Amazon.com

One of the fundamental criticisms of New Age music is that it puts people to sleep. Here, Steven Halpern, one of the founding fathers of New Age, makes that his mission and, as you might expect, does an effective job of it. Drawing on catalog material from the early 1980s, Halpern builds an attractive collection of delicate, lighter-than-air sonic textures that nicely serves the intended purpose--to fill the silence with something prettier than white noise. Halpern does so by blending electric and acoustic piano, plus additional keyboards, to create soothing, improvisational, cloudlike musical abstractions that often convey the tranquil randomness of wind chimes in a soft breeze. The liner notes also promise your subconscious will be exposed to a series of subliminal, sleep-encouraging affirmations along the quiet, unstructured way. This may sound like so much frou-frou to the unconverted, but for anyone sincerely interested in a sleep aid, Halpern's disc is a certified snoozer, a New Age music box. Other New Age discs may accomplish the same purpose as Sleep Soundly, but few will do it as persuasively. --Terry Wood ... Read more

Reviews (7)

This is good to help you sleep and....
I have so many Halpern CDs, its unbelievable. I recommend this one and several by Jeffrey Thompson, Delta Sleep System and the two CDs sets Music for Sleep Collections 1 and 2. Great!! I have no problems sleeping now that all of these are available for me to use. Never get bored with one, because there are now so many good selections to choose from. GO GET 'EM!!

Wonderful for PTSD/trauma survivors
Suffering from PTSD, this CD has helped me to cope with flashbacks. Before getting this CD, it used to take hours for me to fall asleep and even then, I had a very troubled sleep. Now, I play this CD every night as I go to sleep and within minutes, I am asleep. No more flashbacks at night, and the CD helps create a safe feeling inside.

It works!
I never hear the end of the CD because I fall asleep so quick. The music is so beautiful and peaceful. I recommend it for all people who have trouble falling asleep!

Out Like a Light! Wow
Actually, NOT out like a light because I fell asleep even before I could turn my light out. This cd is great. I purchased it because since the tragic events of September 11 I seem to have trouble falling and staying asleep. I put it on continuous play mode and woke up feeling (gasp!) eager and excited to face Monday morning. Give it a try.

VERY nice cd to have at your bedside.
This is my first Steve Halpern CD and I would have no reservations about getting more. The music is beautiful...it kind of weaves through your mind relaxing you. I, like another reviewer don't think I've ever heard the end of the tape. I'm always asleep. I love being able to play this at night and am VERY glad that I took the chance and ordered music by someone new to me. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sam Harris has always had a powerhouse voice that raises the roof as well as an honesty that touches the soul, so it seems natural that the former Star Search champion should strike a winning note with his 1999 gospel/inspirational album, Revival.The album had its genesis when Harris's performance of "Bridge over Troubled Water" on The Oprah Winfrey Show prompted the host to declare, "Sam could make Jesus walk through the door!" That Paul Simon standard is included with other familiar tunes such as "Peace Train" and Rockapella's "A Change in My Life" (which features the a cappella quintet as Harris's backup band). "Love Letter" delivers a great funky beat, and "The Rescue" is a spare ballad that works beautifully in contrast to the high-energy tunes. Harris himself contributes two songs, the lovely, yearning "Holding On" and the rousing title tune, while David Friedman's "I'll Be Here with You" is Harris's tender farewell to his longtime collaborator Laurie Beechman following her tragic death from cancer. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (109)

Revival Fever Runs Rampant!
Once in every generation a singer comes along that captures the pure emotion that music is! It requires a soulful presence, a mastery of control and emotion that is beyond belief. The singer for this generation is Sam Harris!

The way Sam interprets the songs on "Revival", is unparallelled, unequaled, in all of music. You hear the pain, the joy, the fear, the hope pouring from his heart and his soul in each note.

Over the course of 16 years we have been witness to the growth and maturation of this artist, from the Star Search stage to Internation Acclaim! His uncompromising approach of pouring his all into his music reaches the soul of listeners and pulls them into his joy, ecstasy and passion as he powers the soul through every emotion that God held in His heart at the beginning of time.

"The Cirle" is the epitome of this CD. It's message of new beginnings so appropriate for Sam's beginning again, "Revivalized" and bursting with the power and the splendor that we have come to expect from the Ultimate Artist. Excellent! A must have for any true music lover, and a standard by which all future artists will be measured.

No other entertainer can match the range of this talented young man. No one else can grip the soul of the listener and require him or her to touch the song in the ways that music has always craved.

A powerful and complete experience.

Good, but could've been better.......
Sam's latest CD, "Revival" is a mixed bag of songs that could have used a little fine-tuning. As evidenced on earlier recordings, Mr Harris has an incredible voice, but doesn't always pick the best material to showcase his talents. There are a handful of stand-out tracks here, ("Come to Me", "The Circle", and "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" being among them), but for every great song, there seems to be one of lesser quality thrown in the mix as well. "Giving It Up for Your Love" is one of those throw-away tunes that sounds like it was composed in 5 minutes or less. (featuring this Shakespearean-like lyric......"giving it up for your love, everything......giving it up for your love, right now......" (egad.....) "Love Letter" seems to suffer a similar fate, but I won't quote any of it's memorable lyrics here. Another oddity is "Holding On", written by Sam, himself. Long-time fans who own Sam's 1986 release, "SAM I AM", will remember the song, "Don't Wanna Give Up On Love", which sounds alarmingly similar to this song, right down to the high-sustained note on the end. (Can an artist sue himself for plagiarising his own song? ) At any rate, this is a CD worth picking up for the few truly great songs contained herein, but you'll find yourself wishing it was just a bit better. A voice this good needs better material. MUCH better material.

Preview of Revival
The man could be a preacher, amen this is a sampling that will have to do till I get my copy. WOW, he can bring me to tears, and take me to heaven. What a range he has, he continues to top each performance, better than the one before. Look out Broadway, HERE COMES SAM HARRIS!!!!

Simply THE BEST!!!
This CD personifies Sam Harris at his best. The wonderful piano accompaniment compliments his powerful voice. I highly recommend this CD set; a MUST for any Sam Harris fan.

Great CD-Let's hear something with VIKKI CARR
Sam, been a fan of yours since the 80's and you were recording for Motown...love Vikki Carr and you should record with this multi winning Grammy Award winning international superstar. I know it would be great and Vikki still rocks and so do you! Great job on this release SAM! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Blue Six is the brainchild of Naked Music founder Jay Denis, a former New York City rock musician who saw dance music as his ticket out of obscurity. His Blue Six debut, Beautiful Tomorrow, is a virtual world of pristine house groove and ambient soul mood, with live instruments and sensual singers creating a glowing sonic tableau. Whether dancing or chilling, you'll find that Beautiful Tomorrow is a luxurious soundtrack for greeting the dawn. Beyond an occasional minimalist vibe, the only differences between tracks are the singers, who offer individual takes on the soul-diva template. Lisa Shaw opens the album with "Let's Do It Together," followed by MoniqueBingham singing "Close to Home." Catherine Russell adds a personal touch to the title track and "Very Good Friends." Beautiful Tomorrow's tracks morph together, but with its sublime blue-mood message, grooving in place works like a charm. --Ken Micallef ... Read more

Reviews (85)

Beautiful Tomorrow and Everyday
After hearing re-mixes of several tracks off of this album, I wanted to check out this CD. Needless to say I was not disappointed and this album rekindled my faith in Electronic music. This album is not for the teeny-bopper candy raver and it's espaecially not for someone who listens to Top 40 radio. If someone says that they don't like this album, chances are they haven't been listening to good music.
This album is an influence of Pop,Soul,Jazz,R&B,and House. The female vocalists on the selected tracks are quite simply amazing. It irks me to know that these artist don't get recognized for their talent,and meanwhile Mariah Carey gets the record deals for sounding like a cat in heat. Producer Jay Denes' songwriting is soulful,heartfelt,and sexy. If you are expecting thumping house tracks or fast-beat techno, then this album is not for you. It was so refreshing to listen and NOT hear any of that. The vibe of Beautiful Tomorrow is extremely sexy,laid-back, and soulful, there are no other words to describe it. I did like the fact that there was a recurring theme throughout the tracks and that some of the same songs get re-worked.
Beautiful Tomorrow is for a listener with a bit more of a sophisticated ear. It's an album for those nites when you're having friends round for cocktails or getting ready to go out. But it's especially effective on those nites in front of a fire with someone to cuddle up with and enjoy the Music and Wine.

smooth blend is relaxing and stimulating at the same time
This is a great album that you won't get tired of even if you play it over and over again. Very catchy - smooth but never bland. Most all my CD collection goes into my iMac. iTunes plays songs randomly on my stereo from my mixes (like my very own radio station), and when a Beautiful Tomorrow song comes up it still makes me stop and notice "that's a really great song." This is one of my favorites to play in the car. The vocals are catchy, beautiful and unadulterated and the music will make you want to dance.

I'm not a big fan of most house music, disco or jazz straight up, yet somehow this Blue6 blend takes the best of each one and leaves out what I don't like. A lot of jazz doesn't have enough energy and isn't catchy enough for me. Most house music is too repetitive and artificial (blatantly electronic) for my taste - I do love dance grooves. That's why I didn't care so much for clips from Thievery Corporation - too obviously electronic. Nuspirit Helsinki is similar to this album in lots of ways but it doesn't seem colorful enough either. I just listened to some clips from Carte Blanche 3 and want to give it a try. Of all the "mood music" I've listened to the blend in Beautiful Tommorow is just right (Miguel Migs' "Colorful You" ties for my other top favorite in this category).

I like everything from dance pop (Kylie Minogue, Anastacia) and rock (July for Kings, 3 Doors Down, Seven for the Sun) to neo-soul and contemporary R&B (Jaheim, Jill Scott, india.arie, D'Angelo). Anything with a funky rhythm is great. If you're looking for mood music and have similar tastes in music, you definitely want to check this out.

Skip a Beautiful Tomorrow, this is HOTT today!
This CD very rarely leaves my CD player, and as a semi-retired club DJ it has given me many hours of remixxing pleasure!
It is the prologue to any cocktail night or even after hour's entertainment. This is what 'Deep House at its pinnacle' actually should mean!

This CD is the absolute perfect culmination of Sade meets Downtempo/Chillout music. I would recommend this to anyone seeking to leave the monotonously heavy 4/4 House beats and crowded club music craze. I liken this genre as 'grown folks' House music with its sexy, soulful grooves and non-stop seductive aura.

As has been mentioned here before, if you enjoy anything like Nuspirit Helinski....you should be very, very pleased.

If the above music suggestion leaves you a bit dry, try the vivid image of slipping into a warm bath and relaxing your worldly cares away.

Now....proceed to slip into a Beautiful Tomorrow.

Can you say tease me...?
This album never leaves my CD player....it is the prologue to any cocktail night or after hours entertainment. It is a perfect culmination of Sade meets lounge music. I recommend this to anyone seeking to leave the ordinary house and club music craze. If you like anything like Nuspirit Helinski, you should be very pleased. Make yourself a french martini, lay on yor favorite piece of furniture and slip into Beautiful Tomorrow.

The BEST CD of my huge collection
As a big time fan of chill out type of mysic, I couldn't resist asking the DJ of a trendy bar where I was when I first heard this CD. When he told me it is Blue Six I bought it on the next day. Ever since I had to burn it twice to make sure I have some spare ones in case the original gets damaged. It's icredibly good! The beat, the vocals, the perfect level of eletronic vibe... You'll get naked! With this CD you'll need somebody else to be naked with you!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

So much unnecessary fuss was made over Enigma's juxtaposition of the sexual and sacred. After all, Prince had been doing it for years, and his take on it was far more interesting--and a lot more daring. But Enigma's MCMXC A.D. did manage to work a lot of people into a lather, both on the dance floor and behind the pulpit. Their inclusion of chanting monks in "Sadeness," over wooshy ambient noises and a slower hip-hop-appropriated beat was a sensation. "Callas Went Away" promised more than it could deliver, although "Mea Culpa" stands as one of the few shining moments on the CD. The idea of mixing new age aural wallpaper with beats that you can do a slow grind to is actually rather intriguing. Spicing it up with controversial religious chants isn't a bad idea either. But there's got to be something personal to it. After the initial novelty wears off, there's nothing to MCMXC A.D. other than bland, cold, impersonal repetition. Now, that might be what most people are used to, but what's so sexy about it? --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (119)

Float Off Into Space With This Masterpiece
"MCMXC A.D." by the one-man studio group known as Enigma (aka Michael Cretu) is a timeless blend of ambient new age sounds & beats, chanting monks, sultry female vocals (supplied by Cretu's wife, Sandra Cretu), and washes & washes of beautifully lush, atmospheric keyboards. It's the *perfect* disc for playing late at night with the lights out. When "MCMXC A.D." first came out 12 years ago, I couldn't stop playing it. I was so taken by it's sheer beauty, and how listening to it could just transport me to another place & time. 12 years later, the album still holds up marvelously. Everybody knows the hit "Sadness Part 1," with it's chanting monks over an ambient dance beat, but there are many more delights to be found here, including "Callas Went Away, "Mea Culpa," "Knocking On Forbidden Doors," and "The Rivers Of Belief." From start to finish, this album is simply intoxicating.Just looking at the classic album cover (with a monk on a mountaintop staring into a bright ray of light) always makes me smile. I've been a diehard Enigma fan ever since "MCMXC A.D." came out, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the three albums so far that have followed it. But "MCMXC A.D." remains Enigma's signature piece, a truly unique album that no music collection is complete without. Turn off the light, take a deep breath, and let the rhythm be your guiding light. :-)

A brilliant, emotional, sensual piece of art
Enigma is probably best known as the band that introduced Gregorian chants to dance music (though, in actuality, many bands had been doing this for several years in Europe). I must admit, that is one of the key things I remembered about this release. But after listening again to MCMXC a.D., I remember much more. For those people who understand and appreciate the power of music to enhance mood, this release is an experience in sensuality. Layered with religious symbolism, lush female vocals, spoken word (often in French), sounds from nature, and sensual beats, Enigma takes the listener (or listeners, as this release is also enjoyable with a companion) on a journey of self actualization, inner peace, and outward passion.

The release begins with "Voice of Enigma", a soothing intro to the album. Not really a song, this short piece places the listener in a relaxed state of mind which helps one best enjoy the remaining 40+ minutes.

The next song, "Principles of Lust," allows one to slip into deep relaxation and sensual exploration. Clocking in at over 11:30, this is actually a combination of three songs that flow together. a. "Sadeness" is Enigma's classic and first big hit. It is very sensual and relaxing, however at the same time it is stimulating and encourages one to be tactile. b. "Find Love" starts off as a sensual, atmospheric piece that floats all around the listener. Then it moves to a funky beat that is very assertive and more active. Also known as "The Principles of Lust." c. "Sadeness (Reprise)" returns the listener to the feelings in "Sadeness." However, the additional piano is very deep and stimulates one to be reflective.

"Callas Went Away" makes me think of young lovers who have stolen away from the village into the woods at dusk for a lovers' tryst.

"Mea Culpa" grabs one's attention and provides a sense of urgent desperation. The beats, the chant, the marching footsteps, and the rain make one feel like one is trying to escape from someone or something. This is a very powerful song.

"The Voice & the Snake" is discordant and disturbing, shaking one violently from a relaxed state. Fortunately, it is only a little over a minute and a half, ending the discomfort quickly.

"Knocking on Forbidden Doors" gives one a sense of need for control and for asserting oneself, strongly yet with a gentle, loving touch.

"Back to the Rivers of Belief," which concludes the release, has three parts. a. "Way to Eternity" slows one back down, allowing one to become calm and reflective once again. b. "Hallelujah" reintroduces the rhythm, allowing one to slowly again explore one's inner (or outer) senusuality. The tinkling bells are like a soft rain falling to the ground, or perhaps on oneself. c. "The Rivers of Belief" is a sensual, relaxing conclusion to the album. Whether shared with oneself or with another, this song helps reaffirm the love and passion one feels for oneself or one's partner.

This is an excellent release, especially for those who understand and enjoy the power of music to enhance the mood, whether one is alone or with that special someone. A sensual delight, MCMXC a.D. deserves a strong 5 star recommendation.

Enigma is the best
I remember when i bought the first Enigma cd MCMXC AD i couldn't get enough. I have listened to this cd (no Lie) about a thousand times. It is sexy and pleasureable to the mind and ears. This is music you can really feel. I remember when i just couldn't wait for Enigma to release more of their music. Now I own every cd they have made. Every song on every cd I love, Enigma can do no wrong (or make a bad song). All cd's are my favorite I love Enigma I can't choose just one cd. I hope Michael Cretu continues to make music till he dies. Everyone I've introduced to Enigma has turned out to love it. Thanks Michael Cretu keep putting out the CD's and I'll keep buying.
Definately invest your money and your listening pleasure in Enigma. If God made music this is what it would probably sound like.

mentally sexy music
When I was driving down the highway in my big big truck,listening to this music,I was nearly fell asleep.I almost lost my life.Then an angel flew down on me and said something very very sweet to me.She said I am a voice of ENIGMA.The next moment I was in the sky flying over the clouds.I was deeply absorbed in the journey of my pure mind.I was so refreshed and finally found myself in a starnge room full of sexy angels waiting for me for a long long time.This music is a kind of drug that take you higher and higher to the next spiritual level.
So passionate and alluring !!

Was it REALLY that controversial?
Back in 1990, while I was still working in radio, a program director who shall remain nameless demanded that I pull the single "Sadeness" off the air because he thought it was "blasphemous." I was kind of dumbfounded, because I found it to be contemporary and original, and not in the least bit obscene. Just the kind of antidote to the blandness of the New Kids On The Block kiddy pop and dump truck loads of Whitney/Mariah clones being force fed to radio at the time. Of course, like any young buck worth his artistic salt, being told "NO" only made me want to find out more about this "Enigma" cat.

Once I got the full CD, I could understand how the easily shaken were getting their dander's flaked by Enigma. "MCMXC A.D." was the first album that used the fresh idea of mixing new age keyboards with chanting Monks and giving them the kind of rhythm that would work as a slow grind on the dance floor -- or more important -- late night nasties in the bedroom. Then there was the "Sadeness" video, which pictured a rather religious looking fellow as he dreams/hallucinates about a sultry looking woman and beams of light. Yup - just the kind of thing to turn the album into a nocturnal classic, dance floor smash and a magnet for those prone to censor that which might ruffle their too fragile sensibilities.

Surprisingly (or not), the album holds up pretty well all these years later. Tidal waves of imitations flew up in "MCMXC AD's" wake, but none (save maybe Deep Forrest) ever made much of an impact. You can also probably blame/credit Enigma for making top sellers out of the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos (remember 1994's "Chant"?). With all that has been going on in music since, "MCMXC AD" seems almost quaint, but this album remains an artifact from the end of the new age decade. And it still gets played in my playroom. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

It's a simple concept--the first dozen singles by New Order collected, a couple of them rerecorded--but it's also a totally entertaining seven-year history of the band that married British post-punk alienation to the relentless hedonism of the dance floor. The band's hits were always deeply unconventional (like the haunting "Blue Monday," essentially a seven-minute drum machine test with a short lyric that alluded to the Falklands War), but they were brilliant productions, layering dozens of electronic countermelodies and percussion tricks over Barney Sumner's uncertain warble and Peter Hook's lead bass parts. Though they're audio snapshots of the dance beats of their time, they've held up both as club classics and as idiosyncratic rock songs. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (83)

Impressive New Order Compilation - some unnecessary tracks
This early new order compilation compiles the full length 12" singles from 1981 to 1987. The opening track "Ceremony" still sounds very Joy Division-like, tying perfectly into their past with Ian Curtis (Lead singer of Joy Division that took his life in 1980). This chronologically organized compilation shows the impressive string of singles new order released. The hypnotic "Everything's Gone Green", the moving "Thieves like us", the danceable "Perfect Kiss" and the classics "Blue Monday", "Bizarre Love Triangle" and "True Faith". The 2nd CD doesn't really cut the mustard fully, they are b-sides after all. There are some great tracks here though. "In a Lonely Place", the opener is the companion track to "Ceremony", very haunting. "The Beach" and "Kiss of Death", great instrumental remixes of "Blue Monday" and "Perfect Kiss" respectively and "1963", the b-side of "True Faith". All in all a worthwhile compilation. The 2-cassette version is also worth looking out for; it includes as extra tracks dub-mixes of "Subculture", "Shellshock" and "Bizarre Love Triangle"

Great compilation
Substance is a great compilation of singles and B-sides by New Order from the early years. Starting with the Joy Division song "Ceremony" they breeze through all the 12" singles in chron. order. The first disc is nearly perfect. Dance tracks dominate here: "Blue Monday", "Confusion" and "Perfect Kiss". There is a new "Temptation" which, even though not as good as the original, is good. This is a great testament to a band that mixed dance with rock instrumentation.

The B-sides are not everyone's slice of pie. Owning the LP i had to go out and get the CD version of disc 2. (Not hard to find in a used CD store). The instrumental versions of the dance tracks are ok. "Thieves Like Us" probably is more pretty as an instrumental. Remember it's use in Pretty in Pink? But the real gems of disc 2 are "Procession", "Lonesome Tonight", and even "1963". Fairly brooding tracks but that's what's so good about this collection and New Order in general. It's a band that mixed dance with introspection and isolation. Substance is essential New Order.

Quintessential New Wave Album
This album is gem, a diamond even, as amazingly beautiful tracks are compacted and fluff is really nowhere to be found. This is an album that doesn't require shuffling through tracks to find the ones you like. The sheer volume of talent on this single album is amazing, the essential album for any fan of New Wave and anyone looking to get a taste of the invigorating sound of New Order.

sold this in 1995 cause no Age of Consent....
now I realize the new one disc New Order best-of
CD does have the greatest (to me) New Order track,
"Age of Consent." Where the heck was it on this
otherwise solid collection? not sure if it was a single,
but for goodness' sake it should've been. My two stars aren't for the band or the music, cause I like it all, I'm even more
into Joy Division but that's another tale entirely,
as most New Order/Electronic fans know quite well.
This collection was lacking a lot of great songs,

so I ended up selling it for credit and got some
better CDs that held up better, like Julian Cope's
Floored Genius vol. 1 hits collection which I STILL play a ton more than stuff like New Order these days (being an older
punk/new waver now). I think if they'd included a few
better selections like "Consent" (a classic club dance
floor fave and my own fave NO song) this would be a stronger
collection. As it stands in 2004, it's at least a good intro.
to the band if you only know a few songs, but the new
Best Of New Order might serve new listeners better (and less of an initial investment).

Nothing like you've ever heard before!
New Order is definitely my favourite band. Substance is their best album as it brings all their early 80's work together, which in my opinion is New Order sounding their best. The best thing about New Order and this album is that it does not sound like any other band, they had a distinct sound that nobody else could even come close to replicating.
"Ceremony" is an excellent song. I particularly like 'Everything's Gone Green' for its drum machine beat and the guitar chords. 'Temptation' would have to be my fav song as its very melodic and hypnotic. I do prefer 'Temptation' being played live as it sounds much more like an anthem and more joyous. 'Perfect Kiss' would have to be one of the best electronic songs ever. 'Blue Monday' of course, one of the best dance songs. Bernards cold, deep vocals help make this song stand out from the rest.
The second cd which are the b-sides are also very good. I must admit it took me awhile to 'get' the songs but once you do they are fantastic. My favs from the second cd are Procession, Mesh, Hurt, The Beach, Lonesome Tonight and 1963.
If you like alternative music and not into the mainstream, then this album is certainly worth buying. Believe me you will be hooked! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Helen Fielding's popular Bridget Jones character--a hapless British single gal who spends her days obsessing over men, cigarettes, and calories--has been criticized by more than a few feminists for her Cosmo girl conformist mentality. Perhaps this thoughtful soundtrack, which launches with Grammy-winning ass-kicker Shelby Lynne's "Killin' Kind," will make up for Bridget's self-doubt. Sheryl Crow turns in her strongest single in years, the saucy "Kiss That Girl," while Chaka Khan's classic "I'm Every Woman" is enough in itself to make any single woman's Friday night complete--no date required, just a nice pair of dancing shoes. A weepy, straightforward cover of Eric Carmen's "All by Myself" by Jamie O'Neal is more hilarious than it is emotive; ditto for Robbie Williams's karaoke-style take on Frank Sinatra's "Have You Met Miss Jones?" Ignore former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell's tragic reworking of the Weather Girls' "It's Raining Men" at all costs; it's the album's regrettable one-night stand. The Beatles may have said all you need is love, but what Bridget Jones needs is a nice soundtrack to get her through a terrifying cesspool of womanizers and fruity alcoholic drinks. --Kristy Martin ... Read more

Reviews (84)

Bridget's Dear Diary
I'm a music person. Not really into movies (though I enjoy them), I do, however, go for the soundtrack album. This US release does lack a few songs from the UK version, and those tracks are - Aretha Franklin "Respect", Pretenders "Don't Get Me Wrong", Andy Williams "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You", Artful Dodger "Woman Trouble", and Aaron Soul "Ring, Ring, Ring". Despite lacking these five powerful songs, this soundtrack can still stand on it's two legs.

1.Shelby Lynne - Killin' Kind (4:41) 5 of 5 stars

This is a absolutely lovely song, and appears to be the only US single off this soundtrack. (The UK variation has reaped five.) A beauty of a love tune.

2.Sheryl Crow - Kiss That Girl (3:15) 5 of 5 stars

A strong new one from the great Ms.Crow, a slow rocker, and has grown on me from first listen.

3.Rosey - Love (3:33) 4 of 5 stars

A good song, reminds me of the Lilith Fair wave of the mid-90s. Fiona, Alana, Paula, and so on. More appealing then some of those as mentioned artists.

4.Robbie Williams - Have You Met Miss Jones? (2:33) 2 of 5 stars

Robbie singing a shabby Frank Sinatra kareoke. Awful.

5.Jamie O'Neal - All By Myself (4:49) 3 of 5 stars

A bland Faith Hill sound alike doing a bland cover, of a previously bland song. Hmmm.

6.Tracy Bonham - Just Perfect (4:48) 4 of 5 stars

A bit of a sultry tune, with an enjoyable voice. A good song.

7.Shelby Lynne - Dreamsome (4:12) 5 of 5 stars

Another excellent track by the great Shelby Lynne. Beautiful.

8.Robbie Williams - Not Of This Earth (4:42) 2 of 5 stars

This soundtrack does not showcase Robbie at his best, another dismal song!

9.Gabrielle - Out Of Reach (3:15) 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful R&B song, I feel the longing Gabrielle feels when she sings it.

10.Dina Carroll - Someone Like You (3:22) 4 of 5 stars

Another lovely slice of emotional R&B, a great love ballad.

11.Geri Halliwell - It's Raining Men (4:14) 5 of 5 stars

I know, how can I give five stars? Geri may not have the vocal chops of Martha Wash, but she can whip this song into a frenzy.

12.Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye - Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart) (2:52) 5 of 5 stars

This is a classic song, with two amazing voices coming together. What else should I say?

13.Chaka Khan - I'm Every Woman (4:07) 5 of 5 stars

A disco-funk classic, Whitney never did this song justice when she covered it.

14.Alisha's Attic - Pretender Got My Heart (4:06) 5 of 5 stars

This has a bit of mystery to it, and a great chilled out song. The second song by this group I've heard, and liked.

15.Patrick Doyle - It's Only A Diary (4:26) 3 of 5 stars

A lovely instrumental, I'm not really too fond of film scores, so this gets a so-so three.

Many complain about what this soundtrack lacks, but I think this a fine collection, and deserves a good rating. This also contains an enhanced element, which features a bit of story and a Bridget Jones quiz. All the extras, and the wonderful songs actually make me want to see the film, something a good soundtrack should make you do.

a breath of fresh air!
i've been disappointed with many soundtracks lately because they don't include songs that are featured in the movie. this isn't a perfect collection- but come on- do we really need to have aretha's "respect" on here? i'm sure everyone's already got it in their CD collection, right?! and yes, van morrison's version of "someone like you" would have been a nice inclusion, but dina carroll's version is lovely- the girl can sing! if you're still hankering for van, buy the "french kiss" soundtrack- probably the last good soundtrack until bridget! this CD has made me a fan of both shelby lynne and rosey (she sounds like the offspring of poe & fiona apple,) and confirmed my feeling that robbie williams is the most talented unknown-in-the-united-states singer- his version of "have you met miss jones" leaves no doubt that he deserves to inherit harry connick, jr.'s throne as frank sinatra's heir-apparent. and i'm so glad they included the diana ross/marvin gaye song "stop, look, listen to your heart," (for all of us romantics who swooned over the scene in the film in which that song is played.) and what a nice touch to be able to hear bits of patrick doyle's score! the only low points are jamie o'neal's cheesy cover of eric carmen's "all by myself," and geri halliwell's rendition of "it's raining men." we always suspected she was the spice girl who couldn't sing, and this confirms it! if you loved the movie, the soundtrack is a welcome accompaniment! and one last thing- i wish there were more stills of colin firth in the CD booklet!

Those Funny Reviews
What a crackup! My favorite songs on this soundtrack are the ones the first reviewer trashed -- "Love" by Rosey and "Pretender Got My Heart" by Alisha's Attic. I'd never heard of either performer before but that's the great thing about soundtracks -- you get to hear new people and a terrific variety of music. And Sheryl Crowe is great. This is my favorite CD to listen to on my headphones while I'm doing housework. "Love" always gets me dancing around with the broom or the laundry, causing much eye-rolling by my teenagers. And I always sing along with "Pretender" -- the melody's great and the words are easy. Hey, it can be a great way to clear a room when you need to vacuum! But who cares what I think? Listen to it yourself!

Perfect album for people who don't like music
It tells you how bad an album is when even Shelby Lynne's contribution blows. This is a terrible half-baked soundtrack for people who like elevator music.

the song
the song from the market that a few people have asked about is by artful dodger and craig david- its called woman trouble ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Good idea that is poorly executed
A album including #1 hits in the US and UK should include ALL the number #1 hits although one can understand why "Say Say Say" isn't on the cd (bad blood between Michael and Paul). Instead this collection features some #1s and songs that didn't make it to that position on either the US or UK charts. A perfect track listing for a #1s set for MJ would consist of the following songs: Ben; Don't Stop Till You Get Enough; Rock With You; Billie Jean (12" version); Beat It; I Just Can't Stop Loving You; Bad (12" version); The Way You Make Me Feel (12" version); Man In The Mirror; Dirty Diana; Another Part of Me (US #1 R&B hit--12" version); Black or White; You Are Not Alone; Earth Song (UK #1); Blood On The Dance Floor (UK #1); One More Chance (New song) and another new song lifted from the vaults

Jacko Rocks - KING OF POP!
Here is the definitive collection of #1 hits by The King Of Pop, along with a few new recordings. Michael Jackson's reign as Tabloid Favorite only drew more attention to his work as singer, song writer, dancer, actor, all-around-super-talent. While the world is richer for the multitude of brilliant music, it is sad that Michael himself seems unable to truly enjoy his own giftedness; instead walking on the brink of insanity, plagued by unknown demons.

Easily ranking with the now famous Beatles ONE and the Elvis ONE & TWO, as well as Mariah's set of #1's, Michael Jackson will never be unthroned as the ONE and ONLY King of Pop! Come what may, we will always have the music.*****

"NUMBER ONES" REALLY ARE!
Michael Jackson is still #1 to a lot of music lovers, and "NUMBER ONES" quickly shows you why! His vocal versatility and unique creativity cannot be denied. This CD has something for everyone, and "One More Chance" is at the top of the list. Jackson faves like "Billie Jean," "Black or White," "You Are Not Alone," "The Earth Song," and "You Rock My World" are also included for good measure, and this Michael Jackson effort may be one of his very best yet. Buy it; you'll be glad you did!

Curse Epic and Tommy M
First, before I rip this album a new one I must say that I am a huge Michael Jackson fan/supporter and IF YOU WANT HIS GREATEST HITS YOU HAVE TO BUY ALL HIS ALBUMS :). Number Ones is a pathetic greatest hits collection. Most of the songs on here are cut short. Example: You Are Not Alone starts out with MJ singing on the first note which he does not do on the album version and it fades out way early. One More Chance (the only new song) is the worst song R. Kelly has written for Michael. It's not a bad song, but R. Kelly should have kept it to himself. Michael should have submitted one of his own songs. R. Kelly can write better songs, just look at Cry or You Are Not Alone. One More Chance has a one line chorus and it sounds like it belongs on an R. Kelly record. Another problem with this record is the name Number Ones. Most of these songs didn't make it to number one, in fact many didn't even crack the top 10. If you own all of the albums and you want the song one more chance, just buy the single. I own both, but most people shouldn't bother unless they care about a complete collection. This collection is a weak display of MJ's amazing talent. It basically contains radio versions of his songs so they can put more on the cd. I love michael and know that he is innocent. I can't wait for his new album. I think MJ released this just to fullfil his record contract. Now he can be free and actually get promoted :).

A Superb Collection From The No.1 King Of Pop!
As the first few weeks of 2004 are upon us, and I'm sure Michael Jackson will be hoping that this year will bring him better luck than 2003 did. Despite dominating the tabloids with his appearance, the baby-dangling incident and THAT Martin Bashir interview, Michael Jackson still remains the King of Pop. There's some people who are famous. There are some people who are superstars. There are some people who are icons - and then there's Michael Jackson. Arguably the most famous entertainer alive, Jackson's 30 years reign on the charts is unchallenged.

So that's precisely why Michael's latest release, "Number Ones," is essential for all fans of brilliant music. Since the early 1980's Jackson has captivated the world with his music. We've had fun dancing to his music and cried to his emotional ballads, and that's why he's the greatest male performer ever. His talent is undeniable, and even though he's gone a bit off the rails in recent years, the world and his die-hard fans have never forgotten the music which is what matters the most.

First off, Number Ones is a title that tricks the buyer somewhat. There are eighteen songs on this album, and Jackson has had no where near eighteen US No.1 hits. He's had a total of 13 US No.1 singles, and his last was in 1995. Michael has had 7 UK No.1 hit singles, and his last was in 1997. His first UK No.1 hit was in May 1981 with "One Day In Your Life," which isn't included on here strangely enough. Michael's sixth US No.1 "Say Say Say" is also not included, and I have the UK version which includes "Human Nature" instead of "Man In The Mirror." Silly different regions and record companies! What is the point? Why not just have a complete tracklisting?! Also, "Ben," Michael's first ever US No.1, is included on the US version, but not on the UK version. Instead the UK gets "Blood On The Dancefloor," Michael's last UK No.1 single.

Apart from these minor hiccups, all of Michael's biggest and most popular hits are included here. The album opens with "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You." Both songs are from Michael's debut album Off The Wall and both hit the US top spot. "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and "Thriller" are up next and all from Thriller, Michael's signature album. 50 million copies shifted worldwide, and nothing's going to take over it any time soon! Up next, we have six songs from the follow up to Thriller. Bad was Michael's third album, released in 1987 and sold 25 million copies as well. The songs from Bad on here are "I Just Can't Stop Loving You," "Bad," "Smooth Criminal," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Man In The Mirror" and "Dirty Diana." All these songs were huge hits and all were US No.1's, apart from Smooth Criminal.

After this we get "Black Or White," which was a huge US and UK No.1 hit. It's the only song on this compilation album from Michael's fourth album - 1991's Dangerous. "You Are Not Alone" was one of Michael's biggest hits ever, and is next on here, followed by Michael's biggest selling UK single, "Earth Song." No.1 for six weeks and shifting more than 1 million copies this masterpiece is a perfect world peace anthem. Michael's 2001 comeback single "You Rock My World" follows. It wasn't a No.1, so by rights it shouldn't be included here, but it's a great track, so why not? "Break Of Dawn" wasn't even released as a single, so it's got no excuse to be here! It's from Michael's trans-atlantic chart topping Invincible album from 2001. "One More Chance" is Michael's latest single, and will not top the charts by my 'expert' predictions. "Ben" closes the album, which goes back to the very beginning of his career.

OVERALL GRADE: 8/10

I think it was a wise move for Michael Jackson to release Number Ones. It provides new fans in their teens a chance to get to know Michael's best music, for those who were too young to be digging it when 1995's "HIStory" was released, because let's face it, even people in their early teens love Michael's music! I think some minor adjustments could have been made to the tracklisting to improve this album, but it's still not a bad collection and definitely worth the money. Upon its release this album didn't even crack the US Top 10 - Britney stormed to No.1 that week, but in the UK, Number Ones did just that, and went straight to the top of the charts! All in all a brilliant record to add to any Michael Jackson collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

DJ Shadow, a.k.a. Josh Davis, could be credited with bringing newfound introspection to the gloating sounds of hip-hop. Condensed with urban oscillations and scatological beats, Endtroducing shutters with eclectic samples and aural montages that reach beyond the constraints of hip-hop style. Enhancing the mix with fundamentals of rock, soul, funk, ambient, and jazz, the modern fusions fail to go unnoticed, even by the casual listener. While most of the tracks are compiled by layering samples from vinyl treasures found in used-record bins, the production quality of the mosaic is unmatched. Darkened melodies carry throughout the album with its eye on the end of the tunnel. The narration samples come from numerous sources and keep the listener involved and waiting for resolution. With a message as fragmentary as an overheard conversation, Endtroducing conveys no apparent conclusion, but begs the mind, body, and soul for some rewind. --Lucas Hilbert ... Read more

Reviews (159)

DJ Shadow is the Postmodern artist
I first go this album in 96; I was still in high school and didn't know much about sampling, beat production, etc. I thought it was one of the most amazing things I'd ever heard. Now, as a senior in college with more musical experience under my belt, I can still say this is one of the best albums I own. DJ Shadow revolutionized the way I and many people thought about sampling. As he takes a record from his insanely deep crates, he doesn't simply loop a catchy cut a la Puffy, he manipulates and recontextualizes these sounds into something completely his own. Like his track "Organ Donor," where he uses a sample of a church organ and turns it into a beat. Shadow in my opinion is the epitome of the postmodern musical artist: taking what's already out there in the world we live in and breathing new life into it. I highly recommend this to any electronic or hip hop fans. Oh, and by the way I heard he has a new album coming out soon; he's on MCA now, so his access to production equipment is gonna be insane this time. I'm expecting a truely remarkable album.

Wow! DJ Shadow's a genius!
I bought this album a few days ago on my 13th birthday because I liked "Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt" and "Organ Donor". At first I didn't like it because a lot of it I found boring. It also made me angry that the Organ Donor song is only 2 minutes in lenght on mine! (The one I listened to on the internet was over 4 minutes long)I put it in the next day and I got it. It may not be the Orbital, Fatboy Slim type stuff that I usually listen to but it isn't supposed to be. I got it in the Dance/Electronica section of the local record store...so it is a bit misleading. Dance? No way. It's very different and extremely hard to classify. I would say...Trip-Hop/Jazz/Electronica/Hip Hop/Soul.

So overall:

PROS:
Very moving
Nicely mellow
Great variation of songs
Often funny

CONS:
Seems kind of short
Some filler "tracks" like 6 and "Why Hip-Hop Sucks in '96" which are somewhat annoying.
Organ Donor is WAY too short!

Best tracks:
Building Steam
Stem/Long Stem
Changeling
Midnight in a Perfect World
Organ Donor

-Also I have the "Mo Wax" label, and it says "Mu Wax" on the back in really small print when it should say "Mo Wax"!

Producing one of the best albums ever
From the opening sample of "Building Steam With a Grain of Salt" where a voice is heard saying "Producing..." you know you are listening to an outstanding piece of work. In order to better understand this, you have to position yourself at the time this album came out.

You have to realize Trip Hop was already in full fledge: Massive Attack and Portishead had already come out with their own thing, but DJ Shadow came with a different proposal in 1996 when he produced 'Endtroducing...'. Through the magic of samples, he blended in a way many have tried to copy, yet no one yet matched, genres such as rock, soul, funk, ambient, and jazz, into a final product that transcends time. If you need further proof of that, think how long it's been since this album came out (1996) as you are reading this, sit back, listen to it and be amazed, as so many have been amazed to this day.

After listening to 'Endtroducing...' almost daily for three weeks now, turning back and thinking of acts such as Fatboy Slim almost feels awkward, considering his sample-based 'Better Living Through Chemistry' came out almost a full year after Shadow's debut. Granted that everyone has a place in music, DJ Shadow's genius with sampling work simply is above and beyond, making this not only his breakthrough, but also one of the best albums ever.

Other favorite tracks: "Changeling", "Untitled" and the grandieuse "Mutual Slump". If you want to take a dip into an evolved form of his work, check out his side project, U.N.K.L.E., in particular 'Psyence Fiction'.

A shadow of himself
A couple years back i became interested in underground hip hop and turntablism. My first, and best purchase, was DJ Shadows Endtroducing. Nary a day goes by that I do not find myself listening to this album. The way he mixes and blends the songs together puts Shadow at the top of his game on this record. Where this album excels is in its ability to not only drag you into the world that Shadow has produced but takes you through the mind of one the most talented individuals in all of music. If you enjoy music, do yourself a favor and buy this album. You will never find another like it, as it creates a constant state of euphoria, as the beats and samples are blended together in such a way that it is almost impossible to describe.in my top 10 albums of all time.

Excellent work
Dj shadow has proved that he is one of the greatest artists ever. With such diverse tracks and complex beats, Endtroducing will be something to look back on from years to come. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

WILDCHILD
Norway has produced Jan Garbarek & Tord Gustavsen, I think I will have to move there.This cd "Changing Places" (what a great title) has music that touches the center of your being. I have just heard Tord for the first time, & I had to repeat playing the cd. This musician has a musical depth, his harmony & melodic structures give this cd an enchanting freshness that seems to come from the Nordic folklore & music that I beieve inspires his & Jan Garbarek's music. I was at a Jan Garbarek concert in Sydney 2 months ago, the question could have been asked "is it jazz?". But Tord like Jan are improvisors of the highest order, it certainly is not jazz of the 30's,& 40's. For art to live there must be change. At some time in their career, Bird,Miles,Coltrane & Bill Evans were accused of not playing jazz, but they were, it was dressed in new clothes. I am very impressed with this cd & will be looking forward to Tord's next release. I wish him every success.

Nordic cool. . .
Lyric, melodic, hypnotic, definitely cool jazz. The cuts on this 66-minute CD are like chilled vodka over ice, way, way after midnight.

The opening tracks, "Deep as Love" and "Graceful Touch," are aptly titled, both leisurely and tense, seeming to willfully resist movement forward, keeping the lid on, as fingers lightly touch keys and strings and then break out in brief releases of strength, which are quickly contained again. You listen, rapt.

Nervous energy surfaces more urgently in the following "IGN," and then we are back in the lingeringly cool groove with "Melted Matter," breaking out at moments in the following "At a Glance," which ends again quietly.

And so it goes. This is a wonderful CD for lights-low, after hours listening. The booklet that comes with it has portrait shots of the trio: Tord Gustavsen (piano), Harald Johnsen (double-bass), and Jarle Vespestad (drums). Recorded in Oslo.

Excellent recording, subtle and technically splendid!
When I first heard "Changing places" I thought it was very precise and technically flawless, yet it felt "cold", devoid of warmth. How wrong I was when I heard it again and again. Not only is it warm and appealing to many listeners across many genres, it is a masterpiece, impossible to overlook.

This recording will grow with you. I envisage that I will be enjoying this recording by this Norwegian Trio as much now as I will for many years to come.

Listen to the Tango-like tunes - very subtle and interesting. Obviously Tord Gustavsen is supported well with the equally talented Harald Johnsen on double-bass and Jarle Vespestad on drums.

Not just background music, although it is excellent for party dinners or simply in front of the fire with a nice red!

I recommend it!

Don't pass it up!!!
If you want an album with superb acoustics( for the true audiophile ) and wonderful relaxing sound---this is it. Mellow, easy,smooth,rich,clear---outstanding jazz in every cut.Bass, piano and drums put together in the perfect soundstage with flawless clarity.

The Space Between the Notes...
This beautifully sparse recording is a study in economy and taste. Mr. Gustaven's trio isn't about flash and dash, eschewing overwrought style for restrained substance and a commitment to unspooling some serious melodic yarn. There isn't a wasted note in this collection of blues-inflected ballads and silky boleros. This is some late night music, so take your time and give this record a chance to change your perspective. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This is one of those records crafted purely to dance around to and have a great time with. "We're Going to Ibiza" has to be one of the catchiest dance-pop songs of the late '90s; luckily the rest of the Vengaboys' greatest-hits collection provides similarly hedonistic, gloriously vapid pleasures. The Vengaboys' sound is what might happen if one were to throw Ace of Base, Stardust, and Miami Sound Machine into a blender and press the Purée button. The group (two women and two men) may look like a Saturday morning Spice Girls-meets-the-Village People cartoon, but their sound is not quite as campy as they look; it's all about fun--nothing more, nothing less. --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (150)

A bouncy, ditsy, fun album full of life and energy!
Let's just get one thing straight here- the Vengaboy's debut, The Party Album!, is defenitly not an artistic achievement- far from it. But that doesn't stop it from being a house-pumping album filled with radio and party friendly hits. Starting with the group's US smash hit, "We Like to Party!", this song is one of the best singles released during the summer of 99. 1999's summer season was wild in the entertainment business, and it was tons of fun for me and my friends. "We Like to Party!" was the perfect anthem. The squiggly-synthesizer lines mixed with Kim and Denise's helium vocals and the funny little bus horn makes the song a riot to dance to. "Boom Boom Boom Boom!" is a high energy riotous dance song filled with strong bass beats and a fun little bridge ("Whoa, whoa, this is what I wanna do..."). "Up and Down" sounds like a different version of "We Like to Party!" with the same squiggly synthesizer lines, but the song is another example of the Vengaboys' delightful dance energy. "To Brazil", "Vengababes from Outer Space", "Movin' Around"- all great fun and great party songs. This party album will defenitly have you ridin' the vengabus once you start dancing to it!

VENGABOYS ROCK MY SOCKS
The Vengaboys are one of the greatest euro-pop/techno/pop artists in the world. I bought this album not to long ago and I am soon buying The Platinum Album byt the Vengaboys also. I would like to give my opinions on each song... CAUSE THEY ALL ROCK!!

We Like to Party: Definately one of their GREATEST songs of all time, I really enjoy this one TIME and TIME again, this song is on the 6 Flags commercial (you know, with the old man dancing)

Boom Boom Boom Boom: This song is another one of their masterpieces. I can dance to this one over and over, the lyrics are phenominal (forgive me for my spelling),a nd SUCH a great beat!

Up and Down: This is one of the KINGS of all Dance music world wide, this song is a sort of mix on the *Du Du Du Du Du Dooo Dooo* (We Like to Party) beat. But definately original

Ho Ho Vengaboys: Kind of self-promoting, this one is more "Techno", but I love it to death!

To Brazil: O...M...G..! Talk about international! This song is sooo South American, which would make sense because one of the lead singers (Kim) is from Brazil. But this song is WONDERFUL and you can DANCE DANCE DANCE

We're Going to Ibiza: This song is a reggae-pop-techno song, it's a lot of fun! It sounds like they are saying "We're going to Eat Pizaa" But they are really saying "We're going to Ibiza", this is a Vengaboys Classic!

Vengababes from Outerspace: This song is kind of cheesy, it's not my favorite of them all, but it's very easy dancing and listening!

Superfly Slick: This is where the TECHNO comes into the album, it's a great classic, and it's almost the complete oposite of Pop!

Movin Around: Very simple lyrics, this song is phenominal also (forgive the spelling)!

The Vengabeat: This song sounds like a catwalk song, but it's a whole 'nother thing!

You and Me: This one is very interesting! I love the beginning, it kind of shocked me when I heard this moniacle WELCOME (forgive the spelling), VERY good!

Paradise: Frankly, this song sounds like it came from a video game, but it's very easy listening anf romantic ;)

[Hidden Tracks 13 & 14]: these are very neat remixes, I do not know if you can find them on the remix album, but they are GREAT dance hits!

Thanks for hearing me blabber on and on about my fanatic-al-ish self! GO VENGABOYS!

The Party Album!
The Party Album!~ Vengaboys is an album made for the dance floor and is awesome. Go out and buy it.

OLD LADY IN COLORADO
I've just discovered this CD and I LOVE IT. It'S FUN, FUN, FUN!!! Get it and dance, dance, dance!!!

We Like to Party!
This is a fun cd for kids I bet. This is the Six Flags commercial song where the old man dances. My 2yearold nephew & I love to dance to it! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

This Icelandic marvel is such an original that, even after four Sugarcubes albums and a brilliant solo Debut, she remains an acquired taste. "Army of Me" is a turbulent, darkling tune that's almost conventional next to the gloriously eclectic material that follows. Working with Tricky, Soul II Soul/U2 producer Nellee Hooper, and string arranger/one-hit wonder Deodato, Björk looses her helium-fueled voice and surreal wordplay on Gershwinesque pop (the adorable "It's Oh So Quiet"), ambient dub ("Possibly Maybe") and all kinds of fresh dance/pop hybrids ("Enjoy," "Hyper-Ballad," "I Miss You"). Too raw and adventurous for mass success, perhaps, but a more unique, engaging, oddly accessible artist just doesn't exist.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (178)

Listen Again...
I purchased this album several years ago and recently listened to it again and was a little disappointed. The strong tunes are spread out among too many seemingly pointless tracks which sound like a spoiled little rich kid was turned loose in the studio with no regard for musically correct pieces. It's not that all of the music is bad, but it sounds more like unfinished experimentation thrown together rather hastily then pressed into a product just for the sake of making a release. What happened to the darling Bjork who sang so strongly and pleasing to the ear in "Big Time Sensuality", "There's More to Life than this", "Crying", "Venus as a Boy", and "Violently Happy" from Debut? On "Post" it appears that success has gone to her head and she got herself to the point where she could just hum and make noises into a tape recorder and the deluded public would call it artistic experimentation. Of the strong tunes, "Army of Me" is an interesting idea with a great drum track, but the singing in the chourus doesn't blend well with the music and doesn't even sound musical. The partially-thrilling "Enjoy" sounds unfinished and raw and could use some fine-tuning. "Possibly Maybe" is one tune that still sounds good after several listens, and "It's Oh So Quiet" remains my favourite tracks on the album, here she actually sings a catchy melody and utilizes her unique voice to convey the strength and beauty as she did on Debut. Her voice sounds great against the orchestra. But poor tunes like "You've been Flirting again", "Cover Me", and the dreadful "Headphones" inspire me to ask myself "what was she thinking?" Her shaky whispering vocals just don't work with the music, aren't catchy (and sometimes not even on the correct notes). I am surprised at all of the rave reviews that this disc received. When she was backed up by guitars and acoustic drums with The Sugarcubes, Bjork was at her best. Her solo efforts have gotten progressively worse. Bjork is an extremely talented artist and I feel a bit cheated by "Post" and even more so by "Homogenic", wondering why she is not living up to her potential. Try spinning old Sugarcubes tunes like "Blue Eyed Pop", "Delicious Demon", "Coldsweat", "Vitamin", "Hit", Speed is the Key", "Walkabout", and "Motorcrash" then listen to "Post", there is definitely something missing.

This is Bjork Ladies and Gentleman : Review 2: Post
Bjork is back with a new sound as always and making it sound even better than Debut did. Unlike Debut, which one a dance slash jazz album, Post is very techno and industrial.

1. Army of Me : A very strong opening and like Human Behaviour, gives no indication of the roller coaster ride that you are in store for. 9/10

2. Hyper-Ballad : When I first heard the first 20 seconds I absolutely hated it. But when I let my Bjork CD-R run through I wondered what the song was (considering the word Hyper-Ballad never comes up). I love it to death. 10/10

3. The Modern Things : This song is very very fun. I think it is going back the Debut album in parts (lyrics) but it loks better on Post and completes in story. 9/10

4. It's Oh So Quiet : It sort of scared me because when you ever see Bjork on VH1 they always show her screaming at the end and then her dancing around in Big Time Sensuality which just is not fair. **It's fun to choreograph to** 10/10

5. Enjoy : The first Bjork true masterpiece on Post in my opinion. She carries herself off so classy and fun that this song is always a surprise. Enjoy!!!!!! 20/10

6. You've Been Flirting Again : The intermission. I love this song because it sounds so soft and you can just imagine yourself on a mountain or in a garden. 10/10

7. Isobel : The sequel to Human Behaviour from Debut. This time the character (Isobel) tortures citizens of a city when she discovers the pebbles of her forest where actually tiny skysracpers. 10/10

8. Possibly Maybe : The equivilent to Enjoy in my opinon. 20/10

9. I Miss You : The last good track on the entire album. It is fun and very showtune. Put it this way....she actually makes the accordion sound cool Good use of music invention Bjork. 10/10

10. Cover Me : boring..2/10

11. My Headphones : i'm dead...0/10

Rediscoverd Bjork
I was recently on vacation in Puerto Rico and wanted to buy some CD's for the rental car. The only two cd's in the store worth buying were Janet Jackson's Design of a Decade and Bjork's "Debut". I listended to both CD's throughout my trip. I have been a Janet Jackson fan for sometime, but Bjork got under my skin on this trip. I am now a full-fledged fanatic. I never realized that almost all of Bjork's songs are love songs. The only remote comparison I can make of her is like a Nordic, deconstructed, sometimes minimal, electronic Billie Holliday. She can be gloomy, elated, ecstatic, whatever. When she sings, the songs are hers.
My favorite song on the CD is Isobel. Listen to Missy Elliot's "Really Hot" and see how ahead of her time Bjork is. The beat sequence is almost identical.
Possibly, Maybe is another beauty. It hits the feeling of a breakup on the nose.

To all of the people who wrote bad reviews of Bjork, if you don't have something nice to say..... Bjork has been singing most of her life and experts would agree, she has a natural singing voice and an expressive and wide vocal range. Can anyone complaining make those sounds with their voices, on key no less? She knows music inside and out, and the wierd and avant garde sounds are INTENTIONAL. Besides, one has to have an acute knowledge of music to turn it inside out like that. Listen closely and you will hear the genius. Barbara Streisand has been done. We don't need anymore singers sounding like someone else.

Also, the videos from her DVD collection go hand in hand with the songs. You really get the true meaning and a grasp of the songs.

Prepare your aural canals...
How did I miss this in the 1990s? Why did it take me almost ten years to hear this great album? Which excuse can I use? Surely not stupid youth - I was old enough to know good music when it smacked me in the face. So why didn't this smack me in the face in 1995? After soaking in the marvelous "Debut" (a crony forced me to listen to it, and my gratitude pours out for him) the expectations were admittedly pretty low for the follow up. Beginners luck, I thought, the next one will smell like putrid seepage. After all, second albums always reek, don't they? Ok, so I'm an idiot. "Post" in many ways surpasses its predecessor. Intimidating electronic industrial thumps provide fodder for both dancing and fear. Björk sounds outright scary and disturbing on some of these tracks (particularly "Army of Me" and "Enjoy" - two of the album's best songs). Then, just before you can stop cowering, she turns fear and rage into heartbreaking beauty on such songs as "Hyperballad", "You've been Flirting Again", and "Isobel". One of the album's biggest surprises is "It's Oh So Quiet" - a big band show-tooney type song in which Björk stretches her vocal cords to their absolute limit. Her screams penetrate the cochlea in unimaginable ways. Be prepared oh reposed and complacent headphone wearers. What a great song, and what a great demonstration of Björk's versatility and vocal prowess. Overall the album has a more electronic and industrial feel than "Debut" (which may account for its freshness even today). Björk explores many of the same themes here as on her first outing: Obsessive love, escape, heartbreak, being "naughty", and escape. An astounding follow-up album, and more amazing still considering what comes next.

Well...
I'd like to make a comment. While I don't own this CD, I find that there are some people here who write some immature reviews. And there are immature people on both sides (The pro and con).

I am an obsessed Britney Spears fan - I love her. But you know what? Bjork is amazing, and I love her as well. I'm going to buy this CD soon enough. Bjork is a genius that understands things that many people haven't seemed to fully grasp yet... but please people, grow up - you can love pop and Bjork at the same time, it's very much possible, so grow up and realize that it's possible. Liking a certain kind of artist or genre doesn't determine who you are as a person. Usually it's linked in some way, but it's not what determines you. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

GREAT BEGINNING SAD ENDING!
Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, guilty pleasure of the middle 80's scene, she was the queen of Freestyle by that time, her music was around every club, and her style will remain in many people minds. Her sounds were extremely danceable, although some people thought that her voice was a little bit squirky and anoying, it fitted just great to the type of music she wanted to approach, even her hit ballad "All Cried Out" a bittersweet melody with amazing lyrics, that will be covered later by many, fitted her just great, but undoubtly her greatest achievment was dance music, "Head To Toe", "Lost In Emotion", where #1's the same year and make everybody love this, sadly she became lost in more pop oriented tunes with the next albums, saving only "Let The Beat Hit Em" that it's truly a comeback to the dance music scene, but too late, the magic was lost and we should point to "Little Jackie Wants To Be A Star" as guilty for throwing Lisa's career to oblivion, but if you forget that and concentrate on the early materials you will find an artist that surface out of the bunch, because they were talented and had a new flavor to offer to the public.

Take it Home
The queen of Latin Hip-hop soul, Lisa Lisa shines on this set of big eighties pop hits with her crew Cult Jam. The songs for the most part are all upbeat dance gems that are very influential (ask Jennifer Lopez or even Janet Jackson for the matter) and full of great beats. The set really hits is stride with ahead of their time early tracks like "Can You Feel The Beat" and "I Wonder If I Take You Home" which prove that the Latin grooves can make great dance music and are brightly vivid songs about young love. These tracks make some of the best pop around now very seem lacking. Big hits like "Head To Toe" and the sweet "Lost In Emotion" is excellent modern mid eighties pop productions with a little soul influence in the vocals. Pure magic on CD these songs are. Prom classic "All Cried Out" is a lot more innocent on here than the over produced Allure version ever could try to be. "Someone To Love Me For Me" is very beautiful. "Let The Beat Hit "Em" is a powerful club hit from the likes of Clivilles and Cole. Basically the rest of the set leads astray with the lame R&B of "Something About Love" and an unnecessary Full Force feature "U Never Knew How Good U Had It". The set is excellent but the weak songs drag it down ("Little Jackie..." is iffy pop, but cute), but I think we can credit Full Force with blessing us with this set of dance gems that are as good now as they were in the mid eighties.

1985- THE YEAR Lisa and her Cult Jam came out
True Lisa Lisa& Cult Jam fans know that Full Force produced the group. Everyone loves how they brought serious flava to the 80's
Lisa and Full Force did a great Job on "Someone to Love me For Me" Full Force was great, and Lisa added that special touch!!!!!
The cult jam added their good beats, and together they became Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam...often featuring Full Force
I like "This is Cult Jam" it was original, it was fun, and it really showed how cult jam played part in the group.
"I wonder if I take You Home" was their first hit
next it was "Can You Feel the Beat" "All cried out" and"Behind My eyes"
On their 1987 album.... I like "Playing with fire" "A fool is born everyday" "Lost in Emotion" and "Head to Toe" very good
songs....
I forogt what album but "Little Jackie wants to be a star" is another good one!!!!
Who could forget...Someone to Love me for me
the duet with full force...very good!!!!!!
i like the part when lisa says " if your in love with someone, make sure they love you for who you are, and not for the material things that surround you" and full force says afterwards" enough said"
they kept it real during the 80's.
1991'S lET THE bEAT hIT EM
on their "Straight out of hell's kitchen" was also great!

tHIS IS WHAT i WOULD SAY TO THEM:

"BABY WE WERE WONDERING
IF YOU WOULD SING SOMETHING NEW FOR US
BECAUSE WERE NOT TOO SURE ABOUT HOW YOU FEEL
SO WE RATHER GIVE YOU AN IDEA
I KNOW THAT YOU KNOW THAT IF YOU SING AGAIN
YOU WILL DO A GOOD SHOW
BUT YOU MAY DO SOME THING YOU MIGHT REGRET THE NEXT DAY
AND YOUR FEELINGS WILL GET HURT
bUT i DONT KNOW....THE WAY THAT I FEEL
IM SO AFRAID....I
WONDER IF YOU WOULD SING AGAIN
WOULD YOU FEEL US WITH LOVE BABY
BECAUSE WE NEED YOU TONIGHT

-ML

*Sigh* 80's Nostalgia
Anyone who is familiar with mid/ late 80's pop has got to remember Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam and the great jams they cranked out. All of the big ones are here. You get both of their fabulous #1 hits. "Head To Toe" starts out like a Supremes song and then takes off with a terrific catchy chorus *instantly recognizable.* "Lost In Emotion" was the other #1 and is just as great. Then you have the slow song "All Cried Out" which is beautiful and although Lisa Lisa comes off as sort of whiny, it justifies the song so it's forgivable. "Youuuuuu you leave me so confuuuused, now I'm all cried out...over you." An 80's slow jam classic. Plus, you get the great free-style dance jams that put them on the map in the first place. Who can forget "I Wonder If I Take You Home" or one of my faves "Can You Feel the Beat." A MUST buy for 80's music fans. I don't care what people say about the 80's. Free-style dance music like Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam is awesome and music just isn't made this fun anymore. If you like this, I also recommend music by Expose and Debbie Gibson. Ear candy to help you forget about your troubles!

I REALLY like this album!
I got laughed at by the saleslady for buying this album. She looked at me as if, "What is this teenager doing buying a Lisa Lisa album?". I didn't care because I had grown up listening to Lisa Lisa on the radio when she was singing "Head To Toe" and plus I really liked her other hits like "I Wonder If I Take You Home" and "All Cried Out" so it was something I was willing to shell out cash for. I love this album because the music is pretty orginal, Lisa Lisa has a style that is unbeatable, the lyrics are catchy and those breakdancing beats are really danceable. My fave track has to be "I Wonder If I Take You Home" but I like the classics like "All Cried Out", "Head To Toe", "Lost In Emotion" and "Can You Feel The Beat". I also liked "Let The Beat Hit 'Em" and "Something 'Bout Love". This is the perfect dance album and one that you can play at parties, it's one of my personal faves and I recommend that anybody should buy this album and don't be afraid to just because it's old school! :) ... Read more

Reviews (12)

beautiful.
even if it doesnt suit your dance style, its wonderful to simply play in the background, which might help you to eventually connect with the music. there arent any lyrics, so it doesnt distract or annoy (thank gaaawd!). im often disappointed with cds because i will only enjoy a few tracks at most, but this one is a winner. i enjoy listening to it all the way through. alot of my friends seem to enjoy this cd as well, because they often inquire about it. most of which are not bellydancers. id love to hear a few of the tracks in clubs around town. hopefully i will. i love this cd. what more can i say? listen to the samples!

interesting beats
This album was recommended to me by a friend who shares a similar interest in electronica, drum 'n bass, electrogroove and mellow industrial beats. I can see why there would be some confusion surrounding its release in the "bellydance" genre and for those who are looking for something more traditional in this sense, I hope you aren't disappointed.

There is much more to this album than can be simply categorised because, to be quite honest with you, I've never heard anything like it before.

I quite like this album because of its varied style, ranging from the atmospheric and moody to the upbeat and enlightening. I might have a bit of trouble dancing to it but really, I'm into it more for the listening value - of which there is plenty.

I tried searching for a local copy of this album and found nothing, which is surprising given the quality of this work. This album and its artist obviously need better publicity and distribution.

I look forward to future works by this new and up-and-coming artist, perhaps with more lyrical exploits!

NOT traditional tribal music - great for fusion!
This is not music for ATS, pure tribal (FCBD style) belly dance. Yes that is Rachel Brice on the cover, which should tell you what kind of fusion this is good for (Go watch Rachel dance at www.rachelbrice.com if you haven't seen her yet. Her style is very different than Fat Chance). Pentaphobe composed this music for her. It's good music, interesting and danceable but it is NOT traditional tribal music. It's very modern, club-style music. You can dance to this, but if you're looking for traditional tribal, there are better recordings out there.

Liner note is helpful for describing their intentions with this recording: "Pentaphobe was asked to create music that would complement Rachel Brice's fusion style, and at the same time be appropriate for a performance in an industrial nightclub. A Tribal Metamorphosis is a collection of tunes inspired by traditional Middle Eastern rhythms, and the karass that is the American Tribal Belly Dance community."

dance music?
I was very disappointed by this CD although I buy all belly dance CDs on the market and use at least some material on each. On this one there is almost nothing to be used by a belly dancer. Great for Star Trek, though, or for trance dance. Is this really a tribal CD??????????

Awesome
I've been looking for some slower music that I can dance tribal too. I was so excited to finally hear this cd. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The soundtrack to Disney's 2004 Cinderella sequel The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement offers a wide variety of young Disney stars (Raven--who has a small part in the movie--Lindsay Lohan, Jesse McCartney, Christy Carlson Romano), hot vocalists (American Idol's Kelly Clarkson, Norah Jones), and head-banging rockers (Avril Lavigne, Pink).The best tracks are Clarkson's "Breakaway," Raven's "This Is My Time," Renee Olstead's Norah-esque "A Love That Will Last," and "Your Crowning Glory," a duet between Raven and Julie Andrews.It's not a flashy showcase for Andrews, who begins it in a half-sung, half-spoken style before Raven joins her to a funky beat.But just hearing the beloved film and stage star sing at all after the problems she's experienced following botched vocal-cord surgery in the late '90s... well, it might just bring a tear to your eye. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Album Details

Gustavo Santaolalla is One of the Leading Producers in Latin Music Today. His Surco Label Has Released Albums by Many Artists Like Juanes, Orishas and the Soundtrack to "Amores Perros" (Which He Composed). This Particular Group was Conceived by Santaolalla Utilizing Musical Ideas from Nortec Collective (Mexico) and Gotan Project (France). It is an Eclectic Mix of French House, Argentinean Tango, Trip Hop, Drum and Bass and Chill-out Music. "Bajofondo Tango Club" Marks an Exciting New Direction in Latin Electronica Music for an International Audience. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Good album
All I've read here is half true.This album was not just made by argentinean people but also by uruguayian people (Uruguay and Argentina are neighbour countries and they share the passion for the Tango music).
There are several tracks made by uruguayians and track number 6 (Perfume) is an original song written and executed by two contemporary uruguayian artists being one of them Jorge Drexler, a well known musician in South America and Spain.

Now, the album is good, not great, but very good.I bought it and I'm happy with my decision

2003 Grammy Award Winning Album!!!!!
The fusion of Tango Music and Techno does create a nice Chill Out Vibe. I purchased this CD down in Buenos Aires at the end of August 2003 and this album was still in the Top 30 Sales Chart. Not bad for a CD almost a year old. But don't take my word on how great this CD is (strongest tracks are #3 and #12), this CD was just recently the recipient of the 2003 Latin Grammy Awards for Best Pop Instrumental. I am a little surprised that Amazon does not flag award-winning albums in their search but should do so in the future! Give this album a try--you won't be disappointed!

Show me the money, preferably in pounds...
Seems like these guys really like British techno, the problem is that the "electronica" part of this record sounds dated. It seems like the money they should've spent on good equipment was spent on marketing. On top of that, the tango samples lost their depth and seem flat and one-dimensional. Buy Gotan instead, or even better, buy Narcotango by Carlos Libedinsky!

Perfection
Many readers interested in this composition would be advised to recall such groups as Bond and Opera Babes, that have tried to give classical music a new twist. Admirable as their efforts were, neither was able to drag themselves from the classification of just being pretty girls with talent (sort of). Bajofondo is everything they wanted to be. Instead of plastering the cover of this ablum with a photo of themselves wearing sexy little outfits, bajofondo mearly has a close up photo of what appears to be women's crossed legs, clad in fishnets. This alluringly naughty photo seems an apt description of the sound of "Tango Club".

It's a brilliant melting pot of some of the coolest types of music around. Most people acknowledge any form or use of electronica as being an up to the moment sound, but what about the classic shiek and style of the tango? Both are acknowledged in this wonderfully sultry mix. every note is deliberate and important, tearing down musical walls other artist's only dreamed of conquering. Bajofondo is essential to every musical collection.

Interesting
You've probably heard people say in response to something, "mmmmmm, that 's interesting." Pretty much that is the response you will have after listening to this disc that it is not tremendous on either side of the spectrum but good nontheless. It is much like Gotan Project's "La Revancha Del Tango." Comparing the two, since they seem to be the only groups exploring this side of the tango(a mixture of electronica elements, genre's and sub-genre's) I'd have to tip my hat to BTC mostly because of the production skills of Santoalalla( most everything he touches is gold) that results in a slick musical stew like some type of noveau French cuisine. This music is extremely relaxing with a sort of don't wake me up from this musical trip to lands unknown. In other words it is a little spacey but has just enough tango to keep your heart ticking, head swaying and wondering what curve is coming next on this musical journey. It is very eclectic and that is what makes it so interesting, there is that word again. There are dark passages along the way but overall this is a bright addition to the ever expanding electronica field. It many respects it is an entry into chill out music. When it is more upbeat, (check out the editorial review) remember the music is all over the map, it is as fresh as any dance music out there. Maybe it is my being partial to the female voice but when they cut into "Perfume"it sends my heart a reeling. The result is a song that sounds intoxicating. The bandeon throughout keeps the tango vibe, but the piano work binds it all together for a surreal atmospheric experience; it is like sipping a martini at the milky way cafe as a seductress approaches and you offer her a rose and she places it between her teeth and smiles an invitation to tango. To really capture all the sounds that are weaved together this disc should be experienced with headphones a todo volumen(at full volume). There is enough variety on this disc to keep it from being repetitive as the various time changes, pacing and styles give it a flow that doesn't leave you bored. It is a fine example of the meshing of the old and the new for something very interesting, there's that word again. It won't blow you away but you will think it is , you guessed it , interesting. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Never underestimate Madonna's power of persuasion: By nearly all critical accounts, Ray of Light, Madonna's first album of new material since 1994's Bedtime Stories, and her first since motherhood, is her richest, most accomplished record yet. While Ray of Light is being tagged as Madonna's big leap into electronica, it's important to note two things: First, her music has always had close ties to dance culture, and, second, her collaborator William Orbit is no Chemical Brother. Though it has all the latest blips, bleeps, and crackles electronica has to offer, Ray of Light is still largely an adult album, completely within Madonna's realm. Still, Orbit's tasteful sonic constructions provide Madonna with her most adventurous, hippest musical backdrop ever. What's more, the arrangements and production are understated enough to highlight an even bigger development: Fresh from singing lessons on the Evita set, Madonna's vocal range, depth, and clarity have never been stronger. But larger pipes don't necessarily make for deeper, truer music. Never a master lyricist, Madonna's words have worked best when they've practically been slogans ("Vogue," "Express Yourself"). This time she goes for more emotional depth, and even tries her hand at ethno-techno-mysticism ("Shanti/Ashtangi"). She largely stumbles, however. The tone conveyed on songs like "Nothing Really Matters" is a self-centered pat on the back that belies her claim to a newfound altruism. It's enough to make you wonder, now that Madonna's given up being our material girl, if maybe she's set her sights on becoming the center of our spiritual world too. --Roni Sarig ... Read more

Reviews (699)

The Most Brilliant Album of the 90's! An ansolute CLASSIC!
Ray of Light's excellence is hard to describe in words, it's so AMAZING. But let's start with the fact that this album is defenitely Madonna's critically most succesful album, and also VERY succesful commercially (almost 15 million copies sold). The greateness of this album is based simply on the fact that it combines Madonna's dance pop style (Patrick Leonard) succesfully with electronica (William Orbit), eastern rhytms and spiritual lyrics. Every song has meaningful and "deep" lyrics. In addition to the smash hits Frozen, Ray Of Light and The Poer of Goodbye, the albums includes many other masterpieces such as Drowned World/Substitute For Love, Candy Perfume Girl, Swim, Sky Fits Heaven, Little Star (dedicated to Madonna's first child, Lourdes)... In fact every song on this album is a masterpiece! This is a MUST for every Madonna fan, and VERY highly recommended also to others. This really is a CLASSIC MASTERPIECE OF THE 90's!

Ethereal Girl
I'm not a huge Madonna fan, and this is the only album of hers that I have, but it's beautiful beyond words. The music is haunting and quietly powerful. The lyrics are poetic musings on life. "Drowned World/Substitute For Love" isn't the strongest opening song, but it's pretty good. "Swim" has a definite message that she wants to convey about the modern world. "Ray of Light" is probably the best song on the CD, it's a great dance track but doesn't have dumb lyrics. "Candy Perfume Girl" is more in the dance/pop style, and I think it's just OK. "Skin" is more of a techno-style song. "Nothing Really Matters" is about how selfish she was in the past and how she's realized what's really important now. "Sky Fits Heaven" is about getting started again (Travelin' down this road/Watching the signs as I go ...) "Shanti/Ashtangi" is cool because it's completely unexpected, a yoga chant set to music. "Frozen" is one of my favorites, it's heartbreaking, deep and full of heart. "The Power of Goodbye" is a beautiful, moving song about unfulfilled love. "To Have And Not To Hold" is less powerful than the last two, but it's also about lost love. "Little Star" is a sweet, touching ballad written for her daughter. "Mer Girl" is mysterious and enigmatic, an appropriate ending track. You don't have to be a Madonna fan to love this CD.

Not an Album Its An Experience!
The electronic sounds the east indian sounds mixed in with her mature voice and meaningful lyrics. I think this is one of her best albums to date.

Overhype
Despite the album being overhyped, well extremely overhyped...there are tracks on this album that I still listen to 7 years after its release. Those tracks are Frozen, Swim, and Ray of Light as well as Candy Perfume Girl. The other ones are either poor or mediocre. (...)

(...)

Madonna's watery redemption
After the Erotica/Body of Evidence/Sex fiasco of 1992, even Madonna's diehard fans (myself among them) were a bit weary. We knew she was not "over" because we remembered that many had labeled her so since her debut in 1983. She had continually defied their predictions. We had faith that she could reinvent herself once again, but we knew it would be a difficult task, and we feared she might never recapture her former glory. Nineteen Ninety Two was the lowest her career had ever sunk, the first time since 1984 that a Madonna studio album had failed to top the charts.

Bedtime Stories set the path to Madonna's public redemption, yielding the #1 hit Take A Bow - her first in three years. But it is 1998's Ray of Light that put Madonna's career back on track, returned her to multi-million selling status, and finally - finally! - earned her a Grammy Award, several actually. It's a stunning reinvention, perhaps the most dramatic of any popular artist. Was this Yoga posturing, Sanskrit-chanting woman the same singer who only six years previous proclaimed she'd like to teach us how to ****? Was the world's most famous woman really saying that fame wasn't important? Yes, amazingly. What is most astonishing, however, is that she pulled it off. Ray of Light became perhaps the most critically acclaimed album of year, and it virtually erased the misadventures of '92. The Material Girl became The Spiritual Woman.

Water is the alchemical symbol of birth. So it is fitting that Ray of Light, marking the rebirth of Madonna's career and released shortly after the birth of her daughter, opens with two singles evoking water's imagery: Drowned World and Swim. "I'm gonna swim to the Ocean floor," Madonna sings. What a calm, peaceful, rejuvenating image. It permeates the entire album. Even where negative situations are confronted, such as in Frozen and The Power of Goodbye, there is an awareness of life's possibilities and a hint of awakening. You're in a negative situation - now leave it, and go find something else! Or rather, look within yourself for happiness instead the outside world.

Over the last few weeks I've become horribly nostalgic for the Ray of Light era. Ray of Light harkens me back to my introduction to Living Enrichment Center, which is a New Thought Church and retreat center I became involved with in 1996 when I was 21. The music of Ray of Light and the grounds of Living Enrichment Center were perfect mates. Statues from just about every major faith, including a statue of Krishna, Buddha, and a Peace Pole, were on display throughout the lush 90-acres. It was an otherworldly, infectious, beautiful atmosphere. And after a childhood and teen years in show business, always dreaming of stardom's redemption, I was starting to glimpse that perhaps fame wasn't the end-all, that maybe I should let go of my "substitute for love" and seek out the real thing. Who better than the world's most famous woman to assure me that fame isn't important? Maybe I wasn't a failure after all.

Lately, I am playing Ray of Light on a daily basis, sometimes twice daily - singing "traveling down this road watching the signs as I go" on my long bike rides on the local back roads. The motif of spirituality, forgiveness, and just a touch of Hinduism (her pronunciation ain't the best, but I still love Shanti/Ashtangi) is exactly what I need right now. Living Enrichment Center will soon move from its beautiful grounds, the church engulfed in a financial scandal that may mean prison time for the head minister. I long for innocence and rejuvenation once again. When is her next album due?

Andrew Michael Parodi ... Read more

Amazon.com

She may have played a teenaged girl mistaken for a pop star in The Lizzie McGuire Movie, but after releasing a Christmas album in 2002, and crooning two songs on the movie’s soundtrack, Hilary Duff looks like she means business. The only trouble is, she doesn’t sound like it. Although dubbing her first album Metamorphosis, the disc is anything but. Her singing is as coy and kittenish as her on-screen persona and she mugs her way through most of the 13 songs with charm and aplomb, but little natural singing talent. But to her credit, the actress has managed to cover a multitude of vocal sins by hiring a team of crack producers, who double her voice whenever possible, giving many of the tracks the rather anthemic feel of a cheerleading squad. The best songs on the disc are the three masterminded by the Matrix, the same production team that oversaw Avril Lavigne's hit disc and they give the lissome actress’s singing some attitude and grit, like on the infectious and spectacularly bratty "So Yesterday," and the cleverly conceived "Math," complete with heavy metal guitar riffs. But Duff is not inhabiting that saucy jailbait territory staked by Britney Spears. At the ripe old age sixteen, she’s much more Barbies than bustiers. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (2321)

It's not bad, it's just blah
I'm not anti-Hilary Duff and I don't hate her. I just can't believe she is in the music business!! Anyone could sing the songs she sings! They are pretty much all on the same tone and the same few notes. If you want to buy something phenomenal, I wouldn't reccomend this album.

Okay considering it's a debut...
After hearing pleasant songs like "So Yesterday" and "Come Clean" on the radio, and after hearing Hilary and her sis Haylie's take on "Our Lips Are Sealed", (even though the latter is not found on this CD), I decided to purchase this CD. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed, but I will give Hilary credit, since this is her first full-length album attempt. I do like the fact that she didn't go completely over-the-top popped out. She kept her sound more contemporary, versus too poppy, which I think was one of the keys to this album being a multi-platinum success, the fact that it was NOT a cheesy pop album (in terms of production.)

Really, the only songs I found enjoyable were the two tracks I mentioned earlier (Come Clean & So Yesterday). I was very surprised, because looking in the liner notes, there were plenty of great songwriters and producers on this album, like John Shanks, Kara DioGuardi, and The Matrix, (among others) and over half of these songs are filler-ish.

I did actually enjoy "Workin' it Out," one of the better songs on this album. "Little Voice" was a little too young for me, but I could see it being appealing to a younger crowd. "Where Did I Go Right?" is a sweeter, softer song. "Party Up" did appeal to me. "Inner Strength" was a big disappointment.. seemed like a good message, but it's basically a recited poem to music. It's only a minute and a half-- not much of a song.

I think this album was to really test the waters for Hilary as a recording artist. Even though her voice is very thin, it seems to work on most of these songs. I've heard some of her newer material and her voice has become stronger, so I think her second time around will be worth a listen!

Metamorphosis
01. SO YESTERDAY: First single and the best song on the album...really really cool -10-
02. COME CLEAN: Cool and cute...Hilary sound a little bit smaller than the other songs -10-
03. WORKING IT OUT: Cool, when it stars I didn't like but after it is so cool -10-
04. LITTLE VOICE: Cool and catchy, it means like the angel and the evil..-10-
05. WHERE DID I GO RIGHT?: Slow...but nice -9-
06. ANYWHERE BUT HERE: Cool ver very cool, one of my favs song on the album!! -10-
07. THE MATH: Rock song!! -10-
08. LOVE JUST IS: Aigh! I don't like i skip this song when I hear to the CD -6-
09. Sweet Sixteen: This song is for girls, and I'm boy, the music isn't the best, but it's ok -9-
10. PARTY UP: Cool, it is like "The Math" -10-
11. METAMORPHOSIS: Change! it stars like latin song, another of my favs! -10-
12. INNER STRENGHT: It is so short about 1 minute, but it is so cool, and positive -10-
13. WHY NOT: Cool, rocky, i love it -10-

PURE TRASH
Let's just start this by saying that I actually purchased this CD, so I'm a good judge of it. I have a very eclectic taste in music, so I thought, "Hey, her CD is doing really well, and I liked that one song 'So Yesterday,' it can't be that bad." So I buy it, listen to the entire CD, turn it off and go, (...) The lyrics were awful, the songs were incredibly childish and irritating, and all in all it sucked more than any other CD I've ever listened to before. I highly recommend you don't waste your money or time on this. You will regret it like I did.

great
this was such a great cd from hilary duff. and this cd is way better than beg for mercy from g unit. ... Read more

Album Description

Enhanced bonus disc includes videos of "Set it Off - Toby Neuman Remix" and "Set it Off - Peaches Super 8 Video". ... Read more

Reviews (12)

X-Rated Techno with a Punk Edge
I came across this in a indie record store under employee recommendations. The CD itself I was attracted to cause of the hot pink color which was loud in itself. The CD also had on the packaging a quote from a review from a popular music magazine mentioning 3 well known artists, Trent Reznor, Courtney Love, and Foxy Brown claiming they should be "afraid, very afraid!"....well this exlamation justified my curiosity upon purcasing.
All I have to say regarding this CD is it is fun, tounge in cheek , and yes... edgy. If one is into techno, Industrial, and dance music with a punk edge then I would recommend. On track "Lovertits" she sounds similar to Gwen Stefani behind a Euro-techno dance pop beat. The tracks that I found most memorable are "Rock Show" which displays a Joan Jettish rock rebel grrrl growl behind synth beats. The next is "Diddle My Skittle" which has a great synth intro that kind of reminded me vaguely of NIN but it stands on it's own. The beats on some of the beginning of the songs are kind of similar, but not monotonous. Sleaze talk aside, I found it provocative and fun. The songs tend to grow on you. Just use with caution if you are one to sing aloud in a crowd!!! :)
This edition of the Cd also has a bonus disc with a great remake of the Berlin song Sex (I'm a...) which is one of the true gems on this 2 CD set. You will also find two very different and unusually strange videos for the song "Set it Off."
Now that I have listend to this CD, I am now even more curious on seeing her live which should be just as interesting as the inside picture cover, but that is another story and another review! Thanks!

...Girl Power Techno with a Punk Edge
I came across this in a indie record store under employee recommendations, and it really wasn't the recommendation that caught my attention, but the cover shot of the hot pink pants...Peaches?!?
All I have to say regarding this CD is it is fun, tounge in cheek... If one is into techno, Industrial, and dance music with a punk edge then I would recommend. On track "Lovertits" she sounds similar to Gwen Stefani behind a Euro-techno dance pop beat. The tracks that I found most memorable are "Rock Show" that displays a harder punk sound behind synth beats. The next is "Diddle My Skittle" which has a great into that kind of reminded me vaguely of NIN. although it can stand on it's own. Some of the beats on some of the songs are kind of similar, but not monotonous.
Sleaze talk aside, I found it provocative, fun and "I like the beats and you can dance to it!!!" That and the songs tend to grow on you.
Could this be the new pop star of the up and coming? I wouldn't be surprised. Parents should beware...and you too!! Peaches may be the one to come kick the mainstream...

where are led zeppelin, deep purple and black sabbath?
when this lady is an anti pop star ? the songs she plays, surely has nothing to do with the classic masterpiece rock n roll elements...she certainly plays rock songs, but it is definitely not a rock n roll or Heavyrock masterpiece genre!

Some veterans legendary heavy rock bands from the past such as Black sabbath, Uriah Heep, King crimson, Led Zeppelin or deep purple should teach her how to play Rock n roll very well!

Love it!
I don't usually like this type of music But I love this CD.
I first heard "F**K the pain away" on the movie "Lost In Translation" By Sofia Coppola and starring Bill Murray I had to order it. It has an excellent beat.
Even though the lyrics are dirty it makes me warm and fuzzy all over!
A must have for your music collection!!!

Garbage for this Genre
Hype and ego probably introduced you Peaches. There are several artists of this genre that actually have some talent. Don't waste your money on this crap. This woman is talent-free and a dog to boot. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The accompanying film recreates the original vibe of the '70s television show so brilliantly it's no wonder the producers decided to stick with the real thing for the soundtrack to Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson's hilarious remake of Starsky & Hutch. So no embarrassing contributions from Sugar Ray or OutKast (Anyone remember the unfortunate "Land of a Million Drums" from the Scooby Doo movie?), but a great if slightly used roller-disco soundtrack courtesy of the Jackson Five ("Dancing Machine") and KC & The Sunshine Band ("That's The Way I Like It"), balanced out by some marshmallow pop like Starland Vocal Band's "Afternoon Delight" and earnest country rock by Johnny Cash ("Folsom Prison Blues") and Waylon Jennings ("I'm a Ramblin' Man"). This is what the radio used to sound like before the robots took over. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Good, but could have been better...
This soundtrack isn't a total loser. There are some definite highlights such as; "Dazz" by Brick an all-time favorite. Chicago's "Old Days" is a great 70's tune and a great way to open this disc. "Afternoon Delight" is truly is a delightful piece of pop confection. I always enjoy anything by Bill Withers. But the album would have been better without the cover versions by Owen Wilson, Dan Finnerty, and Brigette Romanek. The originals are far superior.
A few songs in the movie that were not included would have made the soundtrack much better. One is Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion", a great 70's hard rock tune. The other is the Carpenters' classic "We've Only Just Begun". I'm sure though that royalties for "We've Only Just Begun" are very expenisve.

Disappointing
David Soul's version of "Don't Give Up On Us" was not included - to me, that would have been the ONLY reason to purchase this CD. David Soul has a wonderful voice, and shouldn't have been mocked by Owen Wilson's version. But after listening to this CD, if I were David Soul, I'd keep my version of the song off of this CD. There's only two original version songs that I liked. And the original Starsky & Hutch theme song should have been included on here. I know the movie's a re-make, but let's not forget the originals, they can never be replaced!

Worth it for Owen Wilson alone
When is Owen Wilson coming out with his own album?
He's tops in my book!

NOT ENUFF FUNK IN THE 70'S TRUNK
I listened to this CD, and I was highly disapointed! Why? because there was not enough funk in the CD trunk. Sure they had Brick doin' Dazz (which is available on every funk CD compilation on planet Earth). However, where's the rest of it? I mean, if you're gonna have Snoop Doggy Dog in a movie, and only have 1 funk song, to me, that movie is a failure! Anyway, the reason I am writing this review is to find out about the other songs that did not make it on the soundtrack. For instance, there was 1 instrumental 70's funk track that did not make it. I am currently looking for that group / track. If anyone out there knows the rest of the songs in the movie (that did not make the CD cut) please let me know. And for the record: Leon Haywood is funky; Bill Withers is funkier, and KC & the Sunshine Band is funkiest, however, the Jackson 5 is still considered pop to me, but Dancing Machine is an extremely infectious, and funky tune. As a final note, the reason I'm giving this disapointing CD 5 stars is because I liked the aforementioned 5 songs, and musical artists. And these days if you can get 5 good funk / funky / funkier / funkiest songs on 1 CD, then you found yourself a gem!

Nothing without Owen Wilson
Most of these songs are straight off of albums you can get at almost any thrift store for a buck or less.
Despite what other reviewers might have you think, the only reason to get this is for the Owen Wilson song-- it gets 10 out of 10 for hilarity. ... Read more