Reviews (90)

Twenty-Six Million Sold...And Still Climbing
It is typical to write off the decade of the 1970s as just the era of disco, polyester, glam rock, and such, though there was much more to the era than those things. But in that now much-maligned style known as disco, there remains one undisputed masterpiece, the soundtrack to the 1977 blockbuster SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER.

Even though both the film and soundtrack are now approaching the quarter-century mark, the music here seems timeless and holds up to a great deal of scrutiny. Three #1 hits from the Bee Gees and one #1 from Yvonne Elliman originated from this album, which sold a then-unheard-of twenty-six million copies, a figure which keeps climbing. The album stayed at #1 on the US album chart for twenty-six consecutive weeks.

Among the many lesser-heard gems of the album are Kool and the Gang's "Open Sesame", MFSB's "K-Jee" (originally a hit for the Nite-Liters in 1971), and David Shire's "Night On Disco Mountain" (a discofied adaptation of Mussorgsky's 1867 tone poem "A Night On Bald Mountain"). The entire albums captures the time, the feel, and the essence of an era that a lot of people make the mistake of ridiculing. Time has shown the SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER soundtrack to have endured well beyond its Seventies heyday. In twenty years, can the same be said for the soundtracks to either THE BODYGUARD or TITANIC? Only time will tell.

Not the great CD most would lead you to believe it is
Okay, okay! "Saturday Night Fever" is a classic album an' all, and yes, it's one of the biggest selling soundtracks of all time. But let's not hide from the fact that most of these tracks featured sound rather dated now.

Sure, the Bee-Gees contributions have stood the test of time, along with those from Yvonne Elliman, The Tavares (singing a Bee Gees track!), The Trammps and KC & The Sunshine Band. But COME ON! Can anyone really admit to liking "Open Sesame" by Kool & The Gang, "Night On Disco Mountain" by David Shire, "Calypso Breakdown" by Ralph McDonald or even "K-Jee" by MFSB?? Apart from Kool & The Gang, have you heard anything else by these performers? Don't kid yourselves folks, these are NOT Disco classics!

Of course "Saturday Night Fever" was a great movie. I own the soundtrack CD, and still play it every once in a while. More to the point, I only PLAY the bona fide CLASSICS and skip the rest of what can only be described as JUNK!

If you're after a 70s soundtrack you can play over and over again and ENJOY, buy "GREASE".

Jon.

Best Selling Soundtrack Ever
Apart from the soundtrack of Bodyguard, this is surely one of the best selling soundtrack ever. Starting with the Bee Gees, they are originally slow ballad singers. From a interchange at Main Course, they changed themselves to R&B music singers. Stayin' Alive, Night Fever, More Than a Woman, and If I Can't Have You are surely the best rocking songs in the Bee Gees's history. How Deep Is Your Love is rocking on around the world till now. Surely, the Bee Gees ruled the disco era during 1977.

Yvonne Elliman and Travares, are also great, but they used Bee Gees's songs, Yvonne Elliman sang If I Can't Have You (Bee Gees's own edition in Bee Gees Greatest), and the Travares sang a different version of More Than a Woman
Saturday Night Fever movie wasn't that good, but with the soundtrack, it's surely the world's top LP.

Classic!
Can everyone please spare me the lengthy diatribes and just say thumbs up, or thumbs down? If you don't like disco, why in the hell would you buy the soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever? HELLO! This disc brings back lots of fond memories. I will always appreciate the role disco played in my life.

disco sucks
For my review, I'll reply to Melting Pot, who said "I feel folk-rock from the 1960's was the bane of music."

Not only are you wildly incorrect, there exists one major diffrence between the Folk Rock and Disco. Folk Rock is gaining more and more YOUNG listeners. Same applies to all the music of the 60's. Disco on the other hands is getting NO new listeners.

DISCO is a hokey, sequin and polyester strewn mess. At least Folk Rock musicians were genuine and were playing for love of the music(rather than love of the paycheck), and to make political changes.

THE 1970's PRODUCED ONLY ONE GREAT MUSIC GENRE: FUNK

instead of the beegees, listen to War. They're 500 times better. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

I like this
The Crystal Method have become an elite force in techno music. My intro to them was many years ago. They are still going strong. They are from Los Angeles. They make me proud. Five years ago I got burned out on these remix CDs. There were just too many of them. But The Crystal Method have made the format interesting again. PMT "Gyromancer" is a great opening track. Most people will be digging "The Crystal Method Vs. The Doors." The LA ties are strong. Other tracks by Uberzone, New Order, UNKLE, and Smashing Pumpkins make this record unique and diverse. Most of these songs are remixed and tweaked. Most of the tunes are totally reworked. The music sounds like a totally new experience. "Bizarre Love Triangle" is a track that has rocked the dancefloor for almost twenty years. This new Hyper Mix is solid. The Crystal Method rules. They are pure genius.

A mixed bag
I really don't go for the remixes of Doors, Evil Nine, Dylan Rhymes, New Order, or Smashing Pumpkins.For one thing, I'm not really a fan of that music, to begin with.Beyond that, I really think most of those mixes just didn't come out very well.I'm also not big on tracks 13 or 14, or some of the vocal samples scattered throughout the other tracks (especially the otherwise impressive track 10).

As a point of reference, I'd rate Vegas (the only other TCM album I own) a 4.In electronic music, my tastes range from older Chem Bros, older Orbital, and Kruder & Dorfmeister, to RJD2 and Dieselboy.I only mention that, because the large number of 5-star reviews mislead me, slightly.So, maybe it will be of some use to someone in determining why my reaction differs from so many others.

Anyhow, balancing out this album are some good beats and some very infectious riffs.In fact, a few of the tracks do work quite well.

They've done their "Community Service" well
The Los Angeles DJ duo, the Crystal Method, have just released a follow up to their 2002 mixed album, "Community Service."Scott Kirkland and Ken Jordan's latest album, "Community Service II," is boss!It has great mixing, awesome beats, and a nice selection of club tunes.I'm never embarassed to play this out in public.

There are 16 tracks on this mixed compilation (including an intro track).Songs include Uberzone's "Octopus."I like how this track sounds like an undersea laboratory song.I wish it were longer though.It's only less than three minutes long.There's also Evil Nine's "We Have the Energy."It's one of my favorites on here.It's wicked!I could work out to this song and go non-stop.Even if it were an hour long song instead of five minutes, the length of the track on this CD, I still won't stop.I should request this song to be played at the local gym I go to.The New Originals' 1799 Remix of the Smashing Pumpkins' "1979" is also in this mix.I used to listen to the original "1979" from 1996 very often.I loved this track.Looking at the tracklist, I didn't know what to expect from this remade version till I listened to it.The middle of the track had the lyrics, "Shakedown 1979," sung over and over nine times.It doesn't beat the original, but it's still a nice track overall.There are other remade tracks on this compilation like New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle," and The Doors' "Roadhouse Blues."The new version of "Roadhouse Blues" is referred to as "The Crystal Method vs. The Doors (Roadhouse Blues Remix)" by The Doors.When I go over to the RV lot at the New Hampshire International Speedway this July, I'm going to play this track at full blast!I have the very urge to do it because this tune gets me pumped, and I wanna be pumped for the Nextel Cup's New England 300 up there."SpeedFreak" by Koma + Bones could also work for the race that weekend."The question is not 'When he's gonna stop.'But 'Who's gonna stop him?'"Other tracks featured in the mix are "Come With Me" by Hyper, "Ghetto Fabulous" by Elite Force, the Crystal Method's "Kalifornia," and "Keep Hope Alive," U.N.K.L.E.'s "Reign (False Prophet Mix)," and more.

This album is just what I needed to get me through summer.This CD's excellent!I should see what "CSIII" would be like if it ever comes into existance.

Crystal Method is back: A must have
If you are a fan of techno/trance/dance, this music will not disappoint you. The first track sets the pace and you are taken on a journey that culminates with one of the best tracks on the album, 1979. There are 1-2 selections in the middle that I thought were boring but, overall, this album is a gem.
Buy it and you will keep it playing as I do. Never mind the neighbours--Its crystal method!!!!

If there is such a method, it IS the Crystal Method....
How surprised was I to see a new release for TCM when browsing amazon!Went right out and bought it that night and has not left my CD player since.I first thought it was slow in picking up, but once track 5 hit (The Doors), it caught me.....and then track 6 was just sick.....one of my favorite tracks on this album.After that, the rest flowed consistently running thru track 16 (pumpkins) which is a very nice remix of 1979!There isn't really much I can tell you except to get the album. It is a GREAT compilation and especially following the great Community Service 1 album, it won't disappoint.Also, if you ever get a chance to see these guys on tour, by all means, get a ticket.I went to the Legion of Boom tour last year and the remixes of Busy Child and Keep Hope Alive was unlike anything I can put into words.Needless to say, the energy was felt!!!! Can't wait for TCM's new album to hit again!Keep it up guys! ... Read more

Amazon.com

While English pop monarchs Duran Duran have remained active for two decades, it's clear that the indomitable ensemble was at its peak during those mercurial '80s. This greatest-hits collection documents the band's ambitious beginnings as a funky glam-rock outfit and follows its gradual transformation into a high-tech pop band with loads of commercial appeal. Featuring now-classic tunes like "Girls on Film," "Rio," and "Planet Earth" as well as more recent songs like "Ordinary World," Greatest focuses on Duran Duran's unending string of hit singles. Although the young quintet that performs "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "A View to a Kill" has little in common with the posh, aging trio featured on 1997's "Electric Barbarella," vocalist Simon Le Bon provides some impressive continuity to these proceedings. --Mitch Myers ... Read more

Reviews (129)

Great set of Duran Duran tunes
This Greatest Hits compilation is an excellent introduction to Duran Duran, one of the top groups of the 80's new wave. All of their best known songs are here, with a few ommissions that hard core fans will lament (but they have all the studio albums anyways, so what does it matter?) If you're only going to get one Duran Duran album this would have to be it.

The top tracks are the MTV smashes "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Girls on Film", the slow and beautiful "Ordinary World", my personal favorites "The Reflex" and "Electric Barbarella", one of the top Bond movie themes "A View to a Kill", the butchered (i.e. edited) yet still wonderful Rio, and "Union of the Snake". For volume of music, this CD is a great value running almost 80 minutes and containing 19 songs. The 5 star rating narrowly being missed due to the large number of edited tracks. (Rio especially.....it just didn't need to be done)

This is a great set covering most of the band's recording career. Well over an hour of great tunes will make it a pleasure for even casual fans of 80s synth-pop, and shows why Duran Duran is one of the most enduring bands from that era.

The Greatest Band
Duran Duran is one of the biggest bands of the 80's and have been having hits for more than 2 decades and are still making good songs. I saw them in concert in 99 and they were excellent even without taylor. Review of songs-
1.is there somthing i should know? 3.8 stars
2.the reflex-4.5 stars/catchy pop song
3.a view to a kill-4.7 stars
4.ordinary world-5 out of 5 stars-good ballad
5.save a prayer- 4.7 stars/haunting song
6.Rio- 5 out of 5 stars/classic
7.hungry like the wolf-5 out of 5 stars
8.girls on film- 4 stars
9.planet earth- 5 out 5 stars
10.union of the snake-3.8 stars
11.new moon on monday- 4.3 star
12.wild boys- 4 stars
13.notorious-4 stars
14.i dont want your love-3.8 stars
15.all she wants is-3.8 stars
16.electric barbarella-4.5 stars
17.serious-4.3 stars
18.skin trade-3.9 stars
19.come undone- 5 out of 5 stars/beautiful song
Overall excellent album/A classic/ Worth the money

Alright, now listen...
Apparently there are lots of reviewers on Amazon saying that they think Duran Duran is bad. And everytime people mention the eighties, there always seem to be someone laughing at how music and fashion were in those days. If you don't like the fashion because the colours are wrong, fine. If you don't like the music because the synthesizers scare you, fine. But if you say you don't like it just because it's old, then YOU are the problem!
I'll let you think just what you want about the 80's as long as you have another reason than "it's too old". If you lived at the time and you think it wasn't good, then you have every right to think so. Or if the music just isn't your kind, then everybody must respect that. But if the only actual reason for you not liking it, is that it happens to have been made a couple of years, decades or even centuries ago, then you simply have no taste. Maybe you're just trying to be popular by following the modern fads, is that it? Well if you like what's on MTV right now, you can start telling yourself that you don't know anything about music in itself, becuase that's a fact.
I was born in 1987, so I don't remember much of the 80's at all. Most of my friends find 80's stuff too strange for them. But I like it.
I didn't grow up during the 80's, my parents don't listen to 80's music. Actually, there's no particular reason for me liking the 80's, but I do! And I also like the 60's and 70's. I'm a teenager of the 21st century, and I like what I missed. Ironic like hell, but the 80's is one of many tastes of music and style, and that is more than you're ever going to have if you keep disliking stuff that isn't new. I see that one of you advice us to buy AudioSlave's new album instead. Will you like that album by 2008? So listen you taste-less non-polite whoever-you-are, if you don't like the music you bought this year at the day you grow old, I'll be glad to laugh at you for all the huge ammounts of money you wasted on albums you can't seem to like more than as long as it's being advertised. Just leave music and put your money on something that you understand.

Duran Duran is almost just what I like when it comes to music and style. So my personal opinion will be 4 stars out of 5.

sounds more like the worst
please dont listen to this awful new wave band from the eighties(one of the worst decades of music).it is cheesy horrible bands like this that had almost destroyed rock music till it was rescued by bands like pearl jam and soundgarden.Songs like girls on film,rio and wild boys sound dated and lousy and you will be well advised to avoid this crappy band who are thankfully defunct.my rating 0/10.

Don't go with the flow
Great collection of songs from Duran Duran. I like them all. One problem, though, some of the songs are butchered to meet the time limit. Rio's intro is shortened, which didn't bother me because the long one got on my nerves but the ending is cut down too which really vexed me. In Save a Prayer the first and second verse were spliced together. I think some other songs were more subtly tampered with, shortening extended intros or interludes which once again didn't bother me because I get agitated when these instrumental bits drag on but that's just me. I'm more of a lyrics person and I also like a song that has a good tune.
At first I wasn't too thrilled with Girls on Film, but if you read the lyrics to it you can see how utterly sarcastic it is. I won't get into the video for it but the song is actually pretty clever in a satirical way. The other songs are good dance tunes. Come Undone and Ordinary World are classics with a lot of substance. Good for those who like Duran Duran's popular songs (popular in their time). No, Violence of the Summer is not on this CD, but the person who said it was made it clear they wouldn't be caught dead buying this anyway so I can understand the little mistake.
I have to say that I've encountered more respect for people's opinions in high school than when it comes to Duran Duran in the outside world and I find that very sad. I'm guessing that those considering buying this have heard Duran Duran before and therefore those who hate the band should put their time to better use but if you haven't then yes I would suggest you hear some of their songs first before considering this album. I'm one of those people who think that's the safest thing to do with any band since tastes in music is so subjective. But the only thing worse than modeling your likes and dislikes after what's "cool" is trying to convince others to go with the flow. That's where my name comes in. It's also a quote from a Duran Duran song. Too bad all the haters will be lost there because this last part is for them. ... Read more

Reviews (63)

Can't wait for the Remixes to Come Out
Zero 7 is for everybody but that doesn't make it commercial music or the junk that is rated by idiots for Charts and mega platinum numbers. If you appreciate the chillout/ambient/deep house genre, this has to be in your essential collection along with SIMPLE THINGS. Its amazing how the enchanting voices of veterans Sia Furler and Sophie Barker pick you up and comfortably seat you in that much awaited and promised "Heaven" in advance. Tina Deco steps in to remind us how voices can connect the heart to the eyes and the tear glands; and should have her beautiful vocal chords insured. I don't care too much for MOZEZ, and although his voice isn't bad but the ladies proudly carry the Zero 7 flag higher.

The Space Between (Tina Deco), Passing By (Sophie Barker), and Speed Dial No.2 (Sia Furler) are my favorite songs in the order of choice, and I highly recommend a 5 year old red wine or Single Malt to accompany the audio session, along with an Ottoman and a Wing chair.

I can't wait for the remixes to come out and the Third Album. But for now, ZERO 7 is the benchmark for this genre of music.

Warm sound
I can't really say I liked Zero 7 when they first hit the downtempo scene. I didn't and still don't like "Destiny" so I didn't bother looking into their first album "Simple Things". Normally I love chill out music but I could not muster up a tolerance for "Destiny" which was overplayed too death on the majority of chill out albums a couple of years ago. I decided to give Zero 7 another chance. I got lucky when I found a promotional copy of the group's new album "When It Falls". Thankfully there wasn't one song on this album that sounded remotely like "Destiny". "When It Falls" is a lush, subdued album filled with intricate melodies and hypnotic vocals. There were moments when I was reminded of Olive, Hooverphonic, and Supreme Beings of Leisure. Although Zero 7 can't really compete with my beloved "Buddha Bar" series in the downtempo department, they definitely put out a really solid album with "When It Falls". I liked how acoustic guitars was incorporated with the music, giving the music a live, organic feel as opposed to a cold, mechanical feel that a lot of chill out albums project through their music.

Tiffany
Truly a masterpiece!!!! Listening to this CD makes me no longer compare Zero 7 to Air. The music of Zero 7 has a soul that separates them from other artists. This CD hangs with Simple Things, their debut. I would have to rate them as one of the best groups out there right now!!!

Warm, Not Warmed-Over
"When It Falls" is the second album from North London's Sam Hardaker and Henry Binns. The duo achieved worldwide success with their 2001 debut, "Simple Things," and continue their clever synthesis of jazz, downtempo electronica, and folk-pop on this new collection. The band's sound brings up warm memories for those who spent part of their childhood in the 70s. When guest vocalist Tina Dico croons the lyrics to the outstanding track "Home," one is reminded of family car journeys accompanied by the easygoing sound of AM pop radio; in that aspect, it's not unlike Joni Mitchell's seminal work "Hejira." "Somersault," with vocals by returning singer Sia Furler, continues the theme of domestic comfort, extolling the virtues of a lover who "feels like home." The addition of subtle string orchestration and well-placed acoustic guitar help ensure "When It Falls" remains a truly organic listening experience from beginning to end. Unlike many other artists in the downtempo category, Zero 7 seems to understand that slower beats and technological tricks are no replacement for emotional warmth.

Not all that good
This is one of those bands that you hear one of theirs tunes on the radio or see a video and you can hardly wait to get the CD. Then you find that it's listenable but very superficial and after one or two listenings you feel cheated and it goes into your mass play for boring parties or "romantic nights." There's a disconnect between the music and lyrics that bothers me a great deal. I believe that these guys tool around with music and get a good sound then add lyrics, I hate that style of writing. If you're considering buying this CD, buy an Aaron Copland collection too and I promise you that you'll listen to Copland 10x more than this CD. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A greatest-hits package sampling four Enigma discs released between 1990 and 2000, LSD splendidly documents the influential output of Michael Cretu, a techno-bohemian who successfully creates cinematic, otherworldly New Age-like musical suites. Now, more than a decade removed from the arrival of Sadeness (Part 1) and its eyebrow-raising mix of sacred and sensual subplots, people can debate whether Cretu's music represents savvy commercial calculation or satisfying art. LSD suggests a split decision, though tracks with intriguing blends of atmosphere and rhythm, such as "Gravity of Love," "T.N.T. for the Brain" and "Morphing Thru Time," reveal an inventiveness that demonstrates Cretu is capable of more than sophisticated novelty tunes. Two new songs, neither especially noteworthy, open this package. Meanwhile, remastered older tracks segue beautifully to exude a satisfying, seamless unity. Big bonus: run time exceeds 76 minutes. --Terry Wood ... Read more

Reviews (73)

to jerry fry. advice
When Enigma started to sound in Spain I must say I didn't like at all. I hated Sadeness. Now is one of my favourite songs in the history of music. I started apreciating 1 or 2 years later listening to my dad's CD. I rate 4 out from 5 cos there are some changes I would do in the best songs album. As I've read from you, jerry, the 2 songs you like are instrumental and more or less soft, relaxing. 1st cd, MCMXCa.c. has 2 "strong" songs (Principles of lust, which contains Sadeness and Find love, and Mea culpa), 1 intro as every Enigma cd, 3 more relaxing (Callas went away, Knockin on forbidden doors and Rivers of belief) and the other one is like an intro (The voice and the snake).
2nd one, Cross of changes is, perhaps, stronger (Return to innocence, I love you...I'll kill you-which I love-, Silent warrior, Age of loneliness and Out of the deep). There is one long instrumental (Eyes of truth) and 2 short "melodics" (Dream of the dolphin and the cd closing Cross of changes).
3rd, Le roi et mort, vive le roi (King is dead, Life for the King in french). More calm songs (Morphin thru time, Shadows in silence, Almost full moon and Odyssey of the mind), and 3 stronger (Why, TNT for the brain and Roundabout). The other 3 are relaxin I think (the single Beyond the invisible, Child in us and Prism of life).
Finally, The screen behind the mirror: 5 strongs (Push the limits, Gravity of love, Modern crusaders, Camera obscura and Silence must be heard). 5 relaxin (Traces, Screen behind the mirror, Endless quest, Between heart and mind and my favourite Smell of desire).
I think four of them are very similar in that way, maybe second is the strongest and could be worse for you. Try with 1st or 3rd, but if you have the oportunity make yourself a mix with the calmest songs I recomend you: Callas went away, Knockin on forbidden doors, Rivers of belief, Beyond the invisible, Shadows in silence, Almost full moon, Traces, Between mind and heart and Smell of desire. Take into account that there are not breaks between songs in the cd's if you want to mix them. It seems me a bit unfair not to include my 2 favourite songs: Principles of lust (12 minutes) and I love you...I'll kill you (9 minutes). They mix strong and calm passages.
ciao

Stunning and enchanting
I'm a huge Enigma fan. I find Enigma's music soothing and comforting to relax too. Although I own all four of their albums, I wanted to buy their greatest hits especially after hearing one of their new songs "Turn Around". I believe that "The Landing" and "Turn Around" are the two new tracks on the cd, or never been released. I particularly dug "Turn Around", such a breath-taking epic. "The Landing" made for a good opening track to lead the listener into this enchanting album. All the well-known tracks on this cd is found such as "Sadeness" and "Return to Innocence". My personal favorite songs were included on this cd such as "Gravity of Love", "Mea Culpa", "Beyond the Invisible", and "Morphing Thru Time". Over 70 minutes long, I was not disappointed in this cd. This cd is great for casual listeners interested in hearing only Enigma's more familiar songs. Definitely one of the best greatest hits compilations ever to be released in my honest opinion.

stunning
a highly adventurous and pioneering success of a collection.

Enigma has always deftly combined a mind expanding and enlightening sound with a pop sensibility - not such an easy task.

A MUST FOR ALL ENIGMA FANS!
i have to admit that at first i didn't think that it would be necessary to purchase this enigma greastest hits compilation. i mean especially when you're a fan who already has all their cds, what would be the point of doing so? well i have to say i was wrong! i purchased this cd and was not the least bit disappointed! for one thing, it has various remixed tracks, such as "tnt for the brain" and i must say the track on this cd far exceeds the original one found on enigma's third album "le roi est mort, vive le roi." in my personal opinion, "tnt for the brain" is reason enough to buy this greatest hits compilation, so amazing this song really is!! i also love how all the songs flow nicely into one another, so you feel as though it is one long ride through time; no pauses in between to distract you from your voyage! :) i'd have to say, the one thing that usually "bothered" me about enigma cds was how they never really exceeded an hour... well this cd definitely surpasses that time period, and does so wonderfully... if you are a true fan of enigma, you won't regret making this purchase! enjoy!!
+ in nomine Christi, Amen +

I'll be quick to the point here.....
I;ll be quick to the point here...this is a great CD to have great S&X to. Get it, and use it. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 1999

Those who have followed Moby's career are familiar by now with his deep convictions and spiritual connection. On his 1999 release, Play, he celebrates his faith in a masterful, unobtrusive way, channeling gospel and other inspirational samples through beats so earthy they could grow grass on a cement dance floor. It's impossible to separate the joy of the message from the joy of the grooves. --Beth Massa ... Read more

Reviews (641)

Amazing
Moby has changed the face of music with this album by mixing techno, church spirituals, and classical music. Moby can be really creative with this album and can perform great instrumentals along with mixing. My favorite tracks are Bodyrock, South Side, Natural Blues, Porcelain, Find My Baby, and My Weakness. It isn't really a dance album, it's more of an electronic soundtrack. On a 12-hour road trip I went on, I listened to this entire CD and enjoyed most of the songs as I was bored in the car. If you truly like music, do not miss the opportunity to get this album. This album is absolutely amazing from a man that produces REAL music. I recommend this album to good music listeners who have tastes in all kinds of music and for those who have nothing to listen to on a long car trip.

5 stars is my rating and there is no good reason why you cannot rate this album one star. (Unless you are a big fan of grunge rock music or boy band oriented pop)

A Hands Down Must Buy
When you say the word "techno", people tend to imagine loud, obnoxious electronic dance songs with loads of annoying sound-effects. Rest assured that if that's your defintion of techno, this ain't techno.

Moby takes 18 tracks and tackles multiple genres: rock, hip hop, blues, gospel, accoustic, and many more. Many tracks contain samplings of other songs (ranging from Love Rap by Spoony G and The Trecherous 3 to Run On For A Long Time, a 1937 gospel piece), while others are true original compositions with Moby doing the vocals himself. It creates for a rather confusing effect: you won't know exactly who you're listening to--but believe me, you'll be enjoying yourself too much to care.

Moby is a devout Christian, and his spirituality shines in every one of these 18 tracks. It would be wrong, though, to call this religious music--it's not looking to convert anyone, if that's a worry of yours. I'm an Agnostic myself, and I loved the spiritual, empowering feelings of these songs.

I've noticed other reviews say that some songs are great while others fail, but I honestly believe each and every one of these songs has something to offer. Some, like "7", "Down Slow", and "Inside" don't have any lyrics and do resort to a more traditional techno sound, but are enthralling nevertheless.

So go on and add it to your shopping cart. If you don't absolutely love it, then--well--feel free to write me an angry e-mail.

Takes Electronica to new heights!
This is one of my favorite CDs of all-time, along with mr.deviant's "Techno Obsession". With "Play", Moby takes techno and electronica into a whole new place, a more emotional place. For years critics have panned electronica because they claim it can't "have soul, or feeling", Moby shatters this myth with virtually every track on "Play".
Believe the hype surrounding this one. It's a classic, and belongs in everyone's CD collection. Just buy it, and thank me later.

Well-known now!
Moby has come along way from his very first album entitled 'Moby' which was his early techno works to his most recent album 'Play'. We got a taste of what Moby can really do with ambient music, pop-techno, dance, and rock in albums such as: Everything Is Wrong, Ambient, Rare: The Collected B-Sides 1989-1993, etc... Now, Moby takes another step up and brings a lot of gospel and soul music into his keyboard and electronic music works. 'Play' gives you a wide variety of different styles of gospel and soul. The song "Honey" starts with a simple catchy and rhythem and builds in a nice and light techno beat. Others like "Find My Baby" and "Why Does My Heart Feel so Bad?" combine more of a soul feeling into melodic piano and light dance beats. His most successful song in the album was "South Side" which features Gwen Stefani (No Doubt) leading Moby in the chorus. The song also became a hit single along with it being a hit song all by itself. 'Play', towards the end of the album, steps into more slow and ambient textures in songs like "Down Slow", "Inside", and the poetic-like songs "If Things Were Perfect" (I think that's one of them that he just TALKS in) and "The Sky Is Broken" which is very visionary-like with its slow and soothing melodies and beginning beat throughout. The ending song "My Weakness" starts off with a beautiful choir background and later builds in a beautiful orchestral texture in. This makes the song, with it's orchestral sound, a most remembering moment in what Moby can do...My Weakness makes for a fascinating ending for the entire CD.

'Play' was a platinum-selling album worldwide. He later released "Play The DVD" which includes numerous videos of some of the hits off of the CD. It also includes a MEGAMIX that gives you a variety of industrial, rave, dance, and trance mixes of songs off of Play. These are both things that one should own if you are a fan of Moby.

That's my review, Thanks!

If things were perfect, this album would be among them
Moby is more than a genius of techno, he is a genius of music. What he does in this album is so joyful and depressing simultaneously, I just want to listen to it over and over again. The best tracks are Porcelain, Why does my heart feel so bad?, Southside, Natural Blues, and Run On. And the rest are still amazing songs. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Kelly Clarkson, the toothsome winner of Fox TV's first American Idol competition shows that her prime-time win was no fluke. She blithely skipsthrough octaves and genres like a seasoned pro, belting out power ballads like hooky "Low" and the Diane Warren-penned "Some Kind of Miracle," with the aplomb of Pat Benatar in her prime. Clarkson tackles the neo-gospel "Anytime" without flinching, then shows some dirty street cred as she growls through "Miss Independent," a song she penned with Christina Aguilera. But Miss Independent would be a gross misnomer; despite the fact Clarkson co-wrote four of the album's tunes. Clarkson not only had uber record exec/executive producer Clive Davis at her disposal, but an arsenal of producers and songwriters to make sure she didn't make a creative misstep. Despite Clarkson's sublime vocal talents, excessive gloss at times overwhelms the quirky charm and personality she displayed on Idol. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (952)

The Best CD I've Ever Heard!!!
I wasn't a huge fan of American Idol last summer, but always loved Kelly. She has amazed me to an extreme point. Her album is absolutely the best CD in my collection, which includes over 300 CDs of every type of music.

The Trouble With Love Is - Extremely meaningful lyrics, gracefully sung

Miss Independent - You've all heard this on the radio, co - written by Christina Aguilera, it really gets you going!

Low - Sounds like a Faith Hill song, the second single and is terrific

Some Kind Of Miracle - Diane Warren penned this for Kelly, and Kelly has officially made the top of classic Warren singers

What's Up Lonely - Very Catchy song that will stay with you for a long time after listening to it

Just Missed The Train - My favorite song on the CD. It's such a great song, amazing vocals and great background music. Bravo!

Beautiful Disaster - Very soothing song

You Thought Wrong - Duet with Tamyra Gray. My other favorite song. It's an amazing song which should definitely become a single, because it would go straight to number one!

Thankful - Sweet song about what she's thankful for

Anytime - The most beautiful slow song ever written (along with Def Leppard's "Long Long Way To Go"), and Kelly's vocals will wow anyone who listens

A Moment Like This - This rerecorded version is even better than the original she recorded in September last year

Before Your Love - This song still gets to me, it's so beautiful

The entire album is spectacular, and every song is a potential single, particularly "Just Missed The Train", "You Thought Wrong", and "Anytime." I highly recommend this, you won't be sorry! I hope to hear much more in the future from Ms. Clarkson, truly the most talented singer on the planet.

Surpassed my expectations! -- an honest and accurate review
Speaking from the view of someone who hadn't watched the first American Idol season, I was expecting this album to flop. I gave it a listen, and was I ever surprised!

Kelly Clarkson has one of the best and most unique voices in today's pop music. She has a remarkable range, she has the strength and power of a professional, and her vibrato is rich without being excessive.

One of the strengths of this album is that it crosses so many genres -- from flat-out pop ("Miss Independent") to alternative ("Beautiful Disaster") to blues ("The Trouble With Love Is").

Clarkson shows her talents in the power ballads "Anytime" and the smash hit "A Moment Like This", easily two of the best songs on the album. Other good songs are the girl-power dance hit "Miss Independent", the midtempo "Low" and the wistful "Just Missed the Train".

The lowest point is probably the track "You Thought Wrong", featuring Tamyra Gray of the first season. It was supposed to echo the Grammy-winning Brandy and Monica duet "The Boy Is Mine" but lacks the clear and unique lyrics and is too fast to enjoy. Also, Clarkson's and Gray's voices are too similar to make it a memorable song.

Overall, I give Kelly Clarkson praise for putting out an album that mixes musical talent with clever songs to showcase her in the best way. Whether you're an Idol fan or not, buy this album. You won't be disappointed.

PUTS HILLARY TO SHAME!
This cd is truly amazing, Kelly has an amazing voice that even Simon would love. The question is is it better than hillarys? OMG yeah! And trust me ppl it's not just because I don't like hillary! This is a must have cd and I mean it I love all her albums trust me it's a must have just like everything else she dose!!

I am Thankful for Kelly
This is, in all honesty, my favorite CD of all time. Kelly has the most beautiful voice of any other female singer I have evr heard, and her fame is success is well-deserved. All I can say to anyone who is reading this, BUY THIS CD! I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Many of the songs that haven't even made fame yet are excellent. "Just Missed The Train" and "Beautiful Disaster" are fantastic, along with all her other songs that have been released as singles. This CD is highly recommended to anyone who appreciates marvelous songs with awesome vocals.

Awesome cd!
I never watched American Idol until mid way this season to watch Diana DeGarmo, but I do have to say that I bought this cd along with Ruben's and then Clay's. I love it ! Kelly has a knock em dead voice that she can make whatever she wants whenever she wants it. I like the fact that her pitch changes a lot, this makes the songs energetic, and exciting. I love the fast songs and I love the sad songs as well, to me its like she relates to you personally and to me thats a real singer... Great album! I can't wait for second one - Ive heard Breakaway, so I can't wait for that to be released too... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Washington, D.C.'s Thievery Corporation purvey a very mellow, deliberately international mixture of sounds that might be called "lounge music"--not in the kitschy sense, but in the sense of a laid-back local bar (much like the one the duo happens to run) with no dance floor. Rob Garza and Eric Hilton are professed admirers of Brazilian music, and they're determined to inject as much warmth into electronic music as possible. The Mirror Conspiracy is quite a musical travelogue, starting in Jamaica with "Treasures." This dubby opening track, which features vocalist Brother Jack, is quite reminiscent of the start of Swayzak's Himawari. Next up is "Le Monde," a quiet, wah-wah-inflected song featuring a chanteuse named Lou Lou. She reappears later on the somewhat more uptempo "Shadows of Ourselves," which, despite the title, is also sung in French. "The Hong Kong Triad" sounds like a tip of the hat to Shaft-styled soundtrack music. Elsewhere, it's off to India for two sitar-flavored tracks with a similarly laidback groove that gets a bit closer to techno, one of which, "Lebanese Blonde" (hash? a woman?), has been released as a single. Brazil gets its due on the densely percussive "Air Batucada," the more bossa nova-like "So Com Voce," and an instrumental titled "Samba Tranquille." Fans of this style are sure to be pleased. --Bob Bannister ... Read more

Reviews (108)

Continental Groovey Lounge Music For the Modern Man or Woman
Mirror Conspiracy is the latest international down-tempo musical offering from "Thievery Corporation" otherwise known as the dj/production team of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton. Like their earlier releases; "Sounds From The Thievery Hi-Fi" and the inspiring "DJ Kicks", the duo presents a sexy collection of international beats seasoned with an array of jazz, easy listening, lounge, bossa nova, samba, sound track samples and more. Tropical beats and Afro Brazilian rhythms drive the overall late night groove. "La Monde" is a seductive slice of loveliness mixing breathy French vocals with a distinctive Jamaican dub. "Lebanese Blonde" a mysteriously international spy film soundtrack peppered with Baleric beats. "Samba Tranquille" a bit of breezy tropical turntabalism. "Illumination" easily the standout builds hypnotically with its driving indo-pyschedelic drum beats and mysterious middle eastern chanting. These are djs as mixologists, interpreters of world beats, tour guides to a jet setting audio travelogue sampling global styles, genres, cultures and languages. Hip modern day exotica for the modern world. A Must BUY for hip cats!

The blueprint...
This album is by far the best "chillout" or "lounge" album yet made. If you read all these hundreds of Amazon lists for "Top Chillout CD's" or "Music for dinner parties", etc. this cd is usually in 2 out of 3 of them. For good reason too. An essential cd...and I don't use that term lightly. GET IT NOW!

I Don't Know Why You Don't Have This
Do you know?

You'll need it.

Seminal Lounge Relaxation
When I want to relax to something that won't put me to sleep, this CD is always the first one I reach for. You can pick out dozens of influences from one track to the next, and the musical composition created from this fusion really flows. I recommend this CD as highly as I can and if you at all have the opportunity, don't miss the chance to see them perform live.

Can I say they're "Cool"?
Wow! Ya'know, I hear a disc like this and
ask myself "where the *bleep-bleep* have I been?!" - its
2004 and I'm just hearing of the Thievery Corp! All
is not lost however: let this baby spin a few times and the
newbie's ears will find a new best friend in the Corp.
Your speakers will ripple many dispinsations of 'coolness'
from these talented chill-out meisters. And though
I'm just now hearing them, I'm glad - there is all
the more to explore. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Aqualung is Matt Hales, a Brit popster whose ethereal, plangently lovely stateside debut is all knotted up in the sounds of now. Cribbing from Keane, Coldplay, Radiohead, and the Beatles, Hales is a U.K. sensation who staves off staleness by way of his exceptional talent. (Volkswagen dropped the title track into one of its uber-hip European ads in 2002, sparking a who's-the-artist frenzy not seen since the company revived the catalog of Nick Drake.) "When the sun sets around me/my daydreams confound me/and the long night surrounds me," he whimpers compellingly on "You Turn Me Round," a brief ache of a song. Though we feel for him—here's an artist with a gift for getting empathy in a chokehold—we can't help hoping his long, melodic night meanders endlessly. Fans of "The O.C." and Garden State soundtracks should dip in. And don't worry: all Jethro Tull ties end at his handle, meant to evoke the strange and beautiful murkiness of the music. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (9)

2 good songs... the rest is fairly boring
Don't review many, but this CD is fairly bland with the exception of Brighter than Sunshine. If mellow ballads are your things, then maybe you will care for it more than I do.

I'm in Love!!!
Short and sweet: I LOVE this cd!!! I love Matt Hale's voice, love the music and lyrics--love Aqaulung!! It's definitely reminiscent of Coldplay (whom I also love)--yet it doesn't come across as merely a "Coldplay clone," and has it's own style.There truly isn't a bad song in the bunch. Hurry up and release your next cd, Matt!

Move over Coldplay...
It was pure luck that brought me to Aqualung's website (aqualung.net)."Aqualung" happens to be an extremely gifted singer/composer by the name of Matt Hales.I decided to listen to his new cd, "Strange and Beautiful", after laughing my head off while reading Ben Hales hilarious Tour Diary.(By the way, Ben is Matt's brother, who backs Matt up on stage and co-wrote some of the songs on this cd).
From the first track I knew I was listening to a star in the making.I was immediately seduced by Matt's soft, smooth and honest voice.His tender yet intricate piano playing is mesmerizing.At first I thought of "Coldplay", but Aqualung's music has a much wider range.Although all may be simple love songs, each have their own style and personality.Some are melancholy (Another Little Hole, Extra Ordinary Thing), some inspiring and hopeful (You Turn Me Round, If I Fall), while others are rockin' (Brighter than Sunshine, Left Behind).Matts' background in classical and rock music enable him to blend the two genre's and come up with a variety of music for a wide range of listeners.Matt isn't afraid to experiment either.You will hear some interesting instruments including harpsichord (Extra Ordinary Thing), and a paper-clip piano (Good Times Gonna Come, Another Little Hole...you're just going to have to listen for yourself).This cd has something for everyone.I personally LOVE every song on this cd. I believe we'll be seeing a lot more of "Aqualung" in the future.

Oh what a feeling...
OMG. i absolutely LOVE this album. yes, it's nothing life-changing. and yes, it's got that whole travis/coldplay british sound. but i love that kind of music. and it's a really great collection of songs. i fell in love with him immediately and have been listening to the cd nonstop for days. i had the pleasure of seeing him in concert. and it was beautiful. i love listening to his voice. his songs may be sad at times, but the way he sings them makes me just...melt.
favorite songs on the album: strange and beautiful, brighter than sunshine, left behind, easier to lie, and you turn me around. yea...i actually like all the songs. it's kinda hard to pick favorites. :)

not bad, but nothing special
Aqualung sounds like Coldplay if Coldplay weren't really all that great of a band.If that description isn't clear enough, here's another one: Aqualung's first album is entirely composed of slow emo-rock songs about love, love gone bad, love that hasn't happened yet, and love that will probably never happen.I love that type of music, but only if the songs are distinguishable from one another, which these are not (I've listened to the album in my car for a solid week, and not a single one of the songs sticks in my brain).

Don't get me wrong; the songs aren't bad.They just aren't anything worth getting excited about.I don't regret having bought the album, but I won't buy the next one from Aqualung unless his song-writing skills improve. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This album arrived shortly after singer Andy Bell's revelation that he had been living with HIV for more than six years, suffering from debilitating pain. It's no wonder the music carries a more somber tone than the sugar-smacked synth-pop of '80s hits "Chain of Love" and "Blue Savannah." But it's hardly a gloomy affair. Yes, there is a more ominous tone to lyrics like "The tears that are falling, there's no room for doubt." And yes, the choruses aren't quite as chaotic. But for the most part this is vintage Erasure, right down to the Casio-sounding keyboards that permeate tracks like "Here I Go Impossible Again" and the ABBA imbued cheek of "Don't Say You Love Me." Erasure is clearly a band too engrossed by life to be knocked down by its mundane realities. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (82)

20 years too late?
Oh please. This is a very good album (perhaps not great). I hardly think that the correct criterion to apply to it is whether it fits in with the crap music that rules on the charts these days... And before you lump Erasure in with cheesy 80's Top 40 bands, you must be too young to remember that Erasure hardly got lots of radio play. They have a lot more cred than that, which is more than I can say for the played out rap, American idols, boy bands, and the like that seem to be ruling the charts these days. About the only time a song seems to have any staying power at all is when it's a cover of a decent song from the (gasp) 80s or earlier. This album is very good as I said, and the boys have proven they are still capable of writing some decent songs.. I guess that would be an alien concept to you "oh i'm so hip this is like OLD stuff" children.

Does it come Sugar Free.
Man, my teeth are stinging form the sugar.Put me in some neon colored clothes and drop me right back in the 80's. This would have been great it's just 2o years late.Move on.

WHO KNEW.....?
I had long ago given up on buying anything from Erasure...but for some reason decided to give "nightbird" a try....i have to say i was completely floored by how incredibly good this CD is, easily one of their best, if not their best. The songs are so catchy, yet somehow steeped in a feeling of melancholy which makes them even more effective and resonant. I cannot stop listening to it....

*******
I HAVE BEEN AN ERASURE FAN SINCE THE BEGINING...BUT I HAVE NOT LOVED TOO MANY OF THEIR ALBUMS IN THE 90'S. "NIGHTBIRD", I THINK IS THEIR BEST ALBUM SINCE "CHORUS". THIS ALBUM JUST FLOWS SO WELL FROM BEGINING TO END. I CANT TELL YOU HOW MANY TIMES I'VE LISTENED TO THIS ALBUM IN THE PAST 5 MONTHS. AT LEAST A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK IN ITS ENTIRETY. THAT SAYS A LOT ABOUT HOW GOOD THIS CD IS. THEIR LAST ALBUM, LOVEBOAT WAS SUCH A DISSASTER, THAT I DIDNT THINK THEY'D EVER GET IT RIGHT AGAIN. THIS CD CONTAINS SOME SONGS THAT I LOVE AS MUCH AS MY FAVORITE ERASURE SONG, "SHIP OF FOOLS". BUY IT AND ENJOY IT.

Nightbird
I just love Nightbird. Our son got us interested in Erasure years ago and we own every one of their cds and most of the singles. Their music has the ability to put me in a better mood no matter how bad the real world is sometimes. Don't know if we are their oldest fans at 55, but hey, we are going to their concert on May 18 and I'm ecstatic.Buy this cd,you'll love it. P&D ... Read more

Album Description

Ravin and David Visan have again served up a luscious, alchemical brew in which the purity of traditional sounds blends with pulsing electro in the holiest of unions. "Sarod", the first disc, serves up a harmonious yet assorted platter of Brazilian, Vietnamese, Hungarian, Indian, and Malian sounds. "Sarangi", the second disc, is a homage to Ustad Sultan Khan, elegantly riding a joyful electro-ethnic wave, alighting here and there to be serenaded by such artists as Mabagaya Project, Tito Rodriguez, or King Britt. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Not as good as past Buddha Bar's.
Well it's not as good as Buddha Bar 6 or others on the list but there are many great tracks on this set to justify for the weak tracks. So still definitely worth adding to your collection.

SJ
www.bestplaylists.com

There are better options.
I have to say I was dissapointed by this last Buddha Bar CD. I have all of them,all chill out in Paris, All Claude Challe records, Nirvana Lounge's, Siddharta's , etc.This CD lacks passion, lacks "punch", it doesnt make a statement like other do. If you want to buy good chillout music look the Nirvana Lounge collection and the Siddharta collection. From the Buddha Bar series I stick with number III, IV,and VI.This last compilation is just "nice" but falls short of being among the best of Buddha Bar.

Don't spend money on this
This is by far the worst issue in the Buddha Bar suite. 1-3 is brilliant but after that I would not recommend bying any of them.
Instead spend your money on Nirvana Lounge 3 or Bar de Lun's Bombay Beats.

Lush, flows nicely -- rates with v4 and 5 in this series
I own almost all of disks in the Buddha Bar series (as well as a lot of other downtempo and chillout from all over the world) and have sipped drinks at the real deal, and I think this newest Buddha Bar release was captivating from the first listen. If you prefer Buddha Bar IV and V in this series or if you can't get enough of the "Chill Out in Paris" compilations, then you'll probably like this one, as well.

While I already knew and owned a few of the tracks (notably, Federico Aubele), quite a few of them were new and a pleasant surprise to me.Very relaxing and upbeat at the same time, with a seamless flow...as the discs in this series should be.

An excellent addition to the Buddha Bar series
Chillout music nowadays is a dime a dozen. Most of what I have heard (Ultra Chilled, Ultimate Chillout, etc...etc...) are predictable. My favorite chillout series is Buddha Bar. Inspired by the European bar/nightclub of the same name, Buddha Bar has provided this music lover a soundtrack to my weekends.

I must admit that I wasn't impressed by the last volume in the Buddha Bar series after I heard a sampler of volume 6. I like Ravin's work on the Siddharta series but I felt his work on "Buddha Bar VI" lacked the same magic of its predecessors. Maybe because I felt that Ravin focused a bit more on Indian influences and not other forms of Asian-influenced music which Dave did on volumes 4 and 5. My favorite volumes were mixed by Claude Challe(volume 1) and Dave Visan (volumes 4 & 5). I was thrilled to say the very least when I saw that Dave Visan was going to mix volume 7 along with Ravin.

Like the other Buddha Bar cds, "Buddha Bar 7" is split into two cds. This time disc one is called Sarod and the second cd is Sarangi. The first disc is usually, if not always mellow while the second disc contains more upbeat, dance-orientated songs. "Buddha Bar 7" is perhaps the most diverse compilation in the series so far. The influences ranges from Brazilian to Vietnamese on the Sarod disc. Beautiful songs. I felt like I was transported to another country. The Sarangi disc is very interesting. I thought it was as good as the Sarod disc. There are some really tasty jams on disc two such as Ryukyu Underground's "Mo 'Ashibi" (Jason Bentley remix) and Supervielle's "Perfume" (remixed by Campo). The music has a good house beat. Normally I usually find the first disc slightly more interesting but in this case, I think both discs are excellent. The mixing is on both cds are masterfully done by Ravin and Dave Visan. They flow together harmoniously from one song into the next song. Most chillout compilations are either not mixed or mixed well. The Buddha Bar series are mixed to sound like you were at the famous Parisian bar/nightclub.

It is rare for me to be willing to shell out more than $20 for one cd/compilation but in the case of the Buddha Bar series, I feel I getmy money's worth. The quality is vastly superior than any chillout compilations that I have heard and makes buying these cds a worthy investments but you have to be willing to spend that kind of money on these cds like I am. There are a lot of Buddha Bar knock-offs on the market today that are cheaper but they can't compare to the mother of ethnic chillout music otherwise known as"Buddha Bar". ... Read more

Album Description

"Home alone and happy / Nothing brings me down" So opens Emiliana Torrini’s second album, a soft-yet-searing collection of twelve intimate and atmospheric songs that will whisper their way into your bloodstream. Back in 1999, when the singer released the critically acclaimed Love In The Time Of Science, Emiliana came out with a gorgeous, electronic trippoppin’ vision of endless summer and moonlit nights out. Following her departure from One Little Indian, there’s a new introspection, closer to Nick Drake or Jolie Holland than Portishead or Goldfrapp. The 27-year-old singer and writer has nonetheless been busy since Love In The Time Of Science. She moved to Brighton, joined the cast of Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers to perform the enchanting ‘Gollum Song’ wrote and toured with Thievery Corporation, and wrote a Number One Hit for Kylie Minogue in the shape of huge-selling pop smash "Slow." ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Beautiful voice but disappointed.
When I purchased this album I expected something much more similar to "Love in the Time of Science" her 1st album.This is too mellow even for my wife.It reminds me of when Natalie Merchant left the 10,000 Maniacs.She had a cool voice too but it needed some good musical accompaniment.I realize recording artists have to change their sound here and there but this was too much.

*sigh*
acoustic, intimate and breathily soft, a non-jazzy-blues-ish version of norah jones. quite different from her previous album, which triphoppily falls under the electronica genre. i first heard her in "crazy/beautiful" (song entitled "to be free"), remembered her name, found this album last week at a nearby music cafe, bought it, and have been listening to it eversince. icelandic like bjork, and reviewed as a bjorkish artist (it's funny though--i can't stand bjork's music. i appreciate her lyrics, though).

From Scientist to a "Fisherman's Woman"
Making her American debut in 1999 with the flawless and intense "Love in the Time of Science", Emiliana Torrini established herself as one of trip-hop's finest and a muscician to watch for years to come.After a six year hiatus, along with a song on the "Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" soundtrack ("Gollum's Song"), collaborations with Thievery Corporation, and writing a #1 dance hit for Kylie Minogue ("Slow"), she is back--and with a new sound strumming from her fingers."Fisherman's Woman" is a complete revolution from "Love in the Time oc Science", drenched in melancholy folk music.Ms. Torrini has incorporated so much nature into this album, focusing on hurt and recuperation, that it sometimes sound as if her and her production team fled into the remote forests and lakes of Iceland, recorded music and came back to see what had come into the mix.Some beatiful things include the creaking of a boat, the lovely way in which Torrini strums her guitar and, of course, that voice.She cooes and swoons her way through her music, allowing listeners to feel her pain and happiness, then relies on her guitar to do the rest, which does quite well.What is amazing about this album is how she has gone from hard-core trip-hop ("Love....") to folky acoustic music.In all, it is an amazing sophmore album and a great step in her creativity.Fitted for a lazy afternoon or an hour of creativity, "Fisherman's Woman" is bound to make you want to be that very fisherman of which she speaks.

Emiliana Torrini's Most Accomplished Yet (4.5)
Emiliana Torrini emerged around 1999, at least in the US and most of Europe, heralded as a voice belonging to Bjork's coven, a comparison I always found more related to their common homeland, Iceland, than a deeply strong sisterhood of sound.
Although 'Love In The Time Of Science" did bring to mind some of Bjork's occasional lullaby-like phrasings, and the album's arrangements did rely on subtle and timely Electronica, Torrini was already promising to be her own person, someone with something genuine and personal to say.
The thought that came to mind -please allow an unexpected metaphor here- is that the songs follow each other like geese migrating toward warmth, each of them distinct yet flying at the same altitude and with a common destination.
"Fisherman's Woman," her new album, is that promise fulfilled. Her voice, in this new album, is more confident, more decisive while never raising beyond a tender hush, a perfect tone to deliver lyrics that are at once revelatory, thoughtful and yet innocent and uncomplicated.
But don't let the sweetness of these tunes confuse you about the strength of their confessional power. Whether it is the short title song, the painful and beautiful "Today Has Been OK," or the gorgeous melody of the album's first single, "Sunnyroad," Emiliana weaves images into stories that you may feel she's only singing to you.
Equally worthy of recognition are the melodies and the band, particularly Dan Carey -who plays some unassumingly beautiful and intelligent guitar, as well as bass and pedal steel- and the subtle piano of Julian Joseph. This and the intimacy that Emiliana's voice is capable of, also shows decisively in "Snow," and "Lifesaver" with its bewitching cadence and the brilliant sample of the creaking wood of a boat swaying.
If you come to Torrini for the first time, I can't imagine you not finding enough to remain near, for repeated listenings. And if you were already touched by Emiliana's earlier releases, I predict that you will be elated with this album. She has become her own self yet more deeply, an old skin has shed and made space for a new one.
This is a brilliant album, confirming a voice and a sound that has much more offer to new singers than it owes to the ones that precede her.

different performance, same sublime beauty
*This is the same review I posted for the import version of this album.The two versions contain the exact same content, so I thought my review might also be useful here*

Torrini's sophmore album bares little resemblance to her first masterpiece, "Love in the Time of Science." "Fisherman's Woman" is strictly a light, acoustical production with none of the deep bass lines or trip-hop flare of her previous work. What Torrini preserves, however, is her wonderful gift of poetic songwriting.

As one can infer by the album's title, "Fisherman's Woman" evokes feelings of a simplier life and times. Arrangements are beautifully minimalistic, assembled with great care to accentuate Torrini's breezy voice and laymen's lyrics. In "Love in the Science of Space," her voice often seemed to play second fiddle to the wondrously rich music. In "Fisherman's Woman," however, Torrini's voice clearly takes center stage, with sparse stringed and percussive instruments serving as accompaniment.

Like her previous album, I don't believe there are any particular standouts simply because I find every song wonderfully engaging (I suppose if I had to pick, track #6, "The day has been okay," is very endearing). Torrini's two albums serve as a strong testament to her consistent skills as a lyricist and songwriter. For whatever reason, many musical artists disappear after their second showing. I pray Torrini does not join their ranks. It would be an utter shame to lose a bonafide creative talent in today's sea of mediocre performers pretending to be true artists. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

The third full-length release from Massive Attack is a taste of the future of pop music--a future where precisely engineered events can be seamlessly partnered with the subtle complexities of a human voice. Since their first album, Blue Lines, they've been making similar magic happen with any one of several guest vocalists, but nothing like the way it happens on Mezzanine. This time they take the union further, moving it into a darker space in which the individual elements become less discernable. Guest vocalists are Sara Jay, Horace Andy (who also appeared on their debut), and Elizabeth Fraser (of Cocteau Twins), whose amazingly articulate and distinctive voice works so very well with the music of Massive Attack. --Paul Clark ... Read more

Reviews (310)

simply unbelievable
its now the year 2000, and two years after this album's release, it still remains the first and foremost in musical innovation and just downright grooviness. i am a big fan of complicated music. when a sound, riff or melody seeps into my listening experience even after hearing it numerous times before, i think it is the mark of true music genius. and this ablum does seep, crawl, stalk, flow, seethe, and pulse with sounds, vocals and beats blended into a never before accomplished masterpiece. the music is as layered and complicated as the new NIN cd, but with a groove known only as trip hop. this music is cool, cutting edge, dark, erotic and hypnotic. play it loud at a party for its sheer sound, or low in the middle of the night with your siginificant other. a few of the songs with the female vocalist remind me much of the gothic sound of switchblade symphony, only with sexier, less dated musical support. this album never stops, it'll never leave your cd player. be prepared. leave the boy boy bands and all the mtv trash behind, and come into a world of intelligent, sexy, and challenging music known as massive attack.........

Massive Attack Outstands Trip Hop Genre
Year after year of the same music, artists copying of one another, some artists try changing their taste for music. But there's one group that outstands them all. The group is called "Massive Attack". Massive Attack is a Trip Hop group that has been around for years. The Mezzanine era ranges from deep Trip Hop "Risingson", to classical, jazzy, trip hop "Teardrop".
The album contains 11 tracks, one bonus on the Japanese Edition. The top hit singles were "Risingson", "Teardrop" "Inertia Creeps", and "Angel". This tpe of music is good for strolling in your car driving, or in a dim sun room with your shades on drinking and talking with friends.

Introducing this album in 1998, it seems that the 90s were only for pop artists such as "Madonna", "Janet Jackson" and "Britney Spears". Massive Attack broke the ring of the pop, making Trip Hop the best, outstanding from every other genre there is.
That's why I believe why Massive Attack, and Trip Hop is so popular today. So from reading this review, I HIGHLY suggest you purchase the Mezzanine album. If you are a TRUE fan of Massive Attack, buy the Japanese Edition. It's worth the extra money.

Groundbreaking and breathtaking
I guess I just need to put in my two cents in this sea of reviews (most of them good, obviously) for this album. I fell in love with this album in the summer of 1998. I listened to it while reading the 4th book in the Dark Tower series by Stephen King. They meshed perfectly. The dark, haunting synths, downbeat droning guitar, and spine tingling vocals on this album are simply amazing. I had never heard anything quite like it before, or since. Massive's earlier works are not as dark and moody, and their later work is a little too innaccessible for most people (though I absolutely loved it!). Buy this album! Dont hesitate! Do it NOW!!! SPEND, YOU AVID CONSUMER YOU!!!!

Whew! 'Nuff said. Bye!

too good!
This is by far the best album ever released, not only by massive attack, but i'm talking about the best album ever released in the music world. angel, rising son, mezzanine, I couldn't stop listening, it crabs you and doesn't let you go until the last sound. it's just hypnotising. God, I wish I could listen the album for the first time again!!forget blue lines, this is the album you should get!

I Wish I Could Use More Stars...
This is, flat out, (in my opinion) the best album ever released. Massive Attack is an utterly awesome group, and by far the best Trip-Hop band out there.
The album begins with some of the best songs ever created by any artist of any kind, starting with "Angel", sung by Massive Attack's honorary member, Horace Andy. With his wonderfully haunting voice and the song's slow beats and humming bass, the song becomes dark, desolate, and completely otherworldly.
The second song, "Risingson" is probably the best song Massive Attack has created. It's yet another dark song, filled with paranoia and doubt. I love it