Bentley Jones // Defying Gravity

(Deluxe Edition mp3 cover)
Standard
Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ iTunes

Deluxe
Buy @ Official Site (CD/DVD) | Download @ Official Site

It’s been 2 years since Bentley Jones last album release but between then and now we’ve had a sprinkling of single & EPs. And now it finally time to get our hands on the album release that has been teased for months.

The album opens with the first single Evolve before heading into Follow You Down to maintain the pace before we slow things for two uptempo ballads in the form of
Without You (Come Back) & I Have Loved.

Next we have 夢のしずく or the Japanese version of the single Nothing. Everything. Next we make a return to a sound that shows that there is still the naughty streak there (R1D31T) before taking a punt of the title track of the album, a cover of a song from the Wicked musical,  Defying Gravity which we can’t help think sums up Bentley and his career to a t.

Once again we slow it down for One Too Many Goodbyes before it’s back to the more uptemponess with Talk 2 U.  Axiomatis is a bit of an odd track given that it was actually composed between Jones and his fans (known as The TruthST4LK3RZ) and also features them on instruments, backing vocals…pretty much this is their anthem and it’s a bit of feat to have pulled off in what some might determine as a short timeframe.

As almost a reward for buying the physical release we have an additional track.Devil's Cry (Shall Never Surrender) is Bentley take on the theme from Devil May Cry 4, originally planned from a now scrapped project, the song has been given a spit & polish to bring it into line with the rest of the album. The One on the standard edition (read downloadable from other sites) brings the album full circle and end it’s off perfectly.

However, if you’re like us and opted for the deluxe physical edition, then you’ve still got a few tracks to go. 残酷な天使のテーゼ (Theme from "Neon Genesis Evangelion") is a modern taken on the 90s anime theme. Next we’re given the English version of a tracks a few back. Yes we are talking about Nothing.Everything, a track that if we’re honest, we weren’t keen on until hearing the Japanese version. And in closing we have the Japanese version of the album title track Defying Gravity, known here as 自由を求めて.

The accompanying DVD of the deluxe comes with videos for Evolve, I Have Loved, Nothing.Everything, Axiomatis and two tracks previous released on an EP, What Now…? and The Place Where Dreaming Ends. Live ukulele versions of Evolve & Nothing.Everything, a track by track and message from Ben wrap the DVD up.

Looking at the release, there is probably more falsetto here than we were expecting and sometimes it does feel as if he is reaching the top end of his range for it. However, it is probably because it’s not something that we are entirely familiar in hearing from Jones, except in the occasional track. That aside, it feels a very personal album from him but that the imagery constructed from the lyrics may resonate with those listening.

Rating: 4/5

Bentley Jones // Evolve

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ iTunes
Download @ Official Site

So it been nearly 6 months since we last heard anything from Mr Jones on the music front (the last being The Closing Of The Year) but now he’s back and ready to present his latest offering in the form of Evolve.

The song is all about growing up and moving on, something given his history seems to fit. It also feels much more upbeat than some previous releases although with what feels like serious undertones.

We’re quite excited by this and are looking forward to hearing what Bentley is going to be offering come the release of his next album to see what else he’s going offer now he’s evolved.

Rating: 5/5

Bentley Jones // The Closing Of The Year

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Ahhh…Mr Jones….it’s been a while since we’ve reviewed anything by him but his final release of the year comes as a bit of  Christmas bundle of tracks. So what’s he offering up on the latest EP.

The EP opens with Auld Lang Syne…well…Bentley’s take on it….but we’re a little disappointed. Auld Lang Syne is one of these well known songs that should not be tampered with. More to the point, he’s attempted it by singing it as a Scot would…and sorry, it doesn’t work! The title track of the EP, The Closing Of The Year is next up. Think you recognise it? Well…it comes from the soundtrack of a 21 year old film, Toys but it’s given new life through Jone’s interpretation of it.

Joni Mitchell’s River is next up, which is just vocal and piano before we’re treated to a re-mastered version of the track Joyful but the version that appeared on his last album, UPGRADE 1.0.

The next offering is 蛍の光 (or Hotaru no hikari ("Glow of a firefly"), the Japanese version of the first track (sort of. The Japanese version actually has different words and just sort of ‘borrows’ the melody), and it seems the arrangement suits better for this than the first. Finally it’s a solo version of track 2 to well…close the EP

So if we overlook track 1, it’s not a bad little offering considering it was brought together in only a few weeks. And it looks like he’s rocking a former Time Lord’s scarf in the artwork. And it’s the final release of the year. Just go a have a listen already!

Rating 4/5

Bentley Jones // UPGRADE 1.0

Buy @ HMV Japan | Buy @ CDJapan
Buy Limited Edition @ Official Site

It’s been almost a year since we heard anything from Mr Jones (although he has been remixing some of the biggest tracks this year too as well as recording this little offering) but now his latest album, UPGRADE 1.0 is available.

Opening with a new version of Down In Tokyo (with the aptly tag Upgrade Version) originally featuring on his album Finally Free. Moving on from this is the collaboration with Japanese singer May J and Curtis Young in the form of Who.Am.I?. Next is a track that we can only describe as having a rebellious hint about being yourself (Sexy People). Slowing the tempo (but not the sound) is the beautiful Ready To Be Loved before upping the tempo again with Boys And Girls

Another beautiful track is The City Of Angels that has a bit of an 80s feel to it, yet still feels relevant today.DizKonnekt 〜Touchscreen Segue〜 serves it’s purpose providing a nice joining point between the last track and the next, Touchscreen. Invincible is another collaboration with another Japanese artist (SHUN) but whereas Who.Am.I? was sung completely in English, this track does feature a mix of English and Japanese, with a chorus not to unfamiliar (think Britney Spears Til The World Ends).

Another track with a familiar sound (depending on what circles you used to travel in) is Let Me Be With You which again is a track that if unleashed on the radio today, wouldn’t sound so out of place. Tokkata sees Bentley sample Bach’s classical piece Toccata in what we believe is a first for him and for the most, sees the lyrics built around the sound of the piece. Another joining interlude follows this (Emersion 〜Intermezzo〜) before we have 理由〜Give Me A Reason〜. To finish the album off we have two happier tracks the first being Joyful ~Upgrade Wynter Ver.~ (the original version appeared on his Entourage EP) and finally Just For You.

Bentley himself describes these tracks as chapters of his recent life and we think that it does manage to convey that without being too in your face about it. Yes the tracks will mean something to him but at the same time, there is space to allow the listener to make their own decisions about the tracks. Great to have Bentley back. A definite buy for any fan!

Rating: 4/5

Bentley Jones // TRANS//LATION 2

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It’s been two years since the release of Bentley Jones Japanese debut album, TRANS//LATION and only 6 months since Finally Free was released. But now the singer/songwriter/producer (and we’re pretty sure that he fits kitchen sinks too!) presents his brand new bi-lingual album, TRANS//LATION 2.

First off, let discuss how you can buy the album. It’s available either as a 13 track digital download or as a 14 track limited edition art CD from the official website

Now that’s out the way, here’s the next thing; this album is pretty rock and pretty loud (and you’ll gather that from the aptly named TRANS//LATION 2 introduction track. Another difference is that this album is a fair balance of English and Japanese covers, although a few are 2011 re-workings of previously released tracks ( 素直になれたら~FINAL NIGHT~, Dreams Of An Absolution, GLAMOROUS SKY)

Looking at some of the newer English tracks, they are recognisable classics from the 80s/90s (Word Up, Stay, Running Up That Hill (Deal With God)) and are true to their originals while making them Bentley's own. With regards to the Japanese tracks (JOINT, アメあと, 道～to you all, GLAMOROUS SKY, 素直になれたら), it's apparent that confidence has grown with the pronunciations compared to the debut release, which can only be a good thing.

Overall, it's a strong album with a great balance of tracks. It's more along the lines of Finally Free soundwise rather than the original TRANS//LATION (which was more dance covers and more electronic sounding). If you've maybe not encountered Bentley Jones in the past, then this is probably a good place to start.

Rating: 4/5

Bentley Jones // Alpha Dog (US Remixes)

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Alpha Dog is the second single release for UK based artist Bentley Jones. Originally appearing as part of the So Much More… EP released earlier this year, the appearance of this as a separate release is thanks to DJ’s across the pond.

Looking at the tracks as whole, it really works out to only being two tracks: the Phunkstar version and the original, both given slightly different workings. If you’ve heard previous Phunkstar remixes ( songs by Beyonce, Britney Spears, Cheryl Cole and Whitney Houston have had the treatment) then you already know what to expect.  The remix simply adds to what is already a great track (whereas some remixes diverge completely).

The release also includes the original version (which you won’t need if you’ve previously bought the So Much More…EP) and an extended version of it.
It’s nice to see Bentley Jones getting some attention although it is a bit of shame that it is across the pond and not his native lands.

Rating: 4.5/5

Bentley Jones // So Much More…

  
Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.com
LIMITED EDITION CD @ BentleyJones.com | Download @ iTunes

If you’ve been a fan of the Next Gen Consoles version of Sonic The Hedgehog, then you may well already be familiar with this guy.  Dreams of an Absolution (aka Silver’s Theme) was written by him as well as Seven Rings In Hand ~Fairytale in Trance~ (From Sonic and the Black Knight). And now he’s involved with SEGA once again to provide the the theme to the upcoming game, Sonic & SEGA All-Star Racing

If you’ve seen any of the trailers for the game, then the song will fit perfectly. It’s a great upbeat electro-pop track, with lyrics that will have you singing along in no time (even if it is just the chorus). There’s no less than 5 different versions in total on the single including the absolutely gorgeous ballad version, three remixes and the instrumental. Also included on the single is a fun little song called Swing Baby Swing, that was used by the site Gaia Online during their Promagedden event, and two original tracks U Won’t 4get ME ~Theme Of Bentley Jones~ and Alpha Dog (which sounds a little something Taio Cruz…)

Overall, for a first single and first release from BJ on his own record label it’s not a bad little collection. At least you’re getting more than most singles these days…

Rating: 5/5

Track listing:

1. So Much More… (main theme of “Sonic & SEGA All-stars Racing”)
2. U Won’t 4get ME ~theme of Bentley Jones~ (Clean Version)
3. Swing Baby! (from Gaia Online’s “PROMAGEDDON”)
4.So Much More… ~Ballad Version~
5. Alpha Dog
6. So Much More… (Fantazia Projekt Radio Mix)
7. So Much More… (Phunkstar Extended Mix)
8. So Much More… (Fantazia Projekt Remix)
9. So Much More… (Instrumental)