Acoustic singer-songwriter Ryan Cabrera released his debut studio album Take It All Away on August 17, 2004, via his record label, Atlantic Records. Cabrera co-wrote all twelve tracks on this CD, and co-produced it with John Rzeznik, the frontman of the acclaimed rock band, Goo Goo Dolls.
Background on “Take It All Away”
The album peaked at #8 on the Billboard 200 all-genre charts for the week of September 4, 2004. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Cabrera’s album was certified gold in September 23, 2004.
Tracks on the Album
It opens with “Let’s Take Our Time,” where he kicks off the record on an upbeat note.
It is followed by his smash single “On the Way Down,” which peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts for the week of October 16, 2004, and the stunning ballad about unrequited love “True,” which was a Top 20 hit for Cabrera, that subsequently reached #9 on the Adult Contemporary Charts in July of 2005.
Although the third single “40 Kinds of Sadness” was not as commercially successful as his two aforementioned hits, it is still worth more than just a passing glance.
Equally catchy are “Exit to Exit,” “Echo Park,” and “Blind Sight,” which is a tune that Cabrera wrote himself.
The melodically-beautiful “She’s” was co-written by former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, and showcases the control in Cabrera’s voice.
The title track, written with heartfelt lyrics, is yet another solid ballad on the album.
The album closes with a stripped down, acoustic version of “On The Way Down,” which is a real treat for his listeners, since it allows them to appreciate Cabrera’s vocals in their purest form.
The Verdict
Ryan Cabrera’s Take It All Away is definitely a keeper! There is not a weak track in the entire CD. If you listen to this record with your eyes closed, you would think that you are listening to the Goo Goo Dolls; ironically enough, the band’s lead singer, Rzeznik, helped Cabrera co-produce this project.
Cabrera proves that he is one talented songwriter, acoustic guitarist and vocalist in his superb debut release. It is recommended for anybody interested in hearing quality pop and rock music from one of the finest singer-songwriters of the past decade.
For more information on Ryan Cabrera, visit his Facebook page.
Sources
- Billboard 200 Charts, September 4, 2004, issue.
- Billboard Hot 100 Charts, October 16, 2004, issue.
- Billboard Adult Contemporary Charts, July 2, 2005, issue.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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