Amos Lee - Amos Lee

Very talented musician, soulful voice, and an authentic music of his own. This is a great album...

I was in Starbucks one morning and heard a song overhead that was so beautiful that I had to go back to the counter and ask what it was. Amos Lee - 'Arms of a Woman'. Had never heard of him. I went out and bought the CD. I love his voice. I don't like all of the songs, but most of them are wonderful. And of course, my favorite is 'Arms of a Woman'!

I am not typically a person that enjoys jazz music or even close to it. I heard a 2 second clip of "Arms of a Woman" on a commercial for the album and I was intrigued enough to check it out. Well, I purchased the album and was blown away by the artist's vocals. I don't even know how to describe how much I like this album:) All music should be this good, and it is truly a shame that artists this good do not come around more often. Amos Lee has turned me into a true, lifelong fan. I am so glad that I discovered this artist and I am truly looking forward to more great stuff that he puts out.

This album is so good! Recommended through and through. If you're looking for something to chill out to and sing along to then look no further.

He is fantastic. I love his style; it's very "coffeehouse". You are making a great purchase with this cd.

I first heard the song "Colors" and decided to gamble and buy the CD. I enjoy it a lot. It has a mellow rock/pop beat and if you're a Nora Jones fan, you hear her influence. I hope you enjoy it aswell.

Amos Lee is such a unique talent. I have the second album also, but find this one addictive. I like every song and listen almost daily!

This is a beautiful album. Extremely down to earth work that covers the gamut of emotion from sad, to angry, to happy. He's a great songwriter, not to mention an incredible vocalist and guitarist. This album is monumental - I must have if you have never checked out Amos Lee, or you are an amos lee fan already. ENJOY!!

Here's how a lot of the music is made for the masses - a catchy tune or two, which is wrapped around an image and a lot of studio magic. There are lots of acts out there that can be made to sound great in the studio, but when you strip things down to the bare bones their ugliness is revealed.

That is NOT the case with Amos Lee. I think every musician ought to be subjected to a test - take their songs and translate them to nothing more than the lead vocal and an accompanying acoustic guitar. Amos would pass that test with flying colors. His songs are simple yet profound, and even though most of them are nothing more than his voice and guitar, you feel like you've been treated to something much more.

Some folks wow you with their vocal prowess or their phenomenal acoustic wizardry. For Amos, it's the final product - the music - that stays with you, long after the mp3 player has been turned off. I like this guy.

..so check him out...if you like people like lizz Wright, then this cd is for you.

I saw Amos Lee on PBS's Austin City Limits the other night, and was very impressed by his singing and songwriting abilities. His band is great as well. The songs on this cd are really good, and if you like to "discover" new artists like I do, this young guy deserves your support. I have trouble categorizing an artist's music, I just know good/not good. This one is for sure in the good column. Beyond that, I liked that he seemed like a decent person and was most gracious to the live audience.

Absolutely the best CD I have every purchased. He is great and the best keep secret in the industry. Definitely a rising star. I tell all my friends about him. You have to try to believe- very different from most artists- not mainstream just different.

I love this album, you can listen to it over and over

This is a 'mood' album and i like every single track on it. His lyrics are exceptional.

This is a beautiful album from a very gifted singer/songwriter and I'm not surprised to note that amazon.com has declared it one of the best of 2005. I came across Amos Lee purely by chance and decided to take a risk on him after reading some of the reviews on here. I'm so glad I did. This is an album of great songs Lee wrote himself, an album of great music and an album that showcases a truly honest vocal performance. This is what real music is supposed to be all about and I get the sense he'd be even better performing live.

And I can understand why people speak of him and Norah Jones in the same breath; they are after all on the same label, they (now) share the same producer in Lee Alexander, the key elements of their music (real live instruments, the acoustic sound, the use of the Wurlitzer, the Hammond and so forth) are the same and Jones even plays piano, Wurlitzer and sings backing vocals on "Colors" but in my view, any similarities are fleeting at best. Lee's music is largely acoustic guitar driven, while Jones seems to generally favour the keyboards. Their singing styles are also completely different.

But that's all just my opinion. I'm no expert. I don't know what they call this kind of music but quite frankly I don't really care. All I know is that I love it. The eleven songs on the album seem to be all over way too soon, largely I guess, because the vast majority of the songs are just over two minutes long but I don't mind that. It just makes me want to play the album all over again.

Great stuff. Nice and relaxing. Highly recommended.

This album is great and I would highly recommend it. The only downfall is that Amos doesn't sound half as good as he does in person on the album.

I originally bought the CD because of the song "Colors" that was played on "Grey's Anatomy". The whole CD is fantastic and I really happy with it.

I discovered Amos Lee in the most random way - which is also usually the most rewarding. Getting home from work the other night, my wife had the TV tuned to a music video channel I didn't even know we had. An Amos Lee video came on, and I immediately picked up on the great vibe to the song, and the sincerity and soulfulness in Lee's voice. My wife changed the channel within 30 seconds - I don't think she was even paying attention - but not before I saw the name of the artist on the video. I immediately added this record - and his follow-up "Supply and Demand" to my online hold list at the local library and was finally able to listen to it this morning on my bus ride in to work.

Immediately I was able to notice similarities to Jack Johnson, Ben Harper and Norah Jones (whose signature piano sound I also recognized immediately on a couple of tracks, but wasn't sure it was actually her until I read a little bit more about this recording). But that's just it - you can make comparisons to these other artists, but Amos Lee also has his own unique voice and sound. He is perhaps on a parallel track with these other artists, but he is not traveling the exact same road. (One lyric, I admit, kind of annoyed me - "Every moral has a story" - which I'm pretty sure is also a line in a Ben Harper song. Hopefully Lee did not outright plagiarize...) All in all, without detailing every track on the album, this is a very worthwhile effort and we can only look forward to more great music from Amos Lee for years to come.

I have played this CD more than any other in my many thousand CD collection in the last year. Amos sings in a clear honest voice that is a about half an octave higher than one expects to hear with this kind of music. As such he sounds both worldly-wise and earnest. The instumentation is simple and accomplished. While it's mentioned much, this is really classic Southern Blues music more than anything else. It is a deeply satisfying album.

I ordered this CD after seeing Amos Lee on Austin City Limits. I agree he is the next James Taylor and regret I missed his appearance in Atlanta.

Amos Lee is by far someone you have to hear. His soulful voice, his beautiful melodies...a must have in your cd collection. It will be one of your best purchases.

NEW YORK (Blue Note Records) - Amos Lee has recently begun recording his sophomore release for Blue Note. The Philadelphia native is tracking in his home city with the assistance of producer Barrie Maguire. A prolific writer at 27, Lee is in the process of whittling down a wealth of great new material he's penned since his successful self-titled debut. The album will document the soulful stylings of this exciting young singer/songwriter who is growing artistically by leaps and bounds.
Lee recorded the album in Los Angeles and his hometown Philadelphia after a prodigious writing period that yielded over 50 new songs.
The New Album album is called 'Supply and Demand' and it will be released october 3rd!

Amos Lee vocals, guitar;
Nate Skiles guitar, mandolin, vocals;
Chris Joyner piano, organ, Wurlitzer;
Jaron Olevsky bass, piano, vocals;
Fred Berman drums, percussion, vocals
Produced by Barrie Maguire
Blue Note Records 2006

I really am enjoying this album. It has a good mix of music to keep it interesting. Really nice for relaxing. Good soulful lyrics - very nice acoutic music for creating a mood. I definitely recommend this!

Amos Lee has a voice like a new set of guitar strings. (You may quote me.) I saw him on Austin City Limits, same show as John Prine. Became instantly hooked on his soulful style. Enjoy.

Amos is wonderful, steady, soulfull, emotional, raw, soothing...the list is endless...he is truly destined for big things. His music is pure, sweet, melodic, caressing to my soul. I saw him on Austin City Limits quite by accident and I haven't stopped listening to him daily since three weeks ago. He is going to take the country by storm with his talent. This is a wonderful compellation of orginals by a great talent. I wish there were more cds to buy.

I am quite taken with this new voice, Amos Lee. He speaks to me about life and the troubles of life. But he also sings of romance and family love that keep us all going and wishing for our childhood again.

My favorite track is "Arms of a Woman," it is a beautiful love song about what it feels like to be in love with a woman. This feeling stays with you long after she is gone. I can listen to this track over and over because it is pretty. "Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight" is a song about trying to stay true to yourself while searching for what makes you happy. "Black River" is a great song that makes you forget all your problems. This song really puts your mind at ease.

Some of these tracks sound like something you would hear during a jam session just playing and having fun especially the song "Give it Up." This song has a lively beat that will get your feet tapping. "All My Friends" is the best friendship song I've heard in years. It is a song about the influence friends can have on you. "Bottom of The Barrel" is a song that reminds us that we can overcome any hardship in life and rise. It is a very optimistic song about never giving up. I enjoyed this album very much.

This album is to savor and listen to over and over again to pick up every nuance of the lyrics and the voice. Highly recommended.

Listening to the radio these days means three things: commercials, annoying announcers, and lots of crappy music. Some say it's impossible for radio stations to make everyone happy, but I'd be surprised if they're making anybody happy. Amos Lee isn't the kind of artist you hear on Top 40 radio, at least where I'm from. And that's a shame.

Amos Lee has talent. The producers and musicians associated with this project have talent as well. There's no sense of commercialization in this project. In fact, it feels very raw. Low key, earthy, calming, and very good. You'd be hard pressed to find another music experience like it. This is a CD that you will listen to again and again and again, the kind of music that the medium was made for. And here's hoping this is the shape of things to come.

I don't write reviews; my opinion is my own and it only matters to those who love me. Still..."Amos Lee" stands the test of time. How long ago did I buy this CD? I played it to death when I got it. Had to go see Amos when he came to town. Talked my sister into going with me. "You'll like him, he's low key, kind of jazzy-bluesy-folk music." Recently popped the CD back into the CD player. It's still soooo good for relaxing, slowing down, chillin'. My daughter surprised me when the music started. She said, "Is this Amos Lee?!! I love this CD." And she's a 13 year old (self-described)orchestra nerd who loves modern hard rock: emo.

If you haven't gotten this one yet, but you've been thinking about it, stop waiting. It's intellingent, sophisticated, difficult to classify, and won't get old.

A friend of mine first introduced Amos Lee to me. She asked if I had heard of him before and I said no. She played me some songs and I liked him right off. He has such a distinct musical style. The next day I went out and bought the cd. I dont write reviews often but while sitting here at work I realize how much I love this CD every time I play it. Amos Lee's debut album is filled with compelling lyrics and melodies that range from jazz to country to gospel, and rock. But for those who, like me, were exposed to all types of music while growing up, this is a very fresh new artist who deserves all the praise he can get. Refreshing is probably the best adjective to use in describing this album. I cannot say enough about this new artist. I've read the reviews and while I understand that people always feel the need to compare someone to another artist or put them in one category, Mr. Lee defies stereotypes and comparisons. He is just plain Great.

Hmmmm... so refreshing listening to Amos Lee.
A very enjoyable album with plenty of great songs. Starting from: Seen it all before, Arms of a woman, Dreamin', Colors, and Black River. Worth buying!

a friend of mine first introduced amos lee to me. she asked if i had heard of him before and i said no. so she put on a song or two for me. i was in awe! he has such an amazing voice, and such a distinct musical style. the next day i went out and bought the cd. it as an awesome investment. it is just so soothing. i listen to it when i am having a bad day, it is such a mood lifter. i strongly recommend this cd. i only hope that he comes out with something new soon!

I could type meaningless adjectives about this CD but words can not express the MUSIC experienced on this disc. I........I.... Im literally speechless. you owe it to yourself to have this CD.

I remember first hearing Arms of a woman on KCRW for the first time....I still get those 'good music chills' over my body! I quickly called Amoeba records for this one.

I dont write reviews often anymore...but while sitting here at work I realize how much I enjoy this CD every time I play it...
It's one of the very few that both my husband and I can enjoy together...or at work..in the car...falling asleep...getting focus on a project...making majic with the one you love..

Amos Lee is like having rainy days off work, spending it in the bed...like traffic on the freeway not really being an issue....just smooth and relaxing. I think my favorite is Keep it Loose..but I call it "Over the rainbow"...

I can't compare artists...I'll just say this is one to buy!

I'm one of those people who 'discover' new music when i hear it on TV, at the movies etc... and not long ago, I saw that episode of House with the HIV guy who coughs on Dr. Cameron, and at the end was the song 'Colors'.
Within minutes, I had heard the sample on amazon.com, and the next day I bought the album. Unbelievably smooth, easy listening, with songs that both lift you up, and also infuse this feeling of melancholy that, surprisingly, soothes the soul.
A brilliant album - it's the only thing I've been listening to for the last few days.

It was a day off. I was channel surfing in the AM when I heard Amos Lee on the Today show and knew after just one song that I had found a treasure. Later that very day I bought his CD. What great melodies and lyrics and after listening to it over and over, I still find things that stop me dead. He knows how to make you feel it. I can't say enough good things about his music. Keep it coming, Amos.

I'm in love. There's not much more I can say. The minute I heard Amos Lee's voice on a 30 second Amazon clip, I ordered the CD, and it was the best musical purchase I've made in a LONG time. This CD is ridiculously good. It's James Taylor meets Ben Harper meets the male Norah Jones with a little more soul. Usually when listening to music, people do other things (i.e. check your email, work, read a book, cook dinner, do laundry, sing along, etc.) This CD is NOT background music. It is music that you sit down, tune out everything around you, and just listen to.

This album is great, its layback, catchy and smart lyrics. Its great listening for when you want to relax and unwind. The music is folk-blue similar to norah jones but more mellow. Its great for a friend or a gf or whoever who needs cheering up, song like seen it all, keep it loose, keep it tight are great. I cant say much but I really enjoyed.

This CD is boring. I am confused about why so many people are thrilled by this album. Maybe none of you people realize that there are so many other singer-songwriters out there that are better than this guy. I'm not saying he doesn't have a nice voice, but my god, he needs to lighten up and put a little energy into his songs. Please try Ray LaMontagne, Van Morrison, Martin Sexton, John Gorka, etc.

If Amos Lee's talent could be expressed as a recipe, it would have the complexity of flavors and more ingredients than a Bouillabaisse. You'll hear a soupcon of Al Jarreau in some vocals and strong folk and blues stirred into others.

His influences seem to be as complex and in depth as his vocals!

After listening to this album you will know you have had a complete musical meal.

Founding member of Train, Rob Hotchkiss, has a solo cd which has been placed together with Amos Lee's record. Apparently, it is presumed that those who love Amos Lee will also love Rob Hotchkiss. I couldn't agree more. Rob is a singer-songwriter-musician-producer and this album really showcases all of his amazing abilities. Thanks for linking him up with Amos! Great company to be associated with.

Keep up the good work.

Amos Lee's debut album is a mellow, folk-based cycle of songs. The talent is there, but this disk needs a shot of energy. His voice is very expressive and fits this material well, but next time I hope he expands on his arrangements and livens things up a bit. A promising debut, though.

Amos Lee's debut album is filled with compelling lyrics and melodies that range from jazz to country to island to blues, gospel, and rock and roll. He manages to hit just the right notes every time. Every cut is exceptional in its own right. A memorable album.

Great CD. A lot of people are comparing him to Norah Jones; I'm not sure of their similarities besides exceptional voices and spare musical arrangements. If we're going resort to compare him to others, then I'd add that his voice reminded me a bit of Stevie Wonder.

In any case, despite all the comparisons in his and other reviews, I'd say that he isn't derivative and definitely has his own style. This is one of those cds that are so enjoyable and emotionally engaging that you have to ration your replays of it in order to avoid burnout. Despite that, I've listened to it way too many times and it still sounds fresh to me.

Other artists I recommend are Jack Johnson and Go Nakamura (indie label only, I think).

I can see why this album isn't mainstream... most people are not intelligent enough to appreciate the monumental amount of ability and talent that went into this album.

But for those who, like me, were exposed to all types of music while growing up, this is a very fresh new artist who deserves all the praise he can get. I can pick out about a dozen or more influences in his songs... not to say that they're obvious... complex is more the word. Complex, yet easy to listen to. The music is great to listen to any time - whether you're at work, in the car, cleaning the kitchen or trying to catch some z's by the pool.

Most of the Songs on Amos Lee 2005 are a combination of two earlier EP releases from his indie label, both also called Amos Lee, available on CD Baby or for sale by him at his concerts The first EP we bought my wife actually bought it from Amos himself after seeing him play live. My wife said he was really nice and humble. Amos' brilliance shines through despite the fact that the major label has butchered the cuts. Most of the songs have been cut by 20-30 seconds or even more. Also a lot of the songs were rerecorded with different arrangements. For example, "Give it up" is one of the cuts that had the arrangement changed by large measure. I thought the horns made that song, but apparently someone else did not and they are missing on Amos Lee 2005. "Arms of a Woman was originally a 4:42 time track and now is down to 4:15. My advice would be to buy this CD because it is simply beautiful and one of the best releases of 2005. However, try to pick up the two EP releases as well and compare the songs. I would give the two earlier releases a 5 star compared to the 4 star I give this release.

"Keep it loose, Keep it tight" one of the newer songs is not available on either earlier EP and is one of the best songs Lee has recorded. It has that X country and blues thing that artist like Dylan have perfected. I think it is fitting that Lee has toured with heavy weights like Norah Jones and Bob Dylan & Merle Haggard because his sound measures up well.

Some have complained about the length: If the label had included all the songs from the first two EPs from whence most these songs originated and in their entirety, plus the couple of newer songs, this CD would have clocked in at closer to 45 minutes. Also, if you feel that maybe Lee is holding something back or if this release did not capture all his essence, I would have to agree. He has much more potential. I think that he can be an artist that we will hear from again. My ears are getting impatient.

Key Cuts:

"Arms of a Woman"
"Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight"
"black River"

Amos Lee Key Cuts Missing:

"I am not Myself"
"Brand New"

Refreshing is probably the best adjective to use in describing this album. Few things can pick me up when I'm feeling down but this CD is like a cold bucket of water in the scorching summer heat. Thank God for this man and his exhilarating southern soul rock debut. Take a listen to the sample clips and judge for yourself because this album stands on it's own.

I went to see a concert in Milwaukee. My reason for going was to see, firstly, Bob Dylan - arguably the greastest songwriter who ever lived. Secondly, Merle Haggard was on the undercard. This was an added little bonus to see two icons before they croak. But a funny thing happened, as I listened to the heavyweights late that night. I couldn't get the soulful voice of this other cat out of my ears. Amos Lee opened for these two legends on (correct me if I'm wrong) his first national tour. If that isn't an endoresment of one's talent, I don't know what is. He was amazing; I quickly (when payday finally rolled around) found and bought his album. I turned my girlfriend on to it, and a few friends as well. Great for laying around late at night, peeling the layers off the day. Lookin' forward to what else he can cook up...

I first came across Amos Lee on Amazon. All of the reviews recommended his music, so I looked him up and went to his website, where he has a couple of his songs streamed. The first song I ever heard was "Keep it loose, keep it tight". I fell in love, and I can't get enough of him since then. I can't wait for him to release another album. If you're a fan of original, well put-together music, I strongly suggest you buy this album.

I have just discovered Amos Lee - what a talent! Writes his own music and lyrics and they are awesome. I love this album and can not wait for the next one. His music is a mix of folk/r&b and is just down right special. I would love to see him in concert. I hate he gave up teaching, but I'm so inspired by his self titled album - there are really singers that still write their own stuff. I grew up in a time when folk/r&b/jazz was extremely popular and I found myself remembering why I loved this music - it is straight from his heart right to the soul. Give a listen to this extremely talented musician and singer. God bless you Amos!

by grace,thru faith,

sheila anderson
sweeny, texas 77480

I saw an ad in Rolling Stone for Amos Lee at the beginning of 2005. Then, I read a review in People. So, my wife and I listened to samples on Amazon and were immediately taken in by Amos Lee's wonderful songs and stories. We can't wait to hear what's next from him.