Andrew wrote:WalrusOct9 wrote:Okay. I love Mr. Big and even have a couple of Eric's solo albums, and I know the Japanese are into some weird shit, but can someone explain to me why anyone would ever, EVER want to hear Eric Martin singing "My Heart Will Go On"?
Some things just defy words. This is one of them. Yikes.
I got both the Mr. Vocalist albums as I have to have everything Eri does...they are largely awful, but that said....they are intended for the Japanese market - the same old fogies that buy Rod Stewart reords these days (used to love him too...).
Reviews soon...
I have to agree with Drew to a degree.
As Drew said it is intended for the Japanese "J-Pop" market.
I think it's Eric's and Sony's way of stretching Eric's appeal to a market that Eric hasn't tapped into yet.
I too am a HUGE fan of Eric's, and have EVERYTHING that he's ever recorded.
I think these 2 CD's show different side of E's,and it will help him tap into the very lucrative J-Pop market.
The production on these CD's is outstanding IMO,and Eric's voice is probably the "cleanest" I have heard from a production stand point.
I'm also not so sure it was "just about a paycheck", but a way for him to break into a market in an area of the world where he is already HUGELY popular, and also a way for E's to "stretch" a bit, and do something outside of the rock market.
The CD's are not "rock CD's", and I think they show just what a versatile vocalist he is.
The CD"S aren't "awful",they are just designed for a market different then what he is accustomed to.
I personally, liked "The Great American Songbook" CD's that Rod Stewart did,and I feel the same about Eric's Mr Vocalist CD's.
Neither of them have abandoned the markets, that they are popular in,(in fact Rod is getting ready to reunite with The Faces, and as we know Eric has rejoined Mr Big for a reunion tour, and possibly a new record).These recordings are a way for these artist to do something different.
I may be a huge fan of Eric's, but I look at these records, as just another way for the world to hear how great this guy is.
Much like JSS, IMO Eric should be a household name.Yes, Mr Big had a #1 hit with To Be With You, but I feel the record company dropped the ball on Mr Big.
The other singles they released were big around the world, but when the music scene changed in the 90's, all the record companies, turned their backs on artists like Mr Big.
With The Mr Vocalist CD's, I think it shows maturity and depth, and shows that he is more then just the "soul belter for Mr Big", that he has been pigeon holed as.It think it just shows that the guy can TRULY sing anything. I also think the intent is that the J-pop market will check out the Mr Vocalist CD's, and then go back and check out his other material, much like I have done with many artists in the past.