I did not end up receiving my order although I did receive a refund. I would not order from this seller again.

While this CD is not a new release, it is a definite must have for any collection. I feel certain it is Ray's finest, but it also happens to be one of my all-time favorite CD's! Every time I have this playing, someone asks who the artist is...what the song is...if it's a new CD... His throaty/husky voice stands in contrast to the gentle, flowing melodies, and the tracks all have the feel of a personal and private living room performance. The most wonderful part of it is that EVERY TRACK IS GREAT.

I was just starting to believe I'd never be emotionally devastated by an album again. I kept listening to my old Joni Mitchell & Cat Stevens,
wondering why nothing recent or new was making me feel anything. I thought it meant I was getting old. I had come to dread shopping because of the piped in "music" - I can't bear it. I'd turn on the radio and shake my head in bewilderment. Anyway, it is a crime that few people have heard of Ray LaMontagne. It is a total fluke that I came to own this fantastic album - I saw a clip of Susan Tedeschi singing a song called, "Shelter" and I couldn't breathe. I had to know who wrote the song.

Long story later, this CD gets popped into my mailbox curtesy of Amazon. I put it on the stereo and everyone in the room fell silent. Even my kids, and they never shut up. This is a voice that comes along once in a generation - he reminds me a bit of Otis Redding; he has a nice rasp, as though his vocal chords are coated in dust. I can't say enough about him -
his singing gives me chills, his lyrics bring tears to my eyes. What joy this single human being has given me.

I heard the song Trouble on Sirius music- Coffee House Acoustic on TV. I had never heard of Ray LaMontagne, but ordered the CD because of that song. All the songs are great on the CD. He sort of reminded me of Amos Lee. I really like his voice, and I plan to order more of his CD's.

As a whole, this is his best album and a great return to classic folk music.

Even though there are only 10 tracks on this CD, all of them are worth listening to. I can listen to this CD over and over...Ray's voice is smooth and his music is mellow. He music is laid back-like a mix between Jack Johnson and John Mayer. I want to buy all of his music :)

This is such a great record. It speaks to my soul as the joy and angst flows. I recommend it highly. It is an album that you can play from start to finish. This guy is great.

If you just liked a couple of songs, this is not for you...

This incredibly sexy, soulful voice cries out for hope. Trouble, Forever My Friend, is on track with the instrumentation and arrangement. We need an artist of this quality to uplift us with his passion and his talent. I would buy all of his albums if his view turned more towards the light.

Listening to this cd has made me an instant fan of Ray Lamontagne. I, being a fan of soul and folk, have been tickled with Ray's beautiful melodies. His lyrics are emotionally charged and they create a place for the listener to experince the deep issues of life. Ray's voice helps the listener to experince passion and a small sense of longing. His songs are about love and the reality of a person's internal issues. This cd is a must have in any music collection.

I remember the first time I heard the title track `Trouble'. I fell in love instantly with the smoky, folksy feel to the song. Beings that two of my favorite singers happen to be Damien Rice and David Gray it's only inevitable that Ray LaMontagne would end up very high on my list as well. He sounds almost like a musical compilation of the two, with Damien's rustic and raw musical style accompanied with a gruffer version of David's dark voice. On `Trouble' Ray easily captivates his audience with a collection of raw and appealing tracks all capitalizing on Ray's magnetism. Offering us tracks that slip into that southern almost country feel as well as sheer folk rock and good old fashioned rock & roll, `Trouble' is in the end a very well rounded album.

Things start with the title track `Trouble' and even after listening to the magnificence of the entire album I must say that this track is truly a standout. Just the way Ray's rough voice elevates with an almost smooth sounding resonance as he bellows "trouble...trouble, trouble, trouble" is enough to calm the nerves. It's elegant despite its gruff exterior. He does this to even more impressive heights on `Burn' for as he utters the open words "Oh momma" I'm lost in his soul. I've said this before when reviewing other artists work but it's so true...if you can't feel their soul then you might as well put down the record. Ray LaMontagne bears his soul on every track here, and `Burn' is one superlative example of this. Another is one of my favorite tracks, `Shelter'. The song effortlessly glides over the listeners ears with its delicate vocals and smooth musical development. It's a truly beautiful song.

Songs like `The Narrow Escape' find themselves in almost Johnny Cash territory, real southern with the harmonica adding to that southern flare. It's very folksy, like something you'd see a group of rednecks playing on wooden chairs outside the local fishing tackle store for the local townsfolk. That may sound like a bad thing but it's so not. `How Come' has a much more upbeat feel to it, one of those songs you want to move to. It deals with deep subject as in real issues with the world today and questioning why we see all the horrible things taking place day in and day out. `Hannah' incorporates piano chords that sound as if they belong in a saloon and a violin, which is never a bad thing, but `Hannah' still probably winds up my least favorite track here. It's still a good song, but not as good as the rest of the album.

`Jolene' is a much softer track, and in its subtle and almost dark musical atmosphere Ray's gruff vocals truly elevate the mood of the song. `Hold You in My Arms' is a beautifully done track about the consoling nature of a true friend. Ray gets this feeling across spectacularly. `Forever My Friend' is another song that seems a bit more upbeat. The musical arrangement is perfectly complimented by Ray's vocals, and the lyrical message is one that is also upbeat and sweet. `All The Wild Horses' closes the album, and it does so wonderfully. The musical opening to the song gives the impression of something epic, something grandiose and important, and Ray's ghostly delivery helps keep the song strong and mysterious.

So, from start to finish `Trouble' is an album to love and adore, one to relish and admire for Ray LaMontagne has beautifully captured his spirit, his soul and delivered to us a raw and revealing look at what true talent can accomplish.

At the 2005 Newport Folk Festival, an artist I'd never heard before took the stage and began to play a midday set. I'd not heard the name Ray LaMontagne before, but once he played his set (concluding with "All The Wild Horses" and a rocking blues number that is not on either of his studio albums), I was hooked. Fortunately, it was announced from the stage that Ray would be signing CD's from a booth on the fairway, I was there. He and his guitarist signed my copy of "Trouble" and - on the long drive home - this CD played and I became a fan.

With an airy yet husky voice and spacious accompaniment, LaMontagne recalls many of the folksingers of the 70's (James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot) as well as the spiritual heft of Van Morrison. (Or perhaps "Tumbleweed Connection" Elton John.) For contemporary peers, there are David Gray or a richer Sam Beam. There is a wealth of emotion to be found here, be it the joy of the title song or the wistful "All The Wild Horses," Ray LaMontagne's debut is a charmer. If you enjoy this, his follow-up, "Till the Sun Turns Black," is just as rich but a darker and more complex record, maybe even better than this one.

I know I've heard tracks from this record used on TV shows, and there's a good reason for that. Ray LaMontagne has a husky yet listenable voice, articulate lyrics, and a range of melodies. Taylor Hicks would do well to try to emulate his idol further.

This album is soulful, deep and thick. His voice will melt your worries away.

Buy this album! I received this album as a gift for my birthday and it has stayed in my CD player since. This is easily the best album I have in my collection and will continue to liten to it over and over and over again. You will not be disappointed if you want to hear great music.

Great songwriter and music! If you have a soul you will like this CD.

An absolutely great sound to this relaxing artist... of course it is a 5.

I was nervous about this one when I ordered it because it came up as an Amazon suggestion. I read all of the reviews and listened to as much of it as I could, and then I HAD to order it. I am not sorry that I did. I love every single song on it and listen to it over and over again. I put this on every morning while I cook breakfast and every night when I cook dinner....I can't get enough of it.

I am one of those people who is infinately picky about music. So many artists out there today have one or two really good songs and the rest of the CD is just fluff. Ray LaMontagne is not one of them. Every single song on this album is consistantly excellent. His voice has a brushy, raspy quality to it that somehow manages to fill you with yearning, even if you have nothing to pine for. Bluesy and soulful, I can't believe Ray hasn't blown off the billboard charts yet. I share his music with everyone and hope that he is awarded the recognition he deserves.

I bought this album after receiving several recommendations from Springsteen and Dylan fans. Not knowing what to truly expect, I looked him up on this site and read some of the reviews posted by those who have the album. I found a non-stop list of five star reviews, so I went for it. I'm not sorry I bought the album, and perhaps it will take time to get used to it, but I am not as excited about it as I had hoped. After my first few listenings, I find Ray LaMontagne to be not much more than a male Nora Jones, which isn't saying much. The music is sloooow, and far less dramatic than I expected. Thus far it sounds more like music for candle light dinners in a cheesy jazz restaurant than something to get all excited about. I was very disappointed that the sleeve didn't come with lyrics or any kind of pictures. While I would agree that music is not about superfluous extras, I would argue that it helps to get some assistance in finding the true value in an unknown, which is what Trouble is. I don't find that the music totally carries the price tag in a very competitive music world.

Every song on this album is great. I play it over and over. It's my addiction!

This cd has harldy left my cd player since I bought it. Every song is great- that is a hard thing to find in albums now. Ray's other album is good too, but Trouble is the place to start.

Really a great album with a quality sound. Ray has the feel of the modern folk movement with tones reminiscent of the 60's with a comparitively masculine voice similar to Janis Joplin. THis guy's got some soul.

A big success, great voice, knows exactly how to make good music
In one word a precious jewel......

I haven't heard anything this rich in about 10 years [since Martin Sexton]. Sounds like? Richie Havens on acoustic guitar meets Ben Harper [for soul] and Elton John [for gospel], but with a lighter touch and extremely deft textures of guitars, keyboards, and even some horns. Great rhythms, both mellow and dance-able. Ray's vocals are thick and mellow, warm and full of soul. The man has a very deceptively gentle touch on the surface, but the power of the music and lyrics get right to the heart. Could have been made circa 1971, feels like that era. Good from start to finish, the whole damn thing is mesmerizing.

I resisted the urge to buy this cd when it first came out because of the overplayed song Trouble. I liked the song, but it was on the radio every time I tuned in and I eventually got sick of it. And so I waited.

I bought the cd a couple of weekends ago in a used cd store here in West Seattle, plopped it in my player and have been listening to it since. Not only do I have a newfound appreciation for the song Trouble, the rest of the cd is quite amazing! It is simply an amazing piece of art...the entire cd is beautiful.

I saw Ray Lamontagne on Austin City Limits this weekend and was blown away by his understated and quiet delivery of song. He played a couple of tunes from Trouble and his new cd, Till the Sun Turns Black - which I'm getting today.

Highly, highly recommended!

Peace out.

I just got this CD this weekend and can't stop listening. It's one of those CDs that makes you happy to be alive. You know the type--remember wearing out cassette tapes in the 80s and LPs in the 70s from sheer use and having to replace them? This is such a collection of music.
I have my iPod on and am totally grooving to "Forever my Friend" in my office, and I don't care who thinks I look silly. All of the songs are warm and rich, and Lamontagne has a voice like smooth chocolate.
I LOVE this CD. I am glad MP3s don't wear out like LPs and cassette tapes.

This CD amazes me every time I listen to it - it simply never wears me down. It's incredibly versatile. No matter what mood I'm in, it works. Lamontagne's voice is beautiful. One listen, and you're hooked.

A voice this distinctive deserves great songs to show it off. This album has the sensual writing and careful production to take LaMontagne's voice from curiosity to career. Listen. It rattles like a windowpane in the wind- you're still warm inside, while the view before you is clear, dynamic, and engrossing.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blues... Ray La "Joe Cocker meets Van Morrison" Montagne (and I'm sure you can argue for 20 others he sounds like - but WHO CARES - this stuff is good for you)! Ray's voice is so classic its fresh, lush, rich and powerful, I'm going to break my steering wheel pounding away to this stuff.... I get lost in this music and suggest you join me in the kaleidoscopic world of flashbacks, flower power, Jesus Joggers, combined with Ottis Reddings soulful thunderclap... Did I say that? I don't know where that came from? maybe from the top of the LAmontagne I climbed when I heard this work! LOVE IT!!! TOP PICK OF 2005!

Saw him in June when he opened for Guster at the Chevrolet in CT. Had to get the CD. Ray's smooth tracks help get me through long work days with a great beat and a relaxed mind.

it's impossible not to become addicted to it. It's a fantastic cd by a truly remarkable voice. If you're just now discovering this artist buy both of his releases...you have a lot of catching up to do!

Ray LeMontaigne is amazing! This album becomes more and more beautiful and soulful the more times I listen to it. I have shared it with friends, who rushed out to buy his other CDs. Truly, Mr. LeMontaigne is a brilliant singer/songwriter, and this coming from a person not particularly fond of the singer/songwriter-type musician.

Words cannot even describe how deeply I cherish this man's music. I will forever be grateful to Mr. LaMontagne for sharing his music with the world. "Burn" is the most heartbreaking song I've ever felt( yes you feel his songs ). From "Trouble" to "All the Wild Horses" you become enveloped by the music, lyrics, and vocals. Thank you Mr. LaMontagne.

I didn't know what to expect of this CD when I bought it. I had only heard one song performed live on PBS of all places. Ray LaMontagne is an amazing songwriter. He is a storyteller that spins a beautiful narrative from start to finish. The recording has a raw feel to it with the minimalistic take on the instruments driven by Ray's powerful voice. He has a storytelling quality comparable to the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, with a refreshingly unique folk sound. All of his songs are great but I especially enjoyed "Burn", and my favorite "Jolene".