J R Richards - "A Beautiful End"

This cd is unreal. There is nothing mediocre about it. I have finally listened to it in full and it was well worth the wait. Is it better than "Opaline"? I don't know yet since Opaline has been out for such a long time and has fully grown on me. We'll see. It is piano heavy with impeccable vocals. Here is my track by track rating (with grades A - F):

1.) A Beautiful End: A

What a start to this record! I think this is his first single off of the cd (which won't get any airplay or recognition at all). He shot a video for it I think and I'll post it when it becomes available.

2.) I Will Give You Life: A-

He wrote this song for a movie (I think it was a horror movie). It has a definite "gothic" quality to it in that it has a dark vibe. It is the "hardest" song on the album but is still very melodic. Very solid song. "Epic" feel.

3.) Ghost of Sorrow: A

My tie for best song off the album at this point (with the title track). What a great song. Drums are a high point.

4.) Far End of the Black: B

It's hard to really rate this one because it's coming after three extremely strong songs... Great acoustic guitars.

5.) Clearwater: A-

This has the potential to score an "A" eventually.

6.) Person For You: B-

Probably the weakest song on the album overall. I think it's not due to the "music" but due to the lyrics. They're not that special. Still a good song though. There has to be a "weak" song amongst a collection of gems.

7.) Red Painted Walls: B+

Great acoustic picking. Fans of Opaline will hear the "hammer on" on the B string (guitar nerds will "catch my drift" - listen to "Today, Tonight") in this song and actually on a lot of the songs on this album.

8.) June Becomes July: A-

Great song with good use of the piano. Really kicks in when the second verse hits. Takes you on an emotional journey.

9.) Never Forgotten: B

JR wrote this song with Robbie Carrico (you may remember him as a contestant on American Idol last year: he was the "other" rocker (David Cook was the other one) with the bandana). Nothing outstanding but solid nonetheless.

10.) You're the Only Way: B-

Another "weaker" song but a little better than Person For You. Great orchestration at the beginning of the song. Extremely cinematic.

OVERALL: B+/A- One of those rare albums that moves you and leaves you wanting more. Fulfilled my every expectation.