OT: Eric Martin

[WalrusOct9]

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.

[Vladan]

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.

For sure man, this guy sounds great singing anything. Certainly one of the better "rock" or "metal" singers around, better than most in my opinion, so he would tear it up nicely.

[yulog]

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'm sure DEB wants to hear it

[Andrew]

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...

[WalrusOct9]

For sure man, this guy sounds great singing anything. Certainly one of the better "rock" or "metal" singers around, better than most in my opinion, so he would tear it up nicely.

Yes, but this isn't 'rock' or 'metal.'

If it was Eric's own compositions and soul going in a different direction (a la the new JSS album), I'd be all about it. I actually wouldn't mind hearing his voice in a different context, but on an hour of generic, sappy ballads we've heard a million times? What's the point?

I don't care...I'm sure the paycheck was nice, I'm just more 'WTF?'-ing at how this monstrosity even came to be.

[Michael Leigh]

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.

[Behshad]

someone please change the title of this thread before Deb logs in here....

[Deb]

someone please change the title of this thread before Deb logs in here....

Too late.

I'm sure DEB wants to hear it

If it's anything like Hero. Yep! www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_LgtGjXfY4

[Michael Leigh]

someone please change the title of this thread before Deb logs in here....

Too late.

I'm sure DEB wants to hear it

If it's anything like Hero. Yep! www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_LgtGjXfY4

Agreed, Deb!!
The CD debuted at #1 and STAYED THERE for several weeks.
Obviously, the Japanese market LOVED the CD.
AC radio in the US should be all over this, but they are too busy force feeding us Britney Spears and other
no talent garbage.
This is part of the reason radio in the US SUCKS!!
Radio was such an important part of my youth, and introduced me to new artists, and GREAT Rock and Roll.
The powers that be, in radio are to busy following trends and listening to consultants to worry about what the music buying public likes or is open to.

Congrats to Eric Martin on the success of this CD.He is without a doubt one of the greatest voices in Contemporary Music,
and deserves his success!!

It was obviously such a success, that they decided to release a Mr Vocalist 2!!

[Rocker Chic]

If it's anything like Hero. Yep! www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_LgtGjXfY4

Holy crap... That was freakin' good! Now, I can finally wipe my memory of Mariah Carey screeching this one out!

Debbie

[Deb]

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 have to agree somewhat also. I love his pipes and will listen to anything with his vocals on it. But I have Mr Vocalist 1 and really liked Pride www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1ozUrmSuMI and a couple others on first listen, but for me, some don't seem to translate from female japanese ballad to male english ballad as well. Love his vocals on them, but not too sure about some of the songs on MV 1. I haven't got Mr Vocalist 2 yet, which are american ballads so I would be curious to hear the rest.

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.

They are, in our household......or anybody that gets in my car. And totally agree, can't think of a more underrated band. Some people think that #1 single of theirs is what they were all about, not even close. Sooooo many gems in their catalogue. Like Journey, Mr Big is the other band that I thought would never reunite, and I am absolutely thrilled that they have. They are releasing a "best of" cd with 2 new songs on it in April before their June tour.

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.

Agreed, I think he is at his best when he's singing soulful or with an R&B flavor (Merciless - one of my faves off their 1st cd http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDeLsb-KqWI) or rockin' out with Mr Big/TMG/EMB. It's funny, I was listening to Somewhere In The Middle the other day and that countryish sounding song I Wrote The Book and thought heck he even sounds great at country too, great song. Saying that, I'd never want any of my faves to turn country, didn't like it when Bon Jovi did either.

Have heard that term J-pop a few times, but not sure what it is?

It was obviously such a success, that they decided to release a Mr Vocalist 2!!

They can't get enough of him over there. Looks like Sony wants more. In his email he sends out, he mentioned that he's in talks with Sony about a Christmas album this year.

[Deb]

If it's anything like Hero. Yep! www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_LgtGjXfY4

Holy crap... That was freakin' good! Now, I can finally wipe my memory of Mariah Carey screeching this one out!

Debbie

Can't help letting out a "Sing it, brothah!"........when he just busts loose with the gospel singers backup.

[Deb]

For sure man, this guy sounds great singing anything. Certainly one of the better "rock" or "metal" singers around, better than most in my opinion, so he would tear it up nicely.

Yes, but this isn't 'rock' or 'metal.'

If it was Eric's own compositions and soul going in a different direction (a la the new JSS album), I'd be all about it. I actually wouldn't mind hearing his voice in a different context, but on an hour of generic, sappy ballads we've heard a million times? What's the point?

I don't care...I'm sure the paycheck was nice, I'm just more 'WTF?'-ing at how this monstrosity even came to be.

Answers your question........ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqRYcLzmZQY

Scarves...........new rocker accessory? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgfLVuFBE38

[Michael Leigh]

Have heard that term J-pop a few times, but not sure what it is?

Hi Deb
From Wikipedia~
J-Pop
J-pop is an abbreviation of Japanese pop, but is also a loosely defined musical genre that entered the musical mainstream of Japan in 1990s. It refers to Japanese popular musicians, and was coined by the Japanese media to distinguish Japanese musicians from foreign musicians. Today, the Japanese music industry is the second largest behind the United States in the world.