Stop All The World Now C [Limited Edition, Special Edition]

Unlike many of the reviewers, I enjoyed Howie Day's previous release, "Australia," but I also found it to be inconsistent. "Stop All the World Now" avoids sounding somewhat inconsistent (hey even Coldplay have improved since their somewhat inconsistent "Parachutes). But I digress. "Stop All the World Now" starts off strongly and ends off strongly, filled with tons of passion throughout and a great acoustic rock fill.

"Brace Yourself" is an amazing song and lyrically has a range of motions within it...great opener to an album. "Perfect Time of Day" has a calypso-esque acoustic feel to it that is interesting. "Collide" is the song that catapulted Howie Day up the charts and it's easy to see why...this is a love song, but a love song that is almost bittersweet too at moments. The lyrical quality, acoustic nature, and the 25 piece orchestra just make this song even stronger and more amazing. "Trouble in Here" is a great acoustic song and the piano really makes this song stronger and "sing" even more. "Sunday Morning Song" is probably the one song that could drag this album down though it is different. "I'll Take You On" is another different kind of song but the crescendo in the middle of the song just intensifies the passionate lyrics. This is one of the better songs on the album. "She Says" harkens back to "Ghost" and although it cannot supercede "Ghost", it is still a great acoustic song. "Numbness for Sound" is another song that builds in this album, beginning off with vocals and very little instrumentation, but as the song progresses, it builds with emotion and power. Yet another one of the better songs on the album. "You & A Promise"...this is my second favorite song on the album. The lyrics tackle some very difficult issues like pregnancy but the lyrics are trascendental enough that they can apply to any hard time in a relationship when promises are made. Great song with the vocals, lyrics, and music. "End of Our Days" is another song about relationships but it's also a beautiful love song...another one of the better songs on the album. "Come Lay Down" would have to be my favorite song on the entire album...the lyrics convey that beckoning feeling, that feeling of protection. The instruments and vocals are perfect as well and help create a mood of flying. "This Time Around" is a perfect song to follow "Come Lay Down" and has great lyrics. "Standing in the Sun" continues in a "flying" type of mood and is of course another of the better songs on the album. The acoustic versions of "Brace Yourself" and "Collide" are great to end off with because it strips Howie Day down to his vocals and just a guitar...a fine way to end off this amazing album.

I listen to and purchase lots of music of all kinds. This is among the best albums I have ever heard, top to bottom. I have listened to it many times every day over the last month, and I have not tired of it. I had listened to the disc one time online, and then was inspired to buy it after reading the many reviews on Amazon. I agree with the other reviews - and have not been disappointed with my purchase.

"Even the best fall down sometime, even the stars refuse to shine, out of the dark you fill my mind, and you and I collide".

I saw Howie on the Letterman show and got his cd the next day. His music is always playing in my studio and I find I am inspired by his writings. His voice is mature beyond his years. Don't let his baby face fool you, he has a maturity in his work that will enchant you.

I highly recommend this cd. Young talent like this is refreshing to find.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 29 reviews  4.6 out of 5 stars