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Road to Return
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29 new or used available from $2.24
Average customer review:
Track Listing
- Prelude
- Road to Return
- Communicate
- Sister Soul
- Guardian's Trust
- India
- Midwinter Night's Dream
- Follow Through
- You Can Have Anything You Want
- Road Music
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #186971 in Music
- Released on: 1994-06-28
- Number of discs: 1
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Michael Hedges's first solo album in four years not only reaffirms his status as an acoustic guitar virtuoso but also reveals a growing mastery of percussion, keyboards, and flute. Unfortunately, his instrumental and compositional skills are too often obscured by opaque vocals and esoteric lyrics. The eight songs and two instrumentals reflect a quest for spiritual and psychic wholeness, but Hedges's guitar evokes that pursuit far more eloquently than his voice. For example, "Sister Soul" has a long instrumental introduction where his melodic variations and competing rhythms create a stirring drama of yearning. Once the vocals enter, however, nearly two minutes into the song, they undermine the tension rather than reinforcing it. The new age jargon about "the sister soul deep inside of me" has none of the freshness of the guitar work. Too many numbers on the album suffer from a similar dynamic. --Geoffrey Himes
Customer Reviews
Not his best work
Hedges liked to try new things, but never really sounded "New Agey" except for this album. There are a couple of good songs, but if you are looking to buy your first Hedges album, you might try Aerial Boundries, Breakfast in the Field, or Oracle. Live on the Double Planet is also fantastic. This is the only Hedges disc I own that really never impressed me.
Unique
I love Hedges' instrumental guitar works. And I like to hear him sing. Nobody else sounds like him on the acoustic guitar and the microphone, and that is a good thing. One of a kind. When he incorporates the flute, keyboards, and other instruments into these melodious songs it all comes together to move me deeply. And don't be swayed by the guitar snobs regarding his singing. (And I am a guitar player.) Michael Hedges writes and sings wonderful lyrical songs. Most solo musicians wish they could capture the magic and beauty of his voice combined with his wide open guitar to create such beautiful works. He consistently executes his incredible guitar technique woven amongst his words. RIP MH.
What can be said?
This is a wonderful album - from the heart and soul of a truly gifted artist. Yes, his vocals have an unpolished sound - and it only embellishes the brutal honesty and integrity of his work... I think the lyrics are esoteric only to those who lack sufficient imagination. New age? I hate that description. Honest? Yes, very! That is why we love you so, Michael. And to those who understand, no explanation is necessary.
