BWW CD Review: Harry Connick Jr. Gets Personal on EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW

Harry Connick Jr. is a singer, actor, performer, musician, and writer. Over the course of his extensive career, he has been performed on Broadway both in solo concerts and iconic musicals. Connick proved that he can do more than sing when he wrote for the stage, having written the Broadway show Thou Shalt Not. The musician who starred in Broadway's The Pajama Game alongside Kelli O'Hara has sold over 28 million albums. He recently released his newest album, Every Man Should Know, adding to his already extensive discography.

Connick's Every Man Should Know is different from his other albums as it is both personal and honest. His past albums like Your Songs and Songs I Heard, have featured covers of classic songs from stage, film, and crooners. Connick wrote the music for Every Man Should Know. His personal envolvment in the tracks makes the music real, raw, and gives listeners a better understanding of the artist.

Before there was Micheal Buble, there was Harry Connick Jr crooning on the soundtrack of When Harry Met Sally. Of course, the musician had to go back to his New Orleans roots, incorporating his signiture soft jazz in most tracks on the record. No comaplints, because not many can croon like Connick.

Tracks on the record vary from country, to emotional ballads, to gospel. Connick really channels various styles of music to make the record suit everyone's fancy, while maintining the unique sound that people recognize him for.

The title track "Every Man Should Know," is an honest love song about what it means to love and what it takes to love. The song is unlike common love songs today about breakups or wanting someone, it is a tasteful track about wanting to do what it takes to make someone yours.

"Going Home (To See My Friend)" is a stunning track featuring a gospel that is lively yet poignant. The song is likely to be repeated on the iPods of Connick's fans, due to its soulful and powerful sound.

Another notable track off the record is "Being Alone," a song where Connick Jr's roots show as he returns to his signature crooner style. His voice is soft and smooth, proving he can not only sing jazz tunes, but he can write one hell of a one too.

The sultry ballad "One Fine Thing" will draw you in and recognize just why Connick has come so far in his career. Earlier on American Idol this season, the musician enlightened the contestants in saying that vocal acrobatics are a distraction and take away from performance. Connick is a man of his word, as this track, like the rest off the record, are stripped down and all him. He sings without embellishment, and lets his vocal talent speak for itself.

The 45-year old truly gets personal in this album which features beautiful love songs with lyrics that will tug at your heart strings. He sings from personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences - some of which he has never been able to channel into music until now. The jazz musician told CBC that the beautiful and emotional track "Come See About Me," is a song about if his wife ever left him. He says that the song is the most personal thing he has ever done.

Connick truly accomplishes what he set out to do with the album. He has released a bare-all record, as he has clearly reached the point where he can open up to fans with his music and truly express himself, and his innermost thoughts and feelings. The tracks on the record are very sincere, and you can hear how he writes and sings from the heart.

Every Man Should Know is currently availble for download on iTunes.

Listen to Harry Connick Jr.'s track "Every Man Should Know," here

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