Classic Masters Reviews
All-Music Guide
By Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Michael Johnson was a '70s singer/songwriter with a gift for melody and a fondness for mellow arrangements, which meant that his records turned into warm, soothing soft-rock instead of folky musings. He later abandoned this trait, as he turned to contemporary country and then contemporary singer/songwriters, but his prime remains those late '70s/early '80s records, where his songwriting had a strong pop bent and a lush, engaging production. These are showcased to their best effect on EMI/Capitol's 2002 collection, Classic Masters. It contains highlights from his records for Capitol, including all of his big hits ("Bluer Than Blue", "This Night Won't Last Forever", "You Can Call Me Blue"), plus a bunch of lesser-known singles and album tracks. Razor & Tie's The Very Best Of Michael Johnson: Bluer Than Blue may cover more chronological ground, but Johnson's work past the early '80s can sound a little sterile no matter how well the songs are written, due to the recording. This boils his prime down to 12 songs, making it a great choice for the less dedicated fans, soft rock afficianados and a perfect introduction for the curious.
Amazon.com customer reviews
L. Schofield
***** out of 5 stars
Music from my past
August 14, 2021
I remember enjoying his music when I was younger. Nice and mellow. It brought back memories. I'm glad I purchased it again.
Ernesto Adler
***** out of 5 stars
Five Stars
April 29, 2018
Great music, for long time it was difficult to find it on CD. Happy to have it.
Ann J.
***** out of 5 stars
A nostalgic journey.
August 10, 2017
Sadly, this master musician, singer/songwriter and storyteller passed away two weeks ago. Michael Johnson has been one of my absolute favorite entertainers for nearly 46 years. I loved seeing him in concert - just the guy and his guitar. There was a real connection between the performer and his audience. That said, there are some really wonderful selections here, from the pop albums. The songs in this collection are remastered; I have most of them on various (original) albums and CDs. I purchased the MP3 format to have them all in one place, to enjoy as I sit at my desk. It is impossible to choose favorites as Michael put his whole heart and soul into every song. He made them personal. The world has lost a truly gifted artist and a genuinely warm person. He will definitely be missed but recordings such as this will help us to remember the magic!
60gram
***** out of 5 stars
This was a good find, an artist I had overlooked in my ...
July 12, 2016
This was a good find, an artist I had overlooked in my collection. Who cannot enjoy, "Bluer than Blue" or "This Night Won't Last Forever"? Nice smooth music you want to hear again and again. This is music you can understand the words and feel hopeful when listening to it. So glad I found it on Amazon.
ENRIQUE GONZALEZ
***** out of 5 stars
Fell in love with it
June 13, 2014
Heard it before and never paid much attention to this song. But I love his singing, Michael Johnson is very talented and underrated musician.
Chester Anderson
***** out of 5 stars
Great
March 12, 2013
Had forgotten about a lot of the songs on this CD until I got it. Bring back great memories. Glad I got it.
IRENE J GALLIO
***** out of 5 stars
oldies music
March 11, 2013
It is wonderful to find "oldies" music so easily. Contemporary music just doesn't have the same individuality and skillful techniques.
Poopsie Efficient
***** out of 5 stars
Finally! Just listen to "Almost Like Being in Love" !! Brings me back 30 years!
December 31, 2012
I used to play this album incessantly and have always wanted it in CD but just now discovered it has finally been made available in mp3 format! The "Almost Like Being in Love" is just so lovely, the way music used to be. Dating myself here but it's a CLASSIC and for those of you younger people just listen to it! I am very happy with this. I wish Amazon would do more of their 1.99 album sales! that's how I discovered it, on a lark. I tried copying some of my CD's to MP3 but you could hear every scratch as I didn't take good care of many of them. Anyway this is a fantastic album and I am thrilled to be able to listen to Michael Johnson again.
George Hewes
***** out of 5 stars
Smooth Perfection
December 9, 2012
Why stop at these few? A box set of ALL of this phenomenal voice, composer, guitarist, and arranger is 15 years past due. For fans, this one is a must -- along with about six other tracks that should have been added. It's just a shame that so many others have had huge hits off of songs that Michael, Brent, Steve, Randy and other great writers and producers found or that Michael composed. I've worn my vinyl collection totally out. Would love to have new vinyl or a CD box set so I could digitalize a number of great renderings without the scratches (Creator won't take them out. I've tried all the de-clickers).
There was something unique about Michael's guitar. Anyone know what it was? He could be magic in solo sets in small clubs, and a large part of that magic is found on this collection.
Ron Dentinger
***** out of 5 stars
There's some great Michael Johnson Classics here.
March 12, 2005
There's nobody quite like him. This is a great mix of Michael's songs and unique sound. I thought I had about everything he had ever recorded, but a couple songs on this CD are new to me.
Long Distance Voyager
*** out of 5 stars
Bluer than blue, lesser than less, 12 songs altogether
October 23, 2002
I have been waiting for the release of this CD for quite a long time. The mellow sound of Michael Johnson is most welcome after a day's of hard working, the missing of "25 words or less" is a pity. Capitol is not generous as it only gave us 12 songs in this CD, so 3 stars is all it worths. How on earth can there be a CD which can hold 80 minutes of music and the record companies only gave you one third. Shame to the record industry.
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