Michelle Wright

1. All You Really Wanna Do

2. New Kind of Love

3. Woman's Intuition

4. Wide Open

5. Not Enough Love to Go 'Round

6. Longest Night

7. Dust Ain't Settled Yet

8. Heartbeat Away

9. Like a Hurricane

10. As Far as Lonely Goes

Tracks:

Willow
Un Bel Di
Secret Tear
Dido
Pace Pace
Pamina Blue
Habanera
Home

Customer Reviews:

Horrible Techno Muzak with Beautiful Singing.......2007-06-21

This is a Dr. Jeckal and Mr. Hyde CD. The singing is so incredibly beautiful but it's totally ruined with synthetic background "music". The drum machine parts are so bad it's like listening to a joke from Saturday Night Live.

Not for the Opera purest..........2007-05-19

A doctor buddy of mine and I were working the ER one weekend and he put this CD on. Now, I love just about any kind of music EXCEPT Opera and Country music depresses me after a few songs. Now, this CD sure smacked of opera but I was not offended. In fact, the longer I listened, the more I liked it. I didn't much care for the treatment of Bizet's "Carmen" but that was the only song I didn't care for just because I loved the original classical and just didn't like this arrangement. I guess I was primed for this sound through Yanni's "Aria" from his Dare to Dream CD. Thus the blending of contemporary instrumental music with an operatic voice or voices was born.

As for the disappointed opera fan/reviewer, this IS NOT opera and it was never intended to replace or even imitate true opera. Paul Schwartz was exposed to the opera, orchestral symphonies, rock music and dance clubs that were all within walking distance from his home as a young man. He simply took the sounds that appealed to him and put them together. Thus this, his first effort, leans heavily on traditional classical music that is familiar to a great number of people. I personally found his second release, "Aria, Vol. 2: New Horizon", to be much more enjoyable. "Aria 3: Metamorphosis" was released five years after "New Horrizon" and shows a more matured sound and is highly enjoyable. Paul embarked on another venture through the "State of Grace" series during those five years which I haven't heard, yet. I love listening to all three Cd's with #2 and #3 being my favorites of the three. So if you are an opera purest, Paul Schwartz's "Aria" compositions are NOT what you are looking for. But, if you're a New Age enthusiast with even a little appreciation for classical music, then you'll probably enjoy this CD along with his other works.

Opera meets contemporary music for sophisticated listeners.......2006-11-12

I listen to this CD over and over again. Traditional opera voices backed by modern instruments makes for distinct music that appeals to sophisticated adult ears. You don't need to be an opera fan to enjoy this beautiful, unique style of music. A true opera fan below was disappointed, but after buying Aria, I became interested in opera and added a couple of authentic aria CDs to my collection.

buy this cd!.......2006-10-08

When i first heard this CD i hated it. i had heard about it from several people and decided to buy it. i actually bought the box set that has all three Aria cd's. As i checked this cd out, the woman ringing me up said this was the most beautiful thing she'd ever heard and told me i'd love it. i told her i was more of a metal fan. Here i was, a fan of Metallica and Danzig and Tool, buying opera!? i did like the programming on this cd. the drum beats are clean and accompany the music just right; not too loud and not too quiet. the vocals, which at first i didn't like, are really endearing and beautiful. Rebecca Luker sings many of the songs here. i enjoyed this cd more and more with each listen. I like the fact that the lyrics were translated in the booklet so i could understand the words. Bottom line: this is an excellent CD! i would recommend this to anyone. give it a few listens and let it take you. Ignore what you think you know about opera and let his music enter you and enchant you and speak to you. your heart and soul will thank you. let the vocals of Rebecca Luker wash over you and show you the true emotional range of the human voice.

Incredible music from opera's master composers.......2006-03-04

If I could give this CD 10 stars, I would certainly do so. Five stars is not sufficient to describe this wonderful work of art. I am an opera fan but I am certainly not offended by these contemporary arrangements which brings these wonderful works to a modern audience.

The selection "Willow" from Verdi's Otello is haunting and mystical. "Un Bel Di" from Puccini's Madama Butterfly soars. Other works from Purcell's Dido and Aeneas; or Mozart's The Magic Flute; or Bizet's Carmen are arranged to be unique and evoke the context of the original opera.

Rebecca Luker's voice is superb. The electonic approach to these classics updates them, but never replaces the originals. They were not meant to replace only to offer a unique approach to classics.

Average customer rating:

Groovy Classics
Remixed
Exciting!
Remixed not recommended for "re-listening".
Good remixes

Remixed
Bond (string quartet) , Grant / Bond Crichton Stuart / Black , Trevor / Bond Crichton Stuart / Gray , Michelle de / Vries, Marius de Crichton Stuart / Vries , Magnus Fiennes , Tonci Huljic , Gil Nevo Yoad / Brown , Orion , Pussy Galore , Mark Wright Andy / Jolley , Brian Gascoigne , Julian Kershaw , Z. Vracevic , Millennia Strings , Clem Clempson , Estaban Antonio , London Session Orchestra , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Kuljit Balma , Luis Jardim , Phil Todd , Craig Pruess , Gareth Cousins , Anita Kelsey , and Shashi Pandit
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classified
Explosive: The Best of Bond
Shine
Born
Bond - Live at the Royal Albert Hall

ASIN: B0000C3ICL
Release Date: 2003-09-16

Tracks:

Viva - Orion Mix
Victory - Sharp Boys Wild Strings Edit
Wintersun - Bobby D'Ambrosio Mix
Speed - Crash Club Mix - Radio Edit
Fuego - Caliente Mix
Homecoming
Atlanta
Shine - Dubshakra Mix
Time
Duel - Hectic Mix
Bond On Bond - Hectic Mix
Jingle Bell Rock - Pussy Galore Mix

Customer Reviews:

Groovy Classics.......2007-01-09

A great way to introduce the classics to the person who is too hip to listen to Mozart!

Remixed.......2006-06-01

Hmmmm....what can I say? Remixed is the 3rd album Bond has released, consisting of remixes of old favorites and several new tracks. For those of you who don't know, Bond is a rock string Quartet made up by 4 young women. Similar in style old Vanessa Mae.

The Album starts with an exciting opening, of Viva! (Orion Mix). This is made up from a remake of Antonio Vivaldi's Allegro from Winter (The Four Seasons). Its an enjoyable piece, very simple, but the drums and the occasional shouting of "VIVA!" makes it a great song.

The second track is a remix of one of Bond's more famous piece. Victory was a huge success, but the remix wasn't so in my opinion. The 'Sharp Boys Wild Strings Edit' was a strange one. It didn't contain much of the original. After a tedious drum beat and strange sounds for about 1 minute and 10 seconds, a short clip of strings come on the original melody. For the next minute more drums, then more repeating of the melody heard in the middle.

Third track was a remix of Wintersun. Wintersun (Bobby D'Ambrosio Mix) was basically the same, but a bit more of a disco style.

Again, with Speed (Crash Club Mix). Sam thing, but a lot more of the disco sounds. I actually found myself enjoying it more than the original! It really sounds like some one is...driving a car or something.

Fuego's remix (Caliete Mix) I also enjoyed more than the original. It has a longer introduction, and more music to back up the strings. It also has a very fast sita (sp?) solo in the middle, making it sound very Spanish!

Homecoming, Atlanta and Time are new tracks. Not my most favorites, but they are very calm, remind me of Asia. Except for Time which sort of gives you the feeling that all the clocks are moving at the same time. Bond also uses Clock sounds in the middle for effect.

Shine (Dubsharka Mix) is by FAR the best song on the album. Its a fantastic dance track, with a fantastic solo and playing in the song. Its a Bollywood styled song, making you think of India. I was a little disappointed however, since this song was released on their earlier album (Shine, 2002). Although I love it, they should have put the Indian Summer Mix on instead, which cant be found anywhere except on Atlanta/Time

Duel and Bond on Bond (Both 'Hectic Mixes') I just couldn't stand. They were absolutely ridiculous. Just having the tracks played twice as fast. If I wanted to do that, I could have gone into Media player and pressed Fast Forward x2.

The Last song is Jingle Bell Rock (Pussy Galore Mix). Its an interesting one, just jazzing up the original Jingle Bell Rock.

Overall, this album is great for something like a party, for its mainly disco music. Not the best Bond Album, but very good anyway.

However, If you are a big bond fan, I would suggest you get the Import (Includes 2 videos of Victory and Fuego) or the Japanese Edition (Includes and Extra mix of Viva!, original Jingle Bell Rock, Duel Indonesian Mix and Innocent)

Hope you enjoy this CD!

Exciting!.......2004-09-07

I got Bond's debut album a couple years ago. Although not as exciting as Vanessa-Mae's album "Storm," it was better than Vanessa-Mae's debut crossover album "The Violin Player" and approximately equal to her third album, "Subject To Change." The Bond debut had a lot of energy, but to me it was begging for a little stronger beat.

So when I found a Bond remix album late last summer, I grabbed it! How cool can that be--a Bond remix album! Whoo-hoo!!!

When I got it home and listened to it, I was a bit disappointed because it wasn't quite remixed enough. I wanted the mixes to be hotter, and the bass and drums more pronounced. But under-remixed is far preferable to over-remixed, which is a problem with Vanessa-Mae's song "Storm." This is my favorite Vanessa-Mae song; the four-minute album length is not nearly long enough for me, so when I learned there was an 8-minute remix, I just had to have it! I had to buy this Vanessa Mae CD single from a store in England (via Amazon's used CD vendors) since I could not find it stateside. And I was very disappointed: The remixer had so vastly remixed it that not only did it lose all its energy, it wasn't even recognizable! So between over-remixing and under-remixing, I prefer under-remixing, thus I am happy enough with the remixes on this Bond album. But they could have done better, I think.

Although I was a little disappointed that the mixes not being spruced up quite enough, it does not mean I do not like this album. Au contraire! I love this album! It is an album full of energy, life, vitality! It is an album that I nearly always play very LOUD! It as an album that I play when I'm wound up, feelin' good!!! Nearly every song is fast, and the beat never stops!

The album opens with "Viva!", a song that is also found on their DVD, which I bought around the same time I got this album. What a perfect song to start this album with! A sample of a group of females shouting 'VIVA!" plays from time to time throughout, adding to the energetic playing of the strings. On the DVD, this song is backed with video footage from their concert at the Royal Albert Hall in England; in the video, when the shouts "VIVA!" are heard, fireworks shoot out from the balconies and the stage at the theater--so exciting!

The next song is the remix of their first radio hit, "Victory," which starts out with a hot Latin beat and Spanish guitars. "Victory" and another track, "Fuego," feature frenetic string playing. The best song on the CD for dancing--and my second favorite song on the album--is "Duel." This has a driving bass line and percussion beat, an upfront electronic synthesizer riff, and a beautiful ethereal female nonverbal vocal accoutrement, with tubular bells even added toward the end. Spine-tingling! Wonderful!

Although "Duel" and my favorite song "Viva!" rule supreme in the degree of spine-tingling awesomeness, they're not the only ones to bring such a pleasurable reaction to me. "Wintersun" is played with deep heartfelt emotion; "Atlanta" also is full of emotion. I like "Speed" and "Time" because of their European technopop sound, especially "Time," which has a nice melodic, minor key electronic keyboard riff. "Shine" has a bit of a Spanish or Italian flair, another of many romantic flavors of this album.

There are only two songs on the album that I don't care for. One I absolutely don't like is "Jingle Bell Rock," but that's because I hate the song, not because I don't like their version of the song. If I am forced to listen to that song, I would likely choose their version. The other one I like okay, but it doesn't do for me what the rest of the songs on the album do: "Bond on Bond." This is a track of them doing the James Bond theme. A cool idea, and it works, but again, doesn't float my boat. Fortunately, these two songs are at the end of the album, so I can just end the album at the third to the last song, which is also my second favorite song, "Duel"!

Most of the DVD's music comes from their first album, while this remix CD has the best of their first two albums. I now have their third studio album, "Classified," which I like better than their first album (I don't have their second), but no surprise to me, this remix album of theirs is clearly my favorite. "Storm" by Vanessa Mae is my favorite secular album of all time, all genres combined, so naturally in the genre of classical crossover it is my favorite. Bond's "Remix" is my second favorite classical crossover album. It reaches down and touches the heartstrings of my musical soul and stirs them up to make a fabulous and emotional listening experience for me!

Remixed not recommended for "re-listening"........2004-07-27

Bond has impressed critics with their somewhat controversial performances of classical-crossovers. From using trance beats to the sounds of African drums... there is no limit to how much and what they can do to enhance classical music that they play.

With Bond Remixed however; it is quite a drag to put it simply. The album is a total re-mix album, so think of it as a compilation of single re-mixes put together. But also, there are three original tracks by Bond: Homecoming, Atlanta, and Time. All three of these tracks rely a lot on synth sounds and trance beats. Which get boring after listening to all these re-mixes, but keeping in mind that it is a RE-MIX album after all... so although the originality of Bond's previous albums: Born and Shine are not there, it is because they are re-mixed.

One of my personal favorite tracks is Viva [Orion Mix], which for those who have the Bond Live at Royal Albert Hall DVD all should know (For those who do not know, it is an extra video on the DVD, a live performance of Viva). Though I would have to say it takes repetition of classical music to its red line. Another great track to listen to is Jingle Bell Rock [Pussy Galore Mix]. Great example of good trance, combined with classical sounds. Bobby D'Ambrosio's mix of Winter, originally named Wintersun, is interesting enough by creating a new intro into the song. The rest of the song is shorter with a different beat.

The rest of the tracks seemed to use the original songs, but just add a different beat, more bass, and more synth. It puts the name of "re-mix" to a shame. Besides Speed [Crash Club Mix] which adds more excitement to the song as it is called Speed, the listener is better off listening to the originals. The prime example of horrible remixing is Duel [Hectic Mix] and Bond on Bond [Hectic Mix] (It's funny how both of these songs were badly mixed by the same person). In Duel, Hectic makes the song more faster-paced and adds a synth sound to the beat, which has a deeper bass. The song relatively stays the same. As goes the same for the Bond on Bond mix, where there is only a different, harder dance beat added to the original song. Also, Shine [Dubshakra Mix], doesn't even sound different. After listening carefully, you will notice the very subtle addition of more tambourines. But it sounds exactly the same; I listened back and forth from the "mix" to the original on the "Shine" album, and could not really tell.

If you want re-mixed Bond songs, this is terrible album to try to find some. Re-mixes are supposed to be a variation of the original song, almost as if the mix was a whole new song. But these "re-mixes" are sad to listen to. I am ashamed for whoever compiled this horrible playlist of tracks. Also, the original tracks by Bond are not what Bond is noted for, as if they were rushed to do these tracks.

A lot of artists do a "filler" album. Bond may have used a re-mix album to give themselves a year off, either for time off recording, or to make more time to record their 4th album, "Classified". Most likely it was to give the girls some well-deserved time off after releasing "Born" and "Shine".

Any fan of Bond will most likely find this album oddly dissatisfying, leaving a caustic taste in the mouth, and a penetrating headache. I would not recommend this album, unless you are a die-hard fan. But please, if you are a first-time listener to Bond, listen to "Born" or "Shine".

*There is two videos that can be played on your computer however; a video of Fuego and Victory, are fun to watch. But they are from their other albums, Victory from "Born" and Fuego from "Shine".

Good remixes.......2004-06-19

I generally stay away from remix albums simply because it's tough to improve on an original. However, I'm a huge fan of techno music and these remixes are heavier fixed with the sound of the dancefloor than the original tracks are. As you can tell by some of the reviews, some people love this, and some hate it. I think the ones that hated this CD are not fans of modern dance music and miss the whole point of dance CDs to begin with, so you can't judge anything by what they say.
This is a great dance CD, period. For the more consertive use of dance beats, see any of Bonds other releases, but this one is definately for the club fans out there. Another killer dance CD I want to suggest is Mr.Deviant's "Techno Obsession" which mixes power rock with killer dance beats to create some very original dance music. Both CDs are great!

Average customer rating:

Great CD--Not one weak track!

Now & Then
Michelle Wright
Manufacturer: © 1992 Arista Records, Inc.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Shut Up And Kiss Me
Michelle Wright - Greatest Hits
For Me It's You
The Reasons Why
New Kind of Love

ASIN: B000002VLV
Release Date: 1992-05-22

Tracks:

Take It Like a Man
If I'm Ever over You
Now and Then
One Time Around
He Would Be Sixteen
Change
Don't Start with Me
Guitar Talk
Fastest Healing Wounded Heart
Little More Comfortable

Customer Reviews:

Great CD--Not one weak track!.......1999-05-16

With a mix of ballads and high-energy tracks, this CD has everything you want. I bought the CD for "Take It Like A Man", but haven't been disappointed in any song. Michelle Wright has great range and really pours her heart into every song she sings.

Average customer rating:

One of Canada's best imports
A Puzzle to Me
A Great Set Of Music That Didn't Get The Airplay It Deserved

Michelle Wright - Greatest Hits
Michelle Wright
Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Now & Then
Shut Up And Kiss Me
For Me It's You
The Reasons Why
The Best of Lari White

ASIN: B00003OP36
Release Date: 2000-01-25

Tracks:

Take It Like A Man
Safe In The Arms Of Love
He Would Be Sixteen
Nobody's Girl
When I Found You
New Kind Of Love
The Answer Is Yes
What Love Looks LIke
Guitar Talk
Your Love

Amazon.com

This Canadian woman has her virtues. She's one of the more rhythmic singers in Nashville when she wants to be, she puts across Rodney Crowell's "The Answer Is Yes" convincingly, and the little "ooooooh" that opens "When I Found You" is awfully soulful. Ultimately, though, that nonverbal sigh of contentment is more soulful than the rest of this CD combined. Though there's the occasional nice touch like the mandolin on "Safe in the Arms of Love," most of the time she's safe in the arms of her producers, who constantly weigh her down with the most clichéd, contempo-Nashville schlock, both in songs ("He Would Be Sixteen," "Your Love") and sounds (which consistently take the wind out of would-be anthems like "Nobody's Girl" and "New Kind of Love"). Still, for 1990s mainstream country, you could certainly do worse. --John Morthland

Customer Reviews:

One of Canada's best imports.......2001-10-31

It must seem odd to most American country music listeners to hear that Michelle Wright has released a Greatest Hits cd. Her country radio success in the states consists of one top ten hit: the defiant anthem "Take It Like A Man." In her native Canada, however, Wright has been one of country's biggest stars with a steady stream of hit records.

Repeated listens to this collection clearly indicate that American radio programmers dropped the ball when they snubbed Wright's music. Material like the poignant adoption tale "He Would Be Sixteen" and the rousing "Nobody's Girl" are just as strong as the stuff Trisha, Martina, and Reba hit big with in the 90's. In one instance, the material is the same: Wright recorded "Safe In The Arms Of Love" first, but Martina McBride beat her onto American radio with her own rendition (Wright's version was the more successful in Canada).

As American country radio thrives on familiarity, it probably hasn't helped that Wright lacks an easily identifiable sound. On rowdy, uptempo numbers like "Guitar Talk," Wright raspily sounds like Melissa Etheridge while slower numbers such as "What Love Looks Like" recall Wynonna's voice at its prettiest.

Pretty is an understatement when describing the two new recordings found on Greatest Hits. The lush ballad "When I Found You" is an impressive Wright composition, while "Your Love" is a collaboration with pianist Jim Brickman which features one of the most gorgeous melodies ever. The latter's recent top 20 success on the American Adult Contemporary charts may signal a new marketing route for future Wright recordings (if so, country's loss).

To the uninitiated, Greatest Hits serves as a great introduction to Wright's underappreciated vocal talents. Established fans may want to check out the expanded Canadian version of this collection. It contains six extra tracks, including her electronic duet with Patsy Cline on "Walking After Midnight" and a stirring, gospel-tinged rendition of the Impressions' hit People Get Ready."

A Puzzle to Me.......2000-07-01

I cannot understand why Michelle Wright is not at the top of country music here in the States. Just went to her concert: fabulous stage presence, her absolutely wonderful voice, plus a terrific band. This album has all my favorites, especially "Take it Like a Man". Her voice pulls me out of my usual jazz and blues into the country.

A Great Set Of Music That Didn't Get The Airplay It Deserved.......2000-04-30

Michelle has a wonderful strong voice that somehow didn't catch on like it should have. She has a similar sounding voice to Lorrie Morgan's but is distuguished to her own style.

Lots of great songs here including my favorite Michelle song: What Love Looks Like. Other great songs are Safe In The Arms Of Love (just as good as Martina McBride's version), Take It Like A Man, Nobody's Girl, and The Answer Is Yes. One song omitted from this collection that should have been here is One Good Man. But this is a great collection of music for anyone wanting something from Michelle.

Shut Up And Kiss Me
Average customer rating:

A CD you'll never foget to keep replaying

stupid title, but...

Great listen!

Solid Collection

Shut Up And Kiss Me
Michelle Wright
Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Now & Then

Everything & More

For Me It's You

Michelle Wright - Greatest Hits

New Kind of Love

ASIN: B00006BS3B
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

I Surrender
Shut Up and Kiss Me or Just Shut Up
Still No Shagri-La
Broken
Every Time You Come Around
Find It in New York
Thank You for Your Love
Love Is the Only Way
Could You Be
Sorry
I Will Be There
Circle of Life

Album Details

The Canadian Country Singer's First Album of all New Material Since 1996 also Marks her First Foray Into Songwriting. She Co-wrote Eight of the Albums 12 Tracks.

Customer Reviews:

A CD you'll never foget to keep replaying.......2005-07-17

Michelle Wright will make you do a double take in this. I surrender..I was upset she had to repeat the same one b/c she did that also with another song called "We've tried everything else" But the song was better then the country version she had released. Shut and Kiss me was Rock all the way it is said that people confused her for Alanis in this song and the video will let's say is not country.
"Everytime you came around she actully sang when she starred on Due South and she co wrote it for a thank- you to her fans. Michelle co writes 8 of the 12 songs proving that she has a talent to write (expexct it from her new ablum to be out this year).
Other songs Still no Shangri-la is upbeat and talks about a love that she misses. Broken one of my favourite on this CD is a song about getting over a brake up and how it feels in the days ahead. Find it in New York is about telling alove to find their true self by doing things that they love to do.Love is the only way is about a seeing that love is the only way to be a couple and be in happy in life together. Could you be ask the question if the guy/girl is the one that will make your heart stop forever.
Circle of Life is and I will be there were good songs that were upbeat about love and life.

stupid title, but..........2004-04-27

Hold onto your hat, she'll kick your attitude. Gorgeous in song and body. You won't be SORRY.

Great listen!.......2004-02-19

Michelle Wright is an artist who never really took off in the US, save for a few hit singles here and there. A lot of the albums she released in Canada therefore, were not released in the US. This would be one of them, and people are truly missing out. This album was released in Canada in June 2002, her first album since 1996's FOR ME IT'S YOU. The album is a bit of a departure from her, not lending itself too much to country as her past albums have. However, a lot of the singles were remixed and played on country radio, and met with a good measure of success.

SHUT UP & KISS ME is the name of the album and it was one of my most played albums in 2002, and it still gets a lot of mileage in my CD player. Michelle co-wrote 8 of the 12 songs on the album. "I Surrender" was a hit, one of the new songs from her GREATEST HITS COLLECTION, also makes an appearance here with a slightly different version (more rock oriented). In fact a lot of the songs have a rock/pop flair to them. The first single was "Shut Up & Kiss Me or Just Shut Up", a great uptempo rock song that was a pretty big hit here, really great fun memorable song.

"Still No Shangri-La" is a nice midtempo song about looking at a relationship after it's over and realizing it was fun, but not enough. "Broken" was the second single, and one of my favorites on the album. It's a very honest ballad that most could relate to (I sure can). "Every Time You Come Around" is the latest single from the album, a song Michelle wrote for her fans. "Find It In New York" is one of the more interesting tracks, a bit obscure, the music is very interesting and the lyrics are revealing. The song is about asking someone to try to find their happiness.

The ballad "Thank You For My Love" is my favorite song on the disc, it's so poignant. The song doesn't place blame on the relationship, it's just saying that it's over and that no one is to blame, but thanks for everything anyway. "Love Is The Only Way" and "Circle Of Life" carry a similar message, nice songs. "Could You Be" is a nice R&B-ish ballad about wondering if the new love could be the true love. "Sorry" is a great uptempo rocker, would have been a great single. "I Will Be There" was the third single from the album, although it was remixed for country radio as this version on the album is very poppy.

Overall, a really strong collection of songs from a talented Canadian singer. Not disapointing at all, I don't think you would be disapointed either!

Solid Collection.......2002-09-02

This is Michelle Wright's first album in 6 years, since 1996's FOR ME ITS YOU. And change is inevitable, and very apparant here. Michelle never really fit into the cookie cutter sound of Nashville, she always had her own style of country music which seemed to lean in on other genres without losing its country appeal. She released a GREATEST HITS COLLECTION in Canada in 1999, and a different one in the US in 2000.

SHUT UP AND KISS ME is her new album of music, which blurs the lines between genres and is offered here in a melting pot of sorts. The first single "Shut Up And Kiss Me Or Just Shut Up" is gutsy and very tongue in cheek, hardly fits into the country category. In fact most of the material on SHUT UP AND KISS ME is not country at all, ranging from pop to rock, and more. Her Canadian hit "I Surrender" appears here, different than the version found on her compilation, this one is more edgier and less country.

"Still No Shangri-La" looks at a relationship that seemed to be going so well, but realizing it wasn't more than just being friends. "Find It In New York" resembles Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner" in many ways, but its probably the most rhythmic song on here. I quite enjoy the ballad "Thank You For Your Love" which has a message of cherishing love instead of regretting it, even after its all ended. There's some really positive songs like "Circle of Life" and "Love Is The Only Way". "Could You Be" reminds me a bit of Motown. "Sorry" is the edgiest song on here, it rocks. "I Will Be There" is straight up pop, with a nice sentiment.

Tracks:

Willow
Un Bel Di
Secret Tear
Dido - Michelle Ivey
Pace Pace - Michelle Ivey
Pamina Blue
Habanera
Home - Martin Loveday

Customer Reviews:

Good stuff.......2007-03-30

to listen to while lounging around the house. :) Very peaceful and soft.

"Haunting" is a good word for it.......2004-10-21

I find my favorite tracks are Dido, Secret Tear, and Willow, though I also like Pace Pace and other tracks. While looking for the lyrics for Dido, preferably in English, I tripped over Amazon's listing and these reviews. I WILL be going out to find Aria 2 and 3 right after work, because if 2 is even better than 1, I'd better not be doing anything else of importance when I listen to it. This first album is really great stuff, and now I know to look for more by Paul Schwartz. I can't get technical about the music, as I don't have that kind of expertise, but I can agree that these tracks are generally relaxing, and some of them REALLY speak to me. It would be nice if I understood what they were SAYING, so I'll continue my search for lyrics. :-D

Traditional meets Modern.......2004-06-21

Like every project composer Paul Schwartz takes on he bring it to life and this album is simply breathtaking! This may not be his best work ever but 'Aria' is his debut into the world of classical crossover and the material here shows great potential but with much room for improvement, and his growth as an artist has become apparent with every release thereafter. The sublime music he creates becomes more divine with each new endeavor and he's proven himself worthy of my attention time and time again, becoming a musician I deeply respect. His arrangements overtake me, filling me with the irrefutable beauty he provokes, causing my senses to soar as I close my eyes and allow the glorious sounds to seep in and release me into a momentary state of bliss.

"Secret Tear" was the first song I ever heard by Paul Schwartz and is probably my favorite on here but despite how many times I've heard "Un Bel Di" remade, aside from the operatic singing, the melody is distinctly his own with lovely Japanese strumming in the beginning and a jazzy saxophone that comes in after about 2-minutes of playing... Other highlights for me include "Willow" and "Dido", which are both positively gorgeous with lush strings and hypnotic beats (you can also hear a wonderful trance remix of the latter on DJ Tiesto's 'Summerbreeze'), and "Pamina Blue" is a hybrid of modern r&b and traditional opera with the primary vocalists being Rebecca Luker and Michelle Ivey throughout this album.

'Aria 2: New Horizon' is far better than this but fans of Paul Schwartz need this in their collection; however, good luck finding it new. I had to get mine used and it was a promotional copy that contained no booklet inside.

Breathtakingly beautiful.......2003-01-29

I recently got into Paul Schwartz's music in the past few months, beginning with "State of Grace". I absolutely loved that album, not to mention the concept of fusing classical and pop music together. The results simply takes my breath away. I moved on to "Earthbound", Paul's latest album which is another winner in my book. I didn't realize up until recently that I had already heard Paul Schwartz's work as a composer with his album "Aria". I kinda put that cd aside and allowed for other music to take hold of me in recent months. So I dug around in my massive cd collection and found my copy of "Aria" which I had purchased used at my favorite cd store. As I am listening to "Aria" for the first time in months, I immediately recognize Paul's work on this particular album. I can't really pinpoint my finger on Paul's sound but I definitely hear it here. On "Aria", the music is more classical with operatic vocals than what I'm used to hearing on "State of Grace" and "Earthbound" which are heavily influenced by pop music as well as classical music. The vocals are provided by Rebecca Luker and Michelle Ivey as opposed to Lisbeth Scott like on "State of Grace" and "Earthbound". And of course, Paul's choice in vocalists is impeccable. Both Rebecca and Michelle have absolutely stunning vocals. Musically, "Aria" is not my favorite Paul Schwartz album but it is still very good nonetheless. I jus prefer "State of Grace" and "Earthbound". I however enjoyed "Secret Tear", "Willow" and "Habenara" a lot. I am definitely a fan of Paul Schwartz's music and look forward to hearing more from him.

What a concept!.......2002-12-03

Maybe I've been living under a rock somewhere, but this music is all new to me and I'm blown away! Closing the gap in time and recognizing beauty in a relationship between the rhythms and sound effects of 21st century techno combined with the timeless passion of 19th century opera is an incredible concept! Equally balanced and not overpowering, it's the best of both worlds. This music will take you places if you let it! Even if you thought you'd never enjoy opera... this may change your mind!! Pace Pace mio Dio

Average customer rating:

Track Titles

Honky Tonk, Vol. 1: Country Heartache

Manufacturer: Priority Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Customer Reviews:

Track Titles.......2007-04-02

1 I Fell In Love 3:41 Carlene Carter
2 Don't Tell Me What To Do 3:14 Pam Tillis
3 I'm That Kind Of Girl 3:04 Patty Loveless
4 Time Passes By 2:49 Kathy Mattea
5 All You Really Want To Do 3:18 Michelle Wright
6 Heart Full Of Love 3:24 Holly Dunn
7 Oh What It Did To Me 3:31 Tanya Tucker
8 Black Coffee 3:36 Lacy J. Dalton
9 Men 3:21 The Forester Sisters

Average customer rating:

Wright Makes the Right Choices on New Set and More

Everything & More
Michelle Wright
Manufacturer: Maple
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music

Country | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Shut Up And Kiss Me
Rhinestoned
For the Love
Men & Mascara
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

ASIN: B000G7PLX8
Release Date: 2006-07-17

Tracks:

Everything and More
Dance In the Boat
Riding Around the Sun
I Don't Wanna Be That Strong
In a Blink Of an Eye
I've Forgotten You
Love Me Anyway
Something Wild
You Can't Lose Them All
My Give a Damn's Busted
Like an Angel
Voodoo

Album Details

2006 Release from the Award-winning Canadian Singer that Marries her Immediately Identifiable Voice with an Impressive Collection of Material that Mirrors Many of the Changes in Attitude and Emotion in her Life. Some Songs Are Celebrations that Come from First Hand Experiences While Others Come from that Place of Insightful Observation that Has Always Worked So Well for this Ontario-born Artist who First Established Herself as a Force Back in the Early `90's During her Tenure with Arista Records Nashville. "Everything and More" is a Heartfelt Combination of Emotions and Points of View, Coupled with Effective Shifts in Arrangements and Tempos, Make it a Complete Package that Finds Wright Singing with Conviction and Passion, And, When Called For, Injecting the Right Amount of Urgency Or Subtle Shading.

Customer Reviews:

Wright Makes the Right Choices on New Set and More.......2006-07-23

Prime Cuts: Like An Angel, Love Me Anyway, I Don't Want to Be That Strong

Crossing the 49th Parallel to her native Canada, Michelle Wright's commercial virility takes a whole eminent turn. While Wright's only entry into the US Billboard top 10 ("Take It Like a Man") was over a decade ago, over across the border, she is Canadian country's apotheosis. With numerous top 40 hits under her belt, gold and platinum studded albums, and numerous Juno Awards, this Ontario native has enthralled her compatriots with hits such as "I Surrender," "Nobody's Girl," "Take It Like A Man," "Your Love" and "He Would Be Sixteen." Already preceded by 3 singles, "Everything and More," is the well-anticipated non-seasonal CD that follows 2002's "Shut Up and Kiss Me." Helmed by Nashville writers turned producers Tony Haselden and Russ Zavitson, this new effort continues the pop-country direction paved by her previous releases imbued with her signature blues-drenched alto.

Prudence has the upper hand in Wright's choice of material here. An instant ear opener being "Love Me Anyway," a ballad that journalizes the regrets of a woman who had chosen a career over her material instincts of having a baby, is performed with a palpable sense of personal urgency making this one of Wright's performances since "He Would Be Sixteen." "Like an Angel," on the other hand, possess a fairytale-like romantic vibe that easily contagious. While the Tim Mensy and Tony Haselden ballad "I Don't Want to Be That Strong" is cloaked in fiddle-laden finery with streaks of mournful steel guitars that bring out the rustic side of Wright elegantly.

On the more propulsive side, Tony Haselden and Craig Bickhardt service their compositional skillS on "Dance in the Boat." Though far from sea-parting, "Dance in a Boat" is a bluesy-Delbert-McClinton romp with a catchy hook. While beckoning rock guitar of "Everything and More" calls to attention the exigency to care for the underprivileged, a cause dear to Wright's heart. Humor gets a chance to rear its head on "My Give a Damn's Busted," a track that can also be found on CDs by Jo Dee Messina and Joe Diffie. "Busted" tells of a frustrated gal who could "give a damn's busted" about her guy's flabby alibis. Wright does put her sturdy alto to great effect on the R&B-tingled Sunny Russ-penned "Riding Around the Sun," where fortitude is encouraged in the light of God's sovereignty when Wright sings: "It's out of my control, but I do my best. I worry way too much and then I let God have the rest."

Unfortunately, a couple of fillers, such as the downright silly "Voodoo" and the sonically messy "Something Wild" impede this release from being a magnum opus. Nevertheless, this are enough tunes here that follow In the lofty standard set by Wright's catalog of hits. Vocally, Wright sings her heart out, but the prize is in her subtle emotional nuances that made some of her ballads irresistibly alluring. After all these years, Wright still makes the right turns and more.

Average customer rating:

The Reasons Why
Michelle Wright
Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

New Kind of Love
Do Right By Me
Shut Up And Kiss Me
Now & Then
Michelle Wright - Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000025C0E
Release Date: 1999-12-31

Tracks:

One Good Man
Safe in the Arms of Love
We've Tried Everything Else
Cold Kisses
Reasons Why I'm Gone
Try Getting Over You
Where Do We Go from Here
Tell Me More
Wall
Old Song and Dance

Average customer rating:

A Good Piece Of Work
A sweet link from country to christian music.
I love the song Nobody's Girl
CRAP!

For Me It's You
Michelle Wright
Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Now & Then
Shut Up And Kiss Me
Michelle Wright - Greatest Hits
New Kind of Love
Don't Fence Me In

ASIN: B000002VQ9
Release Date: 1996-08-27

Tracks:

Nobody's Girl
The Answer Is Yes
We've Tried Everything Else
I'm Not Afraid
What Love Looks Like
You Owe Me
For Me It's You
Cold Kisses
Crank My Tractor
Love Has No Pride

Customer Reviews:

A Good Piece Of Work.......2000-01-23

Michelle has a distiguished voice who has similarities to Lorrie Morgan. Although she has some outstanding songs here, there is also some throw away material. The standout song here is "What Love Looks Like" which Michelle had a hand in writing. Other good songs here are "Nobody's Girl" and "The Answer Is Yes". But that is about it for the good stuff. The rest of the album is fair but with some throw away junk like "Crank My Tractor" which should have been thrown out altogether. Michelle has a lot of talent which shows on "What Love Looks Like" and proves that she has lots of potential to become big in Nashville.

A sweet link from country to christian music........1999-06-03

From what I heard on the samples Michelle has a great sound that can gracefully bring the word of God to country music. That has always been one of the reasons why I like country, is for the songs about faith in the Lord.

I love the song Nobody's Girl.......1998-11-25

This album is great! The first song on the album is a wonderful song that you can sing along to and dance to. I like Michelle's voice and her songs so if you do too then buy this album!

CRAP!.......1998-10-07

What a waste of my money! I bought this CD thinking it would live up to Michelle's Canadian only released The Reasons Why. I was horribly wrong. Every song sounds the same and that is the same flat and pointless sound that new country is going for these days. Save yourself the money. There are better things you can do with it!

Music Album:

Music Album