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Early buzz on The Emancipation of Mimi had it that this would be the disc to mark "the return of the voice"—the voice being that glass-shattering instrument that propelled Carey to best-selling female artist of all time status—and mostly it is. But because of the small army of talent involved in its assembly, it's also way more than that. For straight-ahead, look-out-Beyonce-Mimi's-still-got-it reinforcement, try "Mine Again," a ‘70s-soul cuddle-up, "Circles," a soaring, don't-attempt-this-on-American-Idol love song, the gospel dazzler "Fly Like a Bird," and "Stay the Night." But for songs that steer this disc directly into 2005, no looking back, scan the jewel case for the tracks followed by the word "featuring": "To the Floor," with Nelly, bumps along to maximum booty-shaking effect, while Twista spins his natural-disaster-force vocal into "One and Only." Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, and Jermaine Dupri also pitch in; between them and the highwire vocals, Emancipation works the kind of pure-pop magic that sets us all free. --Tammy La Gorce

More from Mariah

Mariah Carey	Emotions	Music Box
Merry Christmas	# 1's	Glitter

... Read more

Reviews (533)

The Comeback
I love this album, the songs on here are very beautiful, well written and well produced, and there is not a single filler on this CD. This album was very well received by the general public and the singles are doing extremely well on the charts. The single "We Belong Together" became Carey's 16th #1 single which puts her 4 singles ahead of Madonna, who is in second place in terms of greatest number of #1 singles amongst female artists. The album opened its first week with sales of just under 404 000 copies, which is the biggest first week sales of her career, and it's currently still in the top 5. At first, I didn't like the debut single "It's Like That" because it was too hip hop influenced and she was singing things I would expect to hear from Beyonce or Ashanti. But after quite some time, the single grew onto me from frequent radio play and now, I love the song. "We Belong Together" grew on me instantly because it was a typical Mariah Carey ballad. All in all, this is a fantastic album, like Butterfly, and if you have to get one CD this year, get this one cause it is off the charts, literally!

Lovin' Ms. Mimi!
Alright, Mariah's back after an almost 3 year solo haitus, and she's come back with a vengence! It's Like That was a great intro to a great album! We Belong Together gets Mariah her 16th #1, how sweet is that? Then we have the next single & my favorite track, Shake It Off! The track is just so much fun, it's amazing! Mine Again is a wonder ballad! The Neptunes produced tracks Say Somethin' & To The Floor may not be signature Mariah, but they are very catchy. Stay The Night is so emotional, & Kanye did a great job producing it. Get Your Number, the fourth JD produced track, is another catchy song. After all that, the ballad-love songs begin to roll! Your Girl, Circles, & I Wish You Knew may be considered filler, but being that they are back to back, they just seem to fit! Next is Joy Ride, which is aight. Lastly is Fly Like a Bird, which is another beautifully, emotional gospel song. Love the part where she belts "I need the strenth of you to survive" before she hits that extra high note. And for those that even think she's copying anyone else in the industry (Beyonce...) Uh, 1 year of solo hits doesn't compare to 10+, so get real.

What can we say?
What is there to say about a woman that has been around for 15 years through heartache, heartbreak, triumph and pain.This album is slamming. ONE OF HER BEST. I have almost all of her CD's and this is one of the best.Her range alone speaks volume but her ability to write a song, compose it and produce it speaks higher.Many are a good singer but few can write and produce.Her octaves are breath taking and just her confidence in herself is enough. I remember the first day I heard Vision of Love in the early 1990's.I said who is this singing?I have been hooked every since. The songs I love are:We belong together, Circles, It's like that,Say Somethin (with Snoop), To the Floor (Nelly) and for those who need inspiration she ends it with Fly Like a Bird.I am a singer and if my career takes off, this is someone I want to mirror.God bless you Mariah, thanks for sharing your gift of song with us.Thanks to the good Lord above for blessing her with the gift of song.READERS go and buy it.One of the best albums for 2005.Tee

Great Job, Mariah :-)
This album is so refreshing for me. It's been so long since we've all heard Mariah Carey. And I'm excited to report that it was worth the wait. I LOVE her voice and always have. This is the best album of 2005 so far.

1. It's Like That (5/5)
2. We Belong Together (5/5)
3. Shake It Off (4.5/5)
4. Mine Again (5/5)
5. Say Somethin' (4.5/5)
6. Stay The Night (5/5)
7. Get Your Number (3.5/5)
8. One And only (5/5)
9. Circles (4.5/5)
10. Your Girl (4/5)
11. I Wish You Knew (5/5)
12. To The Floor (3.5/5)
13. Joy Ride (5/5)
14. Fly Like A Bird (5/5)

1.3 Million and Counting!!!
Mariah has sold 1.3 million copies of her wonderful album, "The Emancipation of Mimi." She is currently #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with her smash hit "We Belong Together." Her 16th #1 to be exact. Mariah is breaking records and defying expectations. She is solidifying her place in history as one of the greatest singers ever. Thanks to great production and songwriting, "The Emancipation of Mimi" will surely stand out as one of her best. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of another great run. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Killers. Interpol. Franz Ferdinand. Without New Order's influence they could have all ended up making albums of country & western ballads. Since the demise of Joy Division in 1980, the British synth-pop quartet has been diligently changing the course of popular music, lobbing unlikely but inventive hits like "Blue Monday" and "True Faith" into the charts. Twenty-five years on, New Order remains shockingly vital. Its eighth proper album overflows with shimmering melodies, anchored by Peter Hook's spine-tingling bass lines and Bernard Sumner's thin but emotive voice in thrilling new songs like "Krafty" and "Dracula's Castle." -- Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (74)

Will someone please steal this album from me?
Why the odd title?I drive a little over a half hour (each way) to and from work, and since I bought this album I have listened to it over and over.(I know, dumb eh?)

At first listen I thought "Get Ready" was a far superior album, but I found that the more I listened the more I heard.By far a much more progressive album for New Order, but still classic sounding that fits the fact that "yes, New Order was an 80's band", but this is their new album that is so 21st century.A worthy addition to any collection, whether rock, pop, 80's, or synth.

Refreshing....!!!!!
In am an old Joy Division fan and have followed New Order ever since.When Technique came out in 1989 I could not stop playing it when I was in Brunei of all places.Since then I have had kids, etc. etc. but still love to listen to music.My favorite station is http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/.So when they started playing the new NO some months ago I could not believe my ears and straight away pre-ordered it on www.amazon.com. It took some getting used to but now it is the CD I play most in the car and it brings tons of smiles to my face.The kids may not like it too much but for me it brings back good memories and it is so refreshing to see that old 'rockers' can still bring out a record that surely must be one of the top ten of this year.If you like their record and have not discovered BBC1 go to their website and listen to the live show or the various shows from the previous week which are all accessible on their 'player'.If you pay $12/month here for satellite radio then think again...

Alt-rock icons make us feel like its 1992 all over again.
New Order's history is filled with mournful iciness, sublime electro-disco, seminal Britpop and episodes of portly overblown grandeur. And, depending on what moves them, the band's fans always seem to gravitate toward one of these elements more than the others. To that end, Waiting For The Sirens' Call offers something for everyone: "Turn" has that 1986 college-rockin' jangle that'll make elderly R.E.M. fans tingle. For the synth- and sequencer-damaged among us, there's the electrolytic "Krafty" and the disco workout "Guilt Is A Useless Emotion." Going off on another tangent, "Workin' Overtime" is the band's simultaneous nod to '60s garage rock, the Beatles' "I Feel Fine" and that last Elvis Costello album.

The axis of mystery and implied arrogance that made New Order compelling may be gone, but that's okay; none of us is the same person we were decades ago. As far as right now goes, Waiting For The Siren's Call is a fine distillation of everything New Order have been. And when you've got a passport that's as thick as theirs, it's admirable that they refuse just to walk away from this thing entirely.spin j.p

Definitely not an "instant hit" album!
Waiting for the sirens' call will NOT hook you immediately. It's not that kind of album. There isn't any obvious hits, except Who's Joe, Krafty or Jetstream.
When I played it the first time I was kind of bored. Too many songs didn't hook me, sounded just "ok" and after Get Ready, I was disappointed.
However, days passed and I didn't play the album - didn't want to! And then, when I played it again after a week or so, out of nowhere, I started to like the songs! One by one, they PERFECTLY matched each other - carrying specific mood.

Now I think it's one of their better releases - much better than, for example, Republic and on par with Get Ready (I like that album very much).
It's incredible how this album works! If you like New Order, you'll certainly love this album. Do NOT expect to like it on the first listen! You probably won't - maybe just 3-4 songs!

This album has some ultimate NO gems and classics: Who's Joe?, Waiting for the siren's call, Dracula's Castle, Turn. They are magnificent!

There are no fillers here, excet that I don't like "I told you so" that much - interesting, but not my cup of tea, and "Guilt is a useless emotion" has some kind of generic chorus. That's a shame, considering that the song starts extremely well! Just the chorus isn't that memorable. But great for a summer fun! :)

All in all, a very very solid effort. As the time goes by, I expect that I'll like this album even more. It's THAT kind of a record. So refreshing these days - I'm fed up of instant hits that I get bored with after few weeks/months.

Just another perfect album!
At first listen I did not like Waiting For the Siren's Call as much as New Order's last album Get Ready. This album is just as good as Get Ready. If you want a perfect album from a great band. Pick up Waiting for the Siren's Call and Get Ready, Get Ready was the best album of 2001 in my eyes. WFTSC is going to be in the running this year.

Dear, New Order

Why havn't you toured the US other than a couple of dates. Please come to Pittsburgh.

Yours Truly, Substance ... Read more

Amazon.com

M.I.A.'s debut record is both intensely urban and aggressively modern. The group's sole member, Maya Arul, infuses her blend of hip-hop and chunky electro with raw, tribal overtones and a healthy dose of sex appeal. There are elements of world music here, in Arul's multi-lingual vocal as well as the tonal shifts and instrumentation (like the drone that opens up "Hombre"). Her delivery uses a variety of yelps and tics full of street-wise confidence and bratty energy. But there's also an appealing melodic sense, like early Neneh Cherry or Miss Kitten when she's not in diva-mode. M.I.A. doesn't really sound like anybody; the music is just experimental enough to wiggle out of easy comparisons. The IDM-style bleeps and beeps of "Galang," for example, give an already catchy song extra punch. The only problem with the record, a common flaw for debuts, is a sameness from track to track which robs it of the ability to surprise. Still, Arul is hugely talented and her abundant originality packs a wallop. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Best of 2005
For me this is the record of the year. It combines a unique sound with dramatic vocal pyrotechnics. It jams and blows up at every possible point. It is much better than Ms. Dynamite and other British hiphop records. The first songs have already influenced the music of Gwen Stefani. "Pull Up The People" is just an amazing track. It bubbles and squeaks. "Bucky Done Gun" which is even better follows this. The horn sound is just mind-blowing. Her music is a mix of hiphop, reggae, calypso and pop music. It's become some original hybrid. The album ends with two more great songs: "Sunshowers" and "Galang." This record has all the greatness of Bob Dylan and Lauren Hill. This record will be listened to for years.

URAQT
This is an album that will very quickly move into your regular rotation...that is if you like this type of fusion between dancehall, rap, electronica, tribal etc... I've read some pretty bitter reviews and I just don't understand the acrimony. If it's not for you then just get over it, but I personally think that this is an amazing work of creativity and expression. It's lucky for me that I happened to be living in Germany when I bought this record because my favorite song (URAQT) has been omitted from the US version. I don't understand why people like Lil Kim and Marilyn Manson can have their stuff released in the US but a song about kicking some girls butt for messing with your man is apparantly too taboo. The song is really great, and if you've dealt with a home wrecker then it's even greater, lol. Please try to buy the non-US version, if only for that one song. There are a few weak songs on this album (i could do without Sunshowers and Bingo) however the good ones (Bucky Done Gun, Pull Up The People, $10, Hombre, Fire Fire) more than make up for the duds. Her voice is very eclectic, going from sexy and fun on one track to aggressive and bombastic on another. Kind of reminds me of Bjork in a less evolved way but give her time. M.I.A is definately a new breed in her own right however and her unique style and delivery give her a place all her own. This is music to be listened to in your car at full volume or on a set of head phones also at full volume. It's feel good move your body music interwoven with subtle and not so subtle political messages ('Pull up the people, pull up the poor...') that are irrelevant if all you want to do is jam to some good beats. I support her views for the most part but I can see how they could detract from the music. There's a lot of violent imagery...but her father is a rebel fighter so I'm not surprised. Really though, all of the over hype and eye brow raising surrounding her background is just that. The music speaks for itself. Do yourself a favor and buy this as soon as you can.

Amazing album but there's a track missing!
First read about MIA in an issue of The New Yorker magazine in November 2004.Couldnt wait for the album to appear (scheduled for February 2005).Pre-ordered from Amazon USA.Strange delays, then order cancelled. Re-ordered and received a copy in April 2005.Amazing music but there are only 12 tracks.Heard the missing track "URAQT" in Gaslight Records, Melbourne, Australia - it is an amazing track - very strong lyrics and very bad harmonica.Why the censorship?Land-of-the-free-and home-of-the-brave?I think not!XL Recordings USA and Amazon USA, you are pretty lame.Fellow lovers of good music... if you want the un-expurgated edition (13 tracks) of this album, order it from Amazon UK or Shock Records Australia.Can the rest of us get a refund?

At least she's hotter than hell ;)
Galang is the strongest track here and I'd agree with many that it is no musical revolution. I enjoy it due to the fact it's a WORLD disc and I like World music alot. It's definitely different and I had seen the video for GALANG on the IMF Satellite channel. She's hotter than hell in my opinion so I'll give her a break. ;)

And with those criticizing Revolution, America was created on a violent Revolution so I have no idea what they're talking about. When you live under brutal oppression you revolt which none of us in America understand anymore. Thank God we don't have to revolt here like others but people need to study what goes on in certain areas of the globe.

Sometimes simple beats are good and this is better than alot of the major Rap trash here without any meaning at all.

M.I.A. announces her arrival. Moving around is compulsory
A DJ aquaintance of mine told me that 'Arular' always got the crowd up and dancing, and in a way, I can see why. Central to this electronic beatfest is M.I.A's sassy vocals, falling somewhere in between Madonna and Lene Lovich (the Neneh Cherry comparison is pretty good) all within the framework of hip-hop rhyming. There's really no need to over-analyze the music, which is basically infectious stripped-down beats, eg, LCD Soundsystem, pulsating, raw and tribal, almost hailing back to the crushing barebones approach of early hip-hop, eg, Grandmaster Flash. Also thrown into the mix is a subtle yet ecclectic fusion of analog flash, dancehall, and world music. But basically the appeal of 'Arular' stems from the charm and sexuality of M.I.A's vocals, orgasmic shrieks and brassy chants, a female touch when one expects male vocals to compliment the rhythmic thunder. Here she is now, let M.I.A. entertain you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Named after the French word for the rustle of silk, Frou Frou's debutalbum exudes cool, stylish elegance. SingerImogene Heap's soft,whispery vocals intone dreamy lyrics of doomed romances and slow recoveries. Thesongs are penned by Heap and her partner, producer Guy Sigsworth(Björk,Madonna), who manned theboard on Heap's 1998 solo albumI Megaphone. Even themightyBrian Eno gets into theact, with a cowriting credit on the soul-bearing "Hear Me Out." In fact, all 11tracks deal with love and fractured relationships, hauntingly beautiful both intheir stark emotional content and the equally sparse arrangements that showcaseHeap's ethereal voice, which she uses as a subtle weapon, much likeJoni Mitchell circa1970's Ladies of theCanyon, with the same heart-stopping yet effortless octave leaps.--Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (76)

Easily the most elegant piece of music of 2002
Every pop fan who searches for a more mature , substancial listening than the commercial teen pop stars of our time should definitely put Frou Frou's " Details " on the top of his buying list . Guy Sigsworth's and Imogen Heap's first offering as a group is a smooth , stress-less pop gem which flirts with electronica .

Almost every track of this album has what it takes to be released as a cd-single . The orchestrations and the perfect harmony of the melodies combined with the ethereal vocals and full-of-confidence presence of Heap resulted in a beautifully-crafted record which one can use as a background to a party as well as a soundtrack for his soul searching moments . Stand out tracks incude " Flicks " , " Breathe In " and " Must Be Dreaming " while they exceptional " Only Got One " is mysteriously missing from the tracklist of their first major studio effort yet at least is available for you to downloaded it on the internet .

In my humble opinion , Frou Frou are one of the most interesting new bands around and their debut album , without doubt one of last year's best releases . They simply open their hearts and minds and create beautiful music .

Very Nice...
With a beat selection definitely paralleling Beth Orton's and Esthero's musical landscapes, paired with Sarah McLachlan's peaceful lyrical inflection and Tori Amos' rousing vocality, you find Frou Frou and vocalist Imogen Heap.

Songs such as "Maddening Shroud", "Hear Me Out", "Only Got One", and "Breathe In" just call for a Beth Orton cameo guest vocal appearance. "Hear Me Out" even has a little bit of Leona Naess' quaint sophistication embedded in it.

"Psychobabble" and "Let Go" again reveal a Beth Orton-esque sensibility, but also introduce a Tori Amos like fascination, with churning electronic pulses (like some songs from Tori Amos' 'To Venus and Back' album). "Let Go" even comes across a little Bjork-ish while retaining its reference to a Tori Amos song like "Concertina", while "Psychobabble" somewhat holds Tori Amos' song, "Bliss", as reference.

"Shh" sounds like it could be the next installment of Sarah McLachlan's "Sweet Surrender". "Must Be Dreaming" is totally Sarah McLachlan territory. You'd sware that Sarah McLachlan is somewhere floating around in the background. Even some of Heap's vocals greatly come close to McLachlan's style here (think of the 'Touch' and 'Surfacing' blend era McLachlan).

Interestingly, "It's Good To Be In Love" reminds me of some of the sounds Stretch Princess achieves on their first album.

With all these artistic comparisons, it also does become apparent that Frou Frou and Heap are putting forth their own visions as well. Some detractors might argue that Frou Frou is merely ripping off these various influences mentioned above, but I beg to differ. If Frou Frou's music relevancy stays intact, then they should be around for a while, releasing some great music, and having timeless and lasting careers like Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan; something not too many artists achieve nowadays. 'Details' is an obvious nomination for album of the year.

Worth Buying Album
I tracked down this album after hearing the song Let Go in a preview for a movie. Let Go, the first track, sets a pretty good example of what else you'll be getting from the album. Great electronica-pop album. The only downside: 2 or 3 songs sound a little like the top ten radio countdowns.

Buy this CD, it's fantastic!!!
The combination of Imogen Heap & Guy Sigsworth makes for the best CD of the decade. Heap's vocals are beyond description (despite many reviewers attempts to compare her to the those 90's queens) she is truly unique. Sigsworth is a producer/writer/genius, It's hard to believe that Sigsworth past work was with Madonna on some of her latter trash (I guess that you have to start somewhere. I'm not knocking Madonna, she had her time, but her music over the past 10 years has been completely void of anything interesting). I would recommend buying Heap's solo project as well (much more rock & roll and a little difficult to fall in-love with, but you will). The only disappointment with this CD is that there is no way that this duo can follow up this CD. I fear that they set the bar too high and will only go down from here.

excellent cd
I have just recently heard this cd and I love it.I heard it at a friends house and I listened to it over and over again.I have purchased it and its an excellent cd.The songs are all great,I love the tune and the soft music.Its a really nice cd and you should definetley buy this.I dont have one favorite song all of them are fun and great songs. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Early buzz on The Emancipation of Mimi had it that this would be the disc to mark "the return of the voice"—the voice being that glass-shattering instrument that propelled Carey to best-selling female artist of all time status—and mostly it is. But because of the small army of talent involved in its assembly, it's also way more than that. For straight-ahead, look-out-Beyonce-Mimi's-still-got-it reinforcement, try "Mine Again," a ‘70s-soul cuddle-up, "Circles," a soaring, don't-attempt-this-on-American-Idol love song, the gospel dazzler "Fly Like a Bird," and "Stay the Night." But for songs that steer this disc directly into 2005, no looking back, scan the jewel case for the tracks followed by the word "featuring": "To the Floor," with Nelly, bumps along to maximum booty-shaking effect, while Twista spins his natural-disaster-force vocal into "One and Only." Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, and Jermaine Dupri also pitch in; between them and the highwire vocals, Emancipation works the kind of pure-pop magic that sets us all free. --Tammy La Gorce—this text refers to the standard edition.

More from Mariah

Mariah Carey	Emotions	Music Box
Merry Christmas	# 1's	Glitter

... Read more

Reviews (98)

This abum is whats up!....For real
Dont listen to all those negative reviews these haters are throwing out there.EMANCIPATION OF MIMI IS AMAZING!!.Dont burn it, buy it.I guarantee you will fall in love with it.Mariah is taking it back.Just when you thought she fell off.. BAM!.. she drops this album.I love all of the songs, especially the ballads, "Mine Again", "Circles", "I wish you knew"...etc.This is the type of album where you can related to every song.She is saying what you are feeling. Honestly, this is one album that I never get tired of listening to over and over again.

Mariah's return
Mariah Carey is back with a new album. It is safe to say it's better than her 2002 album CHARMBRACELET. I like the ballads a lot on this disc, including "Joyride", "Stay The Night", "Circles", "Mine Again", "I Wish You Knew", "We Belong Together", etc. The uptempo songs are good too including "It's Like That", "Shake It Off", "Get Your Number" etc. Overall a solid album from Ms. Carey.

She's Back To Doing Her Thing!
Finally, she's back.Mariah Carey's return to form is definitely welcomed, especially after horrible albums like Glitter, Rainbow, and Charmbracelet and her equally terrible movie Glitter.It's a relief when a legendary voice and talent like Diva Mariah Carey gets things going the right way.To help her on her path she enlisted top songwriter and producer Jermaine Dupri, as well as Babyface, Kayne West, The Neptunes, James Poyser and the Legendary Traxter ( yes THAT guy from the Twista cd's) as well as producing and writing some of the songs herself.She also gets help from popular rappers such as Snoop Dogg, Twista, and Nelly although they all take a backseat to Mariah's powerful voice.Mariah turns in arguably her best vocal performance of her career.Simply beautiful.The Ballads are sung with incredible passion and skill and the up tempo songs are done excellently.My favorite songs include the two lead singles It's Like That and We Belong Together, as well as Mine Again, One & Only, Circles, I Wish YOu Knew, Joy Ride, and Fly Like A Bird ( which is the best song on the album).The songwriting is often top notch and the production is spot on point.The Vocals, as said before are complete greatness.Her voice is so unique, angelic powerful, inimitable...whatever adjective you can think of that's good.Mariah Carey deserves all the recognition she gets because this is surely a great comeback album and classic for all ages.Congratulations to Mariah Carey for making arguably the best album of the year and arguably the best album of her career.Masterpiece.

0 Stars...
Mariah has lost it. She doesnt sound like she used to. All the high notes and overshouting has taken a toll on her, even further proving my theory that she wasnt formally trained as a vocalist before being signed (Christina Aguilera anyone?). We Belong Together is tolerable, but it wouldve sounded better if she sang it 10 years ago, when her voice was fresh and soulful. CHARMBRACELET had a good song on it (Through The Rain). The last good album she had was BUTTERFLY. Sorry but I just cant purchase Mariah albums anymore after this. I cant believe this album was a sucess. Her last one wasnt and deservedly so. Why is this doing so well? She overshouts everything and it gets annoying to the ears if you put the volume on at even a NORMAL LEVEL! You have to put the volume on low to drown out the shouting. There is nothing new or fresh on this album. Another reviewer was right--it sounds like RAINBOW and CHARMBRACELET b-sides. her lower range still sounds ok because she never used it much (and should have). If you want to waste your money, go ahead. Otherwise just buy We Belong Together on the internet.

Looooooove this album & MC.
GRAMMY MATERIAL!!!!!
There is no other like Mariah. It's like listening to an Angel sing. Her voice is unique from all the other power house female vocalists. It's powerful but at the same time has an innocence, softness, clarity, beauty, and tranquil quality that is so completely mesmerizing. She is unparalleled. This is why no contestant on AI has ever attempted to sing one of her songs. Mariah is simply untouchable. She is an amazing talent that can sing, but can also write & produce her own songs and has done so from the start of her career. She debuted at #1 her 1st week on billboard. As for all the haters.... screw'em....it's not worth wasting my time. I just skip over their reviews, because obviously they need hearing aids. First, I think this is the best album of her career. It's hard to decifer because I love them all, but MC has really hit the jackpot with this one. It's a real work of art that offers an assortment of beautiful ballads and addictive dance/club/R&B tracks. Her next single should be either "Mine Again", "Get Your Number", or "Stay the Night". As always her genuine & sincere lyrics are well written, mature, articulate, and conveyed with pure emotion. I also love the angel-like look of the cd cover. She looks absolutely beautiful. As I previously mentioned, I have alot of respect for Mariah because she is the only superstar songstress that utilizes every aspect of her talent in writing and producing her songs (w/ the exception of Christina[Stripped] who is beginning to). This cd is magnificent. GO BUY THE CD & LETS CONTINUE THE #1 REIGN ON THE CHARTS. GO OUT & GET IT NOW!!!!! YOU WILL LOOOOOOOOVE IT.....I'M BACK.... SHE HAS SLIPPED TO #2 ON THE BILLBOARD THE 2ND WEEK, WHICH IS STILL RESPECTFUL.... BUT WE NEED TO HELP HER REBOUND BACK TO # 1.....PASS THE WORD....WE HAVE TO SUPPORT HER.... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Some thought it would never happen, but after solo successes and a three-year hiatus the ladies of Destiny's Child have reunited for the eagerly-anticipated Destiny Fulfilled. The Houston-based trio of Kelly, Michelle and some girl named Beyonce follow up their mega successful Survivor with another album full of infectious dance grooves and melancholy tales of women done wrong. Lead single "Lose My Breath" is their first offering of the former. Backed by a kinetic marching band sample, they sing with an urgency that bolsters the Rodney Jerkins-produced track. Current single "Soldier" is more of the same. Featuring T.I. and Lil' Wayne, the song allows the trio to sing the praises of the kind of men they like.

Despite this one-two uptempo punch, DC does do ballads. They go old-school on the moving "If." Michelle, who has several impressive solos throughout, and Beyonce trade lines about finding and holding on to love. However, on "Bad Habit" the trio goes for the paint-by-numbers woman finding her inner-strength theme. Other highlights include the 9th Wonder and Beyonce-produced "Girl" and the midtempo gem "Free." --Rashaun Hall ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

The naughtily titled Immaculate Collection culls 15 of Madonna's Top 10 singles from 1984 to mid-'90, plus 2 new ones that continued the run (the dirty, trunk-bumping funk of "Justify My Love"--a Lenny Kravitz production that justifies his entire career--and the danceable desperation of "Rescue Me"). Rooted in disco and classic AM pop from girl groups and ABBA to Strawberry Alarm Clock, Madonna made savvy, touching music throughout her first golden era. These tracks retain their sonic and historical significance while, like "She Loves You" or "Rocket Man," still brightening any space they're being played in. Far more than just a wise, irreverent image-maker--like the Beatles or Elton, come to think of it--Madonna during these years was the gift that kept on giving, forever fresh, sexy, hooky, and joyously sharp. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (259)

An amazing collection of Madonna's career (1980-1991)
"The Immaculate Collection", the first collection of greatest hits to come from Madonna, is no doubt an incredible array of Madonna's career. Filled with infectious and familiar tracks, "Immaculate" boasts the best single collection of Madonna's most popular songs.

Opening with "Holiday", her first hit back in the early 80's and cascading through her early works in the beginning of the album, it offers the nostalgic sense of seeing her for the first time. "Like A Virgin" and "Material Girl" soon come on, popular numbers that can only bring back the image of her groping herself on MTV's stage in 1984.

Flying through the years, we see her seemingly anti-abortion song "Papa Don't Preach" and her most incredible ballad to date, "Live To Tell", a strikingly powerful and beautifully constructed song.

Ironically, the true treat of the package is the at-the-time-of-release new songs, "Justify My Love" and "Rescue Me". "Justify", an amazing hypnotic mix of strange percussions and whisperings, proves that Madonna can offer up something new without destroying its popularity. It's highly sexual attitude creates a serene mood that is truly amazing. "Rescue Me", a quite rhythmic dance track, has that deepness that Madonna incorporated into her voice that adds a large bonus to the value of the performance.

This album also includes large hits like "Into The Groove", "Like A Prayer", and her largest single of her career, the two-times platinum dance track "Vogue". Truly recommended for those who enjoyed the 80's/early 90's as well as Madonna's career.

The best pop singer of her generation
Here are just some of Madonna's early classic hits. When this compilation was assembled, Madonna already had too many hits to include them all on a single CD, hence the omission of Angel, Dress you up, Gambler, True blue and all the hits from the soundtrack, Who's that girl? Because of her continuous success in the years that followed the release of this compilation, a comprehensive Madonna hits collection would now require a triple CD. That is a measure of her brilliance, sustained over a very long period of time.

The set begins with three hits from her debut album, of which Holiday is the best but Lucky star and Borderline are also wonderful. Then come Like a virgin and Material girl, two of the singles released from her outstanding second album. Crazy for you, an excellent ballad, and Into the groove, a superb dance song, come next. Although the title track is omitted, four other major hits from the True blue album (Live to tell, Papa don't preach, Open your heart, La Isla Bonita) can be found here, each one of them a classic but very different from each other. Three major hits from Like a prayer include Express yourself and Cherish. Vogue (from I'm breathless) and two tracks not available on any previous album (Justify my love, Rescue me) complete the set.

Anybody who does not understand why Madonna has such a huge fan base only has to listen to this compilation to find out why. Catchy pop tunes with interesting lyrics (for those that bother to listen to the words) are Madonna's trademark, yet she manages to avoid becoming formulaic. Madonna has continuously changed her style, so you don't hear the same sound over and over again.

There is no definitive Madonna compilation yet but we may have to wait a few years for that. Until that time, this is the best introduction to her music that is available.

Madonna : The Mother of Re-Invention
This record was the first Madonna album I bought , and I have been a fan ever since!! This woman has to be one of the most influential artists of the eighties , ninties , and the new millenium. She always re-invents herself , reflecting where she is in her life , what issue she wants to tackle , and what it is she wants to say. The album covers her first four studio albums : "Madonna" , "Like A Virgin" , "True Blue" , and "Like A Prayer". Songs she did for movie soundtracks are thrown in the mix also. Such as : "Vision Quest" , "Desperately Seeking Susan" , "At Close Range" , and "Dick Tracy".

"Madonna" was the first album she recorded. It was released in 1983 and included the hits : "Holiday" , "Lucky Star" , and "Borderline". Madonna was a busy gal during this period. She filmed her first two films : "Vision Quest" and "Desperatley Seeking Susan". That meant two more hits were released : "Crazy For You" and "Into The Groove".

"Like A Virgin" , her second album , included the hits : "Material Girl" and the title track. A year after the record was released (in 1984) , she went on tour. And met Sean Penn , they married that same year and that was what inspired her third studio album , "True Blue". In 1986 , songs like "Papa Don't Preach" and "Open Your Heart" shot straight to the top of the charts.

Sadly , they divorced in 1989 and Madge wrote , recorded , and released her fourth studio album , "Like A Prayer". Her Blonde Ambition tour was launced a year later in 1990. Performing hits like : "Express Yourself" , "Cherish" , and "Vogue" , Madonna lit up the stage and released the legendary film that documented the backstage view of that concert : "Madonna : Truth or Dare?".

In addition to all those triumphts , two more songs are included : "Justify My Love" and "Rescue Me". The video for "Justify" (which features Lenny Kravitz doing backround vocals) was banned from MTV & VH1 for its pictures of gay and lesbian couples , Mo kissing another woman , and her fine lover , model Tony Ward , getting down and dirty!!

Don't pay attention to the negitive reviews who says that Madonna isn't cool anymore. She will always be interesting despite negitive critics , they're just jealous!!! Buy this amazing album now!

One Of My All - Time Favorite Albums
By 1990, Madonna had scored an impressive string of hit singles that few artists have ever matched. By this time, she collected 25 of the 49 hit singles she has scored since 1983. And while it does leave some stuff out, it's a brilliant collection.

"The Immaculate Collection" contains many Madonna favorites, from "Like A Virgin" to "Material Girl" to "Like A Prayer". These songs, along with "Open Your Heart", "Cherish and "Express Yourself", are among the greatest songs in popular music. Anyone who deosn't like these songs does not have a good ear for good music. Also, there's a few not so recognized songs included here, like the beautiful ballads "Crazy For You" and "Live To Tell" as well as the eerie "Rescue Me"

As I said earlier, the immaculate collection does leave some stuff out, and only one of these omitted songs failed to make the top 10. The songs not included here are:

"Angel" (number 5)
"Dress You Up" (number 5)

"True Blue" (number 3)
"Who's That Girl" (number 1, the most telling omission)
"Causing A Commotion" (number 2)
"Oh Father" (number 20, the song that broke her top 10 streak)
"Keep It Together" (number 8)
"Hanky Panky" (number 10)

Still, what's here is an amazing legacy of music created in such short time by an artists who remains an icon of the 20th century and an influence on so many musicians. Purchase this today.

ABOVE ALL THE REST!!
SCREW! TO ALL THAT WRITES ANYTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT THIS ONE.
WHAT!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (129)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (952)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beautiful Disaster - Very soothing song

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

Thankful - Sweet song about what she's thankful for

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (82)

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

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

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

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

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

Album Description

Vocalist Tracy Thorn and multi-instrumentalist Ben Watt began making music together as Everything But the Girl in the early '80s while students at Hull University in the U.K. By the '90s their spare-yet-sensual, jazz-inflected tunes evolved nito a richly textured fusion of pop and electronica-"Pop-Tronica"-that shimmered with diverse musical idioms. A favorite both in the clubs and with critics and aficionados, the duo's innovative sound has become iconic to the genre. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Stay on Topic
I really hate it when people don't review the CDs. Bartender "metropic1"'s review was completely useless because he did not say anything about the CD.If he is angry because Everything But The Girl has not released any new music in years, he should post on their website, ebtg.com. He knew it was a remix CD."Remix" means no new material.This is not the place to vent over a lack of new music.

Remix/Rehash
It is pathetic that a duo as talented as EBTG keeps releasing the same old stuff with slightly different twist. They should take a page from PSB and release new stuff as well as old. Purchase "Like the deserts miss the rain" instead of this. Ben can run a label, why not create new stuff and release it on Buzzin'Fly. Trust me, I know, you can do both, or(and I hope not)is it just over for these two musically?

Another Outstanding Album
"Adapt Or Die" collects Everything But The Girl's remixes over the past 10 years, and is an excellent companion piece to their recent hits compilation "Like The Deserts Miss The Rain", since it adds several tracks from their 1999 LP "Temperamental" that were not included in the former. Besides the signature tunes ("Missing", "Wrong", "Walking Wounded"), there are some pleasant surprises along the way, like the Jazzy Jeff remix of "Mirrorball", which stands as one of EBTG's best remixes ever. "Before Today" is given a new lease of life by Adam F, incorporating a harder drum n bass beat than in the original. The remixes for "Single", "Lullaby of Clubland", "Downhill Racer" and "Corcovado" are also outstanding. The inclusion (at the end) of the 1990 acoustic mix of "Driving" is a nice touch, since it gives release to the relentless dance beats that occupied the last 13 songs on the record. Overall, this is one remix album you can actually listen to from beginning to end, because it is very consistent and compelling, just like anything EBTG has ever put out. If you like innovative, intelligent dance music with heart, you should definitely pick this up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Decent, at times good, but not, as is typical, great.
Adapt Or Die is a compilation of recordings made over the last 10 years (although there are some tracks older than that on here?).For longtime followers of EBTG, this is a welcome gift from the understandably reclusive group (made up principally of vocalist Tracy Thorn and husband/producer Ben Watt); they are new parents, and have made the rare decision to tether themselves to family first, and let their musical momentum subordinate.Refreshing indeed.

I've been anticipating this album since they mentioned it on their fan site some number of months ago (yes, I'm that big of an EBTG psycho, keep that in mind when I get a bit course here soon), I have great respect for Ben Watt's musical talent.I was certain he'd shepard a world-class mix.Well, after a few listens, this certainly isn't that.It's an "ok" mix.There are, in my opinion, only a couple of songs that are better than their original productions (Corcovado, and Mirrorball).Then there are a handful of songs that'll freshen-up interest in the EBTG playlist, but regrettably, not for long.

However, there are some unbelievable stinkers on this CD.I couldn't believe how bad the Tempermental remix is.It's...well, listen to it yourself before you get all worked up.It sounds like they forced Tracy by gunpoint to do a cover for that weird costume scene in Eyes Wide Shut.Disturbing.Also, the remix for Single is like...well, it's like the same song, only with some kind of Casio-watch-style beeping in the background.Maybe some people, like fans of Casio watches will be like "wow, some beeping at intervals, just what this track needed".I however am offended by what I consider needless tampering.

Which should be the title of this CD:Needless Tampering With Perfection.But that wouldn't move many units would it?

I'm obviously dissapointed.If you care to look up my reviews, you'll see that I'm a consistent 5 star reviewer of EBTG, I'm always the one strongly advising you to go buy the album.This time however, I can't in good conscience advise you to do anything but steer clear.

Sadly,

Christian Hunter
Santa Barbara, California

More than what you may expect
Beyond just a remix album, this is an overhaul of most of these ebtg classics. Admittedly biased-I am a die-hard ebtg fan, but this one impressed me none-the-less. The total reworking of great songs with fun results! Although I admit I don't like the Tempermental redo, it is certainly creative, and fits a certain mood and theme within the song. Whilst I would of course prefer new ebtg stuff, as Tracey is playing house (in a good way), this is an awesome alternative.
If you are new to ebtg or a long-time fan, this is a very worthy investment. Ben & Tracey have so much to say, in so many ways. I thank them for the latest in over twenty years of stellar releases. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The perfect timing of Beyonce Knowles’ career moves continues with the release of her debut solo album. Dangerously in Love’s best music is wildly up-to-date, craftily designed for both maximum street acceptance and positioning as some of the most cutting-edge stuff on current radio. The brash first single, "Crazy in Love," melds Jay-Z with an unstoppable Chi-Lites horn sample, shape-shifting into something brand new. Collaborations with Outkast’s Big Boi and Sean Paul also prick up the ears, while changes of pace like "Be with You" and "Speechless" achieve their aim with credibility. The disc becomes far too ballad heavy in its second half, but the key stuff is the noise she brings.--Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (704)

A Force of Nature...
The only mistake Beyonce made with her debut solo album is that trying to pass the first five tracks is a difficult task. Because the dance numbers are lumped at the beginning of the album, and the ballads overtaking the rest of the project, it feels too tiring trying to get through this good but uneven debut. Of course my review comes a little late, seeing as how nobody gives a damn what order the songs appeared in on the album, Beyonce is a bona-fide diva. Having headlined a tour alongside Miss Keys and Missy, it was truly Beyonce's year. For anyone expecting this album NOT to be highly stylized and well made for mainstream listeners, you need look elsewhere, because as much as I love Miss Knowles, she is as mainstream as they come. That's not to say the woman isn't talented. She was at the producers helm, crafting her album and making it her own.

Beyonce knew what sounds were the hottest, as evident on the wildly successful and funky tune 'Crazy in Love.' The classic horns sample, along with Jay-Z's chilled flow skills makes it a great song. Dancehall music was of course the genre of 2003 and continues to dominate 2004 along with crunk. What would a dancehall track be without Sean Paul? 'Babyboy' actually took awhile to appeal to me. Because dancehall riddims were everywhere and anywhere during the single's release, it became quite redundant, but nonetheless it is a great dance tune.

'Hip-Hop Star' and 'Naughty Girl' wear out their welcome quite quick. On 'Naughty Girl', Beyonce tries to hard to be...well... naughty, and while her homage to Donna Summer is appreciated, it doesn't mean the track holds through for a long amount of time.

What would an r&b divas album be without ballads. Most original is Beyonce's female empowering 'Me, Myself, & I', it is a great track with its vintage soul sound and Beyonce's soaring vocals. On the sensual "Gift From Virgo", Beyonce's lush voice fuses with Missy Elliots always innovative melodies. It is another standout track. 'Be With You' is also well done, with it's groovy, vintage beat and Miss Knowles slinky vocals.

All in all, Beyonce is your run of the mill diva. As much as I love her sound and watching her perform live, she is in every way a mainstream songbird. If you like slickly produced, and at times souless r&b, Beyonce fits the bill almost too perfectly. She certainly struck while the iron was hot, and she owned the year. Dangerously in Love is a good CD, but if many music buyers are still wary of its quality, I say buy the singles at your local Media Play, Sam Goody or whatever... because they are the strongest and best cuts from the album.

Beyonce Left Me "Speechless"
Beyonce Knowles, 1/3rd of Destinys Child, out did herself on her first solo debut album, entitled Dangerously In Love. This a a wonderful CD, that will be a classic, such as Aaliyah's, Aaliyah. The craftsmanship that she put into the album is evident with the first track, Crazy In Love. Beyonce is a true entertainer, and will be written down in history. Many people say that they dislike her, but I dont believe they really do, its just that she is a beautiful, talented, young woman, who is doin her thing, at such a young age. She has the mind, and vocals of a more mature woman. Her writing skills have improved tremendously, and vocal range has broadened. Every track on DIL, is a track to listen to more than once. My favorite tracks are Gift From A Virgo, Me, Myself, and I, Yes, Speechless, Naughty Girl, Daddy (beautiful ode to her father). Daddy is a change of pace for tributes to parents who have helped artists get where they are. A lot of artists have songs for their mothers, but no fathers. So this is wonderful. Beyonce really outdid herself, on this album, and I enjoy every track on. It was worth the pushbacks, and the money. Go get another copy. And just leave it in the packaging. Cause it will be worth something in the mere future.

THIS CD WAS GREAT
EVERY SONG WAS GOOD!THE BEST SONG WAS SPEECHLESS. I GUESS YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE IN LOVE TO UNDERSTAND.

Nice effort
The album was ok, I thought it was gonna be better. I like a few of the songs and thought they were well written but I expected something huge. She's a great artist,performer,singer,and person. She deserves all the grammys and success that God can bless her with but this album was a little disappointing to me.

Wonderful Artist and Person - Horrific Album
Depending on why you were a destiny's child fan to begin with, you will either love this album or hate it.

I became a fan when DC did the survivor album because they had a diverse amount of the background sounds/instruments and lyrical topics (like they really do love each other like family, people need to get their act together, you need to find god, true love is the best, and last but not least you need to party too). DC was also really good at being totally serious on a song and then being really cheesy (but have it still be fun to listen to) on another song.

Before this album came out I was really hyped up for it because Beyonce did a big chunk of producing and writing for the survivor album.

Since the survivor album was the first time she did most of the behind the scenes work I assumed this album would be similar in terms of what kind of vibe you got from it.

Man was I wrong, on most of the singles she is in Foxy Cleopatra mode (what she did in Austin Powers). It was cool to see that routine in the movie (because that was a comedy), but not on here (this wasn't supposed to be a comedy). Another major problem is most of the songs that were not ever on the radio are really bland ballads that are totally forgetable.

The sad thing is whenever you see Beyonce in interviews she is one of the few celebrities that really does come off as smart, kind, sexy, and mature. But if all you knew about her was from this album you wouldn't think this because way too many of the songs don't project that kind of feeling at all. Because of this the songs things sound contrived or really cheesy (in a bad way) most of the time (Naughty Girl is the worst offender, I laugh uncontrolably every time I hear that song).

So here is the final verdict, if all you are looking for is some songs to play at a party or you follow only top 40 stuff then get this or some compilation CD that has her singles (seriously, you will probably love it). If you are looking for a great album that you will continue to play years from now then avoid this and buy DC's Survivor album if you don't already have it. ... Read more