1. City of New Orleans
2. Rhinestone Cowboy
3. You've Lost That Loving Feeling
4. Forever in Blue Jeans
5. Blue Bayou
6. California Girls
7. Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
8. California Dreaming
9. These Boots Are Made For Walking
10. La Isla Bonita
11. Country Roads
12. Love Me Tender
13. New York, New York
14. Amazing Grace
15. More Than Words Can Say
Final Thoughts
Amazing Grace
I love this song. It's simply amazing. (Unintentional pun ftw.) I have nothing else to say. Just listen to it. It's worth the time you'll spend on it.
Rating: 10/10
Blue Bayou
I suppose there has to be one or two songs on every album that aren't stellar. Unfortunately, this is one. It's a little like a Jimmy Buffett song sans alcohol references. Overall, I enjoy the simple melodies and slow tempo, but I suppose for me it's a change of pace in sound. Worth the listen in any case.
Rating: 8/10
California Dreaming
Oh boy, this song is a piece of work. I really liked the original, even though it seems as though The Mamas and the Papas performed it whilst high as a kite on several types of hallucinogens. The Hoff's version doesn't really change that, either, and it's still a very good song. One of my favorites from my childhood, as I believe I've said.
Rating: 10/10
California Girls
Being from the Midwest, I always found the inference that all Midwestern girls were farmer's daughters to be a little ridiculous. And the simple fact that the East Coast doesn't necessarily set fashion trends is somewhat amusing. (What it says about Southern and Northern girls, however, is still pretty much dead-on.) I'm also not surprised that David Hasselhoff, who spent a large part of his career playing a lifeguard in Southern California, would at some point tackle this song. And, to pastiche Yoda, a good job he does. Gentle baritone, ridiculously campy background musicians, and one of the coolest songs ever recorded equal an excellent listening experience, if one asks me.
Which, of course, you did, if you're here.
Rating: 10/10
City of New Orleans
The first song on this album is also the first one I'd never heard before I picked it up. That said, it's also the first experience I'd had with David Hasselhoff's vocals, and let me tell you, I was surprised. The Hoff is a much better singer than I would have ever wanted to admit before hearing his work. Since this is the first track, I'll say this here: his backing musicians are talented, but nothing truly special. His vocals are really the only selling point this album can stand on, and so far, I haven't been disappointed.
Rating: 9/10
Country Roads
There really isn't much to say about this song, other than it really is beautiful. I keep being struck dumb by the fact that yes, the voice coming through my headphones is David Hasselhoff. I'm likely to be struck by that for a very, very long time. And John Denver was a good choice. Mr. Denver's songs tend to lend themselves to The Hoff's vocal quality.
Rating: 9/10
Forever in Blue Jeans
This is the first song on the album so far (the fourth, in case anyone's keeping track) in which I actually enjoyed the intro, because it wasn't forgettable. Okay, that's not entirely accurate, the guitar's completely forgettable, but it's quite beautiful. The Hoff once again aces the vocals, and the only question I would have (the lyrics) doesn't apply, since The Hoff didn't write the song, he's singing it. (After checking Wikipedia, all questions are answered: Neil Diamond wrote it.)
Rating: 8/10
La Isla Bonita
Of all the artists The Hoff would cover, I never thought of Madonna. But this was always one of my favorite Madonna songs (those who know me should be choking on their drinks at the idea of me listening to Madonna right about now. To that I have this to say: I'm reviewing David Hasselhoff, and you're questioning Madonna?), and The Hoff does very good by it. So far, on my quest through this album, this is the song I've listened to the most. And it'll likely continue to be that. I really liked this song.
Rating: 10/10
Love Me Tender
I've never actually heard the Elvis Presley original of this song, but I can't see it being performed any differently, and, sacreligious as it might be, I have to say that The Hoff's voice is likely better suited to the song. Elvis was lust and sex, The Hoff is romance and sex. Slightly different. Candles and wine versus beer and dirty dancing. I like The Hoff's version better.
Rating: 9/10
More Than Words Can Say
This is the only song on this album that The Hoff wrote himself (with help, of course, but still his only writing credit), and it's actually really nice, in a soft way. The man certainly has talent, and that's something that I think nobody can deny.
Rating: 10/10
New York, New York
All of a sudden I want to watch Gremlins 2. I really can't say anything about this song that wouldn't insult the standing of this standard that hasn't been said in other song points.
Rating: 10/10
Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
This song has always amused. It's definitely a classic, and I can always get behind a song that's about keeping a positive outlook. The brass bridge is a nice touch, too. There isn't really much to say about this song, though, but it's again definitely worth the listen.
Rating: 8/10
Rhinestone Cowboy
I have the same problem listening to this version of this song as I do any other, and that's that I always expect the melody to drift off into something else. When it doesn't, I'm not sure whether to be disappointed or pleased. In and of itself, this is actually quite a good song, showcasing more of the baritone quality of The Hoff's voice. Very good, to the point where I only remember the forgettable backing music when it crescendoes.
Rating: 9/10
These Boots Are Made For Walking
I'm not 100% sure of the country style of this song, but I do like the vocal quality. And the song is overall a good one. Seems like it's something one would have heard in the 80's or early 90's watching pro wrestling, but I don't mean that as a bad thing. "Easy listening" is easy to listen to for a reason, right?
Rating: 8/10
You've Lost That Loving Feeling
I would very much like to know who the female vocalist is sharing the vocals with The Hoff. Very easy listening of it, but that's really all right. Truly worth the listen at least once, and probably more than that.
Rating: 8/10
Final words:
I wasn't expecting much about the album. I really wasn't. I don't go for easy listening, and I was skeptical about an actor's ability to sing. But I am pleased to admit that I was wrong, very wrong, about this. This is a good album, and I'd recommend it to just about anyone. Go get it, seriously.
Overall: 134/150 (89.3%) (B+)
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