Post by davidhr on Oct 10, 2017 7:56:32 GMT -5
The biggest week of the year, career-wise for Lara, with the debut of her new album. Given that there was so much going on, this News Update is split into three parts. This part contains information related directly to the album, and related videos. The second and third parts contain a number of translated long interviews Lara gave to the press in various countries. (Ironical, that for this English language album, most of the interviews so far require translating to English). There will also be a separate thread for the lyrics. And I’ll add my review to the appropriate thread for that. So busy times for Lara’s fan site administrators, too!
The English language album finally arrived, 13 years after the last general release – which in fact was not a general release at all, as Sony refused to make it so. This release was more in Lara’s power, as it was associated with her own record company, “9 Productions”. That gives her power, but also comes with its own drawbacks.
It appears that the digital release went off pretty much as planned, on platforms such as iTunes, etc., in different countries. Her Team posted the following picture of how well it was doing the first day (https://www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.622966977744803.1073741829.201065806601591/1751024858272337/?type=3&theater): in the top 100 in 31 countries on iTunes, and in the top 10 in 12 of them. Perusing that list, one can see many of them are where Lara has made the effort to give concerts in the last decade (or even longer). One oddity – Canada is not among them, perhaps because of the last minute switch of record company, or maybe the lack of promotion there.
It was also noted that on the ‘Worldwide’ iTunes chart for that day (October 6th), Camouflage was ranked 16th, and on the European iTunes chart it was ranked 7th.
We’ve seen this ‘instantaneous’ success for Lara’s releases before – you may remember that ‘Le Secret’ debuted at #1 on the French charts. But it then failed to hold position, and rapidly descended. The same would seem to be the case with this album – currently on iTunes it is in the top 100 in only 7 countries (though Canada, at #87, is now one of them), and it is no longer ranked in the top worldwide (or European) iTunes chart. Lara’s known for having very passionate fans who will, as the saying goes, “listen to her sing the phonebook” (and I too fall in that category!
). But as we know, their number is not infinite, and at least for the moment, that appears to be as true when she sings in English as it is in French.
The physical CD availability is another story – Lara’s people have said that it is up to the distributors and record labels in each country. Without a major record company backing her, her Team has had to put that together country by country, and I’m sure they’ve done the best they could. However, when even amazon.com in the U.S. does not have it available – they are treating it (pricewise) as an import, and don’t know when it will be available for shipping – that’s a problem. And there are reports from various places of the same difficulty, e.g., Spain Portugal, Brazil. CDs may be “old technology”, but Lara’s fans tend to trend older, and many favor the hard copy (which also provides the lyrics). It behooves Lara’s Team to try to expedite this process, however difficult that may be.
The reviews for the album among Lara’s fans are highly favorable (as is my review, in the separate thread). The combination of Lara’s singing, with tuneful songs and high instrumental musicality is proving alluring to many of them. There aren’t that many reviews available in the press – the ones that exist are mostly from Germany (so far). Two of those are (google) translated below, to show the contrast in opinions available even within the same country, as well as one from Switzerland.
First the German ones:
musicheadquarter.de/cds/lara-fabian-der-franzoesischsprachige-superstar-mit-neuem-album/
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Lara Fabian - the French-speaking superstar with a new album
8 October 2017 And I CDs 0
PUBLICATION " 06/10/2017
VALUATION » 7/9
ARTIST " Lara Fabian
LABEL " 9 Productions , Sony Music
Lara Fabian Camouflage order at Amazon
In 1988, the Belgian-Canadian singer took part in the Eurovision Song Contest for Luxembourg. Afterwards, she started her career in Belgium, France and Canada. Curiously, she was helped by the fact that in 1988 Celine Dion was the winner of the competition. When the latter announced a longer pause, the media almost fell on Lara Fabian as "legitimate successor". The problem in the English-speaking world was that Lara first sung consistently in the French language and her titles were located in the wide field of the chanson. This is not reprehensible, but in the international pop business tended to be classified as "also ran".
But the 47-year-old never gave up and has now published three albums in English to extend her superstar existence beyond the mentioned countries. "I will love again" will be the one most still have in the ear. The most recent work is titled "Camouflage" and it was just at the time when it became known that Lara Fabian was soon to become a juror at "The Voice" in Canada. Another indication that she is worth listening to more closely.
She successfully plays the great stages of the world and her albums regularly reach multi-platinum sales in France and Canada. Covered several times by Barbara Streisand and Josh Groban, she is also honored among musicians as one of the most gifted voices of our time. "Camouflage" was written and arranged by Lara Fabian together with the Swede Moh Danebi and the American Sharon Vaughn in Stockholm, Los Angeles and Brussels. When she sings in English, the chansons become powerful pop songs, almost exclusively in powerful ballads.
This may sound somewhat monotonous at first, but Lara is professional enough not to let you get bored. In the foreground are her emotional vocals, which she likes to move near modern divas like Céline Dion. In the background you will find subtle electronic sounds, but sometimes also excursions into the wide field of world music. Thus everything is represented from sparse arrangements to orchestral sound.
Whoever admires grandiose voices and stands for atmospheric sound, is right here.
---------------------------------------------------------
As noted, the rating was 7 of 9.
Now for the second German review, from www.hitchecker.de/musik-kritiken/albumchecks/item/2657-lara-fabian-camouflage-kritik.html:
Lara Fabian in electronic rippling mode
Lara Fabian sings again in English. With the language change on "Camouflage" unfortunately also the jump into rippling electro-pop waters.
French-language music is unfortunately a bit neglected, and the record companies rarely advertised with a lot of promotional work. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that Lara Fabian has become very quiet in recent years. Her last English-language album was released by the Belgian-Canadian singer in 2009 with "Every Woman In Me". The disc with cover songs went down however, long after "Wonderful Life", released in 2004, and could no longer build on old successes.
In fact, Lara's self-titled, English-language debut album from 1999 and the resulting hit "I Will Love Again" have remained her only commercial milestones on the German music market so far. Half as bad: Fabian's numerous French albums continued to attract a large audience in France, Belgium and Switzerland. Meanwhile, the 47-year-old can look back on more than 20 million records sold.
Style change for the international market
With her brand-new work "Camouflage", Fabian seems to want to prove herself once more internationally and again registers English song material. This was created with the support of the Swedish producer Moh Denebi and the US songwriter Sharon Vaughn in Los Angeles, Brussels and Stockholm. The change of language is accompanied by a musical reorientation. On the occasion of her 2015 album "Ma vie dans la tienne" the famed vocalist celebrated timeless chanson pop.
Lara does not mutate into the dance diva anyway: most of the songs remain in the mid-tempo range. However, even the ballads do not come without discreet beats, synths and droning basses. The staging aims clearly at the atmosphere, but is rather sterile and not as modern as it is intended.
The tracks are also very similar in their instrumentation and arrangements. Not only do they, however, make themselves difficult to distinguish after several auditions: they simply lack strong melodies and choruses that are remembered. Again and again, the verses grow up in a promising way. But then the tension fizzles because the announced outburst, the expected climax is missing ("Growing Wings", "Chameleon", "Perfect").
No vocal challenges
The rippling song material does not give Lara any opportunity to exhaust her full range of voices. In just a few moments, she can show a little more vocal use, such as the oriental "Painting In The Rain", the ballad "Choose What You Love Most" (Let It Kill You), or the danceable songs "We Are The Storm" and " "Communify". But even these more gripping songs are certainly not as potential comeback hits.
Compared to "Ma vie dans la tienne", "Camouflage" unfortunately falls significantly. There is the legitimate question whether it would not have made more sense to stir up the advertising drum for the successful French album, instead of disappointing with interchangeable English songs. The audience for music in the "language of love" is definitely present, as recent chart series of Zaz and Louane have proved.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
And we’ll add one more, this time from Switzerland, from ‘Le Matin Dimanche’ (whose full interview with Lara is covered in part 3 of this News Update).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lara Fabian’s new album is called ‘Camouflage’ but when you discover the cover and its fluid colors, and if you consider the conquering posture displayed by the singer, one wonders if she really want to camouflage herself and to adopt a low profile. This explosive visual is perhaps the only dissonant event of an otherwise very coherent project, a disc that deals in particular with the courage we need to examine what is at the bottom of us. Those who remember the vocal spells that, twenty years ago, launched the career of Lara Fabian will be surprised (and perhaps delighted) to see the path she has traveled towards simplicity. She assumes that the time has changed, but it is perhaps she who has changed, she who has asserted artistically and personally, and who no longer needs to occupy the sound space to be exaggerated. The songs (all in English) are short, which reinforces the impression of sobriety, and the team of Swedish producers who realized the album found the means to coat the voice of Lara Fabian in a soundtrack more chic than shock.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Obviously, all these reviews are expressions of personal taste, and whether one likes this album depends perhaps more on (1) whether one likes ‘Electro-pop’ and (2) whether one wants Lara to be singing with full vocal power throughout (like on Pure, and the self-titled English album), than whether the album is in any sense ‘good’ or not. It will be interesting to see reviews from the French press, assuming there are any.
There were several nice videos made available this past week. Lara posted a ‘making of’ video for the album itself, i.e., “The Making of Camouflage:, at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODWNTO4rCOk
Because this is the clearest record we could get about the making of the album and what its lyrics mean to Lara, here is a transcription of Lara’s words:
-------------------------------------------------
Camouflage is a new project. It is definitely a different sound. As much as it is current, I believe it still applies to me, to a simple organic rule: that is to mix, music-wise, what your time is about, and what timeless music is about.
What is new to me in Camouflage is that beyond the timeless aspect that we try to preserve, we also have touched the electronic music, we decided to make this interesting breed between, for instance, classic guitar, strings and at the same time, very very modern electronic sounds.
I chose to work with a Swede and an American, a Swede named Moh Denebi, that is a genius, an absolute genius, a great person, great musician, great composer, a great human being, and Sharon Vaughn, who is a legend, and she’s written the most amazing songs, crossed from country to the most modern pop music nowadays.
The recording process, the singing part of it was very natural, it was a total different world for me. Moh had me sitting, he just asked me to sit, and he put a very close capture microphone in front of me. So something that even if you whisper, it gets recorded, it gets captured. And the result of that is that I was in my comfort zone most of the time, it was most of the time effortless, which was really new to me.
Camouflage is a way to observe what is happening now. This record, the content, the lyrics, are about me being a narrator, me being an observer, of what is happening nowadays, in the world. We are undergoing a certain amount of pain and pressure, and we’ve never been more connected than we are today but I’m afraid to say through pain.
Camouflage to me is about blending in. Try to suggest exchange options of how we could go through, how can we be resilient with what is happening, overcome, and find other solutions, options.
Many songs talk about, of course from my perspective, what we are going through. And at the same time many songs talk about how we could go and make the best out of this together.
And what can you really do basically, will you stop believing, hoping, loving, taking that leap of faith or will you consider there is still an opportunity for you to take that flight?
It’s about making the best of what is coming at you, making sure the challenge becomes a great gift in the end. The purpose of Camouflage, my expectation of Camouflage is to reach out to people beyond the differences to the point where we realize that we’re really just one thing.
----------------------------------------------
There were also several videos of Lara singing songs from the album. Two days before the album release, Lara was on the morning show in Germany, “Moma, Das Erste am Morgan”, with Moh Denebi, singing an acoustic version of “We Are the Flyers”.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6zaJYT5vtE&feature=youtu.be
AT SWR1 Baden-Württemberg, they sang together an ‘unplugged’ version of “Growing Wings” (thanks to the Lara Fabian - International Page for the link), at
www.facebook.com/SWR1BW/videos/1550766694980985/
and also Lara sang “We Are the Flyers”:
www.facebook.com/SWR1BW/videos/1549927798398208/
Lara was also on the long (audio) show ‘Derriere les notes’, available at:
www.rts.ch/play/radio/derriere-les-notes/audio/derriere-les-notes-lara-fabian?id=8933068&station=f8517e5319a515e013551eea15aa114fa5cfbc3a
She answered the usual questions of why an English album, among many other topics. They also played the album cuts for "Painting in the Rain" and "Camouflage" (this aired on October 4th, before the album’s release).
In addition there was a small video interview with TF1, at
www.tf1.fr/tf1/jt-13h/videos/musique-lara-fabian-sort-un-nouvel-album-intitule-camouflage.html#t=0
Lara was also on the show “On n’est pas des pigeons” on RTBF, Belgium (https://www.rtbf.be/info/societe/onpdp/l-extra/detail_lara-fabian-presente-son-nouvel-album-camouflage-tout-en-anglais?id=9726844)
First, here is the accompanying (translated) article on that site:
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Lara Fabian presents her new album, Camouflage, all in English
Xavier welcomes Lara Fabian who will be in concert in Belgium on June 9, 2018 in Brussels with a brand new album in English called Camouflage. She talks about this album of course, which marks her great return to the front of the stage, a scene she had left in 2014 following a hearing accident. The choice of an album in English is due to the fact that she loves this language very much, another language according to her that perfectly accommodates music, universal, her, by definition.
Lara Fabian and her dreams of transmission
26 years after the release of her first album, Lara has evolved, she is more serene, she understood a lot of things and even after her hearing accident, she remained positive while having been very scared. After selling 20 million albums, Lara remains with her feet on the ground full of dreams, including the one to transmit her experience. She admits to Thibaut wanting to open a school of music and to Sébastien who, with Anne-Laure, is worried about whether or not she will move as the rumor claims, she responds yes also: she will live a few months in Quebec to participate in local The Voice. Before a participation in The Voice Belgium?
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[Of course Lara has already moved to Spain. And this does not represent her return to the stage after the hearing accident, that having been accomplished with her previous album].
Also, there is a (translated) brief summary of this show prepared by the Lara Fabian Connecting People site:
-----------------------------------------
From this interview you will learn: why Lara offers the work of a journalist, is it true that her music school will teach the basics of criminalistics and whether the wife of a magician believes in real magic. And also, whether only because of money Lara has written an album in English and why she does not move to Portugal.
"Camouflage" - your fourth album in English. In your opinion, does this language have other advantages than commercial ones? For example, in terms of sound?
LF: English perfectly fuses with music, it is music in itself. It has a lot in common with the first universal language, which music is.
What prompted you to write the album in English?
LF: Specifically this album? I wanted to collaborate with the Sharon and Moh. I really like their music and what they do. And I wanted to express myself on those topics that are raised in the "Camouflage."
More than 26 years have passed since the release of your first album ...
LF: I’m not young ... * laughs *
Do you think you have learned something during this time?
LF: A lot of things ... What amuses me most, when I look back, is everything I finally realized, all the clues to the clues that were given to me; things that I have experienced, pleasant and not very good, which today allow me to work much more relaxed and quietly in the studio on the recording of an album like "Camouflage."
When you had hearing problems, did you think that this could be the end of your career?
LF: I never really believed that this was the end. I always had a flash of inner faith in what is still early ... But I really was very afraid.
You sold about 20 million albums. It would seem that the goal has been achieved. Or do you still have something to strive for?
LF: The Journey. The goal is good, but the exchange is important during the Travelling. I dream about many things. For example, about the Transfer. I want to convey to others what I have understood, what I have experienced. Surrender your soul.
Everyone talks about your move (of domicile). Not to Portugal, by any chance? Because of tax benefits.
LF: Hehe. No, I'm moving to Quebec for the filming of Voice-6. I have a great opportunity to speak there as a mentor.
Next time on the Belgian "Voice"?
LF: Why not?
They say that you are going to open your music school, where you will not only teach music, but also learn how to recognize rogues who offer fraudulent contracts to artists. Is it not easier to go to work in our program? [NB: "On n'est pas des pigeons!" deals with the exposure of fraudulent schemes in the consumer sphere].
LF: * laughs *I believe that a music school is not only a place where music and singing are taught. This concept is broader. That is, the music school should give answers to questions about how to connect what inspires us, with psychological, emotional and intellectual preparation for such consequences as success and fame. It will be a school in which we will not only teach the subject, but also give pupils full equipment.
Do your sites attract the attention of those who offer clairvoyant services? And do you address yourself to people who can foresee the future?
LF: These are even two questions. About sites - no. I am very upset that these sites completely discredit those who really have talent, who really know how to feel such things and who sometimes can really clarify the situation and give useful advice ... It's sad when they benefit from the ills of other people at a difficult moment for them. When a person has difficulties, he often needs an answer that will reassure him, even if he is completely unrealistic. And I believe that "completely unrealistic" is simply dishonesty, injustice and deception. And what grieves me most of all is that there are really nice benevolent people who have a real gift and who would never have done so and would not have posted a questionnaire on such sites.
[Leaders say that one of the techniques that scammers use is non-violent communication. Lara is indignant]
LF: We need to share such things. Nonviolent communication is one of the most essential elements of communication in today's society, and it has completely different goals.
When it comes to going to the store, Lara says that she is very careful when choosing products, in particular, because she does not tolerate gluten and is wary of lactose. Are there any special dietary restrictions for vocalists?
LF: Of course, for the voice, dairy products, cheese and – ATTENTION – alcohol - are highly undesirable! -So in the days of the speeches, apparently, the "red wine" - not for all ...
---------------------------------------------
As was speculated here last week, Lara will be moving to Quebec, at least for the time period involved with her filming ‘La Voix’ there. Elsewhere she says it will last for 8 months, although not continuously.
Lara also did a little Q&A for the general public; it started with her writing on her FB page, “Hello everybody! I am sitting in a car, and on my way to Stuttgart for a radio show.. I thought it would be nice to say hello! And do a little Q&A session here on Facebook!” Following are some of the most relevant questions and answers:
Benjamin Gomes: Hello, my diva! One of my biggest dreams is to go to your concert. When do you think you will tour Brazil? I´m planning to move to Belgium so my dream can be easier to realize! Best singer ever.
Lara: Thank you! I’m waiting for concert dates in Brazil too! I hope we can add them to this tour.
Dana Sebastiani: Hi Lara I love listening to your music and think you’re an amazing person ...would you consider doing a concert in Australia would be amazing if you would and an honor .... you’re truly amazing , hugs from me in Australia.
Lara: I hope to come soon!
Sam Romano: When do you think you will tour Australia?
Lara: I really would love to come to Australia.. I need some more time…so far I m reaching "Austria" , I need to add an ""AL" and I’ll be there !
Redmond Green Glowing Joyce: Please come back to Canada! We miss you! Last concert was amazing as always. I cannot wait to hear you again live always a true pleasure. Montréal Toronto miss you!!!
Lara: I am coming back to Canada! You’ll see a lot of me soon.
Tony Farrell: Can you post a video, singing a few lines from Adagio?
Lara: Hahaha! It is too early in the morning! It might sound like a version of Louis Armstrong.
Robert Jewell: Which is your favorite song on your new album Lara? Also where did you write that one?
Lara: There are many, but I think "Camouflage" is my favorite among the 12 songs..
Mario Marin: Hi Lara, greetings from Mexico City. When can we have you here?
Lara: Hello Mexico! I think about you a lot! My heart is with you... I’ll be already closer when I'll settle down in Canada.. besos.
Hayley Moran: Good morning Lara would you come back to the UK again?
Lara: Of course I will! The London Hammersmith was a fantastic experience last year!
Jacinta Cera Other question: Why I can't see your CD`s in Portugal and need buy in France Fnac???
Lara: I am not sure about logistics of distribution…those issues depend on the agreements with distributors and labels in each country.. kisses to Portugal
Celina Gama: Hello.. when will you visit and perform in Portugal?
Lara: I think my team is trying to add a date in Lisbon! I hope it works out!
Jacinta Cera: THANKS!!! Can you put words of your music`s in video`s for people like me suffering dyslexia so I can understand your message in musics? Because only feeling song and in first moment don't understand words if can't visualize!!! Thanks for YOUR work and BE STRONG!!! Hope can visit us in Lisbon one day! Kisses.
Lara: We will upload lyric videos, yes.
Stroobants Catherine: When are you coming back in Athens/Greece? We still are waiting for you, you had promised that you will...
Lara: Kalimera! It will be announced soon!
Brian Gkini: Is it in your plans giving a concert in Greece?
Lara: Definitely, a promise is a promise
Hoàng Dũng: From Vietnam with love Laraaaaaaa
Lara: Love to Vietnam! Maybe I’ll have soon a little surprise for you .. patience.
Dean W. Moore: Hello from Japan. When are you going to tour here?
Lara: Hello to beautiful Japan! I would love to come!
Liran Goldshtein When will you come back to Israel?
Lara: We'lll be adding concert dates to the upcoming tour!
Samir Chaaban Are you real?
Lara: Hmm. Let me think... I guess so? Are you?
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In fact, elsewhere Lara mentioned 47 sites for her tour; so far only 21 are listed on her ‘Events’ page, so there’s plenty of room for more…
Lara also responded to questions on her Twitter site, focused on people’s opinion about the album. As you would imagine, they were strongly positive, favoring one song or another. This activity is bound to raise her spirits, and she indicated she would like to do it more often.
As one can see from the interviews on TV and radio, and those in the press (parts 2 and 3 of this update), Lara has been getting almost as much publicity for her upcoming appearance as a ‘coach/judge’ on La Voix in Canada as for her new album. They obviously timed the releases together, for maximum effect. In addition, Lara has been saying that she’s now entering the second phase of her career – one in which, while she will still be writing and singing, she will do less touring. Instead she will concentrate on transmitting what she has learned over the course of this career to others, both from a singing standpoint, and also via practical advice. This will probably involve setting up a school; assuming that happens, exactly where that will be is comingled with where she will be living. We’ll see…
Interesting photos of the week: from Lara’s Instagram account, first from her interview with ARD (German National TV):
and as posted on the Lara Fabian – PHQ site, from Lara’s interview with the ‘Closer’ magazine:
www.facebook.com/larafabianphq/photos/pcb.1241231462690191/1241231179356886/?type=3&theater
(there are a few other nice photos here as well).
Lara indicates elsewhere that in the coming week she will be going to Quebec to hear auditions for ‘La Voix’. Presumably this will also place her in position to do some promotion for the new album, perhaps throughout North America. There are some more shows she recorded in Europe that may air, as well as, possibly, more reviews of the album. New album released – now let’s see what the follow-up entails. For those of you who are interested, be sure to read the long interviews Lara gave (in Parts 2 and 3 of this Update) – there are many interesting things that were brought up.
David
The English language album finally arrived, 13 years after the last general release – which in fact was not a general release at all, as Sony refused to make it so. This release was more in Lara’s power, as it was associated with her own record company, “9 Productions”. That gives her power, but also comes with its own drawbacks.
It appears that the digital release went off pretty much as planned, on platforms such as iTunes, etc., in different countries. Her Team posted the following picture of how well it was doing the first day (https://www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.622966977744803.1073741829.201065806601591/1751024858272337/?type=3&theater): in the top 100 in 31 countries on iTunes, and in the top 10 in 12 of them. Perusing that list, one can see many of them are where Lara has made the effort to give concerts in the last decade (or even longer). One oddity – Canada is not among them, perhaps because of the last minute switch of record company, or maybe the lack of promotion there.
It was also noted that on the ‘Worldwide’ iTunes chart for that day (October 6th), Camouflage was ranked 16th, and on the European iTunes chart it was ranked 7th.
We’ve seen this ‘instantaneous’ success for Lara’s releases before – you may remember that ‘Le Secret’ debuted at #1 on the French charts. But it then failed to hold position, and rapidly descended. The same would seem to be the case with this album – currently on iTunes it is in the top 100 in only 7 countries (though Canada, at #87, is now one of them), and it is no longer ranked in the top worldwide (or European) iTunes chart. Lara’s known for having very passionate fans who will, as the saying goes, “listen to her sing the phonebook” (and I too fall in that category!
). But as we know, their number is not infinite, and at least for the moment, that appears to be as true when she sings in English as it is in French. The physical CD availability is another story – Lara’s people have said that it is up to the distributors and record labels in each country. Without a major record company backing her, her Team has had to put that together country by country, and I’m sure they’ve done the best they could. However, when even amazon.com in the U.S. does not have it available – they are treating it (pricewise) as an import, and don’t know when it will be available for shipping – that’s a problem. And there are reports from various places of the same difficulty, e.g., Spain Portugal, Brazil. CDs may be “old technology”, but Lara’s fans tend to trend older, and many favor the hard copy (which also provides the lyrics). It behooves Lara’s Team to try to expedite this process, however difficult that may be.
The reviews for the album among Lara’s fans are highly favorable (as is my review, in the separate thread). The combination of Lara’s singing, with tuneful songs and high instrumental musicality is proving alluring to many of them. There aren’t that many reviews available in the press – the ones that exist are mostly from Germany (so far). Two of those are (google) translated below, to show the contrast in opinions available even within the same country, as well as one from Switzerland.
First the German ones:
musicheadquarter.de/cds/lara-fabian-der-franzoesischsprachige-superstar-mit-neuem-album/
------------------------------------------------------
Lara Fabian - the French-speaking superstar with a new album
8 October 2017 And I CDs 0
PUBLICATION " 06/10/2017
VALUATION » 7/9
ARTIST " Lara Fabian
LABEL " 9 Productions , Sony Music
Lara Fabian Camouflage order at Amazon
In 1988, the Belgian-Canadian singer took part in the Eurovision Song Contest for Luxembourg. Afterwards, she started her career in Belgium, France and Canada. Curiously, she was helped by the fact that in 1988 Celine Dion was the winner of the competition. When the latter announced a longer pause, the media almost fell on Lara Fabian as "legitimate successor". The problem in the English-speaking world was that Lara first sung consistently in the French language and her titles were located in the wide field of the chanson. This is not reprehensible, but in the international pop business tended to be classified as "also ran".
But the 47-year-old never gave up and has now published three albums in English to extend her superstar existence beyond the mentioned countries. "I will love again" will be the one most still have in the ear. The most recent work is titled "Camouflage" and it was just at the time when it became known that Lara Fabian was soon to become a juror at "The Voice" in Canada. Another indication that she is worth listening to more closely.
She successfully plays the great stages of the world and her albums regularly reach multi-platinum sales in France and Canada. Covered several times by Barbara Streisand and Josh Groban, she is also honored among musicians as one of the most gifted voices of our time. "Camouflage" was written and arranged by Lara Fabian together with the Swede Moh Danebi and the American Sharon Vaughn in Stockholm, Los Angeles and Brussels. When she sings in English, the chansons become powerful pop songs, almost exclusively in powerful ballads.
This may sound somewhat monotonous at first, but Lara is professional enough not to let you get bored. In the foreground are her emotional vocals, which she likes to move near modern divas like Céline Dion. In the background you will find subtle electronic sounds, but sometimes also excursions into the wide field of world music. Thus everything is represented from sparse arrangements to orchestral sound.
Whoever admires grandiose voices and stands for atmospheric sound, is right here.
---------------------------------------------------------
As noted, the rating was 7 of 9.
Now for the second German review, from www.hitchecker.de/musik-kritiken/albumchecks/item/2657-lara-fabian-camouflage-kritik.html:
Lara Fabian in electronic rippling mode
Lara Fabian sings again in English. With the language change on "Camouflage" unfortunately also the jump into rippling electro-pop waters.
French-language music is unfortunately a bit neglected, and the record companies rarely advertised with a lot of promotional work. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that Lara Fabian has become very quiet in recent years. Her last English-language album was released by the Belgian-Canadian singer in 2009 with "Every Woman In Me". The disc with cover songs went down however, long after "Wonderful Life", released in 2004, and could no longer build on old successes.
In fact, Lara's self-titled, English-language debut album from 1999 and the resulting hit "I Will Love Again" have remained her only commercial milestones on the German music market so far. Half as bad: Fabian's numerous French albums continued to attract a large audience in France, Belgium and Switzerland. Meanwhile, the 47-year-old can look back on more than 20 million records sold.
Style change for the international market
With her brand-new work "Camouflage", Fabian seems to want to prove herself once more internationally and again registers English song material. This was created with the support of the Swedish producer Moh Denebi and the US songwriter Sharon Vaughn in Los Angeles, Brussels and Stockholm. The change of language is accompanied by a musical reorientation. On the occasion of her 2015 album "Ma vie dans la tienne" the famed vocalist celebrated timeless chanson pop.
Lara does not mutate into the dance diva anyway: most of the songs remain in the mid-tempo range. However, even the ballads do not come without discreet beats, synths and droning basses. The staging aims clearly at the atmosphere, but is rather sterile and not as modern as it is intended.
The tracks are also very similar in their instrumentation and arrangements. Not only do they, however, make themselves difficult to distinguish after several auditions: they simply lack strong melodies and choruses that are remembered. Again and again, the verses grow up in a promising way. But then the tension fizzles because the announced outburst, the expected climax is missing ("Growing Wings", "Chameleon", "Perfect").
No vocal challenges
The rippling song material does not give Lara any opportunity to exhaust her full range of voices. In just a few moments, she can show a little more vocal use, such as the oriental "Painting In The Rain", the ballad "Choose What You Love Most" (Let It Kill You), or the danceable songs "We Are The Storm" and " "Communify". But even these more gripping songs are certainly not as potential comeback hits.
Compared to "Ma vie dans la tienne", "Camouflage" unfortunately falls significantly. There is the legitimate question whether it would not have made more sense to stir up the advertising drum for the successful French album, instead of disappointing with interchangeable English songs. The audience for music in the "language of love" is definitely present, as recent chart series of Zaz and Louane have proved.
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And we’ll add one more, this time from Switzerland, from ‘Le Matin Dimanche’ (whose full interview with Lara is covered in part 3 of this News Update).
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Lara Fabian’s new album is called ‘Camouflage’ but when you discover the cover and its fluid colors, and if you consider the conquering posture displayed by the singer, one wonders if she really want to camouflage herself and to adopt a low profile. This explosive visual is perhaps the only dissonant event of an otherwise very coherent project, a disc that deals in particular with the courage we need to examine what is at the bottom of us. Those who remember the vocal spells that, twenty years ago, launched the career of Lara Fabian will be surprised (and perhaps delighted) to see the path she has traveled towards simplicity. She assumes that the time has changed, but it is perhaps she who has changed, she who has asserted artistically and personally, and who no longer needs to occupy the sound space to be exaggerated. The songs (all in English) are short, which reinforces the impression of sobriety, and the team of Swedish producers who realized the album found the means to coat the voice of Lara Fabian in a soundtrack more chic than shock.
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Obviously, all these reviews are expressions of personal taste, and whether one likes this album depends perhaps more on (1) whether one likes ‘Electro-pop’ and (2) whether one wants Lara to be singing with full vocal power throughout (like on Pure, and the self-titled English album), than whether the album is in any sense ‘good’ or not. It will be interesting to see reviews from the French press, assuming there are any.
There were several nice videos made available this past week. Lara posted a ‘making of’ video for the album itself, i.e., “The Making of Camouflage:, at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODWNTO4rCOk
Because this is the clearest record we could get about the making of the album and what its lyrics mean to Lara, here is a transcription of Lara’s words:
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Camouflage is a new project. It is definitely a different sound. As much as it is current, I believe it still applies to me, to a simple organic rule: that is to mix, music-wise, what your time is about, and what timeless music is about.
What is new to me in Camouflage is that beyond the timeless aspect that we try to preserve, we also have touched the electronic music, we decided to make this interesting breed between, for instance, classic guitar, strings and at the same time, very very modern electronic sounds.
I chose to work with a Swede and an American, a Swede named Moh Denebi, that is a genius, an absolute genius, a great person, great musician, great composer, a great human being, and Sharon Vaughn, who is a legend, and she’s written the most amazing songs, crossed from country to the most modern pop music nowadays.
The recording process, the singing part of it was very natural, it was a total different world for me. Moh had me sitting, he just asked me to sit, and he put a very close capture microphone in front of me. So something that even if you whisper, it gets recorded, it gets captured. And the result of that is that I was in my comfort zone most of the time, it was most of the time effortless, which was really new to me.
Camouflage is a way to observe what is happening now. This record, the content, the lyrics, are about me being a narrator, me being an observer, of what is happening nowadays, in the world. We are undergoing a certain amount of pain and pressure, and we’ve never been more connected than we are today but I’m afraid to say through pain.
Camouflage to me is about blending in. Try to suggest exchange options of how we could go through, how can we be resilient with what is happening, overcome, and find other solutions, options.
Many songs talk about, of course from my perspective, what we are going through. And at the same time many songs talk about how we could go and make the best out of this together.
And what can you really do basically, will you stop believing, hoping, loving, taking that leap of faith or will you consider there is still an opportunity for you to take that flight?
It’s about making the best of what is coming at you, making sure the challenge becomes a great gift in the end. The purpose of Camouflage, my expectation of Camouflage is to reach out to people beyond the differences to the point where we realize that we’re really just one thing.
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There were also several videos of Lara singing songs from the album. Two days before the album release, Lara was on the morning show in Germany, “Moma, Das Erste am Morgan”, with Moh Denebi, singing an acoustic version of “We Are the Flyers”.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6zaJYT5vtE&feature=youtu.be
AT SWR1 Baden-Württemberg, they sang together an ‘unplugged’ version of “Growing Wings” (thanks to the Lara Fabian - International Page for the link), at
www.facebook.com/SWR1BW/videos/1550766694980985/
and also Lara sang “We Are the Flyers”:
www.facebook.com/SWR1BW/videos/1549927798398208/
Lara was also on the long (audio) show ‘Derriere les notes’, available at:
www.rts.ch/play/radio/derriere-les-notes/audio/derriere-les-notes-lara-fabian?id=8933068&station=f8517e5319a515e013551eea15aa114fa5cfbc3a
She answered the usual questions of why an English album, among many other topics. They also played the album cuts for "Painting in the Rain" and "Camouflage" (this aired on October 4th, before the album’s release).
In addition there was a small video interview with TF1, at
www.tf1.fr/tf1/jt-13h/videos/musique-lara-fabian-sort-un-nouvel-album-intitule-camouflage.html#t=0
Lara was also on the show “On n’est pas des pigeons” on RTBF, Belgium (https://www.rtbf.be/info/societe/onpdp/l-extra/detail_lara-fabian-presente-son-nouvel-album-camouflage-tout-en-anglais?id=9726844)
First, here is the accompanying (translated) article on that site:
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Lara Fabian presents her new album, Camouflage, all in English
Xavier welcomes Lara Fabian who will be in concert in Belgium on June 9, 2018 in Brussels with a brand new album in English called Camouflage. She talks about this album of course, which marks her great return to the front of the stage, a scene she had left in 2014 following a hearing accident. The choice of an album in English is due to the fact that she loves this language very much, another language according to her that perfectly accommodates music, universal, her, by definition.
Lara Fabian and her dreams of transmission
26 years after the release of her first album, Lara has evolved, she is more serene, she understood a lot of things and even after her hearing accident, she remained positive while having been very scared. After selling 20 million albums, Lara remains with her feet on the ground full of dreams, including the one to transmit her experience. She admits to Thibaut wanting to open a school of music and to Sébastien who, with Anne-Laure, is worried about whether or not she will move as the rumor claims, she responds yes also: she will live a few months in Quebec to participate in local The Voice. Before a participation in The Voice Belgium?
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[Of course Lara has already moved to Spain. And this does not represent her return to the stage after the hearing accident, that having been accomplished with her previous album].
Also, there is a (translated) brief summary of this show prepared by the Lara Fabian Connecting People site:
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From this interview you will learn: why Lara offers the work of a journalist, is it true that her music school will teach the basics of criminalistics and whether the wife of a magician believes in real magic. And also, whether only because of money Lara has written an album in English and why she does not move to Portugal.
"Camouflage" - your fourth album in English. In your opinion, does this language have other advantages than commercial ones? For example, in terms of sound?
LF: English perfectly fuses with music, it is music in itself. It has a lot in common with the first universal language, which music is.
What prompted you to write the album in English?
LF: Specifically this album? I wanted to collaborate with the Sharon and Moh. I really like their music and what they do. And I wanted to express myself on those topics that are raised in the "Camouflage."
More than 26 years have passed since the release of your first album ...
LF: I’m not young ... * laughs *
Do you think you have learned something during this time?
LF: A lot of things ... What amuses me most, when I look back, is everything I finally realized, all the clues to the clues that were given to me; things that I have experienced, pleasant and not very good, which today allow me to work much more relaxed and quietly in the studio on the recording of an album like "Camouflage."
When you had hearing problems, did you think that this could be the end of your career?
LF: I never really believed that this was the end. I always had a flash of inner faith in what is still early ... But I really was very afraid.
You sold about 20 million albums. It would seem that the goal has been achieved. Or do you still have something to strive for?
LF: The Journey. The goal is good, but the exchange is important during the Travelling. I dream about many things. For example, about the Transfer. I want to convey to others what I have understood, what I have experienced. Surrender your soul.
Everyone talks about your move (of domicile). Not to Portugal, by any chance? Because of tax benefits.
LF: Hehe. No, I'm moving to Quebec for the filming of Voice-6. I have a great opportunity to speak there as a mentor.
Next time on the Belgian "Voice"?
LF: Why not?
They say that you are going to open your music school, where you will not only teach music, but also learn how to recognize rogues who offer fraudulent contracts to artists. Is it not easier to go to work in our program? [NB: "On n'est pas des pigeons!" deals with the exposure of fraudulent schemes in the consumer sphere].
LF: * laughs *I believe that a music school is not only a place where music and singing are taught. This concept is broader. That is, the music school should give answers to questions about how to connect what inspires us, with psychological, emotional and intellectual preparation for such consequences as success and fame. It will be a school in which we will not only teach the subject, but also give pupils full equipment.
Do your sites attract the attention of those who offer clairvoyant services? And do you address yourself to people who can foresee the future?
LF: These are even two questions. About sites - no. I am very upset that these sites completely discredit those who really have talent, who really know how to feel such things and who sometimes can really clarify the situation and give useful advice ... It's sad when they benefit from the ills of other people at a difficult moment for them. When a person has difficulties, he often needs an answer that will reassure him, even if he is completely unrealistic. And I believe that "completely unrealistic" is simply dishonesty, injustice and deception. And what grieves me most of all is that there are really nice benevolent people who have a real gift and who would never have done so and would not have posted a questionnaire on such sites.
[Leaders say that one of the techniques that scammers use is non-violent communication. Lara is indignant]
LF: We need to share such things. Nonviolent communication is one of the most essential elements of communication in today's society, and it has completely different goals.
When it comes to going to the store, Lara says that she is very careful when choosing products, in particular, because she does not tolerate gluten and is wary of lactose. Are there any special dietary restrictions for vocalists?
LF: Of course, for the voice, dairy products, cheese and – ATTENTION – alcohol - are highly undesirable! -So in the days of the speeches, apparently, the "red wine" - not for all ...
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As was speculated here last week, Lara will be moving to Quebec, at least for the time period involved with her filming ‘La Voix’ there. Elsewhere she says it will last for 8 months, although not continuously.
Lara also did a little Q&A for the general public; it started with her writing on her FB page, “Hello everybody! I am sitting in a car, and on my way to Stuttgart for a radio show.. I thought it would be nice to say hello! And do a little Q&A session here on Facebook!” Following are some of the most relevant questions and answers:
Benjamin Gomes: Hello, my diva! One of my biggest dreams is to go to your concert. When do you think you will tour Brazil? I´m planning to move to Belgium so my dream can be easier to realize! Best singer ever.
Lara: Thank you! I’m waiting for concert dates in Brazil too! I hope we can add them to this tour.
Dana Sebastiani: Hi Lara I love listening to your music and think you’re an amazing person ...would you consider doing a concert in Australia would be amazing if you would and an honor .... you’re truly amazing , hugs from me in Australia.
Lara: I hope to come soon!
Sam Romano: When do you think you will tour Australia?
Lara: I really would love to come to Australia.. I need some more time…so far I m reaching "Austria" , I need to add an ""AL" and I’ll be there !
Redmond Green Glowing Joyce: Please come back to Canada! We miss you! Last concert was amazing as always. I cannot wait to hear you again live always a true pleasure. Montréal Toronto miss you!!!
Lara: I am coming back to Canada! You’ll see a lot of me soon.
Tony Farrell: Can you post a video, singing a few lines from Adagio?
Lara: Hahaha! It is too early in the morning! It might sound like a version of Louis Armstrong.
Robert Jewell: Which is your favorite song on your new album Lara? Also where did you write that one?
Lara: There are many, but I think "Camouflage" is my favorite among the 12 songs..
Mario Marin: Hi Lara, greetings from Mexico City. When can we have you here?
Lara: Hello Mexico! I think about you a lot! My heart is with you... I’ll be already closer when I'll settle down in Canada.. besos.
Hayley Moran: Good morning Lara would you come back to the UK again?
Lara: Of course I will! The London Hammersmith was a fantastic experience last year!
Jacinta Cera Other question: Why I can't see your CD`s in Portugal and need buy in France Fnac???
Lara: I am not sure about logistics of distribution…those issues depend on the agreements with distributors and labels in each country.. kisses to Portugal
Celina Gama: Hello.. when will you visit and perform in Portugal?
Lara: I think my team is trying to add a date in Lisbon! I hope it works out!
Jacinta Cera: THANKS!!! Can you put words of your music`s in video`s for people like me suffering dyslexia so I can understand your message in musics? Because only feeling song and in first moment don't understand words if can't visualize!!! Thanks for YOUR work and BE STRONG!!! Hope can visit us in Lisbon one day! Kisses.
Lara: We will upload lyric videos, yes.
Stroobants Catherine: When are you coming back in Athens/Greece? We still are waiting for you, you had promised that you will...
Lara: Kalimera! It will be announced soon!
Brian Gkini: Is it in your plans giving a concert in Greece?
Lara: Definitely, a promise is a promise
Hoàng Dũng: From Vietnam with love Laraaaaaaa
Lara: Love to Vietnam! Maybe I’ll have soon a little surprise for you .. patience.
Dean W. Moore: Hello from Japan. When are you going to tour here?
Lara: Hello to beautiful Japan! I would love to come!
Liran Goldshtein When will you come back to Israel?
Lara: We'lll be adding concert dates to the upcoming tour!
Samir Chaaban Are you real?
Lara: Hmm. Let me think... I guess so? Are you?
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In fact, elsewhere Lara mentioned 47 sites for her tour; so far only 21 are listed on her ‘Events’ page, so there’s plenty of room for more…
Lara also responded to questions on her Twitter site, focused on people’s opinion about the album. As you would imagine, they were strongly positive, favoring one song or another. This activity is bound to raise her spirits, and she indicated she would like to do it more often.
As one can see from the interviews on TV and radio, and those in the press (parts 2 and 3 of this update), Lara has been getting almost as much publicity for her upcoming appearance as a ‘coach/judge’ on La Voix in Canada as for her new album. They obviously timed the releases together, for maximum effect. In addition, Lara has been saying that she’s now entering the second phase of her career – one in which, while she will still be writing and singing, she will do less touring. Instead she will concentrate on transmitting what she has learned over the course of this career to others, both from a singing standpoint, and also via practical advice. This will probably involve setting up a school; assuming that happens, exactly where that will be is comingled with where she will be living. We’ll see…
Interesting photos of the week: from Lara’s Instagram account, first from her interview with ARD (German National TV):
http://instagram.com/p/BZ5phu1nl_x
and as posted on the Lara Fabian – PHQ site, from Lara’s interview with the ‘Closer’ magazine:
www.facebook.com/larafabianphq/photos/pcb.1241231462690191/1241231179356886/?type=3&theater
(there are a few other nice photos here as well).
Lara indicates elsewhere that in the coming week she will be going to Quebec to hear auditions for ‘La Voix’. Presumably this will also place her in position to do some promotion for the new album, perhaps throughout North America. There are some more shows she recorded in Europe that may air, as well as, possibly, more reviews of the album. New album released – now let’s see what the follow-up entails. For those of you who are interested, be sure to read the long interviews Lara gave (in Parts 2 and 3 of this Update) – there are many interesting things that were brought up.
David
