Barry Russo

The best review I can give of Barry Russo‘s CD, These Are The Days, comes from the opening of the forth song, “It’s Not To Late.” You hear an old 50’s B-movie announcer’s voice that states, “This should be played at high volume, preferably in a residential area.” I couldn't agree more. Russo has made an exceptional CD that captures the Holy Spirit at work in our daily lives without getting too preachy. “These Are The Days” stands back and looks at the "big picture.” It's the mood that stays in the song “Letting Go.” It talks about how we feel when we let go and let God take over. We leave our sins and past behind. God is with us, so live for the moment--is the idea behind the poppy tune "While We Got Today.” In this song Russo sees an old man and wonders what life will be like when he is old, hoping he doesn't look back and laugh at himself for not taking the right path. Russo knows that you can always change your life as he states in the song “It’s Not Too Late.” Of course the song everyone will remember from the CD is the parody “Child Of The 80’s.” Russo remembers the innocence of his childhood by placing "bookmarks" in those memories of pop culture. “..When ET had not phoned home yet, and an actor was the president, when Karate Kid had learn to kick, those are times I really miss—I’m a child of the 80’s…”Russo sings in a Buggles/Flash and the Pan type of voice and inserts riffs from Devo, Van Halen, Aha and more. He hits the nail on the head with the lyric “Reality killed the video star...” as MTV is now nothing more than reality TV shows. All together These Are The Days sends a message from Barry Russo. Life goes by too quickly, so overcome your obstacles and live God’s gift to you to its fullest.
- catholicmusicnetwork.com

The best review I can give of Barry Russo‘s CD, These Are The Days, comes from the opening of the forth song, “It’s Not To Late.” You hear an old 50’s B-movie announcer’s voice that states, “This should be played at high volume, preferably in a residential area.” I couldn't agree more. Russo has made an exceptional CD that captures the Holy Spirit at work in our daily lives without getting too preachy. “These Are The Days” stands back and looks at the "big picture.” It's the mood that stays in the song “Letting Go.” It talks about how we feel when we let go and let God take over. We leave our sins and past behind. God is with us, so live for the moment--is the idea behind the poppy tune "While We Got Today.” In this song Russo sees an old man and wonders what life will be like when he is old, hoping he doesn't look back and laugh at himself for not taking the right path. Russo knows that you can always change your life as he states in the song “It’s Not Too Late.” Of course the song everyone will remember from the CD is the parody “Child Of The 80’s.” Russo remembers the innocence of his childhood by placing "bookmarks" in those memories of pop culture. “..When ET had not phoned home yet, and an actor was the president, when Karate Kid had learn to kick, those are times I really miss—I’m a child of the 80’s…”Russo sings in a Buggles/Flash and the Pan type of voice and inserts riffs from Devo, Van Halen, Aha and more. He hits the nail on the head with the lyric “Reality killed the video star...” as MTV is now nothing more than reality TV shows. All together These Are The Days sends a message from Barry Russo. Life goes by too quickly, so overcome your obstacles and live God’s gift to you to its fullest.
- catholicmusicnetwork.com

If Generation X is to have its own anthem, better to have one that recaptures the geek colors and synthesized charm of the Donkey Kong era than the incoherent, unfocused angst of Nirvana's “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Grunge is often labeled a Generation X movement, and while the Seattle music scene that burst in 1991 may have originated in the previous decade, it was actually a younger crowd that embraced the genre – the same kids who bought Image Comics in bundles and collected Magic cards.

Singer/songwriter Barry Russo is a card-carrying member of Generation X, and his nostalgic yearning for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Atari games, and Bananarama on “Child of the ‘80s” encapsulates ten years of innocuous fun and progressive pop in a bite-sized radio single. The longing in Russo's voice when he mourns, “When E.T had not phoned home yet/And an actor was the president/When Karate Kid had learned to kick/Those are times I really miss,” is seriously touching, especially for listeners who fondly recall those days. To fit the time period, “Child of the ‘80s” is suited with cheesy synthesizers, robotic singing, and a big, bright chorus that sticks in the brain like the green slime Mattel once sold to children in little plastic garbage cans. The sentiments expressed in “Child of the ‘80s” are so contagious is that it makes one to take a day off from work for another futile attempt at solving the Rubik's Cube.

Although Russo does the leave the ‘80s behind on the rest of the CD, his knack for FM-friendly hooks remains strong, especially on “Are You Listening” and “Walk Away.” The arrangements are far different than “Child of the ‘80s”; instead of bouncy keyboards and pseudo-British accents Russo employs acoustic guitars, piano, and real drums. The album has an uplifting summer feel even when the lyrics are a tad forlorn. And he hasn't completely detached himself from the ‘80s as some of the piano playing is reminiscent of Bruce Hornsby & the Range. While many independent artists avoid studio gloss, Russo embraces it enough to make his songs ready for a major label. But Russo doesn't sound like he's in it for the buck; there's genuine emotion here, from the adolescent affection of “Child of the ‘80s” to “I'll Always Remember,” a beautiful track about his father. - cdreviews.com

If Generation X is to have its own anthem, better to have one that recaptures the geek colors and synthesized charm of the Donkey Kong era than the incoherent, unfocused angst of Nirvana's “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Grunge is often labeled a Generation X movement, and while the Seattle music scene that burst in 1991 may have originated in the previous decade, it was actually a younger crowd that embraced the genre – the same kids who bought Image Comics in bundles and collected Magic cards.

Singer/songwriter Barry Russo is a card-carrying member of Generation X, and his nostalgic yearning for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Atari games, and Bananarama on “Child of the ‘80s” encapsulates ten years of innocuous fun and progressive pop in a bite-sized radio single. The longing in Russo's voice when he mourns, “When E.T had not phoned home yet/And an actor was the president/When Karate Kid had learned to kick/Those are times I really miss,” is seriously touching, especially for listeners who fondly recall those days. To fit the time period, “Child of the ‘80s” is suited with cheesy synthesizers, robotic singing, and a big, bright chorus that sticks in the brain like the green slime Mattel once sold to children in little plastic garbage cans. The sentiments expressed in “Child of the ‘80s” are so contagious is that it makes one to take a day off from work for another futile attempt at solving the Rubik's Cube.

Although Russo does the leave the ‘80s behind on the rest of the CD, his knack for FM-friendly hooks remains strong, especially on “Are You Listening” and “Walk Away.” The arrangements are far different than “Child of the ‘80s”; instead of bouncy keyboards and pseudo-British accents Russo employs acoustic guitars, piano, and real drums. The album has an uplifting summer feel even when the lyrics are a tad forlorn. And he hasn't completely detached himself from the ‘80s as some of the piano playing is reminiscent of Bruce Hornsby & the Range. While many independent artists avoid studio gloss, Russo embraces it enough to make his songs ready for a major label. But Russo doesn't sound like he's in it for the buck; there's genuine emotion here, from the adolescent affection of “Child of the ‘80s” to “I'll Always Remember,” a beautiful track about his father. - cdreviews.com

Usually, albums such as singer/songwriter Barry Russo’s debut, These Are The Days, are lost in a sea of decidedly flashier records. It’s unfortunate that an industry that’s supposed to reward musical talent would rather support something more fashionable than an ear-pleasing mainstream pop/rock album. Actually, in an odd twist, These Are The Days is labeled as "Adult Album Alternative" in today’s market, even though the songs on it would fit on American Top-40 or AOR stations during the ‘80s. And Russo seems to have realized that as well, pronouncing his love for the Rubik’s Cube years on “Child of the ‘80s,” a charming and unabashedly affectionate homage to the decade. With a futuristic delivery, so robotic that it makes Gary Numan’s Cylon crooning sound as warm as Firestar from Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends, Russo lists what he misses about the ‘80s, a comprehensive shopping cart of Reagan-era nostalgia that includes Bananarama, Romancing the Stone and The Cosby Show. The arrangements take on retro sounds of cheesy synthesizers and spandex metal riffs with accuracy. It’s hysterically funny and drop-dead cute, especially the less-than-subtle nod to Van Halen’s “Jump.”

Aside from “Child of the ‘80s,” These Are The Days consists of fairly contemporary, upbeat and mature compositions that are polished with a coat of studio sheen suitable for commercial radio. Of these, the soaring “Are You Listening” and the piano-laced “Walk Away” have the most widespread appeal. The best tracks are compiled up front, as Russo knocks one out of the ballpark after another. Although, except for “Child of the ‘80s,” it does take repeated spins for them to penetrate the skin. Nevertheless, Russo does save the best for the near last: the moving “I’ll Always Remember,” a touching ballad for his father. - ink19.com

Usually, albums such as singer/songwriter Barry Russo’s debut, These Are The Days, are lost in a sea of decidedly flashier records. It’s unfortunate that an industry that’s supposed to reward musical talent would rather support something more fashionable than an ear-pleasing mainstream pop/rock album. Actually, in an odd twist, These Are The Days is labeled as "Adult Album Alternative" in today’s market, even though the songs on it would fit on American Top-40 or AOR stations during the ‘80s. And Russo seems to have realized that as well, pronouncing his love for the Rubik’s Cube years on “Child of the ‘80s,” a charming and unabashedly affectionate homage to the decade. With a futuristic delivery, so robotic that it makes Gary Numan’s Cylon crooning sound as warm as Firestar from Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends, Russo lists what he misses about the ‘80s, a comprehensive shopping cart of Reagan-era nostalgia that includes Bananarama, Romancing the Stone and The Cosby Show. The arrangements take on retro sounds of cheesy synthesizers and spandex metal riffs with accuracy. It’s hysterically funny and drop-dead cute, especially the less-than-subtle nod to Van Halen’s “Jump.”

Aside from “Child of the ‘80s,” These Are The Days consists of fairly contemporary, upbeat and mature compositions that are polished with a coat of studio sheen suitable for commercial radio. Of these, the soaring “Are You Listening” and the piano-laced “Walk Away” have the most widespread appeal. The best tracks are compiled up front, as Russo knocks one out of the ballpark after another. Although, except for “Child of the ‘80s,” it does take repeated spins for them to penetrate the skin. Nevertheless, Russo does save the best for the near last: the moving “I’ll Always Remember,” a touching ballad for his father. - ink19.com

Good Points:

Includes one of the year's best singles; top-flight studio craftsmanship and audio clarity; heartfelt songwriting.

Bad Points:

No other tracks like "Child of the 80s."

General Comments:

Having a single that stands out as much as "Child of the 80s" does can be both a curse and a blessing. For singer/songwriter Barry Russo, hopefully people will not categorize him as a one-hit wonder. "Child of the 80s" is not a pop smash as of yet, but with its R2-D2-meets-Kraftwerk blips and android vocals, it can net a wide audience fondly recalling the decade of breakfast clubs and space invaders. Given that the remainder of the album is light years away from it stylistically, it should give Russo more credibility with other critics; however, my sweet tooth couldn't get enough of "Child of the 80s." Rarely has a song inspired such constant repetitions on my stereo.

Russo has a pretty voice, and his way with melodies certainly has a graceful '80s touch. No filler here as there are numerous tracks worth keeping. - reviewcentre.com

Good Points:

Includes one of the year's best singles; top-flight studio craftsmanship and audio clarity; heartfelt songwriting.

Bad Points:

No other tracks like "Child of the 80s."

General Comments:

Having a single that stands out as much as "Child of the 80s" does can be both a curse and a blessing. For singer/songwriter Barry Russo, hopefully people will not categorize him as a one-hit wonder. "Child of the 80s" is not a pop smash as of yet, but with its R2-D2-meets-Kraftwerk blips and android vocals, it can net a wide audience fondly recalling the decade of breakfast clubs and space invaders. Given that the remainder of the album is light years away from it stylistically, it should give Russo more credibility with other critics; however, my sweet tooth couldn't get enough of "Child of the 80s." Rarely has a song inspired such constant repetitions on my stereo.

Russo has a pretty voice, and his way with melodies certainly has a graceful '80s touch. No filler here as there are numerous tracks worth keeping. - reviewcentre.com

It’s about time somebody wrote a song about the ‘80s. Oops, Bowling for Soup already did with the characteristically goofy “1985.” Well, it may be following in the footsteps instead of being the first, but Barry Russo’s “Child of the 80s” is actually funnier and more poignant. Considering that it’s only available on a self-released album, “Child of the 80s” won’t have the big-budget promotional bucks to acquire the exposure that Bowling for Soup did. Then again, who knows?

“Child of the 80s” accurately paints the early ‘80s with wild colors – jumpy analog keyboards, vocal hiccups, talk-sung verses, and lyrical references to new wave bands, teen movies, and break dancing. It’s a roaring blast of rock-lobster adolescent innocence, and after playing it for the first time I had to stop the CD and dust off of my Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, and Heaven 17 12” singles.

Surprisingly, Russo’s musical palate is more diverse and contemporary. He is a thoughtful Triple-A musician with a smooth, radio-friendly delivery and toe-tapping hooks even when he’s not summoning the ‘80s. Check out “Something About This Girl” and “Are You Listening” for a taste of ‘80s-influenced – but not really ‘80s-sounding – melodic pop/rock. - shotgunreviews.com

It’s about time somebody wrote a song about the ‘80s. Oops, Bowling for Soup already did with the characteristically goofy “1985.” Well, it may be following in the footsteps instead of being the first, but Barry Russo’s “Child of the 80s” is actually funnier and more poignant. Considering that it’s only available on a self-released album, “Child of the 80s” won’t have the big-budget promotional bucks to acquire the exposure that Bowling for Soup did. Then again, who knows?

“Child of the 80s” accurately paints the early ‘80s with wild colors – jumpy analog keyboards, vocal hiccups, talk-sung verses, and lyrical references to new wave bands, teen movies, and break dancing. It’s a roaring blast of rock-lobster adolescent innocence, and after playing it for the first time I had to stop the CD and dust off of my Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, and Heaven 17 12” singles.

Surprisingly, Russo’s musical palate is more diverse and contemporary. He is a thoughtful Triple-A musician with a smooth, radio-friendly delivery and toe-tapping hooks even when he’s not summoning the ‘80s. Check out “Something About This Girl” and “Are You Listening” for a taste of ‘80s-influenced – but not really ‘80s-sounding – melodic pop/rock. - shotgunreviews.com

Barry Russo's breakout CD, "These are the Days", is a collection of a dozen pop/rock tunes that take a page out of Billy Joel's optimistic songwriting style while maintaining a clean and glossy lyrical edge that stays this side of cheerfulness. Russo writes of a growing maturity and outlook of the more difficult aspects of life. Within all of the tunes is one clear truth - Russo's songwriting is deft in the pop genre with strong song writing - the chord changes, hooks, bridges, and melodies are compelling. The opening track, "Are you Listening", owns a great chorus - the main harmonies, repeat a single note as Russo sings the melody against it - creating delicious intervals - and then moving into a dynamic harmonic movement for the balance of '. .are you listening tonight'. The long mp3 here, "Child of the 80's" is cool - as it borrows music from rock and pop 80's icons. Russo does a tremendous job of copping the vocal style of Euro-80's fare - cool. "These are the Days" is pure Joel-ish anthem pop, that moves into an unaffected Beatles movement - heard here in clip. Track 8, "I'll Always Remember", is a gorgeous tribute to Russo's parents - lucky guy. In "A matter of time", Russo sings about keeping dreams alive and how the accomplishment of goals is only 'a matter of time'. This is pop fare with a Christian Rock feel ala Keith Green - with secular lyrics - nothing overly flashy - just solid songwriting, superb production, and an entry into the pop music world for a very talented guy.
- earbuzz.com

Barry Russo's breakout CD, "These are the Days", is a collection of a dozen pop/rock tunes that take a page out of Billy Joel's optimistic songwriting style while maintaining a clean and glossy lyrical edge that stays this side of cheerfulness. Russo writes of a growing maturity and outlook of the more difficult aspects of life. Within all of the tunes is one clear truth - Russo's songwriting is deft in the pop genre with strong song writing - the chord changes, hooks, bridges, and melodies are compelling. The opening track, "Are you Listening", owns a great chorus - the main harmonies, repeat a single note as Russo sings the melody against it - creating delicious intervals - and then moving into a dynamic harmonic movement for the balance of '. .are you listening tonight'. The long mp3 here, "Child of the 80's" is cool - as it borrows music from rock and pop 80's icons. Russo does a tremendous job of copping the vocal style of Euro-80's fare - cool. "These are the Days" is pure Joel-ish anthem pop, that moves into an unaffected Beatles movement - heard here in clip. Track 8, "I'll Always Remember", is a gorgeous tribute to Russo's parents - lucky guy. In "A matter of time", Russo sings about keeping dreams alive and how the accomplishment of goals is only 'a matter of time'. This is pop fare with a Christian Rock feel ala Keith Green - with secular lyrics - nothing overly flashy - just solid songwriting, superb production, and an entry into the pop music world for a very talented guy.
- earbuzz.com