Like Harry Chapin (“Taxi,” “Sniper”), Neal Fox writes about the dark side of life. But many of his songs are spiritually uplifting, and humor is sometimes used to lighten things up. This creates an interesting mix of colors and contrasts. His view is honest, not always pretty, but definitely hopeful. His music is pop-rock with Latin, electronic, jazz, blues and even Ink Spots influences.
Some of Fox's accomplishments include: writing hundreds of commercials, for which he received Clio and Telly awards, a charted single, “But I Could Reach the Wisdom of Solomon” [Polydor], and a Top Ten Dance Club Hit, “In the Jungle” [RCA]. He also wrote and produced music for Eye to Eye with Connie Chung, Bryant Gumbel’s Public Eye, CBS Saturday Morning, and the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather, and co-scored two of the Killer Tomato movies with former music production partner, Rick Patterson.
In Now It's Personal, Fox's sixth self-released CD, the songs connect. It's a concept album that draws you in and gives you a reason to stay: to find out how the story will end. It's not literal, but it's more than just a bunch of songs.
It begins on the dark side with “A Zero With a Gun.” Too many school shootings. Too many deaths. Too many links to psychiatric drugs.
Life is good. Life is hard. Every now and then you need a fresh start. “Pray for Rain.”
This one's a guaranteed smile. She may be dead, but she's having a good time. “She Got Too Big for Her Body.”
Wondering what the future holds? Will it be bleak as a sci-fi movie? Or will there be change? “A Cold Day is Coming.”
“The Purpose” is reminiscent of the Beatles tune, “She’s Leaving Home” in that both young women are miserably unhappy. No one really sees or understands them. But in “The Purpose,” a twist of fate leads to a strangely happy ending.
A she-done-me-wrong song. “What the Hell Were You Thinking.”
When the heroes of today are gone, who will step up to replace them? “Is Anybody Home?”
Getting over a broken heart? “A Long Way to Go Now.”
It’s not about the animals, and it’s not complimentary. But if you’re reading this, you’re probably not one of them. “Sheep.”
Peter Clitheroe (Suffolk ‘n’ Cool podcast) got such a kick out of “Swank-ay” he called it “delicious.” The girl's got so much class, she's “Swank-ay”.
Global Warming? New World Order? 9/11 a hoax? “Something’s Wrong”!
And if human rights, freedom and justice are things that you cherish, this one's for you. “We’re All Gonna Be There (When She Dies).”
Some recent reviews:
Fox is a veteran tunesmith and jingle/theme composer with the ability to conjure virtually any style of recording in the pop music realm. The dramatic, “Kashmir”-ish cadence of “Zero With a Gun” (about a school gunman) is edgy and alternative. Meanwhile, the ultra-melodic ballad, “We’re All Gonna Be There (When She Dies),” showcases a Billy Joel soundalike that is quite uncanny.
--MUSIC CONNECTION
Neal Fox's songs are catchy, very accessible to a wide range of listeners, and most of all, topical. This is not a feel-good, everything'll-be-allright album—many of the songs are meant to challenge you and give you pause. But that doesn't mean that the album is depressing or somber. Far from it! This is a hip, eminently enjoyable collection of jams that balances the "serious" songs with lighter (though still sharp) fare to keep listeners entertained while giving them some weighty topics to think about. So get it before I have to come over there!
—Derek, WeHeartMusic, Vox.com
Love the music, rock with a soul.--NAB Radio
"Is Anybody Home?" is one of the most Powerful songs heard this millennium.--RevampTV
A description I rarely use: his music is timeless.--Local Vertical
The song ["Pray For Rain"] has the near impossible combination of sounding very organic yet polished.--Indie Music Sampler
Loved playing Neal's track on a recent podcast. Very, very polished tune. What surprised me the most is the response that I got from my listeners, which was typically, "Neal Fox - I've loved him for such a long time!" “I had no idea, and now I do, too.--The JerseyTodd Show
Neal Fox has a real eclectic little vibe going on… grab Neal’s CD and feel like you’ve accomplished something today.”--singleoftheday.com
“Overall I found this album to be a pleasure to listen to from beginning to end. The 12 tracks on this album all fit together and transitions are smooth. This album is a change of pace for what you will most likely hear this year. If you are a fan of 60’s 70’s pop/rock or you are looking for music with a focus on social issues, then you should check out Neal Fox’s new album ‘Now Its Personal’.”
--Comfort Comes
["Is Anybody Home"] “It’s a great social commentary on the times…Thanks for the great music…”--Ed’s Mixed Bag
Love your work.--Cybster DJ
Production notes: All songs were written, recorded and produced by Neal Fox in his studio using a Mac G5, Digital Performer, a bunch of plug-ins, virtual instruments, and synths. Fox plays all instruments, including guitar, and does all the vocals. Mastered by Joe Gastwirt.
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