Michael McDonald - Soul Speak

The unforgettable voice of Michael McDonald is back with his follow up to his two Motown tribute albums! The former Doobie Brother and touring member of Steely Dan returns with a 13 track record, featuring some of Michael's favorite songs: "Love TKO" by Teddy Pendergrass, "Walk on By" by Dionne Warwick, "Into The Mystic" by Van Morrison, "Living For The City" by Stevie Wonder, "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley and more. "Soul Speak" also features the brand new song from Michael "Getting Over You". Let Michael's familiar voice take you higher with "Soul Speak". Album Description

Wonderful

Michael McDonald has done it again. I think this is a must have for anyone that likes good music. September 26, 2008

Sorry, Mike.....

Now I 'heart' me some M. McDonald from when I first knew who he was, which was the tail-end of the Doobies, into my adulthood. I loved the way he sounded & loved the way he looked! But today, I have to give a not so good review. I only gave him 2 stars cause he's old-school from back in the day. There's nothing special about this CD - I guess maybe cause Mike has sang every friggin thing on earth, so even though he's [again] singing Motown songs, it didn't do anything for me in any way. If you want this CD to keep your M.McDonald collection going, then that's fine but otherwise.... no. September 10, 2008

Better than the Doobies

Soul Speak is good, but not as superior as Motown II. He still has a great voice, and it works well with soul/Motown tunes. August 8, 2008

Predictablly enjoyable old school jamz.

The old school, blue-eyed soul veteran returns.
With "Soul Speak", he provides us with a collection of his favourites soul tracks - originally recorded by legends such as Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Teddy Pendergrass, Van Morrison, Jackie Wilson, Lehonard Cohen, Bob Marley - to which he brings his very special vocal magic.
There are also McDonald's three new offerings on the album : "Only God Can Help Me Now", "Enemy Within", and "Can't Get Over You (Getting Over Me)".
He doesn't come close to improving on Dionne, Teddy and Stevie, but there's no denying his voice was made for this type of material.
He also shows imagination by getting aboard the international soul train for Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" and Bob Marley's "Redemption Song". Add in a smattering of originals that could pass for crate-digger finds and you've got a blue-eyed retro r & b set that can be enjoyed without guilt.
From the infectious "Love T.K.O" (check also Our Kind of Soul and Baby Come to Me: The Best of Regina Belle) to the great sound of "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" plus "Still Not Over You" and "Walk on By", the collection shows that he is a true soul great.
According to Billboard, ..."Highlights include a winning, sultry take on Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and subtle versions of Teddy Pendergrass' "Love TKO" and Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic," while a too-lush treatment of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" is the album's only outright miss..."
Mixed into this are a couple of originals by Michael and his producer, Simon Climie. Both reflect the shining, over-polished, full of slightly-too-prominent-guitar-wailing-type production that stops "Soul Speak" being a genuine classic.
On this project some music heavy weights join in : producer Simon Climie (of Eric Clapton fame), Nathan East on bass, Abe Laboriel jr. on drums, Michael Thompson on guitar, Stevie Wonder on harmonica, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums.
He gives a new vibe to old school jams, keeping the legacy alive.
Motown
Motown Two
Don't Mess with Mr. T/James Taylor Quartet Plays Motown August 5, 2008

Nothing New Here

McDonald paves no new ground with this release. Voice is still strong, but the songs are mediocre at best and the arrangements are just that, mediocre. Hope he can move on in his career. June 26, 2008

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