Baja Sessions

by

Chris Isaak

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Chris Isaak has one of the most beautiful voices in pop music. Here's a crooner who can really deliver, with a versatile instrument that can rise to powerful heights one minute, or sound as hushed as Chet Baker the next. He's also surrounded by just the right musicians and production values.

Highlights are "Yellow Bird" and a plaintive version of Orbison's "Only the Lonely," although I also like the more uptempo hit, "Dancin'" and oh all right -- pretty much everything else. Throughout, Isaak's voice is a joy, and if you are in the mood for his gentle tropics-influenced sound, you won't be disappointed.

The recorded sound is excellent -- with a slight reverb here and there -- and only adds to the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. This is an ideal CD for a relaxing summer day, with or without a margarita.

Released in 1996, this is Chris Isaak's sixth album. It is just under 40 minutes long and the sound quality is OK but not great.

This could be considered Isaak's only concept album (except for the Christmas album). Most of his albums have a mixture of styles, rock, blues, rockabilly, ballad. Here, all the songs are played the same in a laid back style.

Why don't I like it as much as his others?

-It is all played in the same laid back style. It all sounds the same to me.

-There is nothing great on this CD, like Speak of the Devil, Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing, Wicked Game, etc.

-The best songs on this CD were previously on his first album, Silvertone. I do not like these new versions as much as the originals which had more raw energy.

-I don't like some of the song selection. I was never a big fan of Yellow Bird. This is the best version I have heard, but I'm still not a fan.

-Chris Isaak has a great voice, but I think it is lost in the continual drone of this album.

It is not a bad album. Many albums, I will rip a few good songs and then get rid of the rest of the album. None of the Isaak albums are like that. Although I don't think this is his best, and there are a few songs I don't like, it is still mostly enjoyable throughout.

The real treat is to see Isaak in concert. He puts on a very good show, with some interesting dialog between songs. He is an interesting guy. I liked his TV show and some of his movies, but he was pretty bad in awful Informers.