Not the Real Thing

I think John Denver was concerned about losing some of his popularity and this album reflects his attempt at "throwing something against the wall and seeing if it sticks." John was not Bob Marley nor was he Bruce Springsteen. He was best at being himself. The thing about it is, the lyrics still reflect his true self, but he tried to put them to music that just wasn't him. Later on, I think he realized why we bought his albums and tried to go back to that successful formula. Unfortunately, his untimely death came before that reached fruition.

A Different Sound for John Denver

This album has a completely different sound and feel than John Denver's previous albums. While the songs are not unpleasant to listen to, many of them do sound canned or forced and the tender and careful rendering the musician usually lends to his creations is absent. One can expect changes in an artist's style and music as the years go by, but this particular album is completely uncharacteristic. Had it been someone else, I would have thoroughly enjoyed it but this is NOT the John Denver most people would be familiar with.

The White Suit Says It All

John Denver became my favorite male vocalist more than 25 years ago, and he remains my favorite long past his untimely death. His album "It's About Time", however, is anything but a favorite. The arrangements and accompaniments carry such a forced big band sound that any beauty of the lyrics are totally lost. This album is incredibly over-produced, with none of the simplicity, soul, and heartfelt vocals that characterizes Denver's best works. The white suit on the cover photo says it all. This ain't John Denver, folks, it was the producer trying to mold him into a new image. Only the anchor song "It's About Time" is genuine Denver. My advice: find these songs on a live album without the studio band and the producer, and forget this one.