Repeat Offender - Marx, Richard (CD 1989)

Richard Marx is one of those timeless singers that will have his songs played for years. His voice is magical and deeply sexy. The way he interprets the songs he sings will leave you breathless and wanting more. I still remember my first experience hearing Richard Marx; it was the song "Too Late to Say Goodbye" (the fourth track on this CD).

My experience with music generally follows a fairly predictable pattern. Rarely do I like a song the first time I hear it. Most of the time it takes two or three times before a song will really grab me and become my "favorite" of the week. Not so with "Too Late to Say Goodbye". I loved it from the first moment, and I knew I had to have the CD.

"Repeat Offender" is a wonderful collection of musical pieces, sure to delight and please the listener. Richard Marx does tend to appeal to the female audience, essentially because of the "love song" genre of his music. If you are looking for a gift for the special woman in your life, consider this CD.

The best place to listen to this CD is in a romantic setting; candle light, even while soaking in a hot bubble bath. The music will carry you away, and leave you feeling soothed and peaceful. The other place I enjoy this CD is driving in the car. It is a great one for soothing potential road rage when one is surrounded by inattentive drivers.

Tracks on this CD include:

Nothin' You Can Do About It

This is a song about success; about moving forward and rising above the negativity. It has a rhythmic beat that will get you tapping your foot and make you want to get out on the dance floor. You will also want to sing along. Both music and lyrics of this song were written by Richard Marx.

You did your best to keep me down
Tried to make my soul give in
But now I'm here to make a big, big sound
It's your turn to lose and it's my turn to win

Satisfied

Another great song with great lyrics, music and lyrics both written by Richard Marx. This is an inspirational song with a message that you should never give up, you should keep trying until you achieve your goals. Another great dance number.

We work our bodies weary to stay alive
There must be more to livin' than nine to five
Why should we wait for some better time
There may not even be a tomorrow
Ain't no sense in losing your mind
I'm gonna make it worth the ride

Angelia

One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Marx excels in his interpretation of this song. His voice carries a sweetness throughout this melody that will keep you listening, spellbound. It is a song of lost love that will stay in your memory. Marx outdid himself writing the lyrics and music to this song.

Memories of you and me
Tumble inside my head
The way that we used to be
Things that we said
No one has ever made me believe so strong
You left me to wonder
How did our love go wrong

Too Late to Say Goodbye

Richard Marx wrote the music to this wonderful song, and the lyrics were written by Fee Waybill. As I said above, my first experience with Marx, and one that has stayed with me throughout the years. This song has a great beat, interesting melody, and excellent lyrics.

How can I resist
One more stranger's kiss
Should the thrill be gone
And if I must refrain
Will I wind up the same
As the jealous dogs?

Right Here Waiting

Another classic love song. This is one of those songs that will play over and over again in your head after you have heard it. I generally play it a couple times in a row when I am listening, just because I like it so much. This is an excellent example of Marx's songwriting abilities, and is guaranteed to be a romantic favorite; the ultimate love song.

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you.
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you.

Heart on the Line

Great song! It has a sexy beat and fantastic lyrics. This is a fun song to dance to. This song is classic Richard Marx. He wrote the music and lyrics in conjunction with Bruce Gaitsch.

If you turn me away
Just be careful what you say
Girl, you've got my heart on the line.
Don't be mean, don't be cruel
Don't you treat me like a fool
Girl, you've got my heart on the line.


Real World

This song has a beat that is reminiscent of sixties dance music, a winner for dancing! It has a catchy tune, not a love song, but a great one to listen to nevertheless. Richard Marx takes credit for both music and lyrics on this ditty. The lyrics are tight and well-written.

I remember me sittin' on my daddy's knee
Dreamin''bout what life had in store for me
When I look back now it really makes me mad
The years I took for granted were the best I had

If You Don't Want My Love

Catchy tune with a catchy beat, music by Richard Marx and lyrics by Fee Waybill. Like most of the others on this CD, a great dance song. The lyrics are well-written and the music is original.

If you don't want my love
Tell me now cause I'll survive
If you don't want my love
I'm sure that somebody does tonight.

That Was Lulu

The token "fun song" on the CD. Good for dancing and listening to when you are in a silly mood. Dean Pritchford wrote the lyrics to this song, and Marx wrote the music.

When you woke up this morning
on your front lawn
You had a smile on your lips and
your wallet was gone
You remember some girl
But the rest is all a blur

Wait for the Sunrise

The lyrics in this song (written by Richard Marx) are very tight and extremely well-done. Another catchy tune made for dancing.

I've spent too many nights
lookin'over my shoulder
And the ways of the world
make a heart grow colder
Got nowhere left to hide
The fight in me has died
So I must wait for the sunrise

Children of the Night

This is the final track on the CD, and well worth waiting for. This song is incredibly sad. Richard Marx has outdone himself with the lyrics in this piece; tight and intense. Unfortunately, the song tells the story of the lives of far too many children, and the lyrics will provide definite food for thought.

Left by my father with only this scar on my face
Told by my mother that "No, you were just a mistake."
I have tasted my own hunger
Sold my body to survive
Some have paid to scratch the surface
But they can't touch what's inside

Enjoy this CD! You will not regret the purchase, and it will become one that your return to time and time again. This is one of my favorites in my entire CD collection. Whenever I am feeling overly rushed or overwhelmed by the chaotic pace that life sometimes takes I pull out this CD. It helps me focus and find some inner peace, things I cherish. "Repeat Offender" is a truly excellent collection of music.

One note: my teenage girls don't care for Richard Marx (I don't think they realize that he has written several of the popular songs of today that they do like.) This would probably not be a good gift idea for a teenage girl, but women in their twenties and thirties are likely to appreciate it.