Life [Import]

1. Ikiru-Toha Nanda

2. Stand Up For Your Belife

3. Midnight Train

4. Pure

5. Shinjtsuhadokoniaru

6. Mebiusnowa

7. Sekaijyuunodareyorimo

8. Feed Me Lust Love

9. Dear

10. Lonely Journey

11. Bureiko!

Life,Xyz to a,King,World Music

Average customer rating: Album starts off well then fades... Over and over again very listenable tracks excellent album melancholy melody

How To Save A Life The Fray Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Eyes Open Continuum Eye To The Telescope Move Along Sam's Town ASIN: B000AA301G Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. She Is
2. Over My Head (Cable Car)
3. How To Save a Life
4. All At Once
5. Fall Away
6. Heaven Forbid
7. Look After You
8. Hundred
9. Vienna
10. Dead Wrong
11. Little House
12. Trust Me

Amazon.com

On their full-length debut, Denver quartet the Fray don't exactly reinvent the wheel, but those looking for melodic, mid-tempo pop could do far worse. That said, the 12 songs on Top 40 hit How To Save a Life are barely distinguishable from each other. If you like one, you'll probably like the rest (and you'll be in the company of thousands of other listeners.) If you don't like one, it's unlikely the others will change your mind. Formed in 2002 and signed by Epic in 2004, the band consists of Isaac Slade (vocals, piano), Joe King (guitar, vocals), Ben Wysocki (drums), and Dave Welsh (guitar). Since their formation, the Fray have elicited comparisons to British groups like Coldplay and Keane, and American ones like Counting Crows and the Wallflowers. They've also toured with Weezer and Ben Folds and had songs--like first single "Over My Head (Cable Car)"--featured on such popular programs as Grey's Anatomy. Though they incorporate guitar, unlike Keane, Slade's expert piano playing is prominent on every track. To his credit, he can also hit the high notes just as gracefully as Coldplay's Chris Martin, but therein lies the rub: As with the band as a whole, Slade hasn't quite found his own voice yet. How To Save a Life is polished and professional, bland and inoffensive. It goes down easy, but evaporates into the ether just as quickly. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

Album starts off well then fades..........2007-07-19

By now, most people who listen to alternative rock have heard of these guys. If you are reading this, then you want to know "Do I really want this album?". I think if you like the genre of music a lot (like Coldplay, Blue October, Keane), the go ahead and give this album a try. If you just like one of their songs, consider downloading that song and a couple more (chose from tracks 1 - 6 for more upbeat melodies and after for slower ones). The album tended to grow on me but is still not one I listen too all that often because of many of the songs sounding very similar.

Over and over again.......2007-06-16

I heard "Over MY Head" on a TV cable series, found it catchy, and wanted to find out who recorded it. After an eventful personal odyssey, I finally discovered this. Unfortunately my journey was a wasted effort. HOW TO SAVE A LIFE, the debut album for this piano-based-sounding group (from Denver-if that has any significance), is pleasant enough, that is, on first listening, but it is clearly superficial and soon becomes redundant. The enticing single "Over My Head" does have an entertaining chorus and a memorable refrain that makes nice use of the cable car metaphor. The majority of the other compositions on this album, however, sound as if they were manufactured by a cookie cutter song machine. Indeed, I don't think I recall ever hearing selections that were so much alike: they use a very (VERY) similar musical structure, are almost identical in studio production, and follow the same form- opening with an understated verse which then moves speedily to a chorus (that sounds like the chorus of the previous song) and repeats ala loop to make the statement. A slight exception might be the title track "How To Save A Life" (apparently among those heard on Grey's Anatomy) with its delicate piano intro and tender ballad-like message or "She Is" which demonstrates a bit of a driving rhythm. But even those do not stray too far away from the mold. They both, for example, still employ the same repetitious chorus device (in fact, when I was listening to "How to Save A Life" I thought it was "Over My Head."). The rest aren't even worth comment other than to say they are undistinguished. At best, they are derivative in content (borrowing from other vanilla-type ensembles) which nonetheless still does not excuse their own absence of variety. Likewise, the lead singer's voice, reminiscent perhaps of David Gray's, fits the tone of "Over My Head," but by the time you hear its whining character on two or three of the other tracks [incidentally- NOT like David Gray], you may want to be rescued from the experience. The continued exposure will either annoy you or put you to sleep.
To the point, this first album for The FRAY indicates that the group understands the concept of formula far too well. They should appreciate, however, that comfortable and familiar often leads very quickly to boring. With that in mind, most, if not all, of this can be thrown in the waste bin unless you are looking for sounds that will induce deep slumber. To be honest, its most salient feature is monotony. It is unobtrusively bland and shallow, with little evidence of either creative or original effort.

very listenable tracks.......2007-06-04

I spend most of my time in Europe, so I don't get too much exposure to up and coming bands. By chance on a recent trip home I heard The Fray on one of the 'Top 40' programs. I liked what I heard, sampled a few tracks online, and bought the music. While I might agree with the numerous reviews that say many of the Fray's songs sound similar, I still enjoy them. I recommend giving a listen to the Fray and look forward to seeing what comes next from them.

excellent album.......2007-05-26

This album is a great album. Each song is really good. Very mellow.

melancholy melody.......2007-05-21

The story from "How to save a life" is what got me to buy the CD. If you are interested google them and read about it. The whole CD is inspiring and nice. It is definitly a road trip CD. enjoy!

Average customer rating: Joan O. has got it Fantastic voice and song list easy, breezy...and sexy...me likes! expected it to be better What To Do About Joan Osborne.

Breakfast in Bed Joan Osborne Manufacturer: Time Life Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pretty Little Stranger Courage Are You Listening West Back to Black ASIN: B000O78KZG Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. I've Got To Use My Imagination
2. Ain't No Sunshine
3. Midnight Train To Georgia
4. Baby Is A Butterfly
5. Breakfast In Bed
6. Cream Dream
7. Natural High
8. Heart Of Stone
9. Sara Smile
10. Eliminate The Night
11. Break Up To Make Up
12. I Know What's Goin' On
13. Alone With You
14. Kiss And Say Goodbye
15. Heat Wave
16. What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted

Amazon.com

On Breakfast in Bed, her first release on Time Life Records (yes, that Time Life) Joan Osborne tackles a crop of hand-picked soul and R&B favorites with equal parts sass and sensitivity. Long an underappreciated artist, Osborne is a performer with the wisdom to exercise vocal restraint for an effect that's more Dusty Springfield than Christina Aguilera. Her fine previous outing interpreting soul standards was aptly titled How Sweet It Is, and witness her contribution to the terrific 2002 film Standing in the Shadows of Motown, where Osborne's astute readings of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" and "Heatwave" outshone performers like Ben Harper and Gerald Levert (happily, both songs are included here). The title track and Hall and Oates' "Sara Smile" are both canny choices that play to her strengths in delivering credible blue-eyed soul, and six new Osborne-penned songs fit neatly into the record. If her compositions pale a bit next to the classics she covers (with the sultry and slithery exception of the excellent "Eliminate the Night"), give Osborne credit for bravely placing herself side-by-side with songwriting luminaries like Holland-Dozier-Holland and Bill Withers. Breakfast in Bed makes for a leisurely listen on a sunny Sunday morning, so put up your feet and stay awhile. --Ben Heege

Album Description

Joan Osbourne's recently recorded album pays homage to the great Soul and R&B songs of the late '60s and early '70s. The album features a unique combination of unforgettable interpretations of timeless R&B classics. Her first single to radio will be "I've Got to Use My Imagination."

Customer Reviews:

Joan O. has got it.......2007-07-19

I'm becoming a bigger fan of Joan every day. I loved her last album, Pretty Little Stranger, even though it was a bit country for her, and I'm not a country music fan. I'm interested in checking out this collection of her covering pop hits. She does covers well, and her voice is so obviously hers, that even though it might be a song you have heard enough times already in your life, hearing the "Joan" version is always a treat. I'm sorry this is not a review of this album in particular, I do plan to get it soon. I'll let you know then! I'm giving 5 stars based on the Amazon video and audio samples. What I can say is that her previous albums are all great, and her live shows are awesome, especially if you can be lucky enough to see her in a smaller venue.

The first time I saw her was pretty much by accident. I wound up crossing through the front of a very large crowd between acts at a Woodstock reunion in Bethel, NY (not Pepsistock in Saugeraties), in the late 90's. Then Joan and her band came on and I'm front and center and she blew me away with St. Teressa or something like that. I've been a fan ever since.

Fantastic voice and song list.......2007-07-12

Most know Joan for her 90's hit "If God Was One of Us." She is far from those days. Most would be astounded to hear what Joan;s voice is capable of, as that song only trapped her into a simple octave throughout its verses.

Here in "Breakfast In Bed", Joan takes the jazz practice of covering American classics and favorites in her dynamic, raspy alto voice. This is a great CD, my favorites include the live performances of "Heatwave" and "What Becomes of a Broken Hearted" with Motown's Funk Brothers; and classics "Natural High" and "Sara Smile."

Check the song list, if you find any of your old favorites the GET THIS CD, you will definately not be disappointed. However "What Becomes of a Broken Hearted" is worth the $13 alone.

easy, breezy...and sexy...me likes!.......2007-06-30

Okay, my thoughts! I dunno, it seems pretty clear Joan has been really enjoying herself lately. I'm all for that.

Speaking for myself, more times than not, Joan selects covers that are mostly new to me - on this disc, besides the 2 live tracks, I was only familiar with Midnight Train. So, generally, all the songs are new to me. Then again, I like covers and I like how Joan mixes in her own songs. She is a singer, after all! I don't think a true singer should be afraid of (or criticized for) covering songs... Admittedly, if I really had my way with Joan, I'd get her to release all those original songs that have gone unreleased over the years, but this album satisfies just as well. Simply put, it's great.

Honestly, when I first listened to the sound samples online, I wasn't quite sure what to think, but since listening to the full album, I've come to really enjoy it. I think it's an accessible album that everyone can enjoy. Joan's voice sounds unbelievably sexy and gorgeous! I don't dislike the first 2 tracks, but I could do without them at the same time. My favorites from this disc are Baby Is A Butterfly & Heart Of Stone (two originals), and Kiss And Say Goodbye (so good!). I'm not one to hum, but I've found myself randomly humming these songs (like while shopping or lounging in bed).

In any case, all the songs work and sound well alongside each other and I'm glad Joan's being more prolific and enjoying herself.

expected it to be better.......2007-06-30

Her "How Sweet It Is" CD is one of my favorites. On that release, she's in great voice, she covers great material and I think it was very bold to do a CD of all cover tunes. I was excited to find that Joan did a new 70's style CD, but I found that this disk to be just pleasant. It is also somewhat dull... no sparkle, no WOW, no "hey you gotta hear this!". I ain't bad, but if you're tempted, start with the "Sweet" CD.

What To Do About Joan Osborne........2007-06-30

Osborne's career has to be one of the most wasteful careers of all time. This is her sixth studio album, and it is her third in a row consisting MOSTLY of cover songs and NOT original material. Is her hand broken? Can she not write 10 original songs for one new cd? I WANT "RELISH" OR "RIGHTEOUS LOVE". At least the songs not written by her were new songs.

That said, I think Osborne is an excellent vocalist, but her vocals have been squandered by re-doing classic r&b, blues and soul songs. I have to admit that some of her successful covers on "Breakfast In Bed" came in unexpected places. When I looked over the titles I thought, "There's no way she's going to pull off Gladys Knight & The Pips's "I've Got To Use My Imagination", but there she was giving it a fresh coat of new paint. This didn't carry over to the other Gladys Knight & The Pips hit "Midnight Train To Georgia". To me, it was a lifeless interpretation of the original. Likewise, Bill Withers's "Ain't No Sunshine" was a rather bland interpretation. "Natural High" by Bloodstone was unfamiliar to me, so I couldn't compare the original with what Joan had done, but the song was okay, not great. "Breakfast In Bed" is eluding me. I'm not sure if it is a cover song because I've never heard it before. Hall & Oates's "Sara Smile" was treading on dangerous ground for me since I am a huge fan of theirs. I was not amused by the original take of a song about a woman being sung by a woman. Again, Osborne didn't bring anything new to the table. "Break Up To Make Up" by The Stylistics was okay. I wasn't too familiar with that song, so again, I couldn't compare. Manhattan's "Kiss And Say Goodbye" is an often covered song, and Osborne did a decent job of it. Strangely, the two songs not designed for this cd, but included as extras, tended to be some of the strongest material. Joan does a decent cover of Martha & The Vandellas' "Heat Wave" and Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted" to finish off the disc.

This leaves six originals penned by Joan. I give her credit for making six songs that do sound like the genre she was going for. However, I found only two of the songs to really stand out in my mind: "Baby Is A Butterfly" and "Cream Dream". "Heart Of Stone", "Eliminate The Night", "I Know What's Going On" and "Alone With You" are all unremarkable.

So, what's it going to be? Give Joan five stars because you like her and she's a talented singer/songwriter, or give her three stars because she's not giving fans what they really want (all new material)? For me, it's the latter. I can't stress enough that after 7 years it's high time for Osborne to walk the walk and give us a full album of new material.

Average customer rating: Needs some editing Mika Rocks Amazing Debut CD Been there....got that Good, but not great

Life in Cartoon Motion Mika Manufacturer: Casablanca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Back to Black Costello Music These Streets Alright, Still Release the Stars ASIN: B000NA2776 Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

1. Grace Kelly
2. Lollipop
3. My Interpretation
4. Love Today
5. Relax (Take It Easy)
6. Ring Ring
7. Any Other World
8. Billy Brown
9. Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)
10. Stuck In The Middle
11. Erase
12. Happy Ending

From Amazon.co.uk

The pop world might be all cooing 'n' cross-eyed over this flamboyant elfin with extended tail-feathers, as if it were shaken suddenly from a slumber, but the arrival of such a character was in fact always inevitable. He's an unlikely but traceable amalgamation of random pop culture explosions from the past few years--two parts Paulo Nutini, one part Kemal from Big Brother, a dash of Daphne & Celeste, a barrel measure of Scissor Sisters, and another pinch of post-ironic dancing to Elton John at the Students' Union gone midnight. It's no secret that the UK has a weakness for pretty-boy singer songwriters either--he fits in there too, in that he's about to stick its index finger in the socket and pour it a drink.

Give it 12 months and you might be taking out a restraining order--Mika will split opinion--but his quasi-soul falsetto is unbelievable, that much is immediately obvious. There are moments nearing syrupy Feeling-esque normalcy (take "My Interpretation"), but those aside it's high camp insatiability all the way. There's a hint of Freddie Mercury's theatricality in the voice, and in "Big Girl" he's even written a modern day "Fat Bottomed Girls". "Lollipop" is Jake Shears leading the Jackson 5, "Love Today" is the missing link between the Bee Gees and Village People and "Relax, Take It Easy" is a chilled Pet Shop Boys in gold lamé. Too cheesy to be a classic, perhaps, but this is just the brand of subversive eccentricity Robbie has failed miserably to achieve over his past few albums. --James Berry

Album Description

`Historic', `sensational', `flamboyant' and `without-any-doubt original' are just some of the adjectives being thrown around by critics in praise of 22 year-old UK newcomer, Mika's eclectic debut album, Life In Cartoon Motion.

Fun, smart, musically adventurous and thematically provocative, the songs on Life In Cartoon Motion, all of them written and produced by Mika, combine euphoric rushes of melody with darker unexpected elements. They range from bright daytime melodramas to night-time tales of love, loss, abandonment, hope and happiness. Each is a splendid blend of fresh imagination and deft pop craftsmanship.

Album gems such as "Grace Kelly," "Lollipop," Billy Brown," and "Relax And Take It Easy," display Mika's innovative wordplay. `I've always respected people who make great records to their own vision,' writes the quixotic Mika. Mission accomplished!

Customer Reviews:

Needs some editing.......2007-07-06

I agree this is a very good album, but the end of Track 6 (Ring Ring) and less so 7, has an annoying segment with a woman speaking in broken english talking about having her heart broken and left with only one eye! It would be cute if it was quick, but it goes on for 45 seconds! There is also a bonus song following the last song "Happy Ending" There's a 1 minute gap between the last song and the bonus song. (a song cookie?) How many people pop out the CD at that point thinking it's over? It's a very haunting piece with a piano and falsetto vocal. I used a music editing program to get rid of the 45 second rambling spoken word segment and to cut out the 1 minute gap between the bonus track.

Mika Rocks.......2007-07-03

Love listening to new talent! I saw Mika on Good Morning America and knew right away I was looking at a success story! Music that makes your heart sing!

Amazing Debut CD.......2007-06-28

I'm a little late to the game when it comes to being a Mika fan, but in this case, it is definitely better late than never. This CD is phenomenal! His style! His voice! The songs! I could go on and on and on and on.
"Grace Kelly" starts off the cd, and it grabs you right from the start. By the time you are grooving to "Big Girl" near the end of the cd, you'll suddenly realize you haven't had this much fun listening to a cd in a long, long time.
Give it a try. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Been there....got that.......2007-06-27

I really wanted to be blown away by this CD. Instead, I'm mildly OK with it. Scissor Sisters did the same album and MUCH better. Definitely somewhat of a disapointment.

Good, but not great.......2007-06-18

I like this album. It's fun, catchy, easy to listen to. Some of the songs are really great. I feel compelled to write, however, because I think there is a lot of "filler" on this album. That's bizarre to say about a debut, but I honestly feel that his style of impersonation falls flat on pretty much all the slower, more intimate songs. Those songs aren't bad in most cases, but they just are not very memorable for me. The other drawback is that some songs that seem cool and quirky on first listen, become a bit annoying on repeat listenings (Lollipop, Love Today).

I think the songs where his influences are worn on his sleeve are his best offerings. I wonder what his own musical voice is and whether that would be worth listening to. Will he have any staying power after the novelty of his Freddie Mercury and Jake Shears impressions wear off? That isn't a drawback to this album more of a speculation for the future.

I cannot reasonably give it higher than 3 stars; this album is too much of a mixed bag, despite being pretty fun. So far all the reviews are either 1 star or 4 or 5, and for such an inconsistent album, I don't think either of the extremes is appropriate. I'll be interested to see what his next album brings.

Average customer rating: old tiesto Tiësto is Tiësto Music to Write Code By Simply Great Dissapointing coming from Tiesto.

Elements of Life DJ Tiësto Manufacturer: Ultra Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Trance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Netherlands | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: A State of Trance 2007 10 Years Ibiza '06 In Search of Sunrise, Vol. 5 Los Angeles State of Trance 2006 ASIN: B000N8UY3W Release Date: 2007-04-10

Tracks:

1. Ten Seconds Before Sunrise
2. Everything (featuring JES)
3. Do You Feel Me (featuring Julie Thompson)
4. Carpe Noctum
5. Driving To Heaven
6. Sweet Things (featuring Charlotte Martin)
7. Bright Morningstar
8. Break My Fall (featuring BT)
9. In The Dark (featuring Christian Burns)
10. Dance4Life (featuring Maxi Jazz)
11. Elements Of Life Bonustrack : He's A Pirate (Tiësto Remix)

Amazon.com

Tiësto sticks to his guns on a new album of original compositions that follows 2004's Just Be. Elements of Life strikes a satisfying balance between inventive vocal tracks and signature trance stormers: "Ten Seconds Before Sunrise," "Driving to Heaven," and "Bright Morning Star" all glow with the Dutchman's epic sound, one that is simultaneously haunting and uplifting. On the vocal side, the soaring energy of "Break My Fall," which features BT on vocals, will not disappoint fans of the duo's prior work on "Just Be" and other collaborations. To be sure, there are a number of less convincing pieces as well: "Dance4Life" with Faithless's Maxi Jazz falls flat, and the lyrics of "Can You Feel Me" prove that the genre's reputation for banal wordsmithing is not entirely undeserved. For the most part, however, these weaker moments are outweighed by the stronger tracks. Principal among these is undoubtedly "Sweet Things"--in which Charlotte Martin's vocal high-wire act is complemented by some exceptional programming--a track that is sure to receive a great many spins by DJs around the globe and yet further proof that when it comes to bringing alive the female voice for the dancefloor, Tiësto remains without equal. All in all, it's a safe bet that many of Tiësto's Elements will be making their way into DJ crates and MP3 players alike. --Brent Kallmer

Album Description

Tiësto is undeniably one of the greatest DJ talents of this era. Internationally recognized as the world's premier DJ and producer, Tiësto continually takes electronic music to the next level - pushing boundaries with his addictive and creative trance creations. With his prior album releases enjoying outstanding success in the States, the time has come for his next installment: ELEMENTS OF LIFE. This record includes brilliant collaborations from the likes of BT, Maxi Jazz (Faithless) and other incredible female vocalists; a stunning collection of uplifting trance ensues. Supporting this release with performances at Coachella, WMC and an extensive national tour through Summer 07, Elements of Life will be THE electronic album of 2007.

Customer Reviews:

old tiesto.......2007-07-18

I am kinda disappointed in this cd I like the old tiesto way better than this stuff. Hopefully his next cd rocks.

Tiësto is Tiësto.......2007-07-11

After Just Be, I didn't have too high expectations of this album, even though I did like Just Be. This album doesn't have slow tracks, the vocal performances are just great. All songs fit his style and a couple of them may remind you his first hits.

Music to Write Code By.......2007-07-05

Another good addition to a long playlist of trance electronica I listen to while writing code. Thanks, D.J. Tiesto!

Simply Great.......2007-07-05

One of the best Tiesto CD's I've had the pleasure of owning. It has been playing on repeat for a week now and I haven't gotten tired of it. "Sweet Things" is one of my favs on it. The teme from Pirates of the Caribean is awesome too.

Dissapointing coming from Tiesto........2007-07-04

I expected better of Tiesto, but his decline continues with Elements of Life. Some of the tracks (like Sweet Things) were just bad. Terrible vocals, poor sounding in general. Let PVD and AVB take over; they deserve to. They continue to produce quality stuff. Tiesto has just finally began to choke on his ego, and it will be the eventual complete demise of him. Tiesto is more concerned about spreading his name, and doesn't spend enough time in the studio. He has basically forgotten about the music that has famed him. AVB does a weekly radio show and keeps on top of everything Trance. Tiesto keeps on top of himself, and nothing more.

Average customer rating: Favorite Now this is a good album! You Made US Love YOU!! Jennifer Nettles Shines GREAT

Twice the Speed of Life Sugarland Manufacturer: Mercury Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Enjoy The Ride Real Fine Place Feels Like Today Some Hearts The Road to Here ASIN: B000640XPW Release Date: 2004-10-26

Tracks:

1. Something More
2. Baby Girl
3. Hello
4. Tennessee
5. Just Might (Make Me Believe)
6. Down In Mississippi (Up To No Good)
7. Fly Away
8. Speed Of Life
9. Small Town Jericho
10. Time, Time, Time
11. Stand Back Up

Amazon.com

A surprise hit in 2004 and 2005, this Atlanta-based threesome arrived on the scene at precisely the right time--when country trios (Dixie Chicks, Rascal Flatts, and to a lesser extent, Trick Pony and SheDaisy) had proved themselves in the marketplace. Like those acts, Sugarland trade on solid and sometimes intricate harmonies and a killer lead vocalist. In this case, the full-tilt Jennifer Nettles plays Natalie Maines to Kristen Hall and Kristian Bush's Emily and Martie. And while it would be lovely to hear another member of the trio out front occasionally, Nettles, a deep-dish Southerner who knows no one-syllable words ("air" is "aye-er"), is a commanding presence. Stylistically, the group mixes it up, from the folk-rock of Hall and Bush's backgrounds to the driving pop that dominates much of contemporary country radio; thematically, the songs largely revolve around restlessness, the need to escape restrictions and find one's self, and the faith that things will work out. "Baby Girl," the hit about an itinerant musician writing home for money and emotional connectedness, is but one of several surefire winners here, which include "Something More," a mid-tempo quest for a more meaningful life, and "Tennessee," in which a radio request line rescues true love. The quieter songs ("Fly Away," "Hello") are no less well written and affecting, even as the barnburning "Down in Mississippi (Up to No Good)," about housewife ennui and riverboat gambling, falls embarrassingly flat. Does this triad have staying power? Well, just as their name implies, they're a little too sweet to equal the Chicks' gravitas, but there's no denying they've got energy to burn. --Alanna Nash

Customer Reviews:

Favorite.......2007-07-07

Of Course I have been listening to Jennifer since she was the lead singer in Soul Miner's Daughter, Bluesy and fun. This one is great. She's all grown up and the quality of her music just keeps getting better. When I'm having a bad day this is a great pick-me-up.

Now this is a good album!.......2007-06-13

This album is amazing. I enjoy every song on it. Several of them are radio hits, and several more should be. My favorite song is "Hello," one of the more mellow songs. There are plenty of fast-paced and mid-tempo songs, too. If you like "Something More," "Baby Girl," and "Just Might (Make Me Believe)," I promise you will like the rest of the album too.

You Made US Love YOU!!.......2007-05-06

Saw the trio with friends at the Coffee and Wine Bar in Cave Creek, AZ and swooped in on the CD - now we are hooked and play it all the time. I'm not too into Country, but love every song on this CD-A keeper in my book!!

Jennifer Nettles Shines.......2007-04-16

This CD shines with Jennifer Nettles in the lead!She has a bluesy realistic yet edgy voice that is separable from all of the newer country stars- I truly believe she will become a legend. Down In Mississippi (Up To No Good) is my personal favorite as it is an energetic "get the party started" Southern gal anthem!

GREAT.......2007-04-07

GREAT LOVE IT AND LISTIN TO IT ALL THE TIME THANKS. PRICE WAS AWESOME!!1

Average customer rating: Parachutes coldplay "parashutes" Can anybody stop this thing ... before my head explodes ... Amazing debut album Cold Play rocks

Parachutes Coldplay Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Dream Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: A Rush of Blood to the Head X&Y Live 2003 (CD & DVD) Hopes and Fears OK Computer ASIN: B0000508U6 Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

1. Don't Panic
2. Shiver
3. Spies
4. Sparks
5. Yellow
6. Trouble
7. Parachutes
8. High Speed
9. We Never Change
10. Everything's Not Lost

Amazon.com

Music doesn't come more touching than this. With their debut single alone, the emotion-fortified "Shiver," Coldplay prove they can shift between elated and crushed in a breath, as singer Chris Martin pours out music's oldest chestnut (unconditional yet unrequited love) with the shakiest of voices and a backdrop of epic guitars. For 10 tracks on Parachutes, he adds newfound meaning to the most tired and overused rock sentiments--love found, love lost, love unrequited--over acoustic guitars and emotionally fraught rock. And for once, all the clichés ring true because Chris Martin genuinely sounds like a man picking over the bones of his life, coming up with just as many reasons to be cheerful as seriously depressed. Not that Parachutes is a depressing album--there's too much conviction to the guitars and hope in Martin's words for that. Instead it's a beautifully tender balance that comes as close to perfection as anything that's come before it. --Dan Gennoe

Amazon.com

Coldplay Photos

More from Coldplay

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X&Y

Live 2003

Customer Reviews:

Parachutes.......2007-04-05

For so long I wrote this band off as Radiohead wannabes. Granted, Chris Martin himself pretty much admits this sentiment to be true, but that does not mean Coldplay can't want to be like Radiohead and make good music at the same time. They don't strike as deep or reach as far, but they deliver more accessible music that isn't all that bad. In fact, Parachutes, their debut album, is quite good - no, it is great.

The album has a reserved, modest alternative rock sound that relies on acoustic guitars and keyboards just as much as it does electric guitars and drum rhythms. There aren't many layers or complexity to the ten tracks on Parachutes; they are beautifully simple. Chris Martin will probably never top his vocals on this album. It is his most vivid and honest delivery. One key aspect of Coldplay's music that has never gone well with me is the lyrics, and more specifically their topics. And Coldplay haven't seemed to move from where they started, but that isn't a real weak point for Parachutes, considering that this is where they started.

"Don't Panic" is one of the best songs on the album, both in terms of sound and lyrics, but when the electric guitar comes in you can immediately taste the Radiohead. "Shiver" is a much more "Coldplay" song that has a very endearing, melodic sound to it, and the fact that it isn't in 4/4 shows that Coldplay aren't just talented. But the lyrics - being about a girl - dull this display of intellect and creativity. They more than make up for it on "Spies," a darker-sounding drum-heavy piece that is surely metaphorical about life's worries, drug use, or maybe even communist China. "Sparks" is a beautiful, almost lounge-like piece that is fitting to be about a girl. Both "Yellow" and "Trouble" are overrated, but still very good songs that work perfectly on this album. "High Speed" is another very enjoyable Radiohead-flavored song that contains a lot of atmospheric guitar-work and a grooving bass line. "We Never Change" is perhaps the best song on the album, and is certainly the most expressive and meaningful. "Everything's Not Lost" is the perfect track to close out Parachutes, with its "this could go on forever" guitar and bass riffs and vocals.

The songs in and of themselves aren't particularly brilliant or overwhelming, but the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts. The album cannot be expressed in a song or two like your average pop album. It's not exactly a "Dark Side Of The Moon"-type of album either, but everything works so well from beginning to end that it is in a sense exactly that kind of album.

coldplay "parashutes".......2007-03-19

i wait3 month and not recieve nothing-you lost this, i don't know condition.

Can anybody stop this thing ... before my head explodes ..........2007-02-03

Simply stated one of the best albums in existence. From the restrained beauty of "Yellow," to the haunting, unbelievably beautiful "Trouble," to my favorite "High Speed," this cd is astonishing. Stunning. Perfect. The last song "Everything's Not Lost" is ideal when you're at the end of your rope. It'll choke you up, but you'll feel better ... I cannot recommend this cd highly enough. This audio clips on the main page don't do any of the tracks justice ... they sound warped, tinny, and flat ... just buy it. The main review calls Parachutes "a beautifully tender balance that comes as close to perfection as anything that's come before it." Yes ... yes.

Amazing debut album.......2007-02-02

Not often does a band come through and shatter the mold for popular music. Before this cd, Americans were fixated on 'boy bands' and Outkast. This release expanded the palette of nearly all who listened; the door was open for such bands as Keane, Franz Ferdinand, and even Modest Mouse to gain their fair share of radio play. A deeper and more spiritual side of music was exposed that had an overwhelmingly great effect on the industry as a whole. This CD is simply amazing, with every song complementing each other seamlessly.
While most casual listeners will be quick to enjoy the pop-friendly "Yellow," it is such songs as "Everything's Not Lost" and "Shiver" that best define this album.

Cold Play rocks.......2007-01-11

This Cd I bought for only two of the songs. I do however enjoy more than the two I got it for.Its not as good as X&Y but its good. I have bought most all Cold plays music and this band is awesome.

Average customer rating: Tim Goes Roots Punk is dead Tim Armstrong shows his reggae side A non groupie review...what a concept Now this is a surprise...

A Poet's Life Tim Armstrong Manufacturer: Hellcat Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Ska Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Reggae Hit L.A. The Aggrolites ...And Out Come The Wolves Music from Regions Beyond New Maps of Hell ASIN: B000OY8NEM Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Wake Up
2. Hold On
3. Into Action
4. Translator
5. Take This City
6. Inner City Violence
7. Oh No
8. Lady Demeter
9. Among the Dead
10. Cold Blooded

Album Description

This began as a thank you from Tim to Rancid fans, to be released one track at a time on the Internet to tide fans over until the next Rancid full-length. But when KROQ in LA began heavily playing the explosive track, "Into Action", plans changed. So here's Armstrong's first solo release, backed by some of the strongest radio support since the days of "Time Bomb" and "Ruby Soho". With a killer old-school two-tone groove, helped along by Hellcat label mates The Aggrolites, "A Poet's Life" is loose, punky, infectious, and shamelessly danceable. Bonus DVD features videos of every song and a cool featurette on the making of the album and videos.

Customer Reviews:

Tim Goes Roots.......2007-07-03

This won't be long winded... This album is great, it's fun and done very well. It's a perfecrt record for this summer. Reggae goes great in the heat... Buy this now, thank me later.

Punk is dead.......2007-06-28

I was so excited to see Tim Armstrong had a new CD out. I love Rancid. I bought Boxcar Racer and the Transplants because he was on them. But don't expect anything even close to any of that. It's a slow, boring mixture of reggae, steel drums, horns, and more reggae. I think 6 of the 10 songs start out exactly the same, the other 4 begin and you wonder if its going to be a Billy Joel song. His voice just isn't fitting to the music being played.
He sings about Rock and Roll and Punk but never plays any.
It makes you wonder is this really him and he's been fooling us for all those years? Poetry it is not.

Tim Armstrong shows his reggae side.......2007-06-19

I've been a big fan of The Aggrolites for a while and a Op Ivy and Rancid fan for much longer. I heard a couple of these tracks on the website before this was an actual album. I'm not going to jump on the bandwagon right away and say this is amazing. The reggae music is awesome and really makes this worthwhile courtesy of The Aggrolites, but Tim as a solo vocalist is pretty disappointing. When he's with Lars and Rancid he can be amazing, but on some of the tracks on this album he sounds a little like he's trying to be raggaetone which is weird (especially on Into Action).

As far as comparisons to Op Ivy, I'm not sure you can even make a comparison. Op Ivy was extremely punky, fast and skacore. Not like this album at all. I would compare this one to Rancid's Life Won't Wait album a lot more easily than Op Ivy.

I'm glad he leaves out the gangster stuff he was getting into with the Transplants. There is definitely some Clash influence on this album. Overall, if you want a good pick-me-up reggae/ska album with some Tim Armstrong spirit pick this up.

A non groupie review...what a concept.......2007-06-15

The first three songs on this album are really song. Great reggae and ska inspired tunes, reminiscent of Op IVY. I can even overlook that Tim is singing with a pop punk teenager on "into action" and enjoy the tune. What I can't over look is that the album really falls apart after the first three songs. The rest of the album sound like demos...or transplants outtakes. Pretty disappointing. I love ska, punk, and reggae, but these are dull tunes. The only song I can stand on the rest of the album is "among the dead" and that's because it hints at an OP Ivy reunion. I can only hope after hearing this record....

Now this is a surprise..........2007-06-14

It's been quite a while since a Rancid record (or a Rancid side project record) hasn't dissapointed me. The two Transplants records bored me, the second Lars Frederickson solo record embarassed me and "Indestructible" gave me the sense of deja vu that only having heard "Life Won't Wait" or "...and out come the wolves" could illict.
So when I heard that Tim Armstong was releasing a solo record I merely shrugged it off and went on about my day. Then I heard that he was giving it away for free, one song at a time, on his website(like that was gonna happen). So after hearing the first two tracks, the excellent "Wake Up" and "Hold On", my interest grew a little. And while Armstrong decided not to give the whole thing out on his website(again, not really a big surprise), when I saw it in stores recently I decided to give it a shot.
"A Poet's Life" will surprise anyone who is expecting a record that sounds like Rancid. While Rancid always had a ska/ reggae vibe to many of their songs they always backed them up with a a harder, more '77 vibe that is lacking from this record. This record is straight up reggae/ ska which is actually the smartest move that Armstrong could've made as it gives "A Poet's Life" a laid back, melodic, off the cuff groove that is infectious and impossible to resist. This record sounds like it was a lark, something fun to make while hanging out with one's friends, and that vibe is felt by listener.
Every track on "A Poet's Life" is strong, even if not every song is amazing. The first four songs--- the aforementioned "Wake Up" and "Hold On", the nearly perfect "Into Action" and the roots sounding "Translators"--- set the tone a little too well, as the songs that follow fail to keep the same energy and songwritting level. Also, like the last few records, Armstrong's lyrics are fairly spotty, though vocally he's never been in better form than he is here.
So "A Poet's Life" isn't perfect? Who expected it to be? But what "A Poet's Life" is fun, entertaining, melodic, energetic, brief and engaging. It's everything that you want and more.
Welcome back Tim. It's good to have ya back.

Average customer rating: A great second album that does not let you down! a must have it! Make up your heart to break it again Very happy with our purchase! My life soundtrack

Life for Rent Dido Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: No Angel Afterglow Dido Live (DVD/CD Set) Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Surfacing ASIN: B000089RVR Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

1. White Flag
2. Stoned
3. Life For Rent
4. Marys in India
5. See You When Youre 40
6. Dont Leave Home
7. Who Makes You Feel
8. Sand In My Shoes
9. Do You Have a Little Time
10. This Land is Mine
11. See the Sun

Amazon.com

Despite its somewhat polite, trip-hoppy surface, Dido Armstrong's music frequently rests on a melancholy that can only be called courageous in the current pop world. Few singer-songwriters with 12 million record sales behind them would offer a single such as Life for Rent's "White Flag," which is in part an apology for the "mess and destruction" the narrator has left with her lover. Emotions are even stickier on other tracks, with Dido's Dusty-ish voice coolly sweeping through "Don't Leave Home," one of the creepiest codependent-love songs since "Every Breath You Take," and in "Who Makes You Feel," ticking off a list of reasons why an affair is dying, while also admitting that she still loves the guy. It's a hard-won romanticism, too, that pokes its head up in the tough-minded "This Land is Mine" and "Do You Have a Little Time" ("I'd like to hold you still/Remind you of all you've missed"). A knotty and rewarding album. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

A great second album that does not let you down!.......2007-07-12

This is a great album!
"White Flag", "Life For Rent", "This Land is Mine", "See the Sum" are songs you could listen to over and over. Her voice is as great as always and so are the lyrics!
I hope she'll keep coming up with new songs like these.

a must have it!.......2007-06-20

excellent, the best one from this girl

Make up your heart to break it again.......2007-05-06

Dido's voice has this ethereal feminity to it which invites hope, gladness and serendipity. Almost every song on Life for Rent makes you wonder why you haven't heard it in a while.This came out sometime in 2003 and it still is worth it's weight in gold. I'm not a big pop fan and I don't like Justin Timberlake's music. I'm more of a grunge fan from the mid 90's and a bit psych trance gets my mood going. I'm a big Cranberries fan and I adore voices with range. Dido's voice, however, doesn't quite display range yet manages to comfort one's solitude or multitude. When White Flag came out, the world rocked to it and various remixes were made. She was 32 when this record came out and today she is 35.

The disc has 11 songs. There are no songs that are forgettable. Whether you're in a car or in a house made of wood or alone on your bed at night wondering if you should pick up the telephone, her voice will guide your mind. Now before I try display more faulty comprehension, I should conclude by mentioning my three absolute favourite tracks on the disc. See You When You're 40, Mary's in India and Stoned. The title track is maybe the most forgettable one on this disc but there will be days when listeners might have warmed their ears to it.

Avoid playing this on earphones. It's meant to be played to your room's walls. Just a thought. Very well, see you when you're 40.

Very happy with our purchase!.......2007-04-11

Great cd, came fast and in perfect condition. Thank you!!

My life soundtrack.......2007-03-03

I have been a big fan of Dido's music since the first time I heard her lush vocals on Faithless' first album. Her first cd "No Angel" was good, a bit predictable and often bland but still quite good. Dido definitely has a distinct voice that sets her apart from most of her counterparts nowadays. She may have a limited range but she knows it and doesn't try to hit the high notes like a lot of singers do.

"Life For Rent" is Dido's second album. I definitely felt the material was much stronger than the songs on her first album both lyrically and musically. Her songs take on a more lush, intimate sound courtesy of the occasional acoustic guitar. I feel like I am in a studio watching Dido perform when I listen to "Life for Rent". The title track is my favorite song because I often relate to her lyrics. Initially I wasn't too wild about the first single "White Flag" but after hearing it several times on the radio when it first came out, the song eventually grew on me. The songs on the album tends to sound eerily similiar which is a minor flaw but I didn't mind it. I am just glad that there was no "Thank You" pt 2 on the cd. Overall this is a nice cd to listen to in the morning with a steaming hot cup of coffee and a scone or two, nice mellow music to chill out to.

Average customer rating: My first choice for a desert island The definition of music at its best. You Can't NOT Give This Album 5 Stars stevie really wonder 10 STARS FOR SOUL

Songs in the Key of Life Stevie Wonder Manufacturer: Motown ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Innervisions Talking Book Fulfillingness' First Finale What's Going on Stevie Wonder - The Definitive Collection ASIN: B00004SZWD Release Date: 2000-05-02

Tracks:

1. Love's In Need Of Love Today
2. Have A Talk With God
3. Village Ghetto Land
4. Contusion
5. Sir Duke
6. I Wish
7. Knocks Me Off My Feet
8. Pastime Paradise
9. Summer Soft
10. Ordinary Pain

Tracks:

1. Isn't She Lovely
2. Joy Inside My Tears
3. Black Man
4. Ngiculela/Es Una Historia/I Am Singing
5. If It's Magic
6. As
7. Another Star
8. Saturn
9. Ebony Eyes
10. All Day Sucker
11. Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call)

Amazon.com essential recording

Songs in the Key of Life (1976) was the highest high point of Stevie Wonder's career. More sprawling than Innervisions and Talking Book, this two-LP-plus-EP was also less of a consistent stunner than either of those masterworks. That Songs retains an enormous amount of visionary relevance, though, is demonstrated not only in Coolio's borrowing of "Pastime Paradise" as a template for "Gangsta's Paradise," but in the cold-as-ice synthesized string quartet of "Village Ghetto Land." This is Stevie, so naturally that cut's anger is balanced by the ultra-buoyant "I Wish," "Sir Duke," and "Another Star." The 2000 reissue boasts radically improved remastered sound. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

My first choice for a desert island.......2007-07-08

Undeniably classic Stevie Wonder. If you're a fan you have to have this one; if you're new to Stevie this is the place to start. Unlike some of his sugar sweet music from the 1980s, Songs In The Key Of Life has some melodies that can only be described as "haunting" -- they stay with you a lifetime. Some believe that a great meal should be paired with a great wine. Here, each melody is paired with the right lyrics. It's perfect and it's also the one album I would take if I could take only one to a desert island banishment.

The definition of music at its best........2007-06-17

If you check your local music store and looked through the Stevie Wonder CDs, you are likely to find this album more than the other albums (aside from "A Time To Love.") Though this album is over 30 years old, it's still in demand, and with a good reason: the 21 songs on this album are some of the greatest works to ever enter the music industry.

Most artists these days stick to one type of music, rarely trying something different. Wonder, on the other hand, has mastered not only his usual R&B and funk songs such as "I Wish," but on this album he also throws in some Latin, classical and funk/rock fusion twists, and he delivers them just as well as his usual genre.

Wonder without a doubt has talent in songwriting. He sings about almost everything that you can sing about, such as world peace ("Love's In Need Of Love Today"), love ("Knocks Me Off My Feet"), heartbreak ("Another Star"), world problems ("Village Ghetto Land") and equality ("Black Man") to name a few. No matter what he sings about he delivers some of the best vocals, lyrics and composing of all time. Most of his songs are upbeat and danceable, such as "Ngiculela" and "Sir Duke." "As" and "Summer Soft" are the most beautiful, poetic songs on the album and the music accompanying them are just as extraordinary. The funk songs Wonder is known for are also here. "I Wish" and "All Day Sucker" are funkier than "Superstition" from the album "Talking Book." "Ebony Eyes" is a very fun song that has a slight Beatles feel to it.

Wonder also includes two instrumentals: "Contusion" and "Easy Goin' Evening." Both of them show Wonder's skill with instruments, especially the harmonica (in "Easy Goin' Evening") which he is very well known for. "Contusion" is a great display of R&B/rock fusion and is very fun to dance to.

With twenty-one songs on this album, each of them some of the greatest songs ever, it's difficult to not like the album. This is music at its absolute best.

You Can't NOT Give This Album 5 Stars.......2007-06-08

I never really considered myself a Stevie Wonder fan, but after listening to this album, I realize why people love him so much. The songs off this album have been sampled and re-recorded by so many other artists it's scary! His R&B songwriting was second to none during the mid 70s.

stevie really wonder.......2007-05-13

great album: one of my favourites through all times. I already own the LP but on cd the quality is excellent. great buy!!!

10 STARS FOR SOUL.......2007-05-02

You know I found the album of him with two records and listening to it is just so AMAZING!!! Look at all the instruments Mr. Stevie Wonder plays and how he composes each and every song, along with the wisdom Stevie kicks down from his songs. I mean, what ever happened to all that SOUL in today's music???
Much love for the parents and the purpose that Stevie Wonder has continued to live out!

Average customer rating: All Time Favorite Album Right Now! OUTSTANDING !!!! Inspiring Great CD Classic. Wow.

Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship India.Arie Manufacturer: Motown ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Evolution of Robin Thicke Acoustic Soul Voyage to India Corinne Bailey Rae Collaborations ASIN: B000NA2866 Release Date: 2007-02-08

Tracks:

1. Intro: Loving
2. These Eyes
3. Heart of the Matter
4. Good Mourning
5. Private Party
6. There's Hope
7. Living (Interlude)
8. India' Song
9. Wings of Forgiveness
10. Summer - India.Arie, , , Victor Wooten
11. I Am Not My Hair
12. Great Grandmother
13. Better People
14. Outro: Learning
15. I Choose

Amazon.com

Log onto an India.Arie lyrics page and you won't come away expecting an easy-breezy listen--here's an artist, remember, who made a name for herself by declaring her disdain for silicone and Cristal on her 2001 debut. What's consistently a revelation for new recruits to the Arie camp, then, is how good the music makes you feel. No matter how heavy the subject matter (and it still gets heavy--God surfaces in the first verse of "Intro," the prayerful opening song), she delivers it in such a way that it ends up feeling like homespun wisdom--accessible, cloudless, and heartening. Testimony, no minor R&B/soul achievement, is full of such earth-mother moments: "The Heart of the Matter," a cover of the Don Henley song, is what a hug might sound like if it were music; "There's Hope" reminds tunefully that you don't have to pay to smile ("You better thank God for that"); "Private Party" points up the benefits of getting naked before a mirror and liking what you see (impossible as that sounds, it'll seem less so after listening); and "I Am Not My Hair," a sexy thumper featuring Akon, celebrates not the hair, not the skin, but "the soul that lives within." Musically, "Testament" is a testament to the benefits of branching out; in addition to gospel and hip-hop, you'll also find country and pure pop forays here. All of it works, and works wondrously. Arie may be the Oprah of the music world: she's spiritual, she's got her head screwed on straight, and whatever she touches turns to gold. Or at least it ought to. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

All Time Favorite Album Right Now!.......2007-07-17

India's lyrics really speak from her soul without any sugar coating or whining. On top of that she is rhythmically and melodically talented. She keeps it real and I love her for that. Very inspirational! I recommend this album to anyone who loves r & b and has been craving some r & b with inspirational, moving lyrics that you can identify with.

OUTSTANDING !!!!.......2007-07-16

I saw this product on Oprah and I took a chance and purchased it. I was not disappointed. Has a great sound and wonderful message for all.

Inspiring.......2007-07-13

This is an awesome CD. Every song is inspirational and uplifting. Whenever I need a lift in spirits, I put it on and it puts me in a good mood.

Great CD.......2007-07-03

Love this CD. It is fun,happy,energizing. Her voice is beautiful. I'm tired of all the new artists sounding alike so it's great to hear some diversity in style and sound. Buy this CD.

Classic. Wow........2007-06-14

From the second I heard her debut single, "Video," in 2001, I knew that I would be a fan for life. I didn't completely love either of her first CDs. Her debut was nice, but a few songs were iffy for me. Her second album felt a little rushed and seemed like a handful of great tracks tossed in with a bunch of filler material. And I could never stand her interludes, sorry to say. By no means did I not enjoy the CDs. I would probably give both four stars, but the point is... I had never been able to listen to one of her albums straight through, even though I love her. Until now, that is.

This album was so unexpected. It was one of the most pleasant surprises of the year for me. The whole thing is amazing. I listen to it straight through all the time, interludes and all! Her voice has improved so much; it has gained a new purity and is now smooth as butter. It glides over the tracks. The production is flawless. She has added a lot of other influences in the mix, including country and gospel. Her re-make of "Heart of the Matter" made me love the song, a small miracle in itself. I listen to "Wings of Forgiveness" every morning, as well as "I Choose" and "Better People."

To the many people claiming this is a "sell-out," I don't know what to tell you, but it's not. It's just not.

In short, this album is absolutely amazing. It is one of my favorites of all time! Each song is excellent, has a catchy melody, and delivers a great message. I demand that you buy this album. I cannot wait until Volume 2, Life & Politics. It's supposed to come out sometime this summer!

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