Eddie Murphy Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
Eddie takes a break from the movies to pull together a collection of big name friends that ranges from Paul McCartney to Michael Jackson (who steals "Whatzupwitu" outright) so he can indulge himself with styles that include the Beatles, the Isleys and Stax. Musically, it's okay, with some nice-sounding material coming up, but Murphy has a very weak, thin voice that doesn't improve with any of the periodic attempts to stretch his limited range (he goes resoundingly flat). The covers of "Good Day Sunshine" and "Hey Joe" might be termed, at best, ill-advised. ~ Steven McDonald, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
By the time Eddie Murphy's Comedian was released, he was already on top of the comedy world, as well as one of Hollywood and television's most important stars. He was already known for taking standup comedy and pushing it to the limit, but on Comedian he takes it one step further and in the process influenced an entire generation of aspiring young comedians to develop standup in a similar fashion. None of the topics Murphy covers here are necessarily groundbreaking, but the manner in which he sets up and executes joke after joke is almost like a machine gun: while one joke has unfolded and the audience is recovering, he's firing off the next round with excellent timing and accuracy. Comedian is a classic and one not easily bested in the comedy album world. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
In 1985, movie star and influential live comedian Eddie Murphy took a risk and released a serious, all-music effort. Despite his best intentions, How Could It Be is often marred by its lack of great material, and Murphy's voice is thin and often lacking control. Although Murphy's will is strong, at this point he didn't possess the chops. The best thing about How Could It Be is his distillation of influences and established artists who assumed production and writing duties. "C-O-N Confused" nicely updates the mid-'70s Al Green up-tempo Memphis sound. The poignant title ballad has Murphy mining genuine drama. "Party All the Time," written and produced by Rick James, has Murphy simply along for the ride, benefiting from one of James' best synth-based hooks. Some of the other songs aren't so successful. The well-meaning, vaguely Beatlesque pop of "My God Is Colorblind" and the jazzy and pensive "I Wish I Could Tell You When" essentially fail due to the vocals. Murphy brings out the heavy artillery to close the album out. Stevie Wonder, who produced and wrote "Do I," also gave Murphy a true gem, "Everything's Coming Up Roses." The track has Murphy sounding more polished, and would have been more than comfortable on Wonder's In Square Circle. How Could It Be does offer some solid tracks, but more often it displays a singer with potential and not much more. ~ Jason Elias, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Eddie Murphy is one of those people who was obviously going to be a huge star from the very beginning. The Long Island, NY-born comedian was a nationwide sensation by the time he was 21. He exploded as the breakout star on Saturday Night Live during the lean early-'80s years when the show faced the daunting task of rebuilding after the classic original cast had left to pursue movie stardom, which Murphy would ultimately do as well. Despite Murphy's gifts, his first standup comedy album, 1982's Eddie Murphy, is uneven despite containing some classic routines. Eddie Murphy was recorded at The Comic Strip in New York City between April 30 and May 1, 1982. "Buckwheat" riffs on his memorable SNL character and expands it to sarcastically note that blacks aren't named for specific breakfast cereals. "Black Movie Theaters," "Talking Cars," and "Myths/A Little Chinese" are based on various racial stereotypes -- not exactly politically correct, but very funny. "Doo-Doo/Christmas Gifts" features Murphy's musings on how fathers get shafted when they receive cheap Christmas presents. The hysterical "Drinking Fathers" is loaded with belly laughs -- and a horrifying, underlying look at working-class alcoholism. The manic "Hit By a Car" is the best, most clever segment as Murphy explodes into overdrive. Comics often include novelty songs on their albums, and so does Murphy -- with average results. "Boogie in Your Butt" weaves Murphy's spoken and semi-rap vocals, but the best part is the funky bassline. "Enough Is Enough" is a parody of 1979's chart-topping Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer duet "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)," with Murphy once again recreating Buckwheat and imitating effeminate fitness guru Richard Simmons. For a perfect comedy classic, you have to jump one year ahead to 1983's Eddie Murphy: Comedian, but Eddie Murphy is a promising start. ~ Bret Adams, All Music Guide
