Samuel Stephen "Steve" Forbert (born December 13, 1954) is an American pop music singer-songwriter. Bob Harris of BBC Radio 2 said Forbert has "One of the most distinctive voices anywhere.”
His 1979 song "Romeo's Tune" reached No. 11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 13 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart. It also spent two weeks at No. 8 in Canada. His other singles have all charted on Billboard. Forbert's first four albums all charted on the Billboard 200 chart, with Jack Rabbit Slim certified gold. In 2003, his Any Old Time album was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Folk category. Forbert has released nineteen studio and three live albums.
[By Mike DeGagne
Steve Forbert's youthful features and boyish voice certainly become misleading once his lyrics are heard. His folk-rock styled songs are usually centered around life's ups and downs and the problems of adulthood, portraying him as an artist who's just trying to get by.
Alive on Arrival is an album full of earnest tunes about loneliness, self-worth, aspirations, and disappointments. Forbert's wispy, innocent sounding voice floats gently (and cuts roughly) over his acoustic guitar to homespun ditties with a down-to-earth feel.
The kick-back aura of Alive on Arrival puts the emphasis on the down and out Forbert while feelings of sentiment and adolescence slowly emerge with each passing song. This album makes for a great late-night listen.]
Released on CBS Records in 1978, “Alive On Arrival” was heralded by fans and critics alike. Rolling Stone raved that on the album Forbert “attacked his acoustic guitar fiercely, took raw, careening harmonica solos, and sang in a manner nobody had heard before--hoarse, almost whispering at times, but with a sure command of texture and nuance and a sense of high drama.” Paul Nelson, in the Rolling Stone review of the record, said that “Nothing in this world is going to stop Steve Forbert, and on that I’d bet anything you’d care to wager.”
Alive On Arrival was an auspicious debut. He had traveled from his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi to New York City, playing in small clubs and in front of any open mic that was available. His first release reflects those learning experiences as the music and lyrics have a raw and gritty feel despite the gentle nature of his approach.
His early songs explored pain, humor, regret, his philosophy of life, and the world around him. “It Isn’t Gonna Be That Way” is a catchy folk tune that remains in your mind long after the song ends. “Big City Cat” is an emotional ride through his life at the time. “Goin’ Down to Laurel” remains a fine introduction to his music.
Label: Epic – ZK 35538, Nemperor Records – ZK 35538
Format: CD, Album, Reissue
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Rock
Style: Folk Rock
TRACKS
All songs written by Steve Forbert
01. Goin' Down to Laurel – 4:39
02. Steve Forbert's Midsummer Night's Toast – 2:49
03. Thinkin' – 3:25
04. What Kinda Guy? – 2:34
05. It Isn't Gonna Be That Way – 4:55
06. Big City Cat – 3:50
07. Grand Central Station, March 18, 1977 – 4:13
08. Tonight I Feel So Far Away from Home – 3:14
09. Settle Down – 3:46
10. You Cannot Win If You Do Not Play – 4:33
Personnel
Acoustic Bass – Brian Torff (tracks: 8)
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn (tracks: 6)
Bass – Hugh McDonald
Design – Ed Lee
Drums, Tambourine – Barry Lazarowitz
Engineer – Glenn Berger
Engineer [Associate Engineer] – Charles Clifton
Guitar [Pedal Steel] – Harvey Shapiro
Lead Guitar – Steve Burgh
Other [Production Assistant] – Candice Smith
Photography By [Back Cover] – David Gahr
Photography By [Front Cover] – Danny Fields
Piano, Organ – Robbie Kondor
Producer – Steve Burgh
Technician [Technical Assistance] – Bruce Maddocks
Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica – Steve Forbert
Written-By – Steve Forbert
IT ISN'T GONNA BE THAT WAY LYRICS
You've traveled so far, the wind in your face
you're thinking you've found the one special place
where all your dreams will walk out in line,
and follow the course you've made in your mind
Well, it isn't gonna be that way
It isn't gonna be that way
I came on my own
and felt much like you
i thought i was king
and knew what to do
but everything burned
and fell from my hand
i had to turn back
and build a new plan
Cause It isn't gonna be that way
It isn't gonna be that way
If i were a god
id give you a clue
this minute would crack
and id go through
and id walk out in time
where no one has been
and come back to you
and tell what id seen
But It isn't gonna be that way
It isn't gonna be that way
youll just have to live
and see what you find
take it from there
and follow the signs
think you can live
and dream your own fate
you think you can wish
and walk through the gate
It isn't gonna be that way
It isn't gonna be that way
Thanks a lot.
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