Chris Isaak – 鈥楤eyond the Sun’
From the opening lines of the intoxicating “Burning Ring of Fire” to the methodically beautiful flow of the closer “That Lucky Old Sun,” Chris Isaak flawlessly pays tribute to legendary Sun Records by covering some of the label’s classics from the 1950s.
Recorded at the original Sun Studios in Memphis, Isaak affectionately croons songs from Sun artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis.
It should come as no surprise that Isaak would take on such an intimidating endeavor, considering he looks and sounds like Presley and his music has always contained a rockabilly style suited to an earlier era.
Listening to Isaak perform “It’s Now or Never,” I was instantly transported back to a time when Presley was King, the price of gas was around 18 cents a gallon, “Lassie” was a television staple, Mr. Potato Head provided endless fun for children, and Chevrolet and Ford ruled the road.
Isaak delivers a rousing version of “Great Balls of Fire” and a killer cut of “Miss Pearl.” For everyone who has ever teared up to “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Isaak offers up an impeccable version of this Presley classic that is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
“Beyond the Sun” is a smooth, sexy, sophisticated and timeless journey that Isaak treats with love and respect.
Possessing one of the coolest voices in today’s music, Isaak is simply charming as he effortlessly dishes out “Everybody’s in the Mood” and is the persona of coolness on “Doncha’ Think It’s Time.”
With songs this good, make sure you treat yourself to the two-CD deluxe version so that you can savor the moments from a simpler time just a little longer.