“Joe Calderone - Sheer Emotional Rock and Roll - The debut CD of singer/songwriter Joe Calderone offers the listener straightforward lyrics blended with sensible melodies to not only capture the listener’s ear, but the raw emotions we have all felt at one time or another. The CD, “It Took A While,” offers supreme cuts such as “Get Back Into Business,” an approachable folk-tune accompanied by a melody of backing guitars that blend in perfectly with the everyman lyrics. Not only do you hear the wonderful music, you can feel the heartfelt sincerity in his singing. Another song, “The Days Of Loving You,” offers even more sincerity with poignant lyrics, as he laments about the emotional aspects of loving-in a Luka Bloom-like delivery. This is a remarkable and beautiful love song. The gentle rocker “The Bang Song,” is kind of a lyrically corny, catchy tune with smooth keyboards that Calderone glides through effortlessly and you cannot help to wait for the chorus so you can sing along. Yes, “It Took A While,” the self-written, self-produced CD from this award winning artist has been well worth the wait, especially for those who have seen him play regularly in various clubs in the New York Metropolitan area. Let’s hope that more music from this amazing singer/songwriter and smooth rock balladeer doesn’t take as long to be heard as his debut CD.” - Robert Benson
— Collecting Vinyl Records
“Indie Music Stop, CD Review: Artist: Joe Calderone Title: It Took a While Style: Singer-Songwriter Website: http://www.joe-calderone.com By Staff Writer L. Anne Carrington Joe Calderone, a self-schooled singer-songwriter-guitarist, has performed in various clubs and venue in the New York Metropolitan area. He is a member of both the Songwriters Guild of America and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Among his many accomplishments, Joe is a five-time winner in the American Song Festival. It Took a While, Calderone's first CD, is one that offers straightforward lyrics, catchy melodies and is focused on love relationships. Calderone sings and plays 12 string acoustic guitar and keyboards while being backed by other musicians on this CD, but it certainly does not deter from its overall uplifting quality and rocking smooth manner. The songs are well written and played to perfection, with good clean music and splendid lyrics. The music moves and soothes where it is supposed to soothe, rocks where it is supposed to rock, and gives to the listener in every human way possible. Together, this combination achieves the emotions we have all experienced in life, and Calderone attempts to get across to us in his music on this particular CD. Yes, it took awhile, but it was indeed worth the wait.” - L. Anne Carrington
— Indie Music Stop
“If you don't mind a little bit of adult contemporary, look out for Joe Calderone.” - Ringo