bryan's finest ballads but one of the finest movie themes ever.

This album is at once an argument for Bryan's classic sensibilities, the razor-sharp production of Robert John "Mutt" Lange, and the old-fashioned ability ignore trends and simply rock. Previous Adams projects sold more copies and had more hit singles, but never mind...this is Bryan Adams at his absolute finest.

This is a great album, one of my all time favorites. I brought it when it was first released. I lived in Australia at the time. I am in my 40s and I lent it to our 18 year old daughter, who is generally into all that hip-hop and rap..., but after she played this album she was hooked and her whole musical tastes are now developing for all kinds of music and many different artists.

She loves all the songs on the album as I do. What a mixture of styles! He makes you laugh with 'I Want to be your Underwear' and then you cry over 'Have you Ever Really Loved a Woman?'.

I think that is one of the things I love most about the album. I hate to put on an album which will set a mood for its entire length. You know, all sad songs and such. This one stimulates all your emotions. Plus, they are all true to Brian Adams, he writes great songs.

Our daughter moved, along with 'MY' album, to another state some months ago. When she came home for Thanksgiving she brought it with her and asked me if she could keep it. I let her have it and now I must buy another copy. It's nice to know that some things can bridge the generation gap, especially where music is concerned.

bryan adams continues to get better and better. he is the greatest rock artist that has ever lived. Songs on this ablum have everything, love, rock, excitement and shear youth.