1989's Sensual World remains Kate Bush's most mature, entrancing album. Expectations ran high for the long-awaited follow-up to her 1986 breakthrough The Hounds of Love, and she met them with this sometimes breathtaking, often introspective work. On songs like the erotic title track and the dramatic "Love and Anger," Bush charts the many rhythms of relationships with a keen eye for detail and less frilly bluster than usual. Elsewhere, with the tense "Between a Man and a Woman" and the lush "This Woman's Work" she virtually lays the foundation for Tori Amos's future success. Musically, Bush broadens her palette with the smart additions of Irish piper Davey Spillane, Balkan singers The Trio Bulgarka, and jazz bassist Eberhard Weber. --Michael Ruby ... Read more

Asin: B0000026IP
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. Pop    4. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    5. Rock   

Few women have expanded the vocabulary of rock as bewitchingly as Kate Bush; among male stars, only Prince may have taken as many risks. Hounds of Love saw Bush reining in the kookier aspects of The Dreaming, channelling them into epic electro-pop that tackled big issues of life and death and God with gripping drama and intensity. "Running Up That Hill" was one of the great singles of the '80s; "Cloudbusting" was string-driven, magically pretty; "Jig of Life" showed that Bush is one of the few pop artists who can flirt with Celtic mysticism without sounding twee or trite. Forget the riot grrrls: Bush is the real thing.--Barney Hoskyns ... Read more

Asin: B000002U9E
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. Pop    4. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    5. Rock   

Ever since Björk's vital, effusive 1993 debut, her musichas been increasingly intimate, gently private, and concerned withseclusion. It's typical then that Vespertine's first single iscalled "Hidden Place." The studious solitude is rewarding, though.Vespertine is a lush, gorgeous swell of midpace electronica,symphonic strings, and Björk's uniquely alien, spectral vocals.There are fantastical wonders here. "Cocoon" (another eulogy towithdrawal from the world) is delicate as a breath, Björk soundingtoo fragile to be flesh as she lauds "a beauty this immense." "PaganPoetry" and "Aurora," likewise, are adrift in an enchanted reverie.When she chooses, she crafts killer tunes; "It's Not up to You" is aslovely as anything on Post. Yet, frequently,on such tracks as the yearning, glancing "Undo," Björk seems to besimply thinking aloud, reveling in this wildly rich and visceral music.She's reclaimed cutting-edge electronica, so often the province ofgeeks and technicians, for the poets and the passionate.Vespertine is a landmark, a revelation, and a truly fabulousachievement. --Ian Gittins ... Read more

Asin: B00005NG4X
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Electronica    3. Pop    4. Rock   

As its title indicates, this 1985 recording marked Barbra Streisand's return to her Broadway roots (significantly, she had dropped her pop-period Guilty perm and returned to straight hair). The CD contains a broad selection of show tunes, from Guys and Dolls's "Adelaide's Lament" to Sweeney Todd's "Not While I'm Around." But let's face it: this may also be one of Babs's most dated albums, due to typically '80s synthesizer-heavy arrangements that simply don't work with the material. Company's "Being Alive" is scarred by a preening alto sax, while West Side Story's "Something's Coming" features what sounds suspiciously like syndrums. But--and it's a pretty big "but"--Streisand sounds more buttery than ever ("Send in the Clowns" may be one of her finest '80s moments), so much so that she often manages to overcome the cheesy production. Now that's a singer. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Asin: B00000264K
Subjects:  1. Miscellaneous    2. Music Theater    3. Opera    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Vocal   

While Stevie Nicks had the most recognizable voice in Fleetwood Mac, there was no guarantee she could craft the same kind of pop-rock magic without the help of the Mac's guiding musical force, Lindsey Buckingham. As such, Bella Donna found her emerging surprisingly strongly as a solo talent. Part of the credit goes to Tom Petty, who gave her an excellent song in "Stop Dragging My Heart Around" (and duets with her on it). But other high points are Nicks's own creations, including the urgently rocking "Edge of Seventeen" and the country-tinged ballad "Leather and Lace" (a duet with Don Henley). A few tunes here are forgettable, but overall Nicks started her solo career on a high note. --Peter Blackstock ... Read more

Asin: B000002IB9
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Soft Rock   

McKennitt's recordings always have the quality of a spiritual sojourn; her songs are those of a seeker, whether she's setting Yeats, Scripture, or her own words to her compositions. It's this that attracts people to her music, and The Book of Secrets is no exception, whether it's the lazy rhythms of "Marco Polo," the sober joy of "The Mummers' Dance," the poignancy of "Skellig" or "Dante's Prayer," or the drama of Alfred Noyes's "The Highwayman." "The Highwayman" is a particularly strong effort, especially in comparison to her earlier setting of "The Lady of Shalott"; McKennitt has become much more skilled at musical narrative. This is music that can be enjoyed on many levels, from McKennitt's growing skill as a composer to the deeper questions posed by her lyrics. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Asin: B000002NHN
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative    2. Celtic Fusion    3. Celtic New Age    4. Contemporary Celtic    5. Pop    6. Rock   

Lionheart
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Reviews (38)

Bush's weakest effort.
Kate Bush's second album, "Lionheart", may be the weakest in her catalog.Its clear Bush did not want to fall into the trap of constructing "The Kick Inside Part Two", and instead reaches in a number of different directions, some successful, some less so.

Musically, the album takes stabs at ballads similar to the first record ("In Search of Peter Pan", "In the Warm Room"), a more pop structure ("Wow"), rhythmic shifts ("Don't Put Your Foot on the Heartbrake") an almost shuffle ("Fullhouse") and a gret rock song ("Hammer Horror").Lyrically, Bush has added a level of sensuality to her work ("Symphony in Blue") and shows no sign of shying away from controversial subjects ("Kashka from Baghdad").

The problem is that it doesn't hang together well to my mind-- admittedly, my rating for the album is in many ways relative to Bush's other work, no album with the absolutelyu amazing "Kashka from Baghdad" can be all that bad, and certainly "Symphony in Blue" is strong enough to stop you in your tracks, but the album just doesn't work for me.For early Bush, try her debut ("The Kick Inside") or the stunning "Never For Ever".

Kate Bush's Most Intimate Album
The thing I have noticed the most especially from American fans of Kate Bush is that they don't get "Lionheart" as one reviewer succintly put it.
True,Kate Bush has always been the most English of all English singers.Her looks and her voice recall the windy wily moors of Northern England,the lush greenery of the English countryside,the dark eroticism of English manors,and nowhere is this more apparent than in the brilliant "Lionheart".
Hammer Horror is about a plot by an understudy to kill a play's main protagonist to steal the part from her or him for that matter.Hammer refers to the venerable Hammer Studios who produced all the Dracula and Vampire movies in Britian from the 50's to the 70's.

Coffee Homeground is another song about murder ,its 19th century atmosphere is amzingly produced and nowhere else is Kate Bush's voice more eerie.

Oh England My lionheart is a true classic in both lyrics and performance.You can actually feel the aching in Kate's voice as she vows her love for her country.In the hands of any other artist this song could have been a syrupy mishmash but with Kate Bush,it's a strong declaration of love without being aggressively patriotic.

Kashka from Baghdad is a sympathetic story of 2 gay men who even though shunned by their friends and families for being gay don't care because as the landlady can clearly see every night under the moonlight,they are deeply in love and obviously oblivious to what the world thinks of them.You can hear in Kate's voice her longing to join them.I find this to be typical of Kate's sensual persona.

And by the way ,Kate has always tackled taboo subjects long before it became fashionable to do so.How many of you know that the song "Moving" from The Kick Inside is about orgasm??

One Step Forwards, Two Steps Back
Lionheart is a curious album, displaying one step forwards then two steps back in terms of Kate Bush's progression as an artist. On the plus side she's more adventurous with her writing, reaching far more diverse and interesting topics. Her attempts to expand musically, however, are undermined due to the fact that this album was rushed far too quickly, leaving potential ideas sadly a little underbaked, leaving tracks that are weakly structured and thinly executed.
Best Tracks; Wow, Hammer Horror, Don't Put Your Foot On The Heartbrake ... Read more

Asin: B000007MVL
Sales Rank: 31202
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Little Earthquakes
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 February, 1992)
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Editorial Review

Emotionally and musically intense, Little Earthquakes shows that the piano is as much a rock & roll instrument as the guitar. Tori Amos's debut (if one disregards Y Kant Tori Read, as one would be well advised to do) is at once listenable and challenging; she takes on every topic, from sex to gender to religion, in an uncompromising manner. Her music appears gentle at first, but this appearance is deceiving, as one quickly learns upon listening to the wrenching "Crucify" or the almost violent "Precious Things." By the time the album gets around to "Me and a Gun," sung hauntingly by Amos without accompaniment from her piano, the juxtaposition of Amos' sweet voice and the emotional complexity of her lyrics is both familiar and shocking. Sandman fans should listen for a reference to author Neil Gaiman in "Tear in Your Hand." --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (328)

Good CD but not her best
Okay readers, I COULD just praise this album repeditively like the below reviewers have done (which I am not going to do by the way), or I could type something original.
Although this CD is very very good, I don't think it her best. I will be honest. I only own this release and The Beekeeper, and I enjoy the beekeeper better. This CD has absolutely excellent songs but is sometimes but very rarely inconsistent in producing bad tracks, TB is the same altough it has 19 tracks.
This CD is very excessible compared to some of Tori's future releases. I didn't mention that I have also purchased Boys For Pele (album #3), because I have only listened to it once.
Altohugh my all-time favourite Tori Amos song is Precious things. Read any of the good reviews below, and you will see why this song is such a masterpiece. Other standout tracks are Crucify, Girl, Winter and Little Earthquakes. "China" is okay, but get get boring after repeated listens(it's peak quickly ceases after a couple of seconds, which reminded me of Kylie Minogues Automatic Love song) this is the same with Me And A Gun (and Tear In Your Hand to a lesser extent). Mother I like better because it has more emotion. Winter is sort of like Mother but it has a lot more emotion in it.
Note:
Ballads: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11.
Other:: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
Do you see the pattern? I believe if this album was in a different order it would have been much better.
Therefore, this is a great intro to Tori Amos.
For more information see the 300 or so reviews written below.

Youneed to give credit...
Tori Amos is one of those women who you can sum up in one word: Genius. You might not think so, but if you don't, you really should listen harder. I give credit and respect any woman that can write and preform her own music as beautifully as she does. She has a beautiful voice and had went though a lot in her life and just kept going. I think she is a great inspiration and I think atleast everyone should hear her sing once. But not only is she talented...she is increadibly beautiful. She doesn't even need to show off anything. I suggest you learn more about her and listen to a song of hers, she is a gifted woman..one of the best for our generation.

Great Songwriter...
I havent heard much of Tori Amos, but from what I heard shes a very talented writer, and has a nice voice. Any women that can write music should be respected..right Amanda? ... Read more

Asin: B000002IT2
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Union
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 March, 1993)
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Reviews (32)

This hit the spot, and keeps on doing so even now...
I first heard 'Stop Your Fussin'' blaring from an open-top car way back then. I managed to find out who the artist was (I forget how), got a copy and spent the next 6 months listening to not much else. And now 15 years later I'm STILL not bored with this album (or any of her others, for that matter). My favourite? Definitely 'Zimbabwe' - one of the most beautiful songs ever written.

There are two groups/singers that I will never tire of - Pink Floyd and Tony Childs. The difference between the two merely illustrates how the music is the important element, and not the genre.

Where the heck did she go???
Talk about fast fades! Toni Childs releases three incredibly good albums between 1988 and 1993 and then completely vanishes. And I mean COMPLETELY; if you don't believe me, try doing a "Google" on her and see how much nothing you come up with. Fortunately, we got her recorded works, with UNION being the strongest of the lot. "Don't Walk Away" still holds up after all this time, a rouser that kicks in with a growl and a sting that can't be shaken off. "Walk And Talk Like Angels" is on the other end of the spectrum, a silky-smooth ride that carries the listener away. The personal stand-out for me is "Where's the Ocean," a song playing over and over in my head the year this came out(1988)which happened to coincide with my first marriage breaking up. The lumps in my throat come back every time I hear it, but the whole album's like that. Dunno where Ms. Childs got to, but I'm grateful for what she left behind, especially UNION.

Just get it!
This album is one of my all time favorites. I was looking for another fav from this time period and thought of her. When hearing the clips of the songs again it made me go look for this cd in my collection and then to my horror...I don't have it anymore! Darn ex!! lol I am now getting it again...my third copy of this fanastic album. It's well worth the $$ spent. The only song I dont care for is the first track...it happened to be her only somewhat "hit" go figure! lol It didnt fit in with the rest of the album, IMO. :) This is one to put on your headphones, kick back, soak it all in baby! ... Read more

Asin: B000002GHR
Sales Rank: 19588
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Ray of Light
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 March, 1998)
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Editorial Review

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 (718)

Arguably Madonna's best album
'Ray of Light' marked Madonna's return to pop glory.She was still a successful and beloved international pop star in 1998, but both 'Erotica' and 'Bedtime Stories' did not deliver the same numbers as blockbusters like 'True Blue' and 'Like a Prayer'.

'Ray of Light' changed that.Not only was it a huge hit for Madonna, it was her most consistent and enjoyable album yet, and it gained raves from both critics and record-buyers alike (not to mention the Grammys).

There is a wealth of great material on this album, including the stunning opener, 'Drowned World/Substitute for Love', the frenetic title track, and the haunting 'Skin'.

William Orbit proved to be an excellent producer fro Madonna, and although he would produce a few tracks on ROL's follow-up, 'Music', I think Madonna ended her partnership with him a little too quickly.

Their collaboration marked a watershed in Madonna's career, and a reminder that Madonna could deliver an album that was both commercial and soulful.

Excellent pop album!
1997 was a quiet year for Madonna. Evita was her first and only movie succes, but her single sales were going downhill since 1991. She re-invented herself several times and it didn't work. But after she got her baby Lourdes early 1998, she re-inevnted her music and look again and this time it was a huge succes. Madonna looked like a natural beauty with her long black/brown hair and her music was a huge succes. Ray Of Light went 4 times platinum in ths US and was a double platinum or more succes in almost every country. She released 6 singles which promoted the album and many awards (for example 4 grammys) helped promoting the album and singles. The Kaballah really helped Madonna! It cleaned her soul.

The album has got all the latest tunes and sounds fresh and modern. The songs are all longer then 4 minutes and the album includes 13 tracks. It's a large album album, with a running time of more then 150 minutes. The order of the track is well and Madonna's voice sounds amazing after her singing lessons for Evita. The album has a variation of songs, but the songs do match eachother. William Orbit and Madonna did an amazing job. The first part of the album includes some rock-pop songs and the second part is filled with ballads. It can be played at any time.

The titel track is a bouncy rock-pop dance song. Madonna sings really high. You will be surprised at first, but after more listenings you will love this song. It includes a lot of crazy sounds and tunes. Swim and Candy Perfume Girl are both mid-tempo rock-pop songs. Madonna is surprisingley good with soft rock. Mer Girl is a song without beats. It's just Madonna's voice and a melody at the background. The song has some special tunes, which gives this song a mysterious effect. It's a good way to end the album. Little Star is a song about her child. The Power Of Goodbye is the best ballad of the album. The flute created a special effect and the chorus is a classic one. Sky Fits Heaven has some trance in it and can be played in a discotheque. The beats are amazing and the song is very, very catchy. Ashanti is a song other then the others. It is a geisha song in Kaballah language. It has a Chinese effect. The opening song Drowned World has very good lyrics, which is important for the whole album.

Well, is there anything bad about Ray Of Light? Of course, some things are less but there is nothing that really sucks. Madonna's best album without any doubt. You should buy this one, even if you hate madonna. It is pop, rock and trance and it includes very deep ballads and good lyrics. It sounds very new, like it is an album of 2020. This is almost the perfect album...

it's good but overrated too
this album was a new era of artistic growth for madonna's career, the sounds are original with a clever mix of hip hop, eletronica and folk music with deep lyrics and music that one would have not expected from madonna. I suppose the album is a relfection of the rebirth in her life after giving birth to Lourdes. Swim, Ray Of Light, Candy Perfume Girl, Frozen, The Power Of Goodbye and Little Star are the highlights of the CD, but as a whole, I don't think I can listen to the whole thing without wanting to skip tracks every now and then although it's well produced. I think Music and American Life flow better with the tracks and all, and Madonna plays instruments on those albums too. Definitely check those other 2 out, but also check this out to listen to how madonna's music sound evolves with every album. Even Bedtime stories was like a prelude to this album in a way, as hinted with the hit Bedtime Stories. She evolved from pop to dance to r&b to electronica to classic rock, it's amazing. ... Read more

Asin: B000002NJS
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Club/Dance    3. Dance Music    4. Dance-Pop    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock   

Marina Lima
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 November, 1992)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (1)

The talent of Marina Lima
Marina Lima is undoubtless the musa of the modern brazilian music. With an extrardinary musical career that goes beyond singing she manages been a powerful songwriter and producer too. Marina Lima is a must have, compelling and an essential album to anyone who loves quality and talented music. You dont need to understand what she's singing (portuguese) just feel the vibration and power of her raspy and sensual voice. Go and get your copy now, you won't regret! ... Read more

Asin: B000002UZQ
Sales Rank: 303341
Subjects:  1. Brazil    2. Brazilian    3. Brazilian Jazz    4. Jazz    5. Latin    6. Latin Continuum    7. Latin Jazz   

Real Love
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 November, 1991)
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Reviews (11)

Smooth
What Lisa lacks in originality and depth, she more than makes up for it with good production,pleasant vocals, and addictive hooks. This album is a nice mix of pop and soul, with even some house grooves thrown in.There's nothing more to say. You could both get your groove on and relax to this album, and you could do both equally well. I also have to comment that the album sounds fresh and up to date. Lisa Stansfield is never going to be someone I go nuts about, but I'm willing to give this album 3 stars just because it's well put together and nice to listen to.

REAL LOVE IS REAL GOOD
Here is another example of an artist with a lot of talent but not enough exposure (at least in the USA). I have been a fan of Lisa's ever since "All Around the World" and have never looked back. This cd is by far the best of her stuff--even though it is not a greatest hits cd, it is still great. She takes us on a journey of being a woman with heart, soul and plenty of emotion.
She tells us that if she could do it over again she would not CHANGE a thing. Then she explains that she shares a REAL LOVE with her man; a love that lasts forever. As she continues, she tells her lover that when you are with me you must learn to SET YOUR LOVING FREE. Lisa understands that her man has been hurt before and is very patient for his "wounds" to heal; so makes a proclamation to him I WILL BE WAITING for you. But you must remember, no matter how long we stay together I am ALL WOMAN; and will always be the one to MAKE LOVE TO YA. Lisa tells us that she has always had great love for herself because it is SOUL DEEP. But her one wish, towards her man, is that it is TIME YO MAKE YOU MINE. Now that he is in her life, she no longer wants to feel any more SYMPTOMS OF LONELINESS AND HEARTACHE. This is not her FIRST JOY but she knows that if she is treated TENDERLY & given A LITTLE MORE LOVE; she knows that this time IT'S GOT TO BE REAL. This is one helluva cd. A combo of pop, jazz, r&b and a lot of soul. She also combines Motown and the Philly sound. She is one of the best.

An Undervalued Gem
I became a fan of Lisa Stansfield's when I heard Coldcut's (I think that's the artist) "People Hold On" on the dance floor.Being a fan of blue-eyed soul I made sure I bought her first album "Affection" and was not disappointed and that album became a favorite.Then I heard "Real Love".This album is smooth and wicked!Highlights are "All Woman, Soul Deep, Set Your Loving Free, I Will Be Waiting, It's Got To Be Real, Little More Love, and the title track.Basically the whole album is hot.I can honestly say that this album has everything - great ballads and smooth jazzy dance tunes.Ms. Stansfield sings with confidence and emotion, not forcing her voice on the listener, unlike today's artists with their voice aerobics and hand flapping. This album proves that she is truly an underrated artist. ... Read more

Asin: B000002VLN
Sales Rank: 8998
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Club/Dance    3. Dance-Pop    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Urban   

Shepherd Moons
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 November, 1991)
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Editorial Review

The success of her first international hit, Watermark, confirmedEnya as less a singer or songwriter than a sonic architect: working withproducer Nicky Ryan and his wife, lyricist Roma Ryan, the classically-trainedpianist built vaulting cathedrals of sound, framed by luminous piano, shimmeringsynthesizer orchestrations, and, above all, the seemingly infinite layers ofvocal harmonies she plied on every song. The deeply romantic Celtic pop on its1991 successor, Shepherd Moons, sustains the same spectrum of hushedreverie and surging, rhapsodic releases, as well as its mix of ballads, floatingmidtempo pieces, and forays into Celtic and Latin--and it's every bit asseductive.The terminally hip will sneer, but it's no accident that"Caribbean Blue," the best known song here, managed to sneak ontomodern rock, top 40, "adult alternative" and public radio playlists.--Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (131)

I Feel Like I'm in Heaven!
This is yet another great Enya CD!Her music is so soothing & angelic that it can actually make you feel as if you're in Heaven!

Enya's music has the ability to touch the soul - something I wish more artists could do.

This CD is perfect to relax and unwind with.Also, for those who enjoy meditating, I found this CD to be very helpful in achieving that extremely relaxed state we all try to achieve.

A masterpiece or a fraud?
New Age music has always left me cold with the possible exception of Kitaro. Enya's contribution to the New Age genre is unremarkable to say the least. She is pretentious, which her loyal following would never admit to. She tries too hard at putting forth an image of a grand mystic. Her vocals make an aborted attempt at trying to reinforce that image, but it is her vocals that are the most pretentious of all. They are lazy, hazy and are buried beneath a foggy mix. I truly believe she thinks too highly of her own talent. Her voice glides along the surface of the music without making any attempt to get at the very heart of the song. Her voice is merely a special effect. The songs are ambitious and nicely arranged, but once the vocals start you forget about the music. In New Age music the vocals should never over-shadow the music, but Enya's vocals invade the music like an unwanted thief. I would not recommend this album because Enya the singer is more important than Enya the musician and that should never be the case with New Age music.

"...this way could be my Book of Days..."
Enya made it again! After Watermark she created another wonderful album - Shepherd Moons. I like every track, though Caribbean Blue and especially Book Of Days are my two favourites. Besides, Book Of Days was a no. 1 hit on the Swedish track chart back in 1992 when the song became a worldwide hit since it was included - with English lyric - on the soundtrack to the film Far And Away. The original Book Of Days (which was only in Gaelic) was replaced by the re-recorded hit on later pressings. I like them both though I think it's pretty sad to replace an original song. Other songs which I really like are Ebudæ, Lothlórien and Afer Ventus. I suppose this is my favourite Enya album, even though I like everything from her. By the way; have you ever seen such a beautiful CD cover???

Here comes a short description of the tracks on Shepherd Moons:

1. Shepherd Moons - Instrumental; very relaxing
2. Caribbean Blue - English & Latin; great, wonderful, special*
3. How Can I Keep From Singing - English; beautiful
4. Ebudæ - Gaelic; pretty powerful, special*
5. Angeles - English; beautiful, relaxing, special*
6. No Holly For Miss Quinn - Instrumental; relaxing
7. Book Of Days - Gaelic / English & Gaelic; great, wonderful,
very dynamic and powerful, special*
8. Evacuee - English; beautiful, pretty calm
9. Lothlórien - Instrumental; extremely beautiful
10. Marble Halls - English; relaxing, pretty calm
11. Afer Ventus - Latin; very beatuiful, special*
12. Smaointe - Gaelic; calm and relaxing

* Hard to say why these songs are special, but perhaps because they don't sound like any other musical stuff. There's only one person that's able to create songs like these and her name is - Enya. You must hear them, but don't forget to try her other albums such as Watermark and The Memory Of Trees.

... Read more

Asin: B000002LRT
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative    2. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Celtic New Age    4. Celtic Pop    5. Contemporary Celtic    6. Contemporary Instrumental    7. Ethnic Fusion    8. Ireland    9. New Age / Meditation    10. Pop   

Classical Barbra
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Reviews (20)

Very soothing! Don't have to be a fan .
I wouldn't say I'm a fan. I only own two of her cd's. 'Barbara Joan Steisand' and this one. They are both different and because of that I like them. I feel she is often overated. She tries too hard, maybe. She is not "over the top"; nor does she try to be on this one. Whether your a fan or not, try this one out. It's good. It will surprise you. A classic!?

streisand at best
With her god-given voice, it is such a joy to hear it used for purer sounds! It is often wasted on mundane material, but here the beauty of her voice meets its match: in haunting classical songs sung in Italian, French, German, etc. Anybody who finds her raspy and diva-esque will be surprised by her restrained, sensitivedelivery here. Barbra at her best...The Voice Of The Twentiest Century indeed!

Artistic portrayal
In short, this is a beautiful piece of artistic integrity and interpretation.Although classical pundits might snub the work because its vocalist is known primarily for her popular music, what such vapid haughtiness fails to appreciate is that music is a transaction between composer and singer.As a performing arts major in college, what I take for granted that others may not realize is that upon receiving input and feedack from either a director or conductor, a sensitive rendering of either a play's character or piece of music is best left up to the TALENT of the performer!Otherwise, rather than receiving a holistic portrayal, an audience is liable to witness imitation rather than artistic interpretation.Withal, although many can be "classically trained," only a few have a genuine gift. ... Read more

Asin: B000002549
Sales Rank: 87796
Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Vocals    4. Opera    5. Pop    6. Vocal   

You Could Have Been with Me
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 May, 2000)
list price: $13.49 -- our price: $13.49
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Reviews (5)

Nice follow-up
Sheena Easton's debut went gold, had a number one single in seventeen countries(Morning Train), and a second top twenty single (modern Girl). Her success was cemented when she was asked to record the title to the James Bond movie (For Your Eyes Only) which resulted in another top five single and mass recognition. It was easy to assume that during the recording of her second album she would be more confident in her abilities. You Could Have Been With Me was released just ten months after her debut and it is a more varied effort. While her debut consisted of mostly uptempo pop/rock songs, this was an equal balance of uptempo pop/rock and ballads, probably due to the success of For Your Eyes Only. The overall sound of the album is glossier, due to a bigger budget and directing the appeal of the album towards adults. Easton was not content on playing it totally safe however. Her debut was made up of songs picked for her by her producer Chris Neil. This time Easton was at least allowed to narrow down the final selections from Neil's original screening of songs. The result is a more focused sounding album without sacrificing diversity. Easton chose many different styles here, from country, dance, r&b,rock, and pop. Throughout you here an artist that is capable of handling them all. Her newfound confidence is heard right out of the gat with A Little Tenderness. Easton gives a passionate performance on a pure pop tune that has a happy clap-along style. Unlike the first album, Easton is intent on feeling the songs this time, not just proving she can sing well and here she does both. When she sings "You still won't treat me like I want you to" you know exactly what she is singing about (with a wink of course).Easton flexes her range throughout the song from her developing lower notes to her piercing upper register belt.You Could Have Been With Me is the standout track on the album. It is a soulful pop/rock ballad with r&b undertones. Easton alternates between pain on the verses and anger on the chorus all the while giving an understated soulful vocal. The second chorus leads up to the vocal highlight of the song. While the note is not as high as Mariah Carey would later go, it was not heard often before this. It leads Easton out to a building, swaying chorus fade away. Just Another Broken Heart is a rocking pop number, very british in its' production with new wave nuances. Easton shows that she can handle a more aggressive backbeat. I'm Not Worth The Hurt continues the Easton tradition of promoting female songwriters. It is a country song written by Deborah Allen that is a good example of the country pop productions at the time. In it Easton gives a touching performance. She clearly has been influenced by Allen's demo recording of this song as you can hear allen's phrasing being used, especially when she sings "I'm Not Worth It Baby" at the end of the song. While this displays Easton's ability to shape her vocals to a diiferent sound, it also shows a lack of confidence in her interpretive skills. She would soon be able to deliver an Allen composition and truly make it her own. Savior Faire was the most ambitious production on the album. Neil goes after the Steely Dan sound and effectively reproduces the guitar licks. Vocally and melodically the song falls flat though. A Letter From Joey sounds unbelievably dated and undeniably catchy at the same time. Easton once again goes for broke on the vocal, having fun with the stomping beat behind her. Telephone Lines is another ambitious pick for Easton. It is clear she is up to the challenge of some r&b riffs during the chorus. Unfortunately, one senses that she was focused more on getting the sound right and the feelling got lost in the transition. One only needs to hear a live version from '82 to know the difference. Johnny (JZ's nightmare) is a corny story song but one that makes it impossible for some part of your body not to move. The vocal mix has a slight problem in that Easton's low notes are almost gone from the mix. Trouble In The Shadows is another rock song with R&B vocal riffs. Sheena seems to be enjoying rising to the challenge of the melody and harmonies. The US version of the album ends with When He Shines. This was on the first UK release and was left off of Easton's first album here in the states. Easton performed it and EMI decided at the last minute to scrap the song recorded for this one and put When He Shines. It was a good choice, When He Shines became a Top Thirty Hit and a huge A/C hit. The song they left off is icluded here. Isn't It So starts off in a similar style to Calm Before The Storm until the strings swell in and Easton precise phrasing transforms it into a Broadway styles showstopper, with Easton scaling new heights in her belt register. The one b-side recorded during these sessions is included her as well. Family Of One sound like it was scrapped before it was given a final vocal. Easton sounds tired as if this was just a rough vocal. The result actually adds some depth as Easton conveys that feeling into the woman she is singing about, which might be her. It would not be long before Easton would master that feat without having to sacrifice the song in the cutting room. Overall, a solid follow-up with apparent growth. The album went Gold, with two Top 30 hits and Easton was awarded a Grammy for Best New Artist.

Sheena At Her Best!
If you are into Sheena Easton or just great pop singers in general, this album is a MUST HAVE. Sheena's vocals on this album are just spectacular. Her singing, on "When He Shines", "Isn't it so", "I'm Not Worth the Hurt", "For Your Eyes Only", & "You Could Have Been With Me", is truly mesmerizing. There are enough up-tempo pop songs, including "A Little Tenderness", to keep everyone happy. But the ballads are really what separate Sheena from the other singers. Her voice is at once powerful & tender with a great octave range and first-rate phrasing. While I'm also a fan of Celine Dion's singing, I don't believe she possesses the same beautiful sweet vocal quality that Sheena had. The notes, the range, and the phrasing are there. But that gentle lilting quality combined with her enunciation & clarity of voice make Sheena's singing something truly to behold. Do yourself a favor and buy this album. You won't regret it.

The disc that made me fall in love with Sheena Easton...
In 1981, this is the first Sheena Easton album I ever owned, and Ipractically wore the thing out, playing it over and over. Finally reissuedon CD, it's still a gem. The hit title song is, quite simply, the bestthing she's ever recorded: Thoughtful lyrics and a vocal performance thatis tender and passionate at the same time. When she reaches for the highnotes before she launches into the final chorus, it can send chills downyour spine. And this was years before Mariah Carey made such gymnasticvocal touches common.

But there are plenty of other great moments here:"A Little Tenderness" has a Motown groove to it; "JustAnother Broken Heart" is pure '80s pop, with an irresistibly jerkyrhythm; "Johnny" is a solid rocker; "I'm Not Worth theHurt" is a marvelous heartbreak ballad that Sheena can do like noother. In fact, there's not a bad song on here, and the diversity of thematerial -- not to mention some of Sheena's finest singing ever -- makethis disc as fresh now as it was then. Definitely check this one out. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TEV4
Sales Rank: 182105
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. Soft Rock   

Mais
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 June, 1991)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Marisa Monte's sophomore effort proved to be the breakout album for the young MPB (Brazilian popular music) diva. Adventurous and artful, the album took her where few had gone before, thanks to the production work of Arto Lindsay and musical contributions from John Zorn (both stalwarts of the avant-garde New York scene), as well as Japan's Ryuichi Sakamoto and fellow Brazilian Nana Vasconcelos. The result had all the airiness and grace of the best Brazilian music, as on "Beija Eu," but with rock and new jazz overtones shading the music and adding meat to the broth. Going platinum in Monte's native country, Mais made her into a real star. It also helped establish her musical identity as someone redefining Brazilian music in her own way. Mais is a triumph of art and the first really giant step in an illustrious career. --Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Producers gone wild!!! Still good, but not her best
This is one of her older CD's, and even though it is quite a good CD it lacks the charm and distinction Marisa's music obtained in her later CDs. Fortunatley, you can find 3 of the better tracks on this album reworked on Barulho Bom (a Great Noise). Even better, all 3 tracks are done in very different fashions on Barulho Bom, and all 3 are better. For example, "De noite na cama" is almost silly sounding on this CD, while on Barulho Bom it is transformed into a very sexy song. This disc's main problem is the poor production quality (that also plagued much of MPB in the early 90's). The ambient noises on some of the tracks are so distracting and inappropriate to the feel of the music that they ruin several otherwise good tracks. For example, why are little girls (and monkeys?)screaming on "Tudo pela metade"? Seriously, it ruins the song. Who was responsible for this? And Ed Motta "singing" on Ainda Lembro, he sounds like one of Boys II Men gone wrong, trying to improvise and such. It borders on the absurd.The only highlight of this CD not on Barulho Bom is "Diariamente". Although this is a pretty good album on the whole( Marisa is amazing, as always), you would be MUCH better off just buying Barulho Bom. In fact, I HIGHLY recommend Barulho Bom- it is a GREAT CD!!!

The best album from Marisa Monte
This is my favorite album from Marisa, and I love all of them.I don't like the fact that the lyrics on the US release are all in English (how are you supposed to sing along with that???) but I do like the fact that all the songs are sung in Portuguese.Usually I find when Marisa crosses the lingual divide, something gets lost in the translation, no pun intended! Actually, "Ensaboa" has some English in it, and is a really cool song, but it's purely accessory for a great Portuguese lyric.Don't get me wrong, though obviously I think Portuguese is a more musical language than English, I enjoy listening to other artists like Elis Regina when they take on my own language. Anyway, pretty much every song on this album is a winner - I can't peg her style down because she does borrow from various genres.Marisa is known as the "new voice of MPB" (Musica Popular Brasileira), and I hear alot of Samba-Cancao in there (lyrical sambas), so I would best sum it up as modern adult Brazilian pop.No, this is not for music teeny-boppers with attention deficits.The songs are intelligent, reflective, ironic at times, but most importantly catchy - which is the only reason to like music in the first place, in my opinion.The first song "Beija Eu" is the best one in my opinion, but the rest of the material is not too far behind in quality.Beyond good material, however, is this woman's vocal ability.Someone summed it up best earlier in the comparison with the "screaming" American "divas."From what I understand, Marisa was trained as an opera singer, and has adapted these talents very well to what has become a very unique style of pop music.Her voice is powerful and clear, yet subtle at the same time.I know that probably sounds idiotic for me to say it, you just have to hear it to know what I mean.

Great CD, fabulous singer
Marisa Monte is indeed a rare occurrence in nowadays musical scene for hermusic doesn't know geographical nor time boundaries. Her music brings thesignature Brazilian swing permeated by Jazz influences making it easilyenjoyable for a broad audience. Marisa Monte not only promotes contemporaryBrazilian songwriters but also nostalgically honors the best of Brazilianpopular music tradition. Differently from the so called North American"Divas" that usually scream Marisa's soft but incredibly precisevoice makes singing look easy. ... Read more

Asin: B000005HGS
Subjects:  1. Brazil    2. Brazilian Pop    3. Jazz    4. Latin Continuum    5. MPB    6. Pop