[.ca] Shane Wiebe

Refreshingly Different:
Being past 50, I'm from an age where we usually could hear, and understand the music we were listening to. I find this is not the case with most songs today. However Shane Wiebe's new CD is the exception. Songs and lyrics are diverse, inventive and speak to what I think are commonalities within each of us. Things we can all relate to. And what a voice. He can sing ballads, rock and classical, all with the same unique quality. I have had Shane's CD for a couple of months now, as I pre-ordered a copy when it was first produced, as does my daughter. She tells me her 2yr. old daughter continually asks for either the "Wiggles" CD or Shane's. Now that's a grandkid with good taste. I would highly recommend this CD to any age group. Sit back, relax, and listen to some well written, and well sung songs, with a little something for everyone. What an exceptional young man.He sings, writes his own music and lyrics, and can play musical instruments as well. Now that's a real musician. Can't wait for another one of his CD's. Grooving Granny.

Finally! Thank you, Shane:
Since the finale of last year's Canadian Idol, I've waited, and yes, even prayed that someone would prove sufficiently wise to record the real Shane, sometimes glimpsed in competition, but never fully revealed. So when I heard of this self-titled CD, I could not order it fast enough, and after one listening, I realized it's one of the very best in my collection. Finally, Shane the magnificent artist is able to step out from 90 second arrangements, and show us the real Wiebe voice! Technically brilliant, all ranges showing even diaphragm support, so I never wince at notes hit on the cheek, his writing diverse and imaginative, dancing over the emotions. Beautiful work! The two covers are truly extraordinary, especially Bob Dylan's anthemic "Forever Young." They're not necessary, but provide familiar touchstones within Shane's own magic. I'm so pleasantly surprised that 'completely blown away' might be appropriate. From the first playing, I've found this voice affecting the body on the very deepest level, the cellular. Oof, my solar plexus, seat of emotion, and be still my pounding heart. Nah, emotions, squeeze me in two, and heart, thump away. Please! Shane never really belonged on Idol, not with the categories which you were forced to sing, and the force of the immovable Kalan. Still, I always suspected there was much more to Shane that Idol revealed, and at least it provided wonderful exposure. I'm so very glad that all my suspicions have proved absolutely correct. The CD ends with the exquisite duet with Angela, Shane's lovely wife. What a beautiful blend! I sum up this fabulous offering very simply: Bravo, Shane! I look forward to many, many more.

Boy can sing! Also thumbs way up for the duet - trace you !:
Yeah, as one of the CI Judges observed Shane could have sung the phone book and made it sound good, but this is so much more enjoyable than that! The cd's original content was actually a nice surprize and a better debut effort than I imagined. I confess I played "the way I feel" a bunch of times before I got round to the rest of the cd, but I honestly enjoyed the entire cd, perhaps cuz songs did not stray to far afield from the mood evoked from "the way I feel". So if you liked what he did with "forever young" and "the way I feel" you will certainly appreciate this cd. The duet - trace you is absolutely awesome and it is now my new fav love song...

Absolutely brilliant album:
This CD was pre-ordered for me before it came out in stores, and I was so excited when I recieved it, because on Canadian Idol I stayed up late every night to vote for him and hoped he would at least make it to the top 2. Maybe it's a good thing he didn't, because had he made it any farther, he may not have had the opportunity to put out an album right from the depths of his soul (like this one). When I first listened to it, admittedly I didn't love it. But the more I heard it, the more I realized that was because I am living in an age of pop music where all you have to do to be successful is sing "Oh baby baby" over and over. Shane's CD goes so far past this - every song is deep and has so much meaning. With every word you hear, you catch a glimpse into his heart and learn more of who he is and what he believes in. Each song is beautifully, poetically crafted (What the eyes can't see the heart can feel, but if the hear can't feel then one is blind indeed), and the instrumental backgrounds (featuring his wife on violin) are specatacular. Speaking of his wife, Trace You is a duet between the two of them filled with obvious love and talent. The first single, When I am With You, is a sweet song with a catchy chorus. Forever Young and The Way I Feel are two covers of songs performed on the show, giving pretty much his only link to Idol, because I have not heard another Idol alumni CD that is less like what is done on the show. Riches, I'm Not Alone, Another Day and Never Lived at All are all haunting songs with very real messages. Overall this is a phenominal CD for anyone who really appreciates true musical talent in both writing and singing, and wants to take a break from the nonsensical pop music these days.

Great voice:
This is a very pleasant surprise. The songs are sung with a lot of passion and emotion. Shane's performance of Gordon Lightfoot's "The Way I Feel" is particularly strong. He moved me to tears with his version of Bob Dylan's "Forever Young". I also was pleased to see that the rest of the songs were written by him. Of particular note is the haunting "I'm Not Alone". I am not sure that he has released the best song as a single though as it has rather forgettable lyrics but who knows? I wish him the best. Idol fans will like this CD but hopefully it will attract new listeners.

• When I Am With You
• The Way I Feel
• Came Out Wrong
• Just Wait
• Love Is
• Forever Young
• I'm Not Alone
• Another Day
• Never Lived At All
• Riches
• Trace You (Lost In Your Love)