The actor-turned-recording-artist oeuvre has long been ripe for ridicule -- Sebastian Cabot does Dylan, anyone? -- and short on surprises, but this warm, low-key effort by Downey offers up a few intriguing ones. Though he's toyed with music previously, the actor's commitment here is a total one, his troubadour guise carried via an earthy voice with echoes of Dave Matthews' and informed by lyrics with more than a little personal, if lyrically opaque, truth. The wistful "Broken" may be carried on the album's most lilting melody, but its repeated AA-creed refrain is a bittersweet reminder of Downey's personal demons. Spare, jazzy arrangements help keep the focus on Downey's voice throughout, a brave tack that sometimes overplays his novice songwriting skills. But while songs like the Wonder Boys-inspired "Hannah" may amble, the forceful "Man Like Me" and stately grace of "Kimberly Glide" are better showcases for Downey's musical promise. His eight originals are supplemented by two covers: an expected, if overly smoky jazz trio cover of Chaplin's "Smile" and a quaintly confident cover of Yes' "Your Move" sweetened by Jon Anderson himself on backing vocals. -- Jerry McCulley

Customer Rating:
Summary: A wonderful surprise!
Comment: I'm a fan of RDJ the actor, but I had no idea RDJ was a singer/songwriter/musician until I came across a video of him singing on YouTube. Then I tracked down his album and have been listening to it for days. All can say is "Wow!" His voice is a smoky combination of Dave Matthews and Sting (two of my favorite singers). Thank you for the great music, RDJ, and hope there's another album from you in the future. Excuse me, but I have to listen to "5:30" and "Man Like Me" again.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A "Stark" look into the soul
Comment: Robert Downey Jr., known now as Tony Stark from Iron Man, makes a fantastic debut as a singer/songwriter/musician with The Futurist. With his mix of jazz/pop/rock influences, Downey Jr. gives us a beautiful, haunting collection of songs.

Initially, I purchased this disc after finding some samples online, and to add to my collection of cds by actors (I already have all 3 of Corey Feldman's discs, as well as 2 from Steven Seagal, and one from Bruce Willis) but was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of music included here.

It's hard to find a single track that stands out on this piece, as each one brings something new to the listener. Each song follows and builds on the great showing of the one preceeding.

I think my personal favorite is the very interesting medley track of Your Move and Give Peace a Chance. Obviously, these tracks are not written by Downey Jr. himself, however his creative mixing of the two classics brings a new experience to both songs. For Robert's own creations I would have to say that 5:30 is possibly my favorite. I've played the disc twice already, having opened it just yesterday, and will play it at least once more on the drive tonight. I will also make certain to copy these songs to my mp3 library, and load them onto my Nokia for play in this format as well.

An absolute treat, The Futurist is highly recommended for anyone who wants to try something new, or anyone who is a fan of well written songs, accompanied by haunting musical pieces.

Definately a 5 star work, and I only hope that more is to follow from Robert Downey Jr.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Rough Genius. Unusual. Textured. Smokey.
Comment: This is the kind of music you want when you are driving across the desert at night. Thing is, I can listen to this collection and kind of tune out but suddenly there it is... a kind of ancient cry, a raw rasp with a back up waterfall trickle of sound behind his voice, a poetic phrase at the perfect pitch, an ache wrested from the heart. Compelling. Multiple points of creative genius.

Really liked his sound on "You fell in love with a broken heart." I thought the rough-textured ache in his voice hit it right on the mark.Could have done without the first few bars and the end of the song was way too heavy and messagey, but I will sit in the garage and listen to the main part finish before I go into the house. Everytime. Lots of great sounds here.

I know it was probably a sentimental inclusion, but I thought "Smile" was all wrong for this collection. It may be a good rendition, but it is SUCH a maudlin and simpleton song, "smile when your heart is breaking..." and oppositional to this collection of rough poetry, aching truth, and intimate sounds. With this inclusion, it seems as though the unique tone of this collection wasn't clear to whoever put it together.

Seems to me that these songs would be more well-known if they were edited differently. I find myself hitting the forward button when he comes to a section that will ruin the feeling so carefully created. The collection runs into the ditch from time to time, but the high points make it well worth it.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A Must Have!!
Comment: This album is a must have for people who like adult, slower, message ridden music! Robert Downey, Jr. has bared his soul in this album and his piano work is beautiful to behold! Here's hoping to many more years of substance-free living !!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Thankfully, some peace
Comment: I listen to this CD whenever I need to find a piece of peace ;-)
RDJ is a pretty amazing guy. I am so grateful that there are artists that share their visions, characters, songs and expressions. Lovely.

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