CD Review: Ramzi - Color

Ramzi – Color
2008, Ramzi Khoury

Ramzi Khouri moved from California to New York City in 2006 to try to make it as a musician, leaving behind office politics and the California Sunshine. Khouri brought a little of his own inner sun with him, however, and we get our first glimpse at it on his debut release, Color.

Color opens with When I Go, which might be the ultimate dysfunctional relationship song about a man who keeps trying to leave but gets sucked back in. Ramzi then moves on to Blows Like The Wind, an Americana-flavored folk/pop classic that would be a huge hit if it ever found placement in a prime-time TV show. This is the sort of song that rockets a singer-songwriter from unknown to a buzz-word. If anyone reading this is doing licensing for television or movies, you need to grab hold of this song.

Other highlights include Color, Words, and Breaking Free. Ramzi brings a rock troubadour's story-telling sensibility, a fresh voice, and some outstanding guitar work on Color. The songwriting is mixed, with some of it very polished, and some less so. What is clear is that this is a young artist who is learning and growing in his art, and Color is a strong starting point. Where Ramzi is totally on his game the music is sublime, and when he's off he's not off by much. I would strongly suspect that Ramzi will continue to grow into an accomplished artist. Color is his musical hello to the world, and it is very welcome!

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Ramzi at www.ramziguitar.com. You can purchase a copy of Color at www.cdbaby.com/cd/ramzimusic.