Citizen Cope is by far one of the best and most unique artists out right now. His music is some beautiful mixture of about 6 different genres including rock, blues, funk, jazz, and acoustic-driven folk that come together under funky beats, mellow jams and the honest, poetic, enchanting vocals of Clarence Greenwood. The man has this incredible demeanor about him-- he is humble, laid-back and smooth as hell, but his passionate conviction and obvious wisdom let you know immediately that he is someone worth paying every bit of attention to. Cope is this chilled out casual observer who just kind of takes notes on life and the world and then delivers them with so much sincerity and love that you can't help but relate with everything that he says.

Out of the three albums released, The Clarence Greenwood Recordings is my favorite for a number of reasons. First, this was the album that really got me into Cope. There are some incredibly catchy and beautiful songs here. It starts off with "Night Becomes Day," which is really funky and upbeat. It will have you groovin within the first second. This song is followed by another real gem: a funny little story called "Pablo Picasso." "Son's Gonna Rise" and "Bullet and a Target" are probably his best known songs on the album and they are both a total blast. "Son's" is a happy, hopeful, head-bobbing song about determination and redemption and "Bullet" is a big, brilliant social commentary about the hardships of urban poverty told from a totally natural, personal point of view. But, aside from the more mainstream tracks there are gorgeous ballads, such as the mesmerizing "Hurricane Waters" and the slow, jazzy masterpiece "Sideways" performed with Carlos Santana. "My Way Home," "D'Artagnan's Theme," and "Fame" are all deeply emotional pieces about love, loss, acceptance and freedom. "Penitentiary" is a cool, melodic rock song with a great beat and "Deep" is an AMAZING instrumental that ends the album on a floaty, light, carefree vibe.

Another reason that I love this album is because it seems to be the most natural and genuine of all of Cope's work. Everything that he has ever done has been superb, but for some reason this is the album that most people tend to really relate with. It is organic and raw in a totally unique way-- the fluid melodies and hip beats keep it funky and danceable, but the emotional, smart lyrics and crooning vocals give it a stripped-down quality that allow you to open your heart to it in a way that a lot of other hip-hop and rock music does not. I could obviously talk about this music forever. Cope is a special artist who earns an infinite degree of respect from everyone who hears him. His music is perfect for any music lover because he completely defies borders...all that you need to enjoy it is a peaceful, mellow attitude, an open mind, and maybe a nice party substance or two =). Also, if you have a chance to see him live, DO NOT pass it up! Five stars forever.

Track 2 is titled Pablo piccasso. Why? The women he loves is 4o ft tall. in the papers, she doesn't blink, he keeps her by his side & doesn't want the cop to take her into his own hands.
I think he gets quarters from people, because he is a transient.
The last line says "...you a painting.", referring to his audience.
He talks to the painting about the lady he loves. A woman who is a concept and is also represented visually everywhere in NY. She is pretty prominant in Memphis, too.
The guy that CG is portraing here is wacked.
Check out the end of track 1 and let me know if you'll be ready to hold Happiness against your chest, when it's your turn?
The whole cd is like this.
If you are smart, don't read the lyrics!
What is a kid from Tennessee doing with a Dumas' novel? God...

This cd came in great condition and in a timely manner. Yes to that!

He has a laid back, almost lazy feel to his delivery. And it works beautifully. I absolutely love the way he blends various genres of music into his sound - blues, hip hop, reggae, rock. There are some negative reviews here due to the appearance of selling out (Pontiac commercial). Don't judge the cd or artist by that. Listen to it a couple of times, then you be the judge.

Highly recommended.

Where has this guy been hiding? I now have 2 of his albums. There isn't a single bad track on the disc. Every song resinates down to your soul.

I heard CC in a video for Son's Gonna Rise playing at an AEO store. I immediately stopped shopping and was just transfixed to the flat panel screen in the back of the store...not necessarily for the video(cos I don't even remember it), but for the MUSIC! It was bluesy and beautiful and made me want to move!
I just bought the cd and haven't taken it out of my cd player yet, so I would say it is definitely addictive! The songs are pretty low key, but really groove. I dig the lyrics and Clarence's voice. It is very laid back. It is part blues, part rock, part hip-hop and maybe even a bit of Reggae(sp?)...like another reviewer mentioned--even though it is pretty laid back music, it sounds good cranked up in the car or on the stereo!
All songs stood out to me in their own way...it is THAT good.
HIGHLY recommended.

SOUNDS A LITTLE LIKE SUBLIME

I was watching two recently released ski films(2005) and I just had to find out who was singing, "Bullet and a Target" as background on both. I found him and got the album. I'm 47 and from the Grateful Dead era and I rarely get "tuned in" to the new genre of music. This stuff is good, real good!

I am never bored with this recording. The quality and scope of the sound is absolutely amazing. Cope wites about a range of real life situations and melds then into highly emotive, expressive music. In doing so, he creates songs that would appeal to just about anyone at any stage in their life. Bluesy, melancholy at times, also determined and vivid; the breadth and depth of Citizen Cope's musical ability is immediately evident. And through all of it, his hip-hop sensibilities are softened, but not diminished. Truly amazing, this CD appeals to me on a different level every time I listen to it and I find new ways that it relates to my experiences more and more.

My first exposure to CC was on the U. of Penn radio station
WXPN. Contact was the song. I loved it. It was raw, radical,
funky, fantastic. I was hooked. When the CG Recordings came
out I ran to get the cd. In my humble opinion, this is one of
those classic cd's that will outlast the test of time. What a
talent; one that will appeal to all types of music lovers, from age 12 (my Son) to age 52, my dear old friend Joe.Go get this CD
NOW

I saw this cd in a magizine with rave reviews, so I listened to it on my computer and, to be honest, wasn't impressed. At first glance, the songs sounded the same and the lyrics weren't important. But for some reason, i listened to it a couple of times and found it grew on me! now, i love this cd and listen to it often!
Trust me, the music will grow on you. Each song has its own little twist, from the instrumentation to the style of singing. And the lyrics are very srong, as relized once i read them in the liner notes!!! His voice is perfect for his blues/funk/hip-hop and completly original music. This cd is very different than others and i cant see it being on the radio cause it doesnt have a strong single on it, however, if listened to enough, each song will shine. It is a wonderful cd that gets better every time its played, so give it a good, solid chance!

I absolutely love this cd. It catches you right from the start with its unique beat and amazing lyrics. I'd recommend it to anyone, no matter what kind of music you listen to.

Citizen Cope is one of those bands that I will isten to their CD's 20 years from now. I saw CC open for Gomez, then a small show at the Paradise Lounge and then a bigger one at the main room at the Paradise. Both Citizen Cope CD's are great. They are amazing live. He has such a great magnetic voice and stage appearance. Citizen Cope has not jumped on the bandwagon and is not a sell out. I do not think he compromised by being on a commercial. I am not a huge fan of that but I don't care because his music is awesome. I wish people could play that in my office. It would make the day go by so much faster. Unless you are a music snob, you will love this cd.

Yes his is the song in the tv commercials for the Pontiac auto. Why do so many musicians so readily compromise themselves and agree to whore their music out to crass commercial interests? True, everyone needs money, most people like money, blah blah. But for music that is supposed to be intensely personal, and communicate directly with a listener, i am only now becoming inured to how easily these "artists" become sell outs.

It is about time something refreshing and new has hit the bland music scene. It is one of those recordings that you can't get enough of, at least for me. Give it a try, I don't think you will be disappointed.

...I am going to kill somebody.

This is an awesome CD! Everytime I listen to it I like it even more. "Bullet and a Target", freakin' rocks. Not sure what it is, I normally listen to Korn, Tool and Fear Factory and that type of music. Don't get me wrong, there are some slow tunes, but none the less it sounds nice cranked!

Like one of the other reviewers stated...I heard "On My Way Home" when I was in a Cafe in Amsterdam and I knew that I recognized the voice. But I had to find out for sure because that song triggered something in my soul. It was exactly how I have felt but I have been unable to express it. When I found out it was Citizen Cope, I remembered that he sang on Michele N' DeChello's (Spelling?)album. It was one of the most underrated albums that she has ever had on a side note. Anyway, that song that he guest appeared on was one of the most haunting songs that I have heard in quite some time. I vowed to check for him when he came out. Well I didn't find him...he found me. A bullet and a target makes me want to protest any and every cause! There are a couple of songs that lag but overall, I am very pleased with this album!

1 good song on CD, which is the popular Pontiac song...which isn't that good when you listen to the whole song. Pontiac clipped the song to really make you feel like the actual "Sun" is going to rise, and your haulin ass- a good drop the top cruise song, but the song is truely about a lady in the back seat-which is his wife, giving birth to their "SON". Took the whole feel out of the song and enjoyment away and gave TOTAL different meaning. I can't figure if they are trying to be a hard metal band in some songs, or if they are wanting to be thugs in others. Would not purchase again, definately a 1 hit wonder. Pontiac gave them their 5 minutes of fame.

I find it really difficult to categorzie Cope's music (and never really understood the point of that anyway) but what it is: good to listen to, good to dance to, good to memorzie all the words of (he is a gifted storyteller and also has something worthwhile to say). Each of the excellent musicans in the band bring a different attitude to it - from hip hop beats and funk bass slapping. Buy it and go see them live! I have never seen an artist who can inspire an audience to vibe pure love for an entire concert...I've seen him 5 times because I leave feeling so high! And on top of all that - the man is...humble?

I can not believe how great this album is. I first heard the song "Son's Gonna Rise" on a commercial and instantly downloaded the song because I wanted to hear it again. When I had the oppurtunity to get the CD for free through a site, I hesitantly ordered it (I redeemed the CD with points I had accumulated for doing random activities). After I receieved it in the mail, it sat around for a while before I actually got around to listening to it. I wish I had listened to it sooner.

My like all the songs, but my favorites are definitely going to have to be "Bullet and a Target", "Pablo Picasso", "Penitentiary", "Sideways", and "Hurricane Waters"...and that's about half the album. I can't get this out of my CD player.

His voice is very soothing and relaxing. I have recommended this CD to pretty much everyone I know.

I love "Between a bullet and and a target" This sound only is 4 stars. I'm glad to fianlly escape the stupid nu-metal and rap that seems to be everywhere. Get this today!

Finally a kinda unknown album I don't have to give justice to (aka West Indian Girl) Amazing album. This guy is gonna be big. Get him now!

You can compare Cope's music to others in the soul-rock genre. He's certainly got the originality of Lenny Kravitz, the sincere grittiness of Tracy Chapman, the catchiness of Dave Matthews. But to understand Cope, you have to trace him back to his Jamaican heritage/source: Bob Marley.

I got the chance to see him live at Summerstage in NYC, where he sung all the songs from this second album. Not for nothing he started with a Bob Marley Cover (as a sound test) and finished with a Bob Marley cover sing-a-long. He was humble, engaging and honest even with his on-stage banter.

Bullet and a target and hurricane waters are 2 absolutely breathtaking songs. Just preview the songs here. Words cannot describe.

I played this at a party that wasn't jumping, and suddenly everyone was up and dancing. I defy you to sit still while you listen to the first track, and you may play it over and over so much that it couldt take a while to get to the second one. But they're almost all good. This is a nearly perfect album, and totally addictive. BUT, as the other reviewers have attested, the CD is write-protected, uncopyable, and therefore was not transferable to my iPod--it came out garbled. So if your intention is to play it on a CD player, buy a CD (however, as noted below it may not play on all CD players)--otherwise, download it. If you want to use it both ways, you're screwed. It's too bad the record company has done this disservice to a great artist.

I will be honest with you guys, I stumbled upon Citizen Cope's music by watching a cheesy WB teen drama. BUT-I am SO SO SO glad I did. I immediatly bought The Clarence Greenwood Recordings, and I was just blown away. I am a hard core hip hop/dance lover, and this whole album just makes me groove out. When I found out that he was going to be at BONNAROO I almost lost my sh*@. Turns out, the live show was unbearably fabulous too. I got the chance to have Mr. Greenwood sign my hot little Bonnaroo t-shirt, and let me tell you, he is one cool cat. He loves his fans, it shows, and I LOVE THAT. I got pics and even a weird little one armed hug. But wait, the most important thing, the MUSIC, people!!!!! "Sideways" just wears me out; it is a mellow but heartbreaking love songish kinda thing. And I just can't sit still during "Hurricane Waters" or "Son's Gonna Rise." Can't wait to see you guys again in KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE in a couple of weeks.....BUY IT YA'LL!!!!!!

One day my husband and I were watching TV and a car commercial appeared. We immediately wanted to know who was singing. We started researching on the net to find out who was singing on that commercial. It wasn't easy, but we finally found out it was Clarence Greenwood. I immediately ordered his CD from amazon.com. As soon as it arrived, I opened it and put it in my car CD player. It was better than I expected! His voice is fantastic and his music is awesome. I can already sing along with my favorites: A Bullet and a Target, Sideways, Fade Away, etc. His poetry is very meaningful.I look forward to hearing more from this individual.

FIRST OFF, ANYONE BASHIN COPE, SHUT UP, AND LISTEN UP. THIS GUY HAS MORE SOUL AND FEELING IN HIS MUSIC THAN MOST ARTISTS TODAY. HIS MUSIC IS REAL, HONEST AND FULL OF SOUL. HE REALLY KICKS OUT THE JAMS ON TRACKS LIKE SONS GONNA RISE, AND BULLET AND A TARGET, AND YOU CAN JUST SIT BACK, RELAX, AND ENJOY THE VIBE OF PENETENTARY AND FAME. THERE IS A SONG FOR EVERY MOOD YOU CAN BE IN. THIS CD'S EVER EVOLVING STRUCTURE CAN TAKE WILL THROUGH THE MIND OF COPE, AND SPIT YOU OUT ONLY WANTING MORE. A CHANGE FROM HIS LAST ALBUM, LESS BEAT-EE, AND MORE SOUL. I LOVE EM BOTH THE SAME. PERSONAL FAVS ARE SIDEWAYS, FAME, AND BULLET AND A TARGET. BUY HTIS ALBUM IF YOU LIKE MUSIC. PERIOD.

This music is the best I have heard in years! I have listened to many different types of music and this grabbed me right away. It is addicting, I can't stop listening to it. You have to buy the C.D. You won't regret it!

Bought it after hearing a few cuts. Fabulous creative process. There more I hear it the better I like it. It's one of those CD's where there are no bad cuts. My favorite is #5 - Sideways.

Congratulations to Mr. Greenwood.

I'm very fortunate to live in the NYC - Philly - D.C. corridor, and therefore Citizen Cope's music is played extensively on the alternative music stations, such as the University of Pennsylvania's WXPN and other area radio stations.

When I first heard Citizen Cope's music, I was immediately aware that I was listening to something different: this was someone with that "certain something" that sets him apart from the rest of the crowd. Citizen Cope, also known as Clarence Greenwood, has something to say, and he says it with a unique and compelling style. His gritty persona is real, to which I can attest after seeing him live in Baltimore last Saturday night.

Clarence has very devoted fans who know his song lyrics by heart, and sang along with him almost the entire concert, so much so that at a few points during the concert, he could actually take a break from singing! And talk about energy, everyone was moving along with the flow of the music and dancing all night long.

I have seen many great bands and artists over many years' time. Most of us seem to know when we are in the presence of a great talent when we see one, and Clarence is no exception. I can honestly say that this guy reminds me of a young Bob Dylan, but with a much better voice. His band was very talented as well - a very diverse and tight ensemble of rock/blues/R&B style musicians.

I feel fortunate to have seen Clarence live at such an early stage of his career, and I was only five rows of people away from the stage (yes, it was standing room only in that packed concert hall). This will change in time, as he becomes better well-known...I'll never be that close again.

Not only do I recommend this album to everyone reading this review, I also urge you to see Citizen Cope live. Just as we in the crowd were caught up in the emotionally compelling energy of this truly talented artist, so will you enjoy the feeling of experiencing one of the most enjoyable bands you will ever see.

Do yourself a favor and buy this album.

I'm not big into rock, but I love "quality anything". When I first heard "bullet and a target" from his debut CD, I stopped everything I was doing, took down his name, and did some investigating.

I bought his first and second CD's, which are fantastic both, but The Clarence Greenwood Recordings are, in my opinion, superior. By his own admission, this CD was one that he was much more "himself" on. You can tell too. There's and interesting dichotomy in his music; it's passionate, but seemingly disinterested. Almost like someone snuck up on him with a recorder while he was playing for himself. I don't know if that makes sense, but for me, that non-deliberate aura marks a refreshing change in modern over-produced music.

The entire CD is fantastic, but Sideways, Son's Gonna Rise, and Hurricane Waters are my absolute favorite. I've probably listened to HW over 200 times...MUST STOP!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

Christian Hunter
Santa Barbara, California

This CD is remarkable, I can't stop listening to it. It's sexy, down-n-dirty music and I can't get enough of it.

i meant to do a review of this album a couple months ago... if i had, then this woulda been me overhyping this man's mission... so as it stands today, im only gonna flat-line-hype it... this is a darn (can i say that on amazon?) good cd with the only problem being frontloaded with his best songs... actually, he only really kinda 'missteps' on two out of eleven of his songs...

and the only reason why im no longer giving this cd five stars is because i played the heck outta it for the first four weeks and wore all the silver off...

so, in essence, it STILL is five stars... just pace yourself when playing it.

way underrated !! A lot of reviews I read indicate that Citizen Cope's music is nothing new and/or special. It may not be revolutionary, but his music is some of the best that I've heard in the past few years. It's a great mix of soul, funk, pop, and ballads. This is a great album and is very catchy, but if you like this one in the least bit, I highly recommend his previous self titled album. The lyrics are great and the songs very emotional in nature....one of the best cd's I own. You will not be disappointed.