Holly

( 14 )

Editorial Reviews

All Music Guide - Jo-Ann Greene
Justin Nozuka has a determination and follow through unusual in a teenager, but when you've written songs as powerful as the ones found on this album, that's understandable. Honing his skills in Canadian clubs, selling his self-made CDs at the shows, Nozuka was still in high school when he decided to take the next step forward. Hiring producer Bill Bell, the singer/songwriter went into the studio, recorded his debut full-length Holly, and began selling out through his website. A British deal followed, with the record receiving rave reviews, eventually leading to an American release. Dedicated to his single Mom, the Holly of the title, the album revolves almost exclusively...
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More About This Product

Editorial Reviews

All Music Guide - Jo-Ann Greene
Justin Nozuka has a determination and follow through unusual in a teenager, but when you've written songs as powerful as the ones found on this album, that's understandable. Honing his skills in Canadian clubs, selling his self-made CDs at the shows, Nozuka was still in high school when he decided to take the next step forward. Hiring producer Bill Bell, the singer/songwriter went into the studio, recorded his debut full-length Holly, and began selling out through his website. A British deal followed, with the record receiving rave reviews, eventually leading to an American release. Dedicated to his single Mom, the Holly of the title, the album revolves almost exclusively around love in all its many facets. There are the promises of love, love as salvation, the love of a child for his mother, the ache of separation, the desolation of love lost, and a love so desperate it's self-destructive, Nozuka seems to have known or closely observed love on every level. The depth of his lyrics are matched by the intensity of his performances, all of which ring with emotions so true, one can only presume that he experienced them all for himself. His tour de force is "Save Him," a harrowing, heart-rending story of domestic abuse. Needless to say, you won't be hearing that on the radio anytime soon, instead the airwaves will be graced with the yearning love song "After Tonight." Its exquisite blend of acoustic guitars in a soulful setting is the perfect introduction to this set, which is shot through with blues. They curl around the soulful "Mr. Therapy Man," the song's infectious melody wrapped up in a flawless pop-soul package. The arrangements across this set are absolutely inspired, and range from spare to lavish, all are blues based, but incorporate pop, folk, nods to the Bristol sound, even flamenco into the mix. A stunning debut, whose lyrics and atmospheres linger on long after the last (hidden) track has played.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 4/15/2008
  • Label: Glassnote
  • UPC: 892038002046
  • Catalog Number: 102
  • Sales rank: 36,823

Tracks

Disc 1
  1. 1 Down in a Cold Dirty Well (4:22)
  2. 2 Golden Train (3:02)
  3. 3 Be Back Soon (4:15)
  4. 4 Mr. Therapy Man (3:33)
  5. 5 Supposed to Grow Old (4:16)
  6. 6 After Tonight (4:00)
  7. 7 Criminal (4:00)
  8. 8 I'm in Peace (3:35)
  9. 9 Oh Momma (4:48)
  10. 10 Save Him (5:20)
  11. 11 If I Gave You My Life (8:04)
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Album Credits

Performance Credits
Justin Nozuka Primary Artist, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Vocals, Hand Clapping, Finger Snapping
Bill Bell Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Electric Bass, Ukulele, Hand Clapping, Hammond B3
George Koller Bass, Electric Bass, Acoustic Bass, Upright Bass
Kevin Fox Cello
Damhnait Doyle Vocals
Davide Direnzo Percussion, Drums
Pete Cugno Piano
Technical Credits
Bill Bell Programming, Audio Production
Phil Demetro Mastering
Haydain Neale Composer
Justin Nozuka Composer
Jeff McCullough Engineer
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5
( 14 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(12)

4 Star

(1)

3 Star

(1)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

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Sort by: Showing all of 14 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A reviewer

    Amazing! Breaks the boundries of great music.It has a funny way of lifting your soul.With each song he tells a story that you cannot help but get wrapped into and feel as if you're in the story. You would not expect it coming from such a young man. Justin Nozuka does a beatiful job. I have no doubt that he will go far in his career as a musician and become VERY well known. I listen to this CD everyday! He puts so much passion into every lyric to every song. He definately loves what he's doing and so am i. I intend to buy his future albums and without a doubt will they be less beatifuly written as &quot Holly&quot . It's been a long time since i've seen an artist that is so passionate for his music. It's amazing and blissful.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    Songs for You, Truths for Me
    You I Wind Land & Sea
    Love, Save the Empty

    AMAZING!

    This album is simply amazing. I fell in love with every single song. Justin's sound is soulful and sincere and each song tells a story and carries a message that creates a beautiful album that will definitely be one of my lasting favorites.Awesome CD!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Took My Breath Away: Everyone go get yourself a copy!!!!!!!

    This Album was amazing. I loved every song on this album and by this artist. My favorite songs include: Golden Train, Criminal, Be Back Soon, Mr. Therapy Man, Supposed to Grow Old, I'm In Peace, and After Tonight. Practically the whold Album. I can listen to it from beginning to the end, and then over again. Each song tells you a story and all you want to do is listen. As soon as it came out and everyday since then I have listened to it and can not stop, it's just that wonderful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Rated: 10

    Justin creates music in which the listener can truly grasp the meaning. With each individual track, he takes you to a new and unique scenerio. His soulful, jazzy voice allows for easy listening. The frequent ending of his phrases are done in a long, flowing trail of colorful or dark notes. Musically tasteful. A truly inspirational, and unique artist is Justin Nozuka.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Great first effort!

    Justin Nozuka does an excellent job on his debut album. Not a single song goes awry, with every one of them conveying emotion through the instrumentation and rhythm. My favorite tracks include Mr. Therapy Man and Save Him.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    This is a "must" own CD!!!

    His voice is amazing. His songwriting is brilliant. This CD does not disappoint.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Best Artist Of All Time

    Justin Nozuka bares his soul through this debut named after his mother Holly. Not only is his album phenomenal, his live sets will truly take your breath away.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 3, 2011

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 30, 2008

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    Posted June 12, 2010

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    Posted March 6, 2009

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    Posted October 26, 2008

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    Posted January 27, 2009

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    Posted October 26, 2008

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Sort by: Showing all of 14 Customer Reviews