Trouble

( 23 )

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - William Pearl
The first thing that grabs you is the voice. Rough yet instantly gripping, soaring in its passion, immediate in its authenticity; a lived-in vocal tone that speaks of hard times and hope. Then the quality of the writing hits you and you realize you're in the presence of a shining new talent. Ray LaMontagne is a singer-songwriter whose music can call to mind other memorable troubadours including Van Morrison, Ted Hawkins, David Gray, and even Tracy Chapman, yet LaMontagne always remains his own man. Working hand-in-hand with producer Ethan Johns -- famed for his work with Ryan Adams and Counting Crows, Johns provided the majority of the instrumental textures supporting ...
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Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - William Pearl
The first thing that grabs you is the voice. Rough yet instantly gripping, soaring in its passion, immediate in its authenticity; a lived-in vocal tone that speaks of hard times and hope. Then the quality of the writing hits you and you realize you're in the presence of a shining new talent. Ray LaMontagne is a singer-songwriter whose music can call to mind other memorable troubadours including Van Morrison, Ted Hawkins, David Gray, and even Tracy Chapman, yet LaMontagne always remains his own man. Working hand-in-hand with producer Ethan Johns -- famed for his work with Ryan Adams and Counting Crows, Johns provided the majority of the instrumental textures supporting LaMontagne's guiding acoustic guitar -- LaMontagne burrows deep into his songs, turning each performance into a compelling narrative replete with drama and emotional release. Accessible and distinct melodies harnessed by well-constructed hooks keep each song from descending into hermetic personal reverie. The sincerity of LaMontagne's emotive delivery and his unflinching honesty as a songwriter stand in recognizable contrast to the bathetic navel-gazing of his peers. As one listen to this impressive debut will announce, Ray LaMontagne is the real deal.
All Music Guide - Steve Leggett
The best songs on Trouble, the debut release from songwriter Ray LaMontagne, draw on deep wells of emotion, and with LaMontagne's sandpapery voice, which recalls a gruffer, more sedate version of Tim Buckley or an American version of Van Morrison, they seem to belie his years. The title tune, "Trouble," is an instant classic, sparse and maudlin in the best sense, and songs like "Narrow Escape," a ragged, episodic waltz, are equally impressive, with careful, cinematic lyrics that tell believable stories of wounded-hearted refugees on the hard road of life and love. Most of the tracks fall into a midtempo shuffle rhythm, so the words have to carry a lot in order to avert a sort of dull sameness, and when it works, it works big, and when it doesn't, well, LaMontagne is so serious and sincere about his craft that you tend to forgive him instantly. Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek guests on "Hannah" and the sad, somber lullaby "All the Wild Horses," playing fiddle and adding vocals, and producer Ethan Johns adds drums and other touches on most tracks. The sound is measured and sparse, with few frills a five-piece string section is used on a few tracks, but is never intrusive, all of which supports the emotional urgency of LaMontagne's writing. "How Come" sounds a bit like a rewrite of Dave Mason's "Feelin' Alright," and a couple of other cuts seem a bit labored, but overall this is an impressive debut by an extremely special songwriter.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 9/14/2004
  • Label: Rca
  • UPC: 828766345926
  • Catalog Number: 63459
  • Sales rank: 2,938

Tracks

Disc 1
  1. 1 Trouble (4:01)
  2. 2 Shelter (4:36)
  3. 3 Hold You In My Arms (5:06)
  4. 4 Narrow Escape (4:39)
  5. 5 Burn (2:54)
  6. 6 Forever My Friend (5:44)
  7. 7 Hannah (5:42)
  8. 8 How Come (4:32)
  9. 9 Jolene (4:10)
  10. 10 All The Wild Horses (3:16)
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Album Credits

Performance Credits
Ray LaMontagne Primary Artist, Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals
Julie Gigante Violin
Ethan Johns Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Drums, Bass Guitar, Harmonium
David Low Cello
Mark Robertson Violin
Roger Wilkie Violin
Phillip Levy Violin
Roger Wilke Violin
Technical Credits
Chris Reynolds Engineer
Ethan Johns Producer, Engineer, String Arrangements, Audio Production
Ray LaMontagne Composer
Brett Kilroe Art Direction
Jason Holley Illustrations
Robin C. Hendrickson Art Direction
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 23 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(15)

4 Star

(6)

3 Star

(2)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 23 Customer Reviews

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    The Story
    O
    Last of Seven

    Get Yourself Some Trouble...

    I love Ray LaMontagne's music and his debut album is nothing short of amazing. His voice is earthy and soulful, like velvet for your ears. Deeply emotional and philosophical lyrics flow through this album and draw you into each song. The story-telling quality captured in songs such as 'Narrow Escape' and 'Hannah' is exceptional, the catchy melodies on 'Trouble' and 'Hold You in My Arms' always have me singing along and the mellow ambience of' Burn', 'Jolene' and 'All the Wild Horses' makes the album very relaxing and excellent background music for low-key gatherings with your friends. I highly recommend 'Trouble' and Ray LaMontagne.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    One Hit Wonder

    He must of been a one hit wonder. I did not like the rest of the CD. I do love the song Trouble.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    This is a great CD!

    I was very impressed with this cd. The music is great and what an amazing voice! I had just caught about 10 seconds of the song "Trouble" on a tv commercial and I loved it. I highly recommend this cd to anyone who likes listening to a true musician and meaningful lyrics. You just don't find that kind of thing anymore these days.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Undeniably one of the best unsung artists

    Ray Lamontagne is undeniably one of the best unsung artists of his time. His voice captivates you from the moment you listen to the first lines. He definately tells a good story.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    This album will evoke emotions like no other

    I can recall the first time I heard the song "Shelter" and I honestly believe it changed my life. I was captivated by his sound and blocked out everything that was going on around me because I wanted nothing more than to hear what he had to say. I was amazed! Definitely one of my top 5 favorite albums of all time!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Amazing

    His voice is amazing, he sings with such soul and heart. A great guy and a very talented musician.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Five stars!!!

    Ray Lamontagne is soulful and his voice is so moving and penetrating. I love every track and this album QUICKLY became my favorite! A must have!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Excellent!!

    Heard about this artist on the CBS Sunday Morning News program. After reading the reviews we bought the cd. It is just great. Very highly recommended. A very talented singer and songwriter. Thank you Ray for such wonderful music.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Ray rocks the Calvin

    Ray is a true guy. He brings the depths of hard working man to vocal stage. WHat a cd. If you get the chance to see him in concert, dont miss it. Go Ray!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    BUY THIS CD

    What an incredible voice, what an incredible cd. Anyone that has purchased and enjoyed this cd absolutely needs to see Ray live. He will blow you away.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    amazing!!!!

    Ray LaMontagne is amazing. His voice is pure magic. The songs make you want to love and be loved. He is amazing!!!!!!!!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Great CD!

    I love all of his songs! and I LOVE HIS VOICE!! :-) I can't get enough of it!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Sensational! Wow!

    This disc is sensational. I have been unable to take this disc out of my player since I bought it. All heart & soul with a Dylan-esque style. p.s. His live show is also phenomonal! He blew the roof off of the little club we saw him at! Catch him if you can.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted April 27, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 23, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 19, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

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    Posted October 31, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 28, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 9, 2012

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 12, 2008

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 23 Customer Reviews