From pop-culture icon and renaissance man William Shatner comes “Has Been”, an album unlike anything you’ve ever heard before, but turns out that is a very good thing.

I decided to offer a review of this album, but It’s hard to come up with words to describe how much I enjoyed it. I have listened to it over and over loving every minute of it.

I know what you are thinking, this has to be a crazy bizarre album or some joke, but its NOT. It’s not another “transformed man”. It’s not an album that conforms to a certain genre. It’s not cheesy or silly, and not something you will laugh at.

Shatner’s vocals are certainly spoken word, but before you think simply “bland spoken word over music” let me stop you right there, because it’s NOT in any way. The lyrics are beautifully written song/poetry, and what has been created out of this is beyond cool. It’s about his life, his love, his family, his career.

“Has Been” was produced and arranged by Ben Folds who featured Shatner on his experimental “Fear of Pop” album. Shatner’s own lyrics are masterfully woven into the music written and arranged by Ben Folds. Bill writes the lyrics, Ben writes the songs. It’s a collection of perfect pop melodies that once you hear them you will ask “why aren’t these songs getting airplay? Why arent people getting this?".

“Has Been” features numerous notable guest appearances including Jon Auer, Adrian Belew, Matt Chamberlain, Joe Jackson, Lemon Jelly, Aimee Mann, Brad Paisley, Henry Rollins and Sebastian Steinberg.

The first track is a cover of British pop group Pulp’s "Common People,". It’s my favorite and I cant stop playing it. Why aren’t people playing this on the radio?

"That’s Me Trying," is a personal moving song performed by Shatner with backup vocals provided by Aimee Mann and Ben Folds. It’s one of the best on the album and when you hear it I think you will agree.

“Together” is another song that is an example of how this album really works and is proof that Shatner and Folds have created a brilliant new genre of sound. “Together” is a poem written by Shatner about his wife with Lemon Jelly doing the sound and it comes "together" (pun intended) to create one beautiful song.

The song “Has Been” is a bitter romp, very fun, and classic. The rant with Henry Rollins "I Can’t Get Behind That" is wild and you almost forget that is Bill Shatner you are listening to.

The final track "Real" was written by Brad Paisley and is a poignant song with heart about Shatner himself and it really brings it all home.

I know most people will probably instantly dismiss it, and certainly won’t bother to give it a chance. I can tell you those that do are going to seriously miss out on something special. This is an album that you just have to experience, and should be appreciated for really what I think is groundbreaking stuff.

Once you hear "Has Been" if you thought of Shatner as a "has been" you will realize what he really "has been" is a true artist.

This album is not going to leave my CD player for some time.

Give it a listen: http://www.shatnerhasbeen.com/