The title track, tagged the proposal song, is my favorite on the album.The lyric offers a sense of honesty as a man tries to convince his lady that he’s the one for her. “He looks at a soul, the beauty inside /Offers his whole heart with nothing to hide.”
Lover's Night
This song picks up where What A Man Can Do left off. The next phase of this relationship is stronger, deeper and more meaningful. Forever is in the midst as two lovers realize their special bond. Read more…
Who Do You Think You're Foolin'
Hearing Peggy Lee’s Fever in the lobby of a trendy NYC hotel, was the inspiration for this tune and its arrangement. I sat down with pen and paper and in the next few minutes, Foolin’ was born. It was, by far, the easiest song I’ve ever written. Foolin’ is pretty straightforward, lyrically. Deceit can be transparent if you allow yourself to notice. Read more…
Prisoner
As a vocalist, I admire and respect, greatly, the talents of Barbra Streisand. When I searched for the lone cover to record for the album, Prisoner (Love theme from the Eyes of Laura Mars) came to mind. It had everything I was looking for: power, dynamics and a vocal that could really soar. Read more…
Waiting
This energetic, fist-pumping rock song was written out of frustration. As an artist, rebellion creeps in when someone else is pulling all the strings. In this particular case, not doing anything at all was the issue. Sometimes you “..can’t fly on borrowed wings.” Read more…
Alright, she left me. Now what? Pick myself up and move on, that’s what.
This tune was so much fun to record. I had just finished recording the vocal for Waiting and my voice was very raspy. I was fooling around with the melody in the studio and just about to go home when my producer and I thought “We should try laying down a vocal for Lost and Found“. Ten minutes later, done. I couldn’t believe it. Read more…
Soul Pride
Soul, Pride was specifically written with kids in mind. In these challenging times, it’s harder than ever for them to make the right choices/decisions. The lyrics try to engage them into looking inside themselves and not be swayed by peer pressure or succumb to force-fed media content. It’s important for them, for all of us, to remain hopeful for a better and brighter tomorrow. Read more…
Close My Eyes
Sitting on an Amtrak train heading for NYC, I closed my eyes and in that instant the lyrics for this song were born. A simple melody and heartfelt sentiment make up this “missing you” themed tune. David Mann’s romantic lines add a nice touch. Read more…
Another Time, Another Place
We’ve all had a relationship that failed and wondered what might have been. This bittersweet journey longs to “Take hold of a moment or two / Get lost in you.”
Athena O’Lochlainn’s violin solo pierces the heart of regret and ‘what if’. The outro slowly fades as a cold rhythmic pattern allows the listener to stare into the past. Read more…
How Do You Feel
I know what you’re thinking. This song doesn’t really ‘fit in’ with the rest of the album. Musically, you’re right, it doesn’t. However, it does strongly represent feelings I’ve had for a few people who’ve really disappointed me. Read more…
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear John,
Caught your “Prisoner” clip on Youtube and listened to some of your original music here – great! Please think about auditioning for America’s Got Talent. I think you have a wonderful, very theatrical voice, and if you don’t win the whole thing, it would certainly bring you tons of exposure. Just wanted to tell you how great you sound, and that you should really think about America’s Got Talent. Hope this note finds you well.
Best, Sharon Madison
Thank you for the kind words, Sharon. I promised my kids that I would try out for The X Factor when it gets here in 2011 and I will definitely add AGT to the mix. I was always a little hesitant figuring that a dancing bear would be a lot more interesting than me
All the Best,
John
hello from Scotland!I saw ur video version of prisoner and loved it!that is one of my fave songs ever,your version is amazing!been sharing it on facebook!Best wishes,Heather!
Thank you, Heather. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing it on Facebook.
I didn’t see you mention Steve Perry??
“Corleone”
What a thrill it was to come across your music this evening. I have watched various singers attempt to carry on the legacy of Freddie Mercury over the years; it wasn’t until tonight that I heard someone convey the range and emotion that made Freddie a legend. Your parents and Barb must be extremely proud. Best wishes and happy you have followed your dreams.
Sully