Artist: Chris Isaak Album: Beyond the Sun

Year: 2011
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: Beyond the Sun by Chris Isaak

Chris Isaak, the American musician known for his 1950s rock and roll-influenced sound, released his album Beyond the Sun in 2011. It contains his versions of classic rock and roll songs from Sun Studio legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. To understand the context of this album, it is important to know more about Chris Isaak’s musical style and career. In this critical review, I will take a closer look at this album, share my favorite tracks, and discuss its highlights and drawbacks.

Chris Isaak was born in Stockton, California, and started his music career in the 1980s. He is best known for his hit song “Wicked Game,” which he released in 1989. Isaak’s music is often nostalgic and romantic, drawing influences from rockabilly, country, and pop. It’s no surprise then that in Beyond the Sun, Isaak covers songs by legendary Sun Studio artists like Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis.

The album starts with the upbeat “Ring of Fire,” made famous by Johnny Cash. Isaak’s version is faithful to the original, but his smooth voice adds a new level of sophistication to the track. Another standout song is “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” which was a hit for Elvis Presley in 1961. Isaak’s version is haunting and emotive, showcasing his talent for capturing the mood of a song.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of Isaak’s band, Silvertone, who played all of the instruments on the album. Silvertone captured the raw energy and excitement of these classic tracks, bringing new life to old favorites. The album was also recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, the same studio where many of these songs were originally recorded, adding an extra layer of authenticity.

However, despite its many highlights, Beyond the Sun is not without its flaws. Some of the songs feel a little too safe, lacking the edge and excitement of the original versions. Additionally, the album can feel a little repetitive at times, with many of the tracks blending together.

Overall, Beyond the Sun is a charming and enjoyable album that showcases Chris Isaak’s talents as a singer and arranger. By paying tribute to the great Sun Studio artists of the past, Isaak manages to add his own unique style to these classic songs. While there are some missed opportunities on the album, it’s clear that Isaak put a lot of love and care into the project. Listening to Beyond the Sun is like taking a journey back in time to the heyday of rock and roll, and it’s a journey worth taking for any music lover.