Ridgetop
1993
Makin' It Real
About This Album
Makin' It Real, Jesse Colin Young's first new album in six years and only his second in 11 years, is the impassioned statement of a man in love. On earlier albums, Young's wife Suzi sang with him, and he sang about her. This time, it's Connie Darden-Young who serves as his muse, and in song after song, he celebrates their love. The peak of his devotion is "Crazy Boy," in which he defines his life as leading up to his meeting her. Virtually a concept album (except for "Turning Point," once intended to be the title track, which is an environmental lament), Makin' It Real is less musically varied than Young's early albums. It's basically a pop/rock record driven by Young's soaring, echoed vocals and the electric guitars of Mark Baran and (on two tracks) Andy Narell. Tolstoy observed that all happy families are alike, and Young is so infatuated that the listener can sometimes feel left out. But love is inspiring, and this is among the most emotionally committed and positive music made by an artist known for those qualities. (The album contains two "special bonus tracks": a new recording of "Get Together," which was a Top Ten hit for Young as a member of the Youngbloods, and the Song for Juli version of "Ridgetop.") ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
Track List

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