Supa Dupa Fly
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 July, 1997)
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Editorial Review

Gettin' by with a little help from her friends, you have to know that Missy Elliot means business when her CD starts out with an intro by rap's reigning jester, Busta Rhymes ("Busta's Intro"). From there on, Elliot's soulful vocals and clever raps would serve to be strong enough on its own, but the whole disc becomes a superpowered collective when a host of celebrities contribute on nearly every song. There's the built-for-cruising grooves of "Sock It 2 Me" featuring Da Brat on trademark lightening-fast rhymes, the sultry Ginuwine-marked "Friendly Skies" and "Best Friends" with Aaliyah. Supa Dupa Fly is a disc filled with woman-empowering lyrics and philosophies, but those looking for a role models for young children should be forewarned; some rough language is mixed in with the disc's good intentions. --Denise Sheppard ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (38)

An Urban Hip-Hop Classic!
Whoever enjoys the sounds of Hip-Hop and R&B won't have a complete collection without Missy Elliot's Supa Dupa Fly! This phenomenal album was revolutionary in the music industry. How many people in the music business can sing, rap, produce, and write songs??? Missy Elliott is making a successful career out of all those things! It has to be one my all time favorite albums! Missy is one the most talented women in the industry during the 90's and even now. Her success will keep growing as her endless creativity keeps flowing!

TRACK LISTINGS AND CRITIQUE

2. Hit 'Em Wit Da Hee (featuring Lil' Kim) - SINGLE, AWESOME SONG!!!! Excellent beat!

3. Sock It 2 Me (featuring Da Brat) - SINGLE, one of my favorites!! Da Brat is awesome, and Missy is stellar.

4. The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) - SINGLE, the song blows my mind away! It has everything, great vocals, rapping, lyrics, and beat!

5. Beep Me 911 (featuring 702 & Timbaland) - SINGLE, another fabulous song! 702's ballads are awesome! One of my favorites!

6. They Don't Wanna F*** Wit Me (featuring Timbaland) - PRETTY GOOD SONG, great beat!

7. Pass Da Blunt (featuring Timbaland) - OKAY SONG, pretty good beat!

9. Friendly Skies (featuring Ginuwine) - GREAT SONG, another favorite!

10. Best Friends (featuring Aaliyah) - THE BEST SONG ON THE ALBUM!!! I love this song soooo much. It has such a great meaning, and Missy and Aaliyah's performances were superb.

11. Don't Be Commin' (In My Face) - OKAY SONG

12. Izzy Izzy Ahh (featuring St. Nick and Aaliyah) - GOOD SONG

13. Why You Hurt Me - OKAY SONG

14. I'm Talkin' - GOOD SONG

15. Gettaway (featuring Space & Nicole) - GREAT SONG, the last favorite on the album!

I love this CD. This is the best CD of 1997!
People, remember that the negative reviews of this album are only opinions, not facts, so please don't be discourage to spend your hard earn money on this album because it's Missy's 2nd best album ever (her best album was with Sista: 4 All Da Sistas Around Da World), regardless of what everyone else says. There isn't one song on this album that I skip or do not like. I love every song on this album, from beginning to end. I didn't really care for her "Da Real World" album, but this one is excellent. My favorite songs are: Busta's Intro, Hit 'Em Wit Da Hee, Sock It 2 Me, The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), Beep Me 911, Pass Da Blunt, Friendly Skies, Best Friends, Why You Hurt Me, I'm Talkin', and Getaway, but the two tightest songs on this CD are: Beep Me 911 with 702 and Friendly Skies performed by Ginuwine. Unlike "Da Real World," this album is a consistent release and Missy doesn't have everybody and their mama on this album. Buy it 'cause you won't be disappointed.

Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott - Supa Dupa Fly
I have to add my two cents here since most of these 1-star reviews are from people who hate rap music and MTV (why are you even reviewing this anyway if you know you're not gonna like it?). Missy's first album isn't her best (her second album is) but it does show her skills and a sign of things to come. First off, Missy is more of an entertainer, not a singer or a rapper (even though she's decent at both). So if you want someone who's more talented at these things, pick up a Lauryn Hill record. Also, there are a lot of catchy songs on here like "The Rain" and "Gettaway", due to catchy choruses and wonderful production by Timbaland; so wonderful that he bites his own beats. That's right, Tim used a lot of these beats before, like on "Don't Be Commin' (In My Face)", a song that sounds exactly like SWV's "Can We". This makes the quality of the album go down. Otherwise, this was a good party-starter of an album. ... Read more

Asin: B000002HPY

Let's Talk About Love [ENHANCED CD]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 November, 1997)
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Editorial Review

Dion has released a lot of music in the last four years, which in lesser talents could generate a "got the last one, don't need this" yawn from the public. Every conceivable base is covered here--"Tell Me" is the iconic pop adult smash, "Treat Her Like a Lady" has sewn up Contemporary Hits Radio, and there are a half-dozen others to keep the party going till 1999. The inclusion of the theme song to Titanic ("My Heart Will Go On") proves that nothing is likely to scuttle the unsinkable Ms. Dion.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (289)

Extremely cheesy
I am definitely no Celine Dion fan and never will be. Celine has a tendency to oversing and as a result my ears bleed from her oversinging. I own this cd because I love the previously unreleased song "To Love You More", a theme song to some Japanese soap opera; and Celine's cheesy covers of the Bee Gees' "Immortality" and Harry Nilson's "When I Need You". And as overplayed as it was, I even enjoy "My Heart Will Go On". Well now I do because it isn't clogging up the radio airwaves. The worst tracks has to be the Barbara Streisand duet "Tell Him". The lyrics are corny and the music is awful. I found Celine's attempts at reggae on "Treat Her Like a Lady" quite laughable. Bad comedy at its worst. The title track is even worse in terms of corny lyrics. No, make that her duet with Pavarotti on "I Hate You Then I Love You". The title itself is stupid enough. I have heard much better singers at the church I attended as a child. At least they didn't blow out their lungs like Celine does on every song she yells, er, sings. I will never understand why she is popular.

Only a genius can provoke such love and such hate...
...and nothing proves the point more than listening to this brilliant album and then reading the 200-plus reviews found here. Celine's voice is truly distinctive, incredibly wide-ranging in pitch and style -- and guaranteed to make you love her or (God help you) hate her as an artist.

Yes, this album is "commercial" -- but it's the very opposite of heartless. Yes, it's slickly produced -- but what's wrong with perfection in arrangement and performance? Yes, she pulls in a lot of big names on this album -- but isn't she humble in their presence and amazed to call them friends? Yes, Celine is first and last a singer -- but since when does that make an artist lack integrity? Yes, I think some of the songs on the album aren't worth singing by Celine or anybody else; we don't need more bad attitudes in the world. (That's the only reason I gave this album 4 stars.) Should that detract from the many really excellent tracks, like my personal favorites (the remake of "When I Need You", "My Heart Will Go On", and "To Love You More")? That's what programming on CD players is for: to let one pick what he likes to hear...

Celine, don't let your detractors get you down. Just keep on keeping on and (if you have to) cry all the way to the bank.

Warning, do not use in your PC!
If you love Celine Dion, fine, by all means, this is an album you're going to want, but if you don't want adware and spyware installed on your PC, ONLY use this in your stereo. This CD will install AOL adware on your PC, and you may not be able to enjoy Celine's music unless you follow a series of clicks. Failing that, before you stick it into your computer, turn off the autorun function, holding down the shift key may not help you.

Alternately, you can complain to SONY about this at cd_extra@sonymusic.com ... Read more

Asin: B000002C4J

The Writing's on the Wall
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 July, 1999)
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Editorial Review

Not even DionneWarwick and her mind-reading friends could have predicted that, over thecourse of two CDs, Destiny's Child would become one of the most successful girl groups on the planet. But successful this Houston trio is, and their sophomore CD shows why. Yes, the lineup changes as often as lead singer Beyoncé's hairstyle, but fun, disposable pop/R&B needn't be rooted in permanence, and DC is mad fun and mad catchy to boot. With the assistance of hitmakers Shek'spere and Kandi Burruss, Destiny's Child trade in effervescent, hip-shaking, finger-wagging, 'you-go-girl, kick-him-to-the-curb' anthems. The Writing's on the Wall is loaded with tracks like "Bills, Bills, Bills," which are suitable both for dancing and as topics on the Ricki Lake Show. The percolating "Bug A Boo" is irresistible, as is the sassy "So Good." To their credit, the girls can slow the pace down, and on the sultry "Temptation" they get to work their considerable chops to nice effect. But as sales and chart figures have shown, Destiny's Child are at their best when they are laying down the law to some trifling man, and/or working their own groove thang. Work it they do on this somewhat formulaic butultimately irresistible effort. --Amy Linden ... Read more

Reviews (397)

Great sophomore effort
This is one of my favorite R&B albums of all times. Now, I'm not sure exactly HOW much of the writing was actually done by the ladies of DC but how fortunate for them to have been teamed up with the likes of Shekespere, Kandi & Missy - the result is straight "fiyah". Given my personal feeling that their next album "Suvivor" is a drastic drop off in quality both in terms of lyrical content AND the fact that Bee sang lead on every single song, I would suggest that they hire a couple more writers for the next project.

I think that more of the songs could've been released as successful singles but due to the mega success of "Bills, Bills, Bills", "Say My Name" and "Jumpin Jumpin"; hidden gems like "Temptation", "Hey Ladies", & "Confessions" weren't released.

I was truly stunned by how great this disc is - the only song I skip over is "Sweet 16". The most unfortunate part about their situation is that LeToya & LeTavia did not get to appear on the grammies as they rightfully should have given the work they too put into this disc.

Super Destiny's Child !
Ok. No one could ever touch this CD except me. Destiny's Child is a heavenly combination of talents with sassy vocals, sexy tunes and a lot more. My favorite tracks are the ones made by Kevin Briggs of course "She Can't Love You, Bug A Boo and So Good." Beyonce has a really sassy voice and the 3 others have good harmony and blends perfectly to the song. Kevin Briggs is one of the most talented producers in the music scene today. If You Leave" and "Sweët Sixteen" are catchy songs. Next are great balladeers also. And the other track relates to the status today of young women who became early moms. And the greatest track of all is "STAY" because Beyonce has great talent for singing ballads and Dwayne Wiggins created a perfect love song to be sung by an R&B group. I have to kneel and bow and adore and praise that song because it is created.

I don't know the problem between the New destiny's child and La Tavia And Le Toya. I hope they settle this problem imediately because it will be a disappointment to the fans of the 2 members who left. I have a suggestion though, i hope they combine themselves to form the first 6-member R&B group in the music industry ! That would be a great solution to the problems they are facing now. And to La Tavia and Le Toya, i love you guys, hope you could fix this matter now as soon as possible. And to the New Destiny's Child, I love you too. May you have more blessings and before making the next video, finish what is left to be done.

The start of significant change
Before I begin, I gotta say I liked the original DC before they became DC-3. This album put DC on the map as one of the most successful girl groups in history. The Intro sets things off perfectly, which tells you that each song on the cd gives you something informative to go by (with each commandment at the end of each song). So Good has to be my favorite song. It's short, sweet, and to the point. A song for the haters. Bills, Bills, Bills is my second favorite song on the album. The remix is hot too [Maurice Remix] Now That She's Gone is my favorite ballad (I think that this song is the longest song recorded by DC, just to let you know) She Can't Love You is my second favorite ballad. The harmony on that song reminds me of their debut album. This is a must have if you're a true DC fan. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JQFH

Bliss
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 September, 1999)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Donna De Lory drew inspiration for her enchanting and ethereal pop CD Bliss from a deep well. Having grown up in an intensely creative environment--her father, Al De Lory, is a musician and record producer who has worked with the Beach Boys and Phil Spector, and her mother is a dancer and singer--it's not surprising that she would blossom into an artist in her own right. What is pleasantly surprising, though, is that De Lory should produce such a mature and accomplished work as her debut independent release. Bliss begins with "On and On," a life-affirming song that is right at home both musically and lyrically with Madonna's recent Eastern-influenced music. The best track in the set may be "A Woman's Pride," recalling Kate Bush with its funky, rolling rhythm and intoxicating, vulnerable-yet-strong vocal performance. De Lory and company gently bring us back to earth with the intimate vocal and cello interplay on their interpretation of "Amazing Grace," deftly capturing the sentiment and the essence of this timeless song. Cameron Stone's fluid, penetrating work on cello and bass is an integral part of the musical setting, which includes guitar, keyboards, percussion, and De Lory's own harmonium playing--the music serves De Lory's stunning voice to perfection. --Michael Wells ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Bliss is pure heavan
I had the pleasure of listening to Donna De Lory perform two of her songs on Bliss live recently. She's a beautiful songwriter and singer. Her voice, style, and music reminded me of the soothing voices of Sara McLachlan and Enya. Donna sings with such soul and feeling. "Go Talk to Mary", I think, is her best single on this album. It is a touching song that is very heartfelt and highlights the great range and talent of her voice. This album is one of those rare, unknown jewels you discover once in a great while. A truly beautiful work.

I love this CD with a passion!
Donna DeLory has recorded one of the best albums EVER! The lyrics are deep and the arrangements are amazing. I have several favorites on this ablum: "On and On," "Te Amo," "Go Talk to Mary," "Where I've Never Been," "Please," "Free," "Love Never Dies," "Amazing Grace" (incredible arrangement).... I think I'm about to list all of the songs. It's a calm soothing album. A very unique artist with a unique sound. It is amazing how she and Cameron Stone play their instruments on this album, making them very versatile. You must buy this album. She is also gives great live performances! You MUST check her out. You will be convinced after you see Donna and her band.

reminds me of someone
i first heard Donna De Lory on a movie called Women Of The Night. the movie was ok, but i loved the soundtrack, which was mostly Donna De Lory. she has a nice mellow voice that is easy to relax to. i love the cd, which was hard to find. it's a wonderful cd to relax to, but it still has a few upbeat tracks. ... Read more

Asin: B000040OH1

No Need to Argue
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 October, 1994)
list price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

It was a tough act to beat when Irish group The Cranberries released the follow-up to their debut disc Everybody Else Is Doing It So Why Can't We, an interesting and intimate album highlighted by the memorable hit "Linger." Critics chided that Everybody was timid in nature both musically and lyrically, but No Need to Argue quickly changed all that. The 1994-released effort was decidedly more confrontational, instantly evident by the lyrics, inspired by the Irish conflict, in their hit "Zombie." In her trademark sharp alto, frontwoman Delores O'Riordan sings, "In your head they are fighting/With their tanks and their bombs/and their bombs and their guns." Since anger is more difficult to embrace than love, many fans were initially disappointed with the tougher stuff, but those who stayed discovered a much more emotionally layered effort. --Denise Sheppard ... Read more

Reviews (85)

Five Star Cd
To start of this has to be one of the all time best cd's every made. This cd [is really good], there is only one lil' bit of cranberries that I dont like and it can be fixed Delores O'Riordan's lyrics, dont get Me wrong she has one of the most beautiful voice's in all of music, but here lyrics can be a lil' childish. Even with that I can still give this cd 5 stars. It's rare that You can buy a cd and listen to it the whole thing and not change the song because You dont like it, with this cd You dont have to do that. Every song is a gem waiting to be found. The best of the best in my mind anyway are "No need to argue","Ridiculous thoughts","Empty","Dreaming My dreams","Daffodil lament","Ode to My family" and "Zombie". Pick up this Cranberries cd and also there first album "Everybody Else Is Doing It So Why Can't We."

Truly one of the most outstanding albums of the 90's
Music bands come and go. Some come and stay for a long time. Others come for a brief moment and leave afterwards never to be heard from again. The Cranberries can fall in both categories depending on what your point of view is on the 90's rock music scene or just this particular Irish band. One thing is for sure, "No Need To Argue" is a timeless work of art. The album mixes rock 'n roll with a nice cozy sentimental feel that would make any person weep. The album is brilliant really and I would have to be a biased reviewer here and say that I judge this album on my personal account on what it means to me personally. In other words, I love this album.
From the beautiful hum and sing along tune 'Ode To My Family', to the deeply moving '21', 'The Icicle Melts', and 'Disappointment', the albums carries you along a flow of groundbreaking songs one track after another. To be honest, there isn't a bad track on 'No Need To Argue' even if I tried to find one. The music, the singing, and the lyrics all shape up together beautifully to form a masterpiece. Standout tracks, however, are 'Zombie' which remains to be one of The Cranberries most famous songs and one of the best songs written in the 90's; 'Ridiculous Thoughts' is the most haunting track on the album that plays with your ears and your senses for as long as it is, and its Dolores O Riordan's vocals that makes this song as well as all others an exciting listening; 'Dreaming My Dreams' is a beautiful love ballad and so is 'I Can't Be With You',; 'Ode To My Family' is as the titles states a beautiful ode to the closest people in your life.

Since 1994, when this album was released, The Cranberries have failed to equal the power and originality of 'No Need To Argue' They probably won't ever even if they tried to but who would need to prove himself after giving an excellent example of what a music album should sound like?

The Cranberries should enjoy what a successful album they put together here, and you should too!

The Best..
The Cranberries sure do dominate with this album.
It's hands down one of best music albums ever. The lyrics are just great and the voice which is the best part about it. Simply Beautiful. Every song in this album is a good reason to buy this. It is every bit of what good music is was ment to be.

The best song though is Zombie from my opinion.
Over all if theres one album you wanna' waste your money on its No Need to Argue.

It's also one of the best albums The Cranberries have to offer.

Get this album...NOW!

Later ... Read more

Asin: B000001E7L

This Fire
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 October, 1996)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

After a promising but overlooked debut album, Paula Cole kept the bills paid with a fateful stint as Peter Gabriel's vocal foil on his 1994 Secret World tour. Gabriel's immersion in richly theatrical, primal vocals only magnified Cole's already fevered attack; it's obvious that his sense of adventure as a producer and writer also struck conceptual sparks with the Massachusetts singer-songwriter. This Fire, Cole's self-produced 1996 breakthrough, finds her investing her songs with outsized emotions, framed by consistently inventive arrangements built around Cole's keyboards, and reaching a zeitgeist-piercing intensity on "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?" and "I Don't Want to Wait," making Cole seem very much like Fiona Apple's older, slightly less cracked sister.--Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (132)

Few Artists Are This Great
Paula Cole's "This Fire" is one of the best album releases of the 1990's. For 1997, she was rightfully nominated for seven Grammys, including Album of the Year, which she won for Best New Artist. She spawned two smash hit singles: "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone" and "I Don't Want To Wait". Few other artists have the tremendous musical talent as stated on this album. This album gives the music industry the good name that it yearns. Her powerful music continues to captivate listeners. Her unique musical style will never be forgotten. She sings and writes every note with every drop of compassionate soul. She never holds back. Her beautiful poetic lyrics blend perfectly with her voice and her expressions. Her voice proves to be a powerful tool in these tracks. Her certain risque lyrics is one of many qualities that gives "This Fire" a more edgy tone that keeps audiences interested, namely "Throwing Stones". She offers a long range of personal emotions that give more than just variey; it offers a music experience. She also expresses herself beautifully through her instruments, mostly the piano. Such a musical combination makes this album monumental. The amazement of "This Fire" is sure to continue pleasing many audiences as it has since its release. It showcases how true music is made. Fans of this album should also watch for Paula Cole's next album to be released in the near future.

Grab This Fire.
Perhaps Paula Cole's music doesn't strike the listener in the same way Jewel, Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette, Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan or Sheryl Crow's music does. Perhaps this is due to Cole's jazz training at Boston's Berkley School of Music. I think this is a good thing, that and the fact that Peter Gabriel discovered her and showcased her vocals on his 1993 "Us" tour. This Fire is a quiet, mature, mid-western woman's emotional statement. 1994's Harbinger lacked the intensity of This Fire and 1999's Amen sounds like Paula is relieved. This Fire has the hits "Where Have All The Cowboys Gone", "Me" and "I Don't Want To Wait" as well has harder edged fare like "Tiger", "Throwing Stones" and "Road To Dead." It's an emotional statement that a woman can be independent and not co-dependent. This Fire is independence through and through. A must have for any rock collector.

I THINK THAT A MUSIC FAN HATES PAULA COLE
That's right because when you read only the least rating reviews, you only see opinions from "A Music Fan".
I love you Paula!!! ... Read more

Asin: B000002NBO

Raw Like Sushi
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 June, 1992)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

Defiant, sexy, playful, nervy, womanly, and wise, 1988's Raw Like Sushi was the opening salvo in Neneh Cherry's brilliant, if woefully underappreciated, career. The hit "Buffalo Stance," with its reworking of Malcolm McLaren's Buffalo Gals vibe, found Cherry erroneously labeled as a rap artist. True enough, there are hip-hop elements on Raw Like Sushi, as well as pop, electronic, R&B, and dance, all gleefully mixed up in a progressive melange of beats, cultures, emotions, and grooves. Besides being fierce, funky, and one of the best debuts in memory, Raw Like Sushi helped redefine what women could do in the rigid realm of late-'80s African American music, and it sounds as good today as it did the day it was released. --Amy Linden ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The original "spice girl".
This debut of hers may not be as impressive now, but in 1988 it was ahead of its time, and great on many levels. "Raw Like Sushi" also covers as many genres as it does topics. I still have the cassingle of "Buffalo Stance", and that song remains the best thing on here. However "Manchild" and "Kisses On The Wind" are catchy too. In fact, the album starts out very strong, then becomes too similar in the second half. But overall it's a good listen from this "Inna City Momma".

Setting the template for female Urban Rap-Commentary....
Considered one of the finest female talents to emerge from the U.K (with as much social awareness as today's Ms Dynamite),Neneh was a urban role model of sorts, during the late 80's and her rhetoric was one of social Urban issues, which confronted both men & women by imploring, men to respect women & take responsibility for their sexual actions (and any offspring as a result of their sexual encounters), and for women, to recognise their importance within their community & not remain gullible personalities for men to take advantage of. A suitably tough stance of all issues granted a generation of disaffected listeners, (although the music was so dance orientated, that It was easy to forget the underlining message), and so having influenced many with her commendable insight, it fall's to Ms Dynamite to continue what Neneh first started.

This is TERRIBLE... I'll be buying a copy immediately
Manchild alone is worth the price of the CD. Her music is absolutely awful and brings a tear of joy to my eye. Good luck ... Read more

Asin: B000000WGT

Runaway Horses
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 September, 1989)
list price: $9.98
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Reviews (33)

A brilliant piece of work - Belinda at her best!!!!!
Yes, it's that gorgeous girl you all remember, wheather as a punk-rockist from her days with the Go-Go's, or as a sweet, romantic, beautiful girl with an enchanting voice singing songs like "Circle in the sand", Well, if you liked her than, you must get a hold of this album;

"Runaway horses" is no doubt Belinda's best album. There are very very few albums in which I love every single song, and this is one of them; It kicks off with a blast - "Leave a light on" is the gate to this album, and gives you the perfect picture of what you're about to experience - Belinda's strong rock-pop style that made her who she is today, and to add for that wonderful track's magic - George Harrisson comes out of nowhere in the middle of the song to play the guitar. Like one of the guys here that wrote another review said - when you close your eyes and listen to the songs - you can experience something different, magical and wonderful, try doing it while listening to "Runaway horses" and you'll be sitting on a wild horse riding through a storm, When listening to "Vision of you", with her sexy voice, Belinda takes you to a dreamworld, and I don't need to tell you what could happen when you're listening to "La luna" with your girlfriend sitting next to you...

But like another fan here said - the most brilliant song on this album, and I think in all of Belinda's career, is "Summer rain" - Just listen to this song laying alone in the dark, and you'll be dancing with Belinda herself in the summer rain in no time.

There is not one single track in this album that is not a brilliant piece of work, and you can even catch Brian Adams singing in one of them. This album is a must not just for Belinda's fans, but for everyone, I truly believe that it is one of the greatest albums of all-time!in fact, I think I'll go listening to it again right now!

A word of warning, though - If you're known for weak emotions watch out from this album, 'cause it really makes you actually fall in love with Belinda herself.... :-)

Runaway with this one!
Probably the greatest pop album ever recorded, Runaway Horses showcases that Belinda's career was only beginning with the previous effort, Heaven on Earth, and not ending. The album slid quickly off the US charts, yet reached double-platinum status in the UK and Australia, and is probably better remembered than its more sucessful predecessor.

Every song is lavishly produced, with sweeping vocals from the lady who must be a gift from the heavens, and every song is so easily single worthy. Its a shame this album wasn't promoted to death - its likely that it would be remembered as one of the greatest pop albums ever recorded, and that's saying a lot.

Leave a Light On and (We Want) The Same Thing both sport high tempo, amthemic beats that made 'Heaven is a Place on Earth' such a success, while La Luna, Summer Rain and Valentine settle for the softer approach, each telling tales of lost or unrequaited love. La Luna and Summer Rain stand as two of the greatest and most loved songs of her entire career - the latter being Belinda's personal favourite to this day.

Everyone can take something away from this album. The lyrics are beautiful, the orchestrations beautiful, and Belinda sounds every bit as stunning as she looks. Why did her US career take a nosedive after this epic? Who knows. Belinda's downfall (which began just after this album's launched when it slid further and further down the charts) is one of the music industry's greatest crimes. She has more talent in one of her fingernails than any modern day chart topper you can care to name, and a superb lineup of songs.

I guarantee anyone who buys this album will not be disappointed. It is, quite simply, of an insurmountable level of excellence. A work of musical art that does not deserve to be forgotten.

Weakest in her excellent string of early solo albums
Belinda Carlisle had an excellent string of early solo albums (Belinda, Heaven is a Place on Earth, Runaway Hoses, and Live Your Life Be Free), but out of those four, Runaway Horses is the weakest. Most of the songs off Runaway are still enjoyable, but some of the material is just a bit slow for my taste. Runaway is a ballad-heavy album, but's not too much of a departure from the her other earlier solo material. Even so, I don't love very single track like I do with the other three early albums of hers. I really love "Summer Rain", "Vision of You", "Leave a Light On", "Valentine", but I wouldn't loose too much sleep at night if I didn't have the rest of the album. And to be honest, the title track "Runaway Horses" is on the boring side. The live rendition found on Runaway Live is much more energetic, so I suggest getting that instead. Too bad her Greatest Hits CD compilation doesn't have "Valentine". I wouldn't have had to buy this whole album just for that one extra song Greatest Hits didn't have. Runaway Horses is, however, head and shoulders above her 1993 flop that I wasted fifteen dollars on, and A Woman and a Man (which I do not own but have listened to). I still love Belinda, but I suppose my heart will always be with her Pop Rock incarnation of the 1986-1991 era.

3 out of 5 stars ... Read more

Asin: B000002O6H
Sales Rank: 90749

Blurring the Edges
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 May, 1997)
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Editorial Review

File under "Angry Young Women." Following the likes of Fiona Apple and Alanis Morrisette in line for the confessional, Meredith Brooks became yet another female rocker exposing and expressing her emotions strongly."Bitch," with its chorus ("I'm a bitch, I'm a lover, I'm a child, I'm a mother/ I'm a sinner, I'm a saint, I do not feel ashamed") was "I Am Woman" for the next millennium, making Helen Reddy's declaration in the 1970s seem like one big yawn. Blurring The Edges doesn't make as strong of a statement in any of its other material, either musically or lyrically, but "What Would Happen" is provocative enough to hold its own. An ode to adultery, the song has Brooks once again in control as she makes no bones about what it is she wants as she swings her guitar. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (39)

One of the often-played recordings in my collection.
I loved the single "Bitch" when I heard it. Of course it seems that a lot of people do, but being my odd self I won't buy a recording until I hear at least 2 singles off of it that I like (or I already know the artist which I didn't). Then I saw the video for "What Would Happen" and I loved it. I went and got the recording the next day. I have been listening frequently since. Meredith seems like a very positive person, especially judging from the song "Pollyanne", a song about how you don't have to always be angry in life. She's not someone "pukey" or boring though, she's got that bit of sassy-ness to her. I'd have to say that my favorite song on the recording is "Wash My Hands". It always reminds me that I can't dwell how hard my life has been in the past and I just have to look forward to the future positively and even if it doesn't turn out that I will get past it. It really motivates me when times are rough. This recording is great to listen to if you're happy or sad, it's got all the moods in there!

Meredith Brooks rocks, simply put.
Okay, I just have to say this. People who think of Meredith as an Alanis-wannabe just need their heads examined. I think it's sad that people have to put labels on perfectly legitimate artists to try to tear them down. But, anyway .. that's not what this is about.

With that said, let's talk about 'Blurring the Edges'. I've had this CD for over a year now, and I never get tired of it. Meredith Brooks is all about straight-up in your face rock-n-roll laced with smart pop hooks. She doesn't feel the need to pretend to be a Gen-X'er with a chip on her shoulder just to sell records. What you get when you buy this record is an honest portrait of an honest woman. And she can play the HECK out of that guitar! Meredith is clearly having the time of her life here, and you can't help but crank it up and enjoy. I, for one, am anxiously awaiting her new album 'Deconstruction' as well.

*SIGH.* I didn't mention even that she's a solid writer all the way around.

Top cuts: "I Need", "Pollyanne", "Watched You Fall".

SOMEDAYS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS, SOME DEBUTS TOO.
Wassup bros!, if you're reading this, either your a hardcore fan of Meredith or your a casual liker of the girl anthem "Bitch", so, wassup with this, is it good?, well, it's hard to describe an album that includes sucha massive hit like "Bitch2, yes like it or not, "Bitch" was a stunning track that crowded the radio waves of the world with the infectuos beats, and cliché lyrics about woman independence. But what happen with the other tracks, that by the way weren't produced by the same guy that touch the leading track Geza X, all the next joints, are in fact okay tracks, that to put it in perspective sound like demos, but with predictible lyrics, that sometimes fall in sillyness and obviously reactions, but simply enough that the album gets a average listen, it's not a bad album, it's just not as good as the leading single, but some track that stand out out of the crowd are, "Somedays" although is obvious, has an amazing arragements, "What Would Happen" the most elaborated in lyrics, is a pretty provocative song, and "Stop" though it was better the Radio Version, this one, is okay, and has the same driven lyrics, the second single "I Need" has a rock vibe to it, but the lyrics are just silly. You can understand the difference between all the tracks, but they just sound like work in progress and are soon more forgeattable, is sad to make a comparison, but if you consider that byt those year Jewel, Alanis and Sheryl were around with strong albums, this effort sounded boring and not innovative, but know with a deep listen you can tell that, Meredith Brooks, is a rocker, but her lyrics are predictible, her voice is not superb and her delivery sounds sometimes silly, but her debut can be tame and listenable with a good heart, it's not that bad at all, it's just Night Bar Music. ... Read more

Asin: B000002U3B

Post
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 June, 1995)
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Editorial Review

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

Reviews (178)

First Class Post And A Total Masterpiece
In 1993 Bjork released her debut album "Debut" and simultaneously created one of the most unique and original albums for years. The critics adored it and she was hard-pressed to deliver the goods on its follow-up. She more than delivered in 1995 with the masterpiece "Post." A darker and more mature album than its predecessor, Post is a wonderfully epic album that revived the music scene from a deadly overdose of dance garbage and manufactured pop. It couldn't have come along at a better time.

Not many artists wind up producing a second album that far surpasses their debut, but Bjork - once again - is clearly the key objection to this rule. With harder beats, more creative production and a wider perspective on the world, Bjork created a masterpiece that still sounds as fresh today as it did back in 1995. One can only imagine what was going through her mind as she recorded this album. Bjork not only changed the music scene in the 1990's with this classic album, she changed my own perceptions on music.

"Army Of Me" opens the album in grand style. This is a really good opener for an album, very loud, very brash and hectic. It starts off like an electronic crash, before sliding straight into a thumping bass and percussion. It's an extremely industrial song with mechanical styles and powerful vocals from Bjork. "Hyper-Ballad" is the first masterpiece of the album, and works superbly when juxtaposed next to the song it follows on from. Strings and electronic pulses sweep this song along and Bjork's lyrics about throwing things off cliffs are extremely visual and commanding. "The Modern Things" begins with computer-synthesized beats before exploding into a whirling concoction of chaotic layering of programmed beats. Not the best song on the album, but still a good one.

By far the most famous song from this album comes next, "It's Oh So Quiet." This still remains Bjork's only UK Top 5 song to date, and spent 15 weeks on the chart from November 1995. This song is a technicolor romp through musicals with soft and quiet verses which make way for outrageous musical bursts. Bjork's diverse voice on this song still amazes me to this very day and her complete disregard for anything commercial and stereotypical made this one of the most well-known songs of all time across Europe. "Enjoy" is up next and without a doubt my favourite song on the entire album. This song is more reminiscent of the first track from this album, yet it's heavier and more hectic with more industrial beats. A thumping, pulsating beat just assaults your ears as you listen to it. Bjork's voice is dark and almost scary. Not a song to listen to in the dark! Someone once described this song as like having your head stuck in a cement-mixer. What a superb analogy! The song gradually draws to a close after a loud and sharp horn on the 24th second of the third minute. It's just incredibly powerful, hardcore and atmospheric! Enjoy, indeed!

"You've Been Flirting Again" is a short interlude which makes way for the proceeding song. It's soft and quiet, very tranquil in stark contrast with the song before it. "Isobel" is another album highlight. This is, by all accounts, a masterpiece in music. Strings gently open the song before a tribal drum beat just appears out of no where, as if from the Brazilian rainforest as techno wizardry takes over and a deep bass infects the song. The strings before each chorus are incredibly epic and just open up the song. "Possibly Maybe" is a strange song that starts off like a telephone ringing. It's a sad song about a former relationship and the minimalistic nature of the song captures this. The chorus is strangely catchy as more layers are added.

"I Miss You" is a dramatic return to the dancefloor. It's an outrageous song with many musical influences such as a trumpet and crazy samba beats towards the end. Bjork's vocals are just free and carnal. A true highlight of the album, if not her career. "Cover Me" contrasts the hectic power of the last track in a song in which Bjork states, "I'm going to prove the impossible really exists!" And prove she does with a haunting and tropical beat. It's hot, muggy and sticky like in the dead of night of a rainforest. The emphasis and enthusiasm showcased in her voice is just downright inspirational. It's a short song which leads us into the next song wonderfully. "Headphones" is a brilliant song, if a little over drawn. At almost six minutes it's to be expected but the little electronic impulses that dart around the song totally make it an enjoyable listening experience. The crackling in the background and Bjork's vocals of "Oh, oh, oh, oh, ah, ah" in any arrangement just scars itself onto your brain.

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

Bjork is a new discovery for me. I've known her as a star for far too long, and avoided her music because it didn't conform to society's standards and expectations. How wrong I was. Bjork Gudmundsdottir is truly a remarkable woman. She's a total genius and I'm not lying when I praise her as one of the greatest female artists of all time! There is such a wide range of music on offer on Post, yet Bjork manages to hold it all together with ease. This is one of the best albums that money can buy and one of the very few you can listen to over and over without getting bored of. Buy it now and discover just what all the fuss was about.

Amazing
One day, I just kind of thought to myself, "You know, self, I've seen a lot of Björk on TV, I wonder what her music's like?" So I asked a friend of mine who likes her what album I should buy. Without hesitating she said the first album she'd reccomend would be this one, Post. So, I bought it not sure what to expect, but I was blown away!

Björk's originality is something so...rare! There are original artists, then there's Björk. Her music is a breed of sound I've never heard before, it makes me feel ways I never did! I love the range of styles there is even on this CD alone! The album begins with a powerful techno-rockish type song, "Army of Me," its beat is so consuming! Then before you know it you feel like you're listening to a musical with "It's Oh So Quiet"! I love the way she sings a big band type song, but adds her twist to it.

There's not song on this CD I don't like, and like my friend did for me, I'll reccomend it to you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Cover Me : boring..2/10

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

Asin: B000002HH2

Spyboy
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 August, 1998)
list price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Most pop musicians in their 50s spend their stage timereflecting on past accomplishments. Emmylou Harris, on the other hand,is still moving forward, seeking new challenges and pushing into newmusical territory. Always artistically restless, Harris has offerednearly a quarter century of interesting ideas. However, at age 51,she's creating some of the most lasting and moving music of her life.Fronting a band featuring the New Orleans rhythm section of drummerBrady Blade and bassist Darryl Johnson, and with alternative-countryhero Buddy Miller on guitar, Harris presents daring music that is bothdark in tone yet spiritually open-hearted. In doing so, she's managedto combine the progressive, provocative tension of 1996's Wrecking Ball with thetradition-based music of her earlier work. --Michael McCall ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Excellent Live Album
Emmylou Harris released SPYBOY, a live album, in the summer of 1998. It was songs that comprised her WRECKING BALL tour. There's a lot of variety here, from the songs from her 1995 WRECKING BALL album, to old favorites. Spyboy is the name of her band. The name is a Mardi Gras term for th person who goes ahead of the parade; a street entertainer, jester, troublemaker, scout. The band is made up of Brady Black, who contributes vocals, drums and percussion; Buddy Miller, who gives his vocals, lead electric, 12-string and mado guitar; Daryl Johnson, vocals, bass, guitar, percussion and djembe. And then of course Emmylou's warm, unique vocals.

Some old favorites she sings here include "My Songbird", "Born To Run", "Boulder To Birmingham", "Tulsa Queen" (my personal favorite), "Love Hurts", "I Ain't Living Long Like This", "Calling My Children Home", and more. Some newer cuts from the WRECKING BALL sessions include "Deeper Well", "Where Will I Be", "All My Tears". The album closes with a stunning cover of Daniel Lanois' "The Maker".

You won't be disapointed with this live recording!

Spyboy
The mark of a true legend is the refusal to accept the status quo. From Willie Nelson to Paul Simon to Tom Waits, truly brilliant artists keep on evolving and progressing throughout their career. Emmylou Harris undoubtedly falls into this camp. Through the decades, she's consistently challenged herself, both in terms of material and production, never playing it safe. Nothing exemplifies this more than WRECKING BALL her genre-defying collaboration with producer Daniel Lanois. Focusing on the progressive approach of that album, SPYBOY (also the name of Harris' touring band) presents the singer in a live situation, where her vocal gifts really shine.

Her small-but-powerful band is made up of some killer musicians. Guitarist Buddy Miller is a fine country singer-songwriter in his own right, with some great solo albums to his credit. His atmospheric, reverb-heavy guitar sound helps to define SPYBOY. The propulsive drumming of Brady Blade (brother of jazz drumming legend Brian Blade) is also key to the proceedings. What comes through most, naturally, is Harris' commitment to the material, and the enormous spiritual well upon which she draws to put her message across.

Stunning
An absolutely masterful CD. Buddy Miller, Brady Blade and Daryl Johnson incinerate, and Emmy, well, she radiates. Brilliant singing and playing. I get goosebumps hearing this recording - "Where Will I Be", "Green Patures", heck, man, EVERY song. Buy the CD and turn it up. ... Read more

Asin: B000009NTV

All the Great Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 October, 2000)
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Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (22)

Simply The Best
She wan't the first legendary black performer, but she most certainly is the most successful. This set, a revamped, remastered issue of the original 1981 LP, chronicles the stylish post-Supremes singles that elevated Diana Ross from 60's pop sensation to 70's and 80's superstar. All the really big hits are here: the early soulful Ashford and Simpson collaborations ("Reach Out And Touch," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Remember Me,"), her trademark dramatic ballads ("It's My Turn," "Touch Me In The Morning," "Theme From 'Mahogany'," "Endless Love"), and her blood pumping dance records ("The Boss," "Love Hangover," "I'm Coming Out," "Upside Down"). This edition of the album adds two of Ross' more daring hits--the swingin' "Last Time I Saw Him" and her heart-stopping rendition of Billie Holiday's "Good Morning Heartache" from 'Lady Sings The Blues,' neither of which, oddly enough, made the cut the first time. While the new "Motown Anthology" covers much more ground, and her RCA hits are nowhere to be found, "All The Great Hits" gives fans the songs that launched a solo icon.

Ain't No Mountain long enough
I couldn't agree with the reviewer below. I, too bought this CD thinking I was getting the full length versions of these songs. The single edits have been used to death, making the unedited versions a rarity.

How many Diana Ross compilations will Motown force us to buy? The Ultimate Collection had the single edits of Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Love Hangover but was marred by horrible sound quality. The Hitsville boxed sets had superior sound but again the single edits. The Millenium Collection of Diana Ross had...the single edits, and now this!

The songs should be replaced and a new catalog number issued so music buyers will know the difference. Ones that were ripped off, should be able to return the discs for a replacement.

A rip off of the first order!

Diana Ross' icon voice treated with care
Diana Ross' voice is special. Very special! As Marvin Gaye once put it: "Diana Ross is a fine singer. All you have to do is listen to her Billie Holiday stuff: It's marvellous". No female singer sounded better on the radio in the 60s: Young, fresh, uplifting and yet a sadness underneath. Even more she was a role model for all. Black, white, man, woman. She represented hope for a better tomorrow, and she represented "girlpower" before it became popular and even acceptable. On this collection of some of her greatest and biggest Motown recordings as a soloist, she sings from the top of her unique talent in all genres: from her powerful performance of the gospel inspired Remember Me and her breathtaking and sexy talking on Ain't no Mountain high enough to her mindly swinging and tender reading of Goodmorning Heartache. From her endlessly fascinating and sophisticated singing on Touch Me in the Morning and her spontanuos disco-groove on The Boss to her "spelling" of the word freedom on It's My Turn. Just listen to her six U.S. solo charttoppers and you will hear music that is truly original hit material, music that set the standards for decades and artists to come. My hat off to Motown and Kevin Reeves for treating Diana Ross' gems with care. You should work more for Motown, Mr Reeves - they need you. The sound here is simply the best. (And I just love "the little longer version" of Touch Me in the Morning). I would give this collection another star, had Motown included - U.K. charttopping for four weeks - the sweet "I'm still waiting". It would have been nice to have all her Motown/solo number 1s in one collection. But really: This is the best money can buy. ... Read more

Asin: B00004YWW7
Sales Rank: 19256

Paula Abdul - Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 September, 2000)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Reviews (76)

It's About Time
I bought this CD like most Paula Abdul fans because we finally had all of Paula's songs on one album. It's nice to see an artist bring a quality Greatest Hits album out. To start the Hits package begins with "Forever Your Girl", hits like "Knocked Out", "Forever Your Girl", but also has different versions of more hits from that album, such as "Cold-Hearted" with some of the best speedsinging I've ever heard, and "The Way That You Love Me", this is the first version and the better one although the second version hold up well, and there is "Opposites Attract" the MC Skat Kat version finally making it on to a Paula Abdul album, and finally the classic "Straight Up'. Then we are givin' a treat "Bend Time Back Around" from the 90210 soundtrack and is a really good song, next we get the hits from her in my opinion her best CD, "Spellbound". Here we get songs like her terrific ballads "Rush Rush" and "Blowing Kisses in the Wind", next we get from that album the ever positive "Promise Of A New Day" and last but definitely least is my favorite Paula Abdul song "Vibeology" this is the song that defines Paula very well, she is a kickbutt dancer, a well established video director, and a good singer, and then we get a couple of songs from the sorely underappreciated "Head Over Heels" CD. From that we get "Crazy Cool" good song to the very unique "My Love Is For Real", which should have done better, then come two unreleased songs, "Crazy Love" and "If I Were Your Girl" both off of "Head Over Heels, but they were not released in the U.S., the song that should have also been included is "Never Gonna Give You Up", and the song I am glad they left off from "Spellbound" is "Will You Marry Me?". And finally a good MegaMix Medley is also well recieved on this Hits CD. When I bought this CD, I wasn't looking for new material, just great music, but to hear now that there is going to be a forthcoming album from Paula Abdul, is just so wonderful to hear, because it means that she is ready to comeback, and if Bon Jovi can make a comeback, and a successful one, like they have, the sky is the limit for Ms. Abdul.

A Must-Have for any Paula Fan
After her career faded in the mid-1990s, Virgin Records finally released a long-delayed "Greatest Hits" package for Paula Abdul in the year 2000. While the collection is lacking in some areas, it is a must-have for any dedicated Paula Abdul fan.The CD starts with No. 1 hit "Straight Up", which will probably be Paula's most remembered single of her career. Other No. 1 hits follow -- such as "Rush Rush", "Opposites Attract", "Cold Hearted", "Forever Your Girl" and "The Promise of a New Day". Other hits like "Blowling Kisses in the Wind" (a top-10 single in 1991), "Vibeology" and "My Love Is For Real" (a No. 1 Club hit in 1995) are also included. What makes this a must-have is the fact that all of the songs are the hard-to-find radio versions -- which means the raps are included in songs like "Cold Hearted" and "Opposites Attract", and "Forever Your Girl" and "Crazy Cool" have been spiced up in comparison to the original album versions.The downside to this collection is as follows... the strange ommission of 1992's "Will You Marry Me?", which was a top-20 single in 1992 and featured a beautiful harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder. "My Love Is For Real" is only presented here in a repetious "R&B Remix" form. And the other commercially released single "Ain't Never Gonna Give You Up" (1996) is also absent, in favor of the long-winded "If I Were Your Girl", which was never released as a single.The CD closes with a nearly ten-minute megamix that flows well, but only includes one song from the "Head Over Heels" era. The rare import track "Crazy Love" rounds out the collection.Overall, while lacking in some areas, this CD is a great package for Paula Abdul fans.

Greatest hits collection worth owning
I was too young to buy Paula Abdul's CDs when she was a popular artist, but I had always liked her music. After seeing her on American Idol, I decided to get one of her albums. This was the only one available at the store I went to, so I picked it up and was surprised to like it as much as I did.

Many people complain about Paula's voice. They think she only got where she is because she is pretty and knows how to dance very well and whose music doesn't really matter. Well, I for one happen to like her voice. It may not be the best or the strongest, but it perfectly suits the material she sang. True, she can dance and is good-looking, but her music wasn't secondary. Her songs are some of the best pop music you are likely to find. She can do up tempo songs like "Straight Up" and "Knocked Out" very well. My favorite song of hers is "Blowing Kisses in the Wind". There's just something about that song that is so good. It's by far her best ballad. The real surprises are the songs off her last album. They're actually pretty good. The medley isn't all that great, but you can just skip over it like I do.

This collection makes a case for Paula's career. She may not yet have the respect she deserves, but that doesn't change the fact she made some really good and enjoyable music. If you are a first time buyer of her music like I was, this is also a great place to start. Even if she never gets a chance to make more music and have another hits collection someday, we do have this, which is more than enough. ... Read more

Asin: B00004S549
Sales Rank: 7348

When The Pawn...
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 November, 1999)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

When the Pawn Hits fulfills the promise of Fiona Apple's debut, Tidal, a strong statement given that her first outing was one of 1996's most exciting collections. Dark and emotionally dense, Apple's sophomore effort is awash in alluring and witty undercurrents that belie its creator's youth. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (475)

What does image have to do with music?
This CD doesn't stray far from my CD player. I loved her debut album, Tidal, and picked up When The Pawn when it first came out. I think I love her sophomore effort even more than the first album.

Waif image, speeches, and public weirdness aside, (do these things really matter when it comes to music?) Fiona Apple is an exceptional artist. I've noticed that many of the reviewers who give her low ratings base their opinions on her appearance and public persona--don't let that fool you, ladies and gentlemen. This album is fantastic.

Fiona takes chances in this album both lyrically and musically. No track is the same as another one, and each one can stand on its own merit. Particularly good tracks include the radio single "Fast As You Can," but more notable songs are "Paper Bag" (my personal favorite) and the hauntingly lovely ballad "I Know," "Limp," "Get Gone," ... ok, every song, just like I mentioned above.

There are obvious references to the incomparable Beatles in her album; she makes her music her own, however. Fiona Apple is truly original.

If you are looking for an album that will stay in play in your stereo for a long time to come, pick up this CD. If you are looking for a one month music fix, go for Britney, Christina, Mariah or...well, practically every other album to have come out in the last two years.

Buy this, sit back and enjoy. And just TRY not to hum along with "Paper Bag."

The Finest Rock Album of the Decade
When 1996's 'Tidal' came out, it was clear that its' young vocalist was no flash in the pan. Despite an overall sense of gloominess and woe-is-me, Apple's debut was regarded as exceptionally stunning, drawing accolades for its' unmissable single 'Criminal' and the magical 'Sleep to dream'. It was thus no surprise that people anticipated her follow up album with sky-high expectations of it. In 1999, Apple unveiled her second album, the curiously titled 'When the pawn hits the conflicts...'. The full title actually works out to a mini-poem of sorts, and one that makes... sense upon repeated reading. ...Rarely have there been albums where every single song is an unrivalled gem, but this is one of them (non-believers, you'd have to actually buy this CD to know what I'm talking about). Now, both sides of the Atlantic have sung their praises of this album, and I still can't get enough of it, despite listening to the album in its entirety over - literally - more than a hundred times.

The opener, 'On the Bound' is a contradictory anthem of deep longing - despite the fierce independent tone of the title, we find Fiona wailing 'You're all I need' with a passion quite unseen since Sinead O'Connor's classic howls on 'Mandinka'. The second track 'To your love' is a grand ode to love, with the songstress apologising for her seeming indifference - 'Please forgive me for my distance' she whispers. This particular track is very effective, and frankly, its almost bewildering how Apple hasn't got the recognition and album sales that she so obviously deserves. Honestly, don't people know how to appreciate good music anymore? As if to reaffirm my bewilderment, the third, and perhaps most gutsy track on the album, simply floors you. "Limp" which was an official single release from the CD early in 2000 works on all levels - musically, instrumentally, and lyrically. Gripping stuff.

"Paper Bag" and "Love Ridden" are in the same vein as many of the songs on 'Tidal', though the production values and lyrics are far better. Its apparent that Apple has evolved tremendously as a singer and songwriter, and 'A Mistake', another of the album's I'm-gonna-be-me-and-no-one-else tracks is highly reflective of this fact. One thing thats true of 'When the Pawn' is that it keeps reaffirming the Angry Young Woman image more so than 'Tidal' and the listener can get weary of this after a point. At places, its Apple's stunning talents as a writer that retain your interest in the song and not the music (like 'Fast as You can' - perhaps the most commercial of all the songs on this CD), but in most others, its a combination of innovative music and sheer lyrical poetry that keep you hooked. The final songs on the album are 'Get Gone' and 'I know' - both sung about a lover who could have done better, and these are among the slower paced, deeper tracks on the set. Not that I'm complaining. Fiona has proved time and again that shes a true master of the Love Ballad, and what better time to show off this skill?

'When the Pawn' is an album that you come out of feeling light-headed and enriched - something I haven't felt since Tori Amos' 'Under the Pink'. On second thought, that particular album actually left me with a headache, but it broke new ground, which is something that Fiona has done here. What affected me most about this set is that it gets you in a way no other collection of songs has done through the last year. I've listened to Eminem, played my old Rolling Stones records again, and yes, even downloaded Spear's 'Oops...I did it again', but I haven't ever faced an album with such repeat value. I couldn't possibly recommend this album strongly enough, so all I'll say is : You'd better buy it to believe it. Its an absolute must-have.

So much anger in such a little girl!
Fiona Apple is pissed off! And that passion comes through loud and clear on tracks like Limp and Get Gone. While most songwriters struggle to be melodic, eloquent, even coherant in their anger and angst, Apple plays these emotions as well as she does her piano.

On the whole this is slightly better than her first album, more exciting and rhythmically interesting, though there are few tracks as good as Tidal's Sullen Girl or Shadowboxer. If you've never bought this because you were afraid it wouldn't live up to Tidal, fear not. Just because none of the songs got that much airplay doesn't mean a thing. This is definitely no sophomore slump. All I want to know is when Apple will release a third album. She is easily one of the most gifted and exciting musicians working today, and a far cry from all the manufactured pop princesses like Britney, Christina, Jessica, Mandy, Hillary and the like. Fiona Apple is above all, writing from her gut and singing from the heart. Don't miss out, buy this today. ... Read more

Asin: B00002MZ4W

20th Century Masters: The Best Of Etta James (Millennium Collection)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 April, 1999)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
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Editorial Review

Few vocalists can muster the power and sass of Etta James when she's rocking the mike on classic R&B tunes like "Tell Mama" or "Something's Got a Hold on Me." But James also had a way with a ballad, and her sensitive readings of songs such as "At Last" and "All I Could Do Was Cry" made her a fan favorite in the early '60s. Had she not been sidelined for a while by an addiction to heroin, today we might think of James, not Aretha, as the Queen of Soul. Because this set offers only 11 cuts, it's generally inferior to Her Best: The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection, which boasts 20 tunes. Still, it's a satisfying intro to the delightful "Miss Peaches" nonetheless.--Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (20)

Amazing Etta James
I remember hearing Etta first on some scratchy 45s of my older sisters, and this album offers a good cross section of one of the first ladies of R n B. What a voice and what a talent!

Hardly her best
I was disappointed in this CD because it seems to be a compilation of her recordings that were clearly made for the pop market. It certainly isn't the blues that I associate with Etta James. My problem is with the title of the CD. A first-time buyer looking for a good cross-section of her music will be disappointed with this selection.

Love it! Love It! Love It!
Etta is my favorite Lady Of Blues by far. I bought this cd for the song,"At Last," but my favorite is, "Trust In Me." It WILL be played at my wedding.

She is amazing. Order this cd now! ... Read more

Asin: B00000I9CK