|
Post by ocelot on May 6, 2006 21:57:14 GMT -5
Mark, I would love it if sometime you would do a song-by-song review of the album.
|
|
|
Post by achebeautiful on May 7, 2006 18:36:51 GMT -5
Oh, I'd love to! Thanks for asking! In all fairness, I like to listen to an album without distraction three times through. It gives me an opportunity to absorb as much of the album as I possibly can. As much as I try not to go into an album with any expectations that would cause me to judge it against MY preconceived notions, it's always a good idea to get past the first listen or so just in case I'm doing it without even knowing! I like to try and appreciate everything the artist is bringing to their music....and find the heart and soul, the expression of that artist and what it is they are trying to convey. To do that, I feel I owe them an honest listen (or so.) The music. The lyrics. The style. The passion. These artists are slipping into a certain skin (if not their very own) and trying to give voice to matters of the heart. I want to listen in a way that I can as much as possible "experience" the song as if it were my own.
So, I will definately take you up on your offer to review the album. Just give me a day or two before posting it.
|
|
|
Post by achebeautiful on May 8, 2006 19:16:05 GMT -5
Here is my review of "Longueuer d'ondes", as requested:
1. Un ange frappe a ma porte: This is a very good song made even better for two reasons. One, I think its place on the album as the first song is favorable to both the song and the album. It's well placed in that it kind of draws a line through the album as a median pace. There are faster songs and slower songs on the album, but this one is kind of the balance that runs through all of them. Two, the video really enhances the song with all of its color and beauty! I was drawn to the song from the very first listen. However, after becoming more familiar with the album I have to say that it has remained the same to me while other songs have grown on me. 9/10
2. Longueur d'ondes: I really like this one for the attitude she displays on it. She seems to be singing from a depth of emotion that is very convincing. I love the pace of the song, and that she didn't drop off to a really slow song after a very good song to start the album off. The energy of this album is continued here, and her vocals are great! 9/10
3. Ce silence: The beginning of this song is one of the absolute highlights of the whole album with the muscle of a masculine rap vocal against the beauty of a sensual, feminine cry. Natasha sounds very pretty here, and the song has a mood to it that melts your heart. One of my favorite songs on the album. 10/10
4. J'oublie I love a song like this that has that continuous, steady beat that seems to stare you in the eyes and mesmerize you. This one has a feel of challenging one to a long hard look. Another of my favorite songs on the album. 10/10
5. Tiens-moi a la vie: She keeps the electricity flowing on this one with an edgy musical beat and a lovely vocal performance. What I really like about this song is that Natasha stays within her vocal range and yet still delivers a song with a little bit of punch to it. She has a beautiful voice for sure, but has her limits. This song shows that she can do a rock song within the voice she has...and can pull it off quite well! 8/10
Je peux tout quitter: Natasha has an incredible ability to compliment the music that accompanies her singing on every song I've ever heard her sing. In other words, stand alone and without any vocals, you could probably really enjoy the music of Natasha's songs. And Natasha always compliments that music with her vocal contribution, as if her voice is just one of the instruments in the band and not the spotlighted feature of the song. But for the first time, on this song I think she misses here. While I think her vocals are great on this song, they don't seem to be sung with the same conviction that the music behind her is playing with. And that may be the problem. Rarely does Natasha's music seem behind her. She just doesn't sound as convinced about what she is singing as the musicians are in playing along. 5/10
7. A l'amour comme a la guerre: Easily my favorite song on the album. This simplest song on the album is the most powerful of them all! Incredibly beautiful. Among my all-time favorite Natasha songs, and possibly one of my favorite songs of all. I fall in love with it more with every listen. 10/10
8. Tant que j'existerai: Another song that benefits from its placement on the album. After the power of the previous song, this one just soars! I love the feeling of windblown hair and the smoothness of it. More than cruising on a highway, this one makes me feel like I'm sailing on a crystal clear lake. Her vocals are strong, convincing and beautiful. This song reminds me of summertime! 10/10
9. Comme dans un train: This song has really grown on me over time! Her vocals are top notch, and the style of the song is awesome! Natasha seems to put a little extra personality into this one, and for that reason I have to give it a high rating. 9/10
10. Je traverserai: I think the music is incredible on this one in that it is very reflective. Her voice blends with it as well as on any song she sings. Beautiful song. One of my favorites in that it is stripped down and "real." 10/10
11. Je fais comme si: I like the song, but the "Je fais comme si" part seems a little superficial and drenched to me. I think I struggle a bit too with the "ordinary" ballad style of the song. Natasha puts her heart into it, though, and I think that is what redeems the song for me. 6/10
12. De nous: Stunning, beautiful song! The piano is played wonderfully to Natasha's vocals. This song lets you know that although the album was full of energy and electricity, edginess and pop-rock, the power beneath it all was beauty and magnificence, depth and emotion. 10/10
My Top Five (in order):
1. A l'amour comme a la guerre 2. De nous 3. Je traverserai 4. Tant que j'existerai 5. Ce silence
Overall: The album is a great listening experience from beginning to end with a lot of strength and no letdowns throughout. The least favorable song on the album is still enjoyable to listen to. Natasha has a very beautiful voice, although a limited one. What I like about her is that she knows how to stay within her limitations. She finds a way to express herself within her range by singing with depth of heart and emotion. I highly recommend this album!
|
|