**I was provided with a complimentary digital download of this CD to review.  I received no other compensation, and will give my honest opinion.  ~Ri**

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I think the first time Five for Fighting came across my radar was the week my brother Rock passed away.  Rock was a Navy SEAL, and he died in a parachuting accident.  Now, without belaboring that point, I only mention it to tell you that when I heard Superman in the car the day after I got the news, John Ondrasik ripped my heart out.  Seriously.  I had to pull over.

“I can’t stand to fly / I’m not that naive / Men weren’t meant to ride / With clouds between their knees.“

Holy Crap on a cracker – are you KIDDING me? I was Niagara Falls. The combination of John’s tender, vulnerable falsetto and insightful lyrics just killed me. And, being the type that tries to stay tough – at least on the surface – I avoided it like the plague…which merely illustrates this musician’s ability to touch nerves that evoke feelings. Generally…that’s a good thing.

Right or wrong, good or bad, I find that I always associate the sound of that falsetto and piano to memories of Rock. So, when I was given the opportunity to review Slice, Five for Fighting’s current release, I was trepidatious…but eager. I mean – it’s been eight years, right? I should be able to put all that aside and review the music for the music’s sake alone, right?

Well, here’s the thing. My personal reactions aside…speaking MUSICALLY… I don’t see that things have changed much in eight years. All the songs still showcase lyrics that paint beautiful illustration with deftly turned phrases – Augie Nieto, Slice and Note to the Unknown Soldier in particular. The piano led arrangements are still lovely and melodic. They’re ALL tearjerkers. I think if I had absorbed them individually, I may have found the experience more enjoyable, but honestly…listening to the CD all the way through almost felt like an assault on my emotions. (But, seriously – that’s just me!)

Now, John Ondrasik, by ANYONE’s measure, is a very caring individual. He’s involved in countless charitable endeavors, not the least of which is his website whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com . He is a very talented singer/songwriter/overall musician. His lyrics especially I find to be beautifully crafted. And honestly – a fan of the previous Five for Fighting releases will LOVE this CD, and rightly so!

I just found it a bit too much for me. By the fifth song…honestly, they all started sounding very similar to each other.

But hey – who the hell am I to steer you one way or the other? (Remember…the “Music Savvy” part of this blog is said with MUCH sarcasm. I’m just another music lover like all of you.) So, seriously – check it out for yourself and tell me what YOU think. I’d be genuinely interested to hear!

Meanwhile, here’s the down and dirty on Slice, and where to catch John playing live and find out more about Five for Fighting in general. He’s a caring, giving, thoughtful artist, and definitely worthy of support!

Album Tracklisting:
1. Slice
2. Note To The Unknown Soldier
3. Tuesday
4. Chances
5. This Dance
6. Above The Timberline
7. Transfer
8. Hope
9. Story Of Your Life
10. Love Can’t Change The Weather
11. Augie Nieto

Five for Fighting Website
Follow John on Twitter
Five for Fighting on You Tube
Five for Fighting on Facebook

Thanks to One2One Network for the review opportunity.  They’ve also generously provided a copy of Slice for one of you to win. Just comment here to enter – I’ll select the winner on Wednesday via Random.org, and they’ll send it off to you!

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DRAWING WINNER:

Per Random.org, number 7 is the winner…and if you take me out of the equation (because I already have it), that makes #7  MTN LAUREL!!

Congrats!

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