The Great Divide

Amazon.com
Though Willie Nelson has previously demonstrated that he can sing just about anything with just about anyone, The Great Divide shows there are some bridges even he shouldn't cross. An incongruous array of duet partners join Nelson on this attempt to attract a younger and wider demographic. The project follows the formula that paid such commercial dividends for Carlos Santana, down to the collaboration with matchbox twenty's Rob Thomas on the opening "Maria." Nelson proceeds to engage Kid Rock in a transgenerational gunslingers' duel on "Last Stand in Open Country," reaches a more comfortable accommodation with neo-soulster Brian McKnight on "Don't Fade Away," and meditates on the aging process with three melancholy ballads ("This Face," "Recollecting Phoenix," and "You Remain") that are likely to confound the pop-rock crowd the project seems so intent on converting. The rest of the material ranges from Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" to the psychedelic chestnut "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)"--already revived by Nelson on 2001's Rainbow Connection. Only the Gypsy-tinged title song rings as true as one typically expects from Willie. --Don McLeese

The Great Divide,Willie Nelson,Lost Highway,Contemporary Country,Country,Country & Western,Pop,Progressive Country

Average customer rating: I wanna BE Scott Stapp!! TIME TO RAMBLE ON! My Sacrifice -- Listening to this album Debut solo effort from former Creed belter A valiant attempt...

The Great Divide Scott Stapp Manufacturer: Wind-Up ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Greatest Hits (w/ Bonus DVD) One Day Remains My Own Prison Human Clay Weathered ASIN: B000B5NHYU Release Date: 2005-11-22

Tracks:

1. Reach Out
2. Fight Song
3. Hard Way
4. Justify
5. Let Me Go
6. Surround Me
7. The Great Divide
8. Sublime
9. You Will Soar
10. Broken

Amazon.com

On his solo debut Creed vocalist Scott Stapp steps up with an album that delicately balances his past with his present but without apology for either. Songs such as "Reach Out" and "You Will Soar" appease longtime fans without serving as mere Creed retreads, but the material that breaks almost entirely from tradition (namely "Sublime") remains some of the most satisfying. With no fewer than three single-worthy tracks--"Let Me Go," "Surround Me," "You Will Soar," plus the already-released title cut--The Great Divide doesn't just find Stapp standing firmly on his own feet it also finds him, more often than not, reaching for new heights. --Jedd Beaudoin

Customer Reviews:

I wanna BE Scott Stapp!!.......2007-07-18

The only person other than myself I've ever wanted to be is Scott Stapp - albums like this only encourage it.

Objectively, it's only a 3-star album, but I'm very happy with it. There is clearly something of a fall-off from Creed, and it clearly doesn't measure up to the 5-star "Best of Creed". Stapp and Creed really enhanced each other - he could stand to be editted and embellished by them.

However, it's a nice extender for that legion of fans that just didn't get enough Creed. Not much different than Creed at all! And while there are no instant classics to be found here, it's devoid of lemons, too.

Like Creed? Buy this album, too.

TIME TO RAMBLE ON!.......2007-02-21

Didnt buy the album. thought about it, think ill just borrow it.

I was a Creed fan, but kinda got sick of listening to stapps voice.

Would highly recommend the AlterBridge album. (5 Stars)

Also, after hearing AlterBridge and further investigating Myles found that he was with a band call The Mayfield Four. Their album Second Skin. is also a 5 star recommendation. Definately worth a listen

A very fresh perspective. and Myles Kennedy sounds as though he is exponentially more trained as a vocalist. Plus he can play the guitar.

God Bless Stapp, Hey, He had quite a run(out of nowhere), but it is time to take it to the house.

Was very impressed with Creed way back in the beginning. But have enjoyed the AlterBridge album and the Mayfield Four album-Second Skin quite a bit more. Hopefully they wont give up. been listening to it almost daily for two years now. Really worth a listen.

My Sacrifice -- Listening to this album.......2006-12-11

Ahhh, the long awaited Scott Stapp solo album. The resurgence of Scott Stapp begs the immediate question -- Is there anything Scott Stapp can't do? The answer is invariably YES: sing, write decent songs, or stay out of jail. Lets start with the album cover and the goofy aramaic looking symbol behind him. When loosely translated, the writing reads the phrase "I'm a tool." Though I'll have to give him credit, I was expecting the album cover to be a picture of him nailed to a cross. Instead he went with a tastful picture of himself dressed like a biker and posing like he's being voilated by a [...] thermometer. For all those folks out there looking for that "inspiration" they all seem to find in Stapp's lyrics, I suggest you get some inspiration from the business end of a Lousiville slugger. Maybe then you won't reach out to the psuedo-Christian rocker that got arrested on his wedding day. And I don't even have to mention the video of him and Kid Rock having sex with groupies.

Debut solo effort from former Creed belter.......2006-11-09

On his debut solo platter Stapp knows he's up against a hell of a lot of expectation after Creed split. And out of this disc and the Alter Bridge album it's this one that is closest to the Creed blueprint. That is partly due to his voice but the music is also closer to the mans previous bands efforts. So ultimately this is a hard rock album by someon with a pretty good track record in the genre - so what do we get?

Firstly the obligatory hard rockers open up the album and they do encapsulate perhaps the anger of Stap regarding certain situations he's faced over the last couple of years prior to the albums release. His voice is straining at the bit, sounding rougher and harsher than I've ever heard it. All backed up by solid guitar - a wall of sound - provided by Aristides Rincon and John Curry.

This theme of anger and self realisation is continued in tracks like Justify;

I do not have to justify
the way I live my life
I do not have to justify
the reason I'm alive

You get the picture. Other tracks hint at the christian ethos of Stapp but generally it's held in check enough to prevent it becoming too much of a distraction. And while there are a couple of tracks that don't quite work (Sublime being a case in point) there are plenty of uplifting rock songs here to have your top tapping along, prime cuts for me being You Will Soar and the title track.

Any Creed fan should buy this. And there were plenty of them!

A valiant attempt..........2006-10-04

I'm a fan of all music, jazz, metal, ska, reggae, rap, hip/hop...you name it. I was somewhat a fan of Creed and it's not surprising that Scott Stapp's "The Great Divide" is Creed-esque in almost every aspect. Firstly, to say that Creed was a great band is a complete fallacy as any respectible musician knows this (a bar chord strummed 75 times per song does not qualify as great technical musical ability) and second, the frontman is the leader of the band and the style he/she brings to the table is just that; their style. You may or may not criticize Scott Stapp for his attempt but one thing that is for sure is that his music/lyrics are catchy and that is what sells on the mainstream. I gave this review 4 stars because Scott hasn't changed his style in an ever changing music world and because I can. In summation, if you like Creed, you'll probably like this album (depending on your own feelings about Creed's breakup).

And in response to some reviewers...who buys music anymore anyway? If you want to listen just download it, it's that easy (Piracy is still king)

Average customer rating: Not The Typical Willie Faire Willie attempts Santana's Supernatural... Not for "traditional" Willie fans. From the King of duets... Eclectic collection demonstrates Nelson's range

The Great Divide Willie Nelson Manufacturer: Lost Highway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stars & Guitars Teatro Willie Nelson and Friends: Live and Kickin' It Always Will Be Across the Borderline ASIN: B00005UNEA Release Date: 2002-01-15

Tracks:

1. Maria (Shut Up And Kiss Me; with Rob Thomas)
2. Mendocino County Line (with Lee Ann Womack)
3. Last Stand In Open Country (with Kid Rock)
4. Won't Catch Me Cryin'
5. Be There For You (with Sheryl Crow)
6. The Great Divide
7. Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)
8. This Face
9. Don't Fade Away (with Brian McKnight)
10. Time After Time
11. Recollection Phoenix
12. You Remain (with Bonnie Raitt)

Amazon.com

Though Willie Nelson has previously demonstrated that he can sing just about anything with just about anyone, The Great Divide shows there are some bridges even he shouldn't cross. An incongruous array of duet partners join Nelson on this attempt to attract a younger and wider demographic. The project follows the formula that paid such commercial dividends for Carlos Santana, down to the collaboration with matchbox twenty's Rob Thomas on the opening "Maria." Nelson proceeds to engage Kid Rock in a transgenerational gunslingers' duel on "Last Stand in Open Country," reaches a more comfortable accommodation with neo-soulster Brian McKnight on "Don't Fade Away," and meditates on the aging process with three melancholy ballads ("This Face," "Recollecting Phoenix," and "You Remain") that are likely to confound the pop-rock crowd the project seems so intent on converting. The rest of the material ranges from Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" to the psychedelic chestnut "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)"--already revived by Nelson on 2001's Rainbow Connection. Only the Gypsy-tinged title song rings as true as one typically expects from Willie. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

Not The Typical Willie Faire.......2007-06-14

I used to absolutely *hate* Willie's music, but after buying this CD and one-by-one liking the songs, I can appreciate alot more of his style of old country music.

It doesn't sound like the typical Willie faire, but with songs written by Bernie Taupin and Rob Thomas, it offers a Willie-infused, contemporary country sound that is still somehow distinctly Willie Nelson.

Maria, The Great Divide, Last Stand in Open Country and the cover of Just Dropped In are the stand-out tracks. However, the whole album is listenable.

Willie attempts Santana's Supernatural..........2004-12-06

I have never been a fan of Nelson...his voice is so thin, but I am a fan of this album. It's Willie's attempt at mimicking the success of Santana's Supernatural (it even has three Rob Thomas songs!) and that's why it works for me. Other guests are Lee Ann Womack, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt & the one goof...Brian McKnight. He also covers Cindi Lauper's "Time After Time" & The First Edition's "Just Dropped In To See What Condition My Condition Was In" It's a pretty safe bet that this will be the only Willie Nelson CD I will ever own, because it's not really Willie...only sorta Willie.

Not for "traditional" Willie fans........2004-12-01

If you like traditional country than you may not like this, it's rather different, good different not bad different. Most songs are pretty popesque rather than traditional country. I like (not love but can listen to some) Willie Nelson music and this is not like that but well worth a try just don't expect old Willie style music.

From the King of duets..........2004-02-21

There is one unique man who has written traditional country standards, performed duets with international pop icons, made a couple of movies, lost everything to the IRS and built a cult following of rednecks and hippies. Willie Nelson is musical genius who always seems to have one more rabbit to pull out of his hat...or his pigtails, or whatever Willie Nelson pulls his rabbits out of. The red-headed stranger has handed us one more unique compilation with The Great Divide.

The Great Divide is made up of a dozen songs that have little in common with one another. The album has everything from haunting, gypsy sounds to light pop sounds to contemporary country . Many of the songs are exceptional, while others are so weak that they leave gaping holes in the flow of the album. The album consists of six songs in which Willie teams up with his contemporaries in pop music and country. Willie has always been a brave duet partner and has sounded completely natural on duets with a variety of vocalists, including Merle Haggard, Ray Charles and Julio Iglesias. For the most part, The Great Divide continues the Willie Nelson tradition of outstanding collaborations with duets with Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas, country vocalist LeeAnn Womack, bad boy rocker Kid Rock and long time Willie fan Sheryl Crow. Willie teams up with Rob Thomas for "Maria," an up tempo tune with a Latin flair. Willie's partnership with Lee Ann Womack produces "Mendocino County Line," the first Willie tune in ages to be played by mainstream country radio. The third track is a surprising standout as Kid Rock drops his screaming, rapping image to add his vocals to the chilling "Last Stand in Open Country." The Sheryl Crow duet, "Be There For You" provides a unique, but catchy beat laced with strong vocals. Collaborating with Brian McKnight on "Don't Fade Away" is just an unnatural stretch, even for Willie Nelson. The song leaves an awkward hole in the middle of the album, almost making the listener forget that this is the legendary Willie Nelson. On the final track, Willie is coupled with Bonnie Raitt on "You Remain," a mediocre song that is, for the most part unmemorable. Willie's work on "Recollection Phoenix" and "This Face" lends itself to a pop sound that is just a little too artificial for the folks in Luckenbach. Willie also goes out on a limb with pop remakes such as Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" and "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In.") Perhaps the most moving and Willie-esque song is the title track, situated in the middle of the album. "The Great Divide" was written by Willie Nelson and is the standout song on the album, with that evocative, lingering guitar pluck that Willie is known for.

Eclectic collection demonstrates Nelson's range.......2003-10-01

Hand it to Willie Nelson for once again confounding expectations and taking risks. THE GREAT DIVIDE is an almost ironic title, considering the number of high-profile collaborations and genre-busting duets...Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty), Bonnie Raitt, Kid Rock, Lee Ann Womack, Brian McKnight, and Sheryl Crow all drop in and join Willie on this widely diverse collection. Even though some of the duet partners and song selections sound a bit odd on the surface--sort of like putting maple syrup on smoked sausage--for the most part, it works magically. "Maria (Shut Up and Kiss Me)" with Rob Thomas kicks off the collection in rollicking fashion with an insistent shuffle and some really kicking horns. Trust me, it works, and you'll smile when you hear it. "Mendocino County Line" written by Bernie Taupin (!) and sung with Lee Ann Womack was the big hit single, and it's easy to see why...a lilting country ballad that soars in the blending of these two voices. The concept strains a bit on "Last Stand in Open Country" with Kid Rock, but the next Rob Thomas tune, "You Won't Catch Me Cryin'" quickly rights the ship with its stripped-down arrangement...and Willie's tough-yet-tender vocal delivery. "Be There for You" with Sheryl Crow is a mixed bag...they sound good singing together, but the material isn't the strongest, and let's face it, Willie Nelson and synthesizers may be too much of a stretch. However, the title track, "The Great Divide," reminds us that Willie Nelson is not only a fantastic interpreter of lyrics, but he is a master when it comes to writing them: "Summer sun no prettier than summer rain, summer gone, summer coming back again, And other loves lost in the great divide." In my opinion, this is one of the two masterpieces on the CD; and it's highlighted by an utterly brilliant guitar solo by Willie himself. The mood is then dampened a bit by the tangential "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)," though again, I have to give Willie points for bravery with this rather quirky rendition--made even stranger by the fact that he had already covered this same Mickey Newbury standard on his previous album. "This Face" is a spot-on perfect song for Willie Nelson..."spot-on" being a good British term, which is appropriate considering Bernie Taupin's involvement in writing it. "Don't Fade Away" with Brian McKnight is pleasant--not overly remarkable, but is, again, an interesting collaboration. "Time After Time" which is, yes, the Cyndi Lauper song, lopes along in an oddly affecting way--Willie manages to give the song new life and meaning. "Recollection Phoenix" hits home with it's "older-but-wiser" theme, and it's a good fit for Willie. With the album closer, Willie delivers the knockout punch in the most tender way: "You Remain," written by Donald Wallace Poythress and Leslie Satcher, and sung with Bonnie Raitt, is breathtaking and gripping. Put this one in the canon of Willie Nelson classics. The spare-yet-stately piano-based arrangement allows the two vocalists to connect brilliantly with the evocative lyrics: "There's an old house key in the kitchen drawer, to a door I can't unlock no more, sometimes I hold that key real tight, but what do you do after goodbye, Night and day, night and day, you remain." And so do you, Willie...once more, Willie Nelson has proved that his artistic vision is not only alive and kicking, but is apparently limitless.

Average customer rating: My favorite album..from my favorite band! The Best "Standing here in the Afterglow" The Best Ever Afterglow.......GLOWS

Afterglow: The Will Rogers Sessions The Great Divide Manufacturer: Broken Bow ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Break in the Storm Remain Revolutions Everythingupsidedown Twelve Pieces ASIN: B000051XZN Release Date: 2000-10-31

Tracks:

1. Days Go
2. Out Of Here Tonight
3. Straight Off Into You
4. Wild Horses
5. Wildflower
6. Ain't About To Fall
7. Afterglow
8. Hang On Cowboy
9. Blue Skies
10. Floods

Customer Reviews:

My favorite album..from my favorite band!.......2003-07-15

I stumbled upon these guys about six years ago, and since then, I have purchased all of their CDs...and I just can't stop playing them! Seriously, I will often just pop a few of their CDs into the stereo, and hit "Random," and I'll be happy all day...I just can't get tired of them! If you aren't familiar with them, their sound is a mix of country, rock, blues, and gospel, and you'll often find a little of everything on each album. It's not really radio-play music...much too real for that, but it is some of the best music you can find in any genre.

Of all of their albums, this one is my favorite. I love all of the songs, but "Blue Skies," and "Floods" are especially great. "Wildflowers" is my favorite song they sing...simple, romantic, and honest...it's the kind of song that you want somebody to sing to you, because it means you're that special.

If you want a new sound that you know you'll love, you absolutely can't go wrong with anything from The Great Divide...especially Afterglow!

The Best.......2003-05-22

This the first CD i ever bought, and that was at there concert here in DAVID CITY, NEBRASKA at the Butler County Fair of 2002 this is also the first time i had ever heard of them. i was even lucky enough to shake hands and talk to Mike McClure (lead singer). However their not all country they have a little of a rock tune to some of their songs. if you like this kind of music then this is a must have CD. the best songs that i like off this cd is "Wildflowers", "Wild Horses", and "Out Of Here Tonight" along with all the other songs. no one will be dissappointed with this CD, trust me.

"Standing here in the Afterglow".......2001-10-24

This is a great cd. Loved EVERY song. I have had the pleasure of meeting TGD in Utah. Not only are these guys one of the most talented bands I have ever heard, they are really great guys.

The Best Ever.......2001-05-21

This is the best Great Divide Cd I have ever heard. The Great Divide is an awesome band to start with, and this is the greatest that they have put out.

Afterglow.......GLOWS.......2001-04-18

Just got this CD and it is just what I expected from The Great Divide......EXCELLENT! You just got to love those off-the-beaten-path lyrics that aren't boring like most of today's country music. These are guys you want to invite to your Sat. nite BBQ to drink a little and play a little music. These guys are real and so is their music.

Average customer rating: pure relaxation

Private Waters in the Great Divide Kid Creole & the Coconuts Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Disco | Dance & DJ | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Disco | Dance & DJ | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: In Praise of Older Women and Other Crimes You Shoulda Told Me You Were.... To Travel Sideways Tropical Gangsters Fresh Fruit in Foreign Places ASIN: B000008HAA Release Date: 1990-03-20

Tracks:

1. I Love Girls
2. No More Casual Sex
3. Sex of It
4. Cory's Song
5. Dr. Paradise
6. Takin' a Holiday
7. Lambada
8. Funky Audrey and the Coconut Bag
9. When Lucy Does the Boomerang
10. He's Takin' the Rap
11. Pardon My Appearance
12. Laughing With Our Backs Against the Wall
13. My Love

Customer Reviews:

pure relaxation.......2003-08-02

This is a CD that i can call a masterpiece. The songs brings me reminiscences of beautiful beaches in Jamaica,Tahiti and Bahia(Brazil). All the tunes are pleasurable but there are three genuine pearls to the ears: Cory's song, Pardon my appearance(my favorite song) and My love, a inebriant reggae. The song lambada is a version of the famous lambada era music "llorando se fue" composed by Ulisses Hermosa Gonzales. If you buy it,you'll love it!

Average customer rating: Red Dirt Music First CD from a great but little known group One of the best!!! BREAK IN THE STORM Break in the Storm

Break in the Storm The Great Divide Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Revolutions Afterglow: The Will Rogers Sessions Remain Under Your Own Sun Camelot Falling ASIN: B0000062RW Release Date: 1998-03-17

Tracks:

1. Never Could
2. Billy Covington
3. But I Do
4. Heart Of Stone
5. Break In The Storm
6. Dodgers Were In Brooklyn
7. Pour Me A Vacation
8. Couple Of Days
9. Used To Be
10. Out Of Love
11. Round That Bend
12. I Want To Come Home

Customer Reviews:

Red Dirt Music.......2007-04-04

An excellent album, by a band that helped kick off the whole "red dirt" music scene. I love this album, it's still one of my favorie Americana music albums.

The Mean Eyed Cat
Texas Renegade Radio
KNON Radio 89.3
Dallas, Texas

First CD from a great but little known group.......2002-08-23

Actually it's their second, but the first to most who know about them. What a blessing this group is! Their songs are deep without being confusing, touching without being mushy, heartfelt without feeling "girly". These guys are the first band remotely country that I began to listen to, however to call the group country doesn't fit. It's rock-country with an emphasis on the rock IMHO, but a definite country feel and sentimentality. I can't say enough about the band to be honest! First saw them in Lincoln, NE...and can't get enough from there on out. I was the type to listen the hell out of a CD and then rarely listen to it again, but I always return to TGD's CDs--ALWAYS! You can't go wrong with any of them. This CD has their most memorable songs as far as "fun tunes" go. I enjoy the songs Mike sings the best, but they are all good. Some are fun, some are deep, but all the songs will set your soul free and make you feel alive! Also check out Mike McClure's (lead singer) solo CD "12 Pieces". It's acoustic and more mellow, but very solid IMHO!...

One of the best!!!.......2002-05-23

Break in the Storm is one of the best albums out there! I've been listening to it for two years straight. There's not a single song on it that I skip. (I can't say that about too many cds these days--Can you!?!) If you haven't given The Great Divide a listen, you really should! It will be well worth your time!!

BREAK IN THE STORM.......2001-10-24

This album is one of my favorites. From "Pour me a vacation" to the soulful "I want to come home" this cd offers a wide range of talent. (Scotte has some great vocals on this one.)

Break in the Storm.......2001-04-10

Great music and lyrics, these guys are having fun doing what they love. And what they love is making brilliant music. The lyrics and music are from the soul and are as original as they come. Once the CD enters your player is doesn't leave for weeks and it is normally replace by one of their other CD's

Average customer rating: Great CD Rockin' country Nowhere Woman Revolutions Revelation! Best CD from this group.

Revolutions The Great Divide Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Break in the Storm Under Your Own Sun Remain Afterglow: The Will Rogers Sessions Twelve Pieces ASIN: B00000IL0D Release Date: 1999-04-20

Tracks:

1. Yesterday Road
2. San Isabella
3. Dragon's Heart
4. Amarillo Windmill
5. Nowhere Woman
6. Coming Up Crows
7. Over The Rain
8. Wile E. Coyote
9. Without You
10. College Days
11. Help Me (Get Over This Mountain)
12. Mr. Devil

Amazon.com

As you sit and struggle with how to define this ear-catching Stillwater, Oklahoma, quartet, you might notice your foot tapping involuntarily. The insufferably catchy Great Divide offer an unlikely blend of unadorned heartland rock, hook-laden contemporary country, and dusty Americana that will somehow appeal to fans of all three styles. It works for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the production charms of Lloyd Maines, who has worked with Jerry Jeff Walker, Joe Ely, Robert Earl Keen, and James McMurtry among others and thus knows a thing or two about countrified roots-rock. Maines is also responsible for the perfectly placed accents on pedal steel, banjo, Dobro, mandolin, and whatever else he could grab. Yet the Great Divide's most important asset is their honesty and their unaffectedness in both writing and delivering these simple songs, even though a certain amount of hollow frat-boy profundity does creep in at times--"College Days" might be the only song to reference ramen noodles! Still, their Steve Earle-without-the-depth-or-demons sound comes off as true to itself, which already puts them ahead of most contemporary country acts. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2007-04-12

I love this cd - first one I've bought by this group - They're great.

Rockin' country.......2006-07-23

The Great Devide-Where to start. I was hooked by the first song. Yesterday Road is a great song and it is just the start. Every song on this cd is great. The vocals are strong. The music is clear. I love alt-country music. This cd rocks in a great country way. If you like Cross Canadian Ragweed you should like this cd.

Nowhere Woman.......2005-01-22

This song is the greatest song ever written it combines rock and country so well that it is hard to distinguish between the two genres

Revolutions Revelation!.......2004-04-29

Fun rollicking rockin' country roll, played the way you like it. If you're one of those folks like me who's basically a rock and roller, but likes rock tempered with the melody line of a good country song, The Great Divide is one of the bands you've been looking for (Reckless Kelly is the other). There may not be anything particularly revolutionary about The Great Divide's music, but I doubt there's a song on this CD you won't find yourself singing little bits of after a day or two. They're just so likable it's hard to understand why these guys don't have a permanent slot at the top of the charts.

Best CD from this group........2002-10-23

I have to admit I have been listening to these guys for about a decade now, but if anyone wanted to get one of their CD's this is the one to get. Every song is solid, and every one is pure Great Divide. Mike did some of his best writing on this album and it was arranged excellently. Check out the boys website "GreatDivide.Com" if you are interested in seeing them live, but if you want great music to listen to all the time get this CD.

Average customer rating: Ice Age - Nice Prog Metal Debut Album Great Prog Great prog-metal from NYC. 4 1/2 stars Well, at least the cover is cool....

The Great Divide Ice Age Manufacturer: Magna Carta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Liberation Manifesto for Futurism Tyranny Time of Legends Presents of Mind ASIN: B00000IYX4 Release Date: 1999-06-08

Tracks:

1. Perpetual Child
2. Sleepwalker
3. Join
4. Spare Chicken Parts (Instrumental)
5. Because Of You
6. The Bottom Line
7. Ice Age
8. One Look Away
9. Miles To Go
10. To Say Goodbye: Part I: Worthless Words (Instrumental)
11. To Say Goodbye: Part II: On Our Way

Customer Reviews:

Ice Age - Nice Prog Metal Debut Album.......2007-05-14

Have you ever wondered what Styx might sound like if they became a progressive metal band? Probably not, but with Ice Age you find a very talented prog metal outfit with a vocalist whose voice is a dead ringer for Dennis Deyoung from Styx. This is not a critisism since Deyoung has a great set of pipes, but for some his voice is an acquired taste. Ice Age vocalist Josh Pincus does not set out to imitate Deyoung, but his voice is so similar it is difficult not to compare the two. I like this album a lot, yes some of this stuff is derivative to bands like Dream Theater, but I think Ice Age puts their own unique stamp on the prog metal genre and for the most part it works. Highlights include the opener "Perpetual Child". The 8 minute plus instrumental "Spare Chicken Parts". The mini- epic "Ice Age". The almost commercial "Miles To Go" and the album closing 20 plus minute epic "To Say Goodbye". All of the instrumental work on the album is very well done and the band's chops are top notch. Ice Age is fairly typical of the slew of bands that joined the Magna Carta label in the late 90's, but the album is very enjoyable if you are a fan of progressive metal.

Great Prog.......2007-01-05

Ice Age really is one of the best progressive bands, sadly it was short lived with only 2 albums. Josh Pincus is really a great singer, one of my favorites behind James LaBrie (Dream Theater).
Aside from the great vocals, the instrumentation is very good too. Spare Chicken Parts is always fun to listen to, and Great Divide is just a great song.
I highly recommend this to fans of prog, or just great singing.

Great prog-metal from NYC........2006-04-22

I decided to take a chance on this album/band and found myself surprisingly rewarded for my cash investment. This is very high quality prog-metal with more emphasis on the prog part than most other bands in this genre. That isn't to say they can't bring the heavy when they need to because they certainly can.

Instrumentally this band is really talented and could give the members of Dream Theater or Fates Warning a good run for the money. The guitar player has some great chops and a large variety of styles. Take the song Join where in the first minute he uses a guitar tone similar to Steve Morse then plays a rhythm line than sounds like Andy Summers. For Miles to Go he starts off with a great "ode to 70's hard rock" intro riff that sounds eerily similar to Jim McCarty (of Cactus fame). The keyboard player has a style that borrows more heavily from Jazz Fusion, especially the first keyboard solo in Miles to Go which reminds me a bit of Jim Beard. The drummer and bassist are equally skilled offering an extensive range of styles and textures. The singer / keyboardist is an interesting component. His vocal style is definitely on the unique side and it might not suit everyone's taste. He uses an operatic approach to the vocals. He has a gruff, bassy sound and can snarl at times. You get used to it after a while, especially because the music is so darn good.

I definitely wouldn't call these guys Dream Theater clones. They definitely have their own style and sound. Take a listen to the standout instrumental Spare Chicken Parts. This track just burns from the get go. They change tempos, styles, and time signatures frequently. Not to the point of schizophrenia, but they constantly keep it interesting. It's a real showcase for guitarist Jimmy Pappas to both shred and play very melodic solos. This easily outclasses all the DT instrumentals, and I'm a huge DT fan.

At over 74min, there's just a myriad of things to enjoy about this album. I'd recommend this to anyone that likes the sound sample track and likes their prog- metal with a higher recommended daily allowance of prog.

Unfortunately, the band has since changed names and musical styles opting for a more commercial sound and sales capacity.

4 1/2 stars.......2005-04-23

This is just Great- in your face Prog Music! They are sooo talented- and know how to use their talent to write good songs. As soon as i have money I am Buying this!

Well, at least the cover is cool...........2004-04-14

I have to admit that the main thing that drew me to this album was the awesome cover art. Yeah, it's stupid, but what can I say? Plus, I'm always looking for interesting new progressive stuff, so here I am.

Anyway, I am sorry to report that this album did little to impress me at all. I've become somewhat bored of progmetal these days, and this is exactly why. A lot of "progressive" bands are really not progressive at all. They don't stomp on boundaries at all, they just rehash a formula set forth by previous bands. This album is little more than formulaic prog by the numbers. Just about every progmetal cliche you can think of is here. The singer sounds like he can't decide if he wants to sound like James Labrie or Brad Delp from Boston, and ultimately he fails at whichever goal he's striving toward. "Perpetual Child" is kind of a cool-ish intro, I guess, but the bottom drops out fast after that.

True, there are many worse offenders in the stagant progmetal vein than this (cou*Ivory Tower*gh), but I find little to get excited about here. If you want to hear some bands that do something interesting with the progmetal formula, try some Ark or Andromeda, but this is pretty bland stuff here.

Average customer rating: The best country voice They've Done it Again

Remain The Great Divide Manufacturer: Thirty Tigers ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Break in the Storm Revolutions Twelve Pieces Afterglow: The Will Rogers Sessions Everythingupsidedown ASIN: B00006RIPX Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

1. Fly On
2. Lost in the Night
3. Remain
4. Gypsy Steel
5. Other Side of Midnight
6. Bummin' Around
7. Moon Is Almost Full
8. If You Want It That Much
9. Mary Hold On
10. If Not for You

Customer Reviews:

The best country voice.......2005-04-04

The album is by far the best album I have ever listened to. I have owned it for a few years now and it is still in the cd changer in my truck. I cannot recommend it enough. To give you an idea of my tastes I like Gary Allan, George Strait, Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, Merle Haggerd Etc.. All good stuff. However note that the lead singer Mike Mcclure (who sang every song on this track) has left The Great Divide. He has had a few good solo albums since. This album has to be the best country album available.

They've Done it Again.......2002-11-07

I love this group! Their songs are still straight from the heart and soul. They're hoping this is the CD that makes them big stars and it might.

My faves include "Lost in the Night", "Remain", "Other Side of Midnight", "Bummin' Around", "If You Want It That Much", and most of all "Lost in the Night". The hidden track makes clever use of 80s rock titles. All in all another great CD and I like each and every song. So much spirit, love, psychological reality in the words and music. Great mix of rock and country that can't be defined.

I wonder ALL THE TIME whey these guys haven't hit it bigger yet. As humans we seem to only like what we can define I guess. We need to get to where good music is what it is at heart--real, passionate, purposeful.

Average customer rating: A Must for Symphony X fans Suspyre does it again. BUY THIS ALBUM!!! Powerful, Punchy and Intense! Great prog metal album!

A Great Divide Suspyre Manufacturer: Nightmare Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Paradise Lost Systematic Chaos Ghost Opera Systematic Chaos Presents: Ziltoid the Omniscient ASIN: B000NJM6G4 Release Date: 2007-07-31

Tracks:

1. Forever the Voices
2. The Singer
3. The Spirit
4. Galactic backward movements
5. Manipulation in time
6. Resolution
7. April in the Fall
8. Subliminal Delusions
9. Bending the Violet
10. The Piano Plays at last
11. Alterations of the Ivory
12. Blood and Passion

Product Description

SUSPYRE's music has a wide range of influences and members with distinct personalities that make up the band's sound. All have a common interest in metal, while jazz and classical are also at the top of their lists. SUSPYRE's current goal is to push the musical boundaries even further by creating a fusion of the best music to date and then attempting to add new life to it. It all started in the summer of 2001 with a jam session at former drummer Chris Myers' house with guitarists Gregg Rossetti and Rich Skibinsky. In 2002 some recordings of the songs "I See", "Perfect, and "Father of Hater" were done, but never actually completed. SUSPYRE'S first show was May 31st, 2003 when bassist Kirk Schwenkler joined the band. Direction of music shifted and member replacements happend to suit the new direction of this new born band. October 24th, 2005 marks the bands debut release "THE SILVERY IMAGE" independently, due to the overwhelmingly great response SUSPYRE garnered with press and progressive metal fans, Nightmare records quickly offered the band a deal long before their follow up album A GREAT DIVIDE was complete. Now here for all to enjoy is SUSPYRE's new offering, A GREAT DIVIDE, this album is more diverse in every sense of the word: Long pieces vs. short pieces, strainght forward rhythms vs. superimposing odd meters, microtonal clusters and just intonation vs. 12TET. Balancing heavy riffs, lush orchestral parts and classic prog, tastefullydone with panash.

Customer Reviews:

A Must for Symphony X fans.......2007-06-27

I heard about this from a review off blabbermouth. I've given this a few spins and it's really, really good stuff. If you're into Symphony X at all, give this a whirl...it's a guaranteed home run. Killer guitars, bass and drums, crisp production, and BIG TIME classical influence all over this disc, and the singer is really quite good as well.

Suspyre does it again........2007-04-25

The first Suspyre CD was one of my favorites at the time of it's release and they have managed to follow it up with an equally impressive release. If you are a fan of prog metal or metal in general, you owe it to yourself to get this cd. Many bands in this genre are suspect of being clones and you can not say that about this band. If you like Symphony X, Dream Theater and the likes you will enjoy these guys.

*Also, check out all the other great titles on this same label. Nightmare Records.

BUY THIS ALBUM!!!.......2007-04-21

I just got my copy of the suspyre album. From the moment I placed it into my CD player I was hooked.
It's totally an emotional ride, with amazing melody's , passionate vocals, shredding guitars and so much more. I expected a great album, but what I found was a master piece . I really cannot find any down side to it. The closes thing is at times you can hear some influences from Dream Theater or Symphony X. But really that's not exactly bad , because the parts that are influenced are so by the times when the bands were at their bests. I highly recommend it to all.

Powerful, Punchy and Intense!.......2007-04-12

This is an awesome CD. All the songs have power to them. To me it's like kicking back and enjoying Metal theatre in my head! First of all the vocals and the music as a whole are awesome! I love the way it's all put together! The beginning is like the many voices of a psychic episode in your head, turning into an introduction to the rest of the journey. A lot of guitar, drum and base line, laced with keyboard buildups. Then it will quiet down with `the spirit'. It's like the music of water running mildly along with acoustic guitar, sax and female backing vocals. Then it's the symphony sound of `Galactic Backward Movements' building to progressive heights and blended back into a whirlwind of the symphony sounds that marches right to the next song `Manipulation In Time'. I love this one!! It rocks!!! The mixture of horns and heavy guitar and drums, then it slows with a guitar solo and strengthens back up. Awesome!! Equally awesome is `Resolution' with the voice speaking from within and the music is a mix of rain with guitar. I love that sound!! Then it moves into the rapid `April In The Fall'. This song is strong and heavy. Equally strong is `Subliminal Delusions' which is also heavy and awesome!!! Did I mention how much I love the vocals! `Bending The Violet' with an eerie feel to it mellowing out to `The Piano Plays At Last' that has almost a Jazzy or bluesy feel too it with the vocals, acoustics and bouts of heavy guitars that weaves in and out throughout the song. Then finally the brief beautiful sound of the piano. Second to last is `Alterations Of Ivory' a continuance of the build up of the journey with all the great stuff within. The finally `Blood And Passion' which is worth the wait!! Powerful, Punchy and Intense!
Thanks guys for the works of Metal Art!!!!!

Great prog metal album!.......2007-04-06

Great progressive metal album with jazz and classical influences. Some of my favorite tracks are "The Singer," "The Spirit," "April in the Fall," and "Blood and Passion." Definitely worth checking out!

Average customer rating: Great Divide is just Plain Great Almost better than Feeling Strangely Fine! Gentlemen, Roll Down Your Windows pleasingly good Pleasing spring

Great Divide Semisonic Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: All About Chemistry Feeling Strangely Fine Pleasure Pleasure EP Pleasure ASIN: B000002OZU Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

1. F.N.T.
2. If I Run
3. Delicious
4. Down In Flames
5. Across The Great Divide
6. Temptation
7. The Prize
8. No One Else
9. Brand New Baby
10. Falling
11. In Another Life
12. I'll Feel For You

Customer Reviews:

Great Divide is just Plain Great.......2005-06-01

Why, if it's so great, am I holding back the remaining star? A valid question: this album, in effect one of the most assured debut efforts ever (not counting the band's Pleasure EP) is deserving of another half-star, it's true, but while Great Divide is frequently irresistible, it doesn't quite reach legendary status. That said, I've heard very few albums that are so consistently listenable on a repeated basis. I first saw Semisonic, so surprisingly without their registering a memorable impact upon me, when they led off for Aimee Mann on the I'm With Stupid tour in 1996, a few months before this record's release. So I didn't even realize at first who was making the sweet but chunky music issuing from my friend Dave's car speakers. After hearing "If I Run", I was useless, and as with Mann's "I Should've Known" from Whatever, went on to play it over and over and OVER again on the 100 - mile ride back home; in fact, in excess of 1,000 total airings to date - no exaggeration. As he was a drummer that occasionally gigged, it and the movie "Phenomenon" became forever associated with my late brother's tumor-related travails. For that reason alone, Great Divide will always hold a very special place in my heart. But there are a host of other pleasures to be had with this record, just a little better than Feeling Strangely Fine, its far more successful follow-up (indeed, combine the stellar moments of both - specifically, "Closing Time", "Built To Last", "Singing In My Sleep", "DND", "Never You Mind" and "This Will Be My Year" with "FNT", "If I Run", "Great Divide", "Down In Flames", Falling", "In Another Life" and "I Feel For You" - you'll have one of THE all-time best albums in any genre, guaranteed). Classic Seventies AM radio touches abound, especially on the sardonic reincarnation parable "In Another Life", which closely references the Beach Boys' haunting harmonies by way of "Wishing You Were Here" (Chicago) and "Shannon" (Henry Gross) while still remaining original. Nor is it the only evocation; the title track is a gently surging, most happy marriage of Hawthorne's favorite sons and the Moody Blues. Semisonic stumbled badly with 2001's All About Chemistry and never regained its footing; listening (after much assumed resistance) to the samples for .....Chemistry provided by this site, I realize that it deserved a kinder fate - in some ways the material isn't at all far-removed from Songs About Jane, the final Kara's Flowers sessions that ultimately carried Maroon 5 to superstardom. It's not that the songs are terribly inferior; there just seems to be an element missing from the mix, and for me, it's unquestionably the 'crunch factor' that vitalizes both Great Divide and Feeling Strangely Fine. And had the music charmed in equal measure to those very cool suggestive but classy cover graphics, Semisonic's future might not now be in doubt (although the trio reunited in July 2006 for an impressive 7th Avenue Minneapolis gig, giving their fans hope for another record). Lead singer and composer Dan Wilson subsequently pursued a modest solo career, collaborating with Bleu for the absolutely stunning "Something's Gotta Give" but was elemental in the Dixie Chicks' quantum leap of kindred faith with Take The Long Way, while drummer Jacob Slichter wrote 'So You Want To Be A Rock n' Roll Star', referred to by some book reviewers as one of the most witheringly funny and accurate accounts of popular music's business end. It would be interesting to see if I made it on to any of its pages but that, as they say, is another story.....(post-script: I didn't, and it is - really couldn't put it down!) Anyhow, one or two listens and it's abundantly clear that Great Divide demands a spot on any discerning music lover's 'go-to, no-brainer' list of favorite records.

Almost better than Feeling Strangely Fine!.......2005-02-17

As a devout Semisonic fan, saying that 'Great Divide' is better than 'Feeling Strangely Fine' (one of the great rock albums of the 90's) is almost sacreligious, in a way. But I'm saying it. From the moment you first hear the opening lick to 'F.N.T.', you're sucked in for life. The whole album does that to you. I still don't know what my favorite song is, because they're all so good, but it's between 'F.N.T.', 'If I Run', 'Across the Great Divide', 'Falling', and 'In Another Life.' If you like your music with a beat that brings out the inner optimist in you, then buy this album!

Gentlemen, Roll Down Your Windows.......2004-07-31

Great Divide has lived in my CD player for 8 years now, and I think it's safe to say that I'll never get sick of it at this point. The funny thing is that, the first few times I listened to it, only a couple of songs struck me. Of course, the scrumptious "oo-ooh!" chorus of Delicious grabbed me right away, and FNT sizzles with electricity from the first listen, but most of the songs seemed less stellar. That didn't last long though. These songs are my adopted babies now.

I hesitate to label an album that didn't crest 100,000 copies sold as the greatest album of all time, but I will at least say that Great Divide is by far the best car soundtrack I've ever heard. Roll down those windows and crank it up!! I'm getting an adrenaline rush just thinking about it.

pleasingly good.......2004-06-23

As the first major record debut, Semisonic's Great Divide is an album not to be shunned. This is one of the albums probably bought only after the success of "Closing Time" for most fans, but that's ok. It's probably best to start off w/ FSF anyway. Here, the Great Divide is more springy in it's music and less dramatic as w/ FSF.

"f.n.t." or fascinating new thing is a nice opener. They used it for that bacardi silver commercial, only thing was, that drink wasn't fascinating at all. The best song, and maybe the only single, "If I Run" is a classic. One listen will get you hooked, and will be begging for more. Songs such as "The Prize", "Down in Flames", and "In Another Life" each have an important role for making this album great. There are some that perhaps could be better such as the title track, "Across the Great Divide", "Delicious", and "No One Else" which aren't bad, but aren't exactly something that will knock your socks off.

A great debut for 2 later better albums.

Pleasing spring.......2001-09-03

One of my favorite CDs. And a very rare one of those CDs, which you can't listen, unless you're in a certain mood and the world around you is in the same mood.

All of the songs, even the sad ones, have such a certain upbeat, new, comforting, confidently fresh tone to them that I personally can not listen Great Divide unless it's spring (or autumn) and I feel great.

I had the privilige to listen the Band live in Chicago back in 1998 and would recommend everybody to see them in concert. Not only for the lively performance you'd expect from them but to just see three guys doing what they love to do, enjoying themselves, really caring for the fans and absorbing and reflecting back all the positive feedback in their music. I'm all keeps!

Music Album:

1. The Guitar Sounds of James Burton [Import]
2. The Jealous Kind [Enhanced]
3. The Legend [Box set] [Limited Edition]
4. The Red Dirt Album
5. The Road Less Traveled
6. Time* Sex* Love*
7. Ultimate Eddy Arnold
8. Unbelievable
9. Walk Through Walls
10. Walking Distance

Music Album