I have to start off by saying that if you are an Annie fan you won't be disappointed by this album. It is pure Annie Lennox! She knows her formula and she sticks to it. That's not to say she hasn't experimented with new sounds though - for example on 'The Hurting Time' which has a very laid-back, jazzy feel to it, and 'Bitter Pill', which wouldn't sound out-of-place played next to younger artists such as Pink. I didn't like the cover, I felt Annie's image on the front was unfalettering, and her attempt to explain it on the back ("I am a mature artist facing up to core issues") made me cringe, although I did agree with the sentiment. Overall I was very impressed with this album and would definitely recommend that you buy it. Here's my track-by-track breakdown:
1000 Beautiful Things This is such an uplifting start to the record. It is a beautiful account of light overcoming the darkness, of emerging from depression to see the positives of life again. It is a song of gratitude, whether to a god or to a close lover or friend. It has a haunting melody and soothing instrumentation, and a chorus that will remain gently in your head. 8/10
Pavement Cracks This was the first single
to be taken from 'Bare', although I don't necessarily think this was a wise choice. It is reminiscent of Annie's earlier Eurythmics days, with an electric synth-pop beat and catchy chorus. However, the verses are slow and drawn out, and when she sings "Where is my comfort zone? A simple place to call my own?", I inwardly cringe at the self-pity! However it is catchy and worthy of an OK rating. 6/10
The Hurting Time This took a couple of listens to grow on me but now I love it! It is very different from anything Annie's tried before but I think it works. The slow, jazzy feel complements the lyrics, which are all about inner reflection. My favourite line is "All the things you never said or didn't have the strength to say, and all the things you ever did that time won't ever wash away". Who can't relate to that? All the lyrics are absolutely beautiful, you should hear this song! 9/10
Honestly Real end-of-a-relationship song, this (not surprising, as the album was recorded after Annie's split with filmmakeer husband Uri Frutchmann). The lyrics speak of good intentions gone wrong, and the breakdown in communication which inevitably comes at the end of a relationship. The multi-layered voices demonstrate the conflicting thoughts and emotions experienced at such a time, and the song has an almost lullaby feel to it, as if she is trying to comfort herself. Beautiful melody, great track. 9/10
Wonderful This should have been a single - the soul-stomping chorus would surely have earned her some airplay! It is nice to hear Annie making upbeat tracks again - Peace (the last Eurythmics album, released in 1999) was severely lacking in them. This song is about unrequited love, about how you hate yourself for it, but in a way it also feels 'Wonderful'. Annie has managed to combine the slow verses and faster chorus well, and has created a stunning track. 8/10
Bitter Pill Hmm. Commercialised! Sounds like she's been listening to her daughters' CD collections! (Her daughters are 11 and 9). That said, it is a very catchy song, great if you fancy a quick dance round the living room! The lyrics are, as would be expected, bitter: "..how can I imbibe the taste of rage and anger burning me inside?" At some points it is a little cliched: "Don't you ever call me, I don't wanna see your face", but if you are angry with an ex it is the perfect song to have on! 7/10
Loneliness My fave track from the album :) Possibly 'cos I am a guitar freak, and this is the only song on the album to make heavy use of guitars. This is, again, a more upbeat song, and, despite its title, is a glass-half-full track about overcoming troubles: "...all that I can hardly take, somehow I still keep on going strong". Great to play during difficult times to persuade yourself to keep fighting. Annie really uses her voice here, to great effect. Absoultely brilliant! 10/10
The Saddest Song I've Got Well you've probably guessed this isn't so positive! Again, it's about a break up and lack of communication: "I'm no longer talking, and you're no longer hearing". It's a very slow song, and, whilst is has grown on me, is not one of my faves - the melody does nothing for me. There is real beauty in it though, and maybe one day when I can relate to it I will appreciate it more. 7/10
Erased A song about erasing an ex from your life. It has a strong piano backing all the way through, and this again is new for Annie. Here she shows off her amazing vocal range - some of it is extremely high-pitched! More upbeat again now, and a very catchy tune. 8/10
Twisted I love this song! The lyrics are just so beautiful :) Break-up territory yet again, but not bitter, simply remembering the times you spent with your ex: "I remember, I remember, everything you said to me". The melody is great and the imagery has me in tears! Instrumentation effectively used. One of the best tracks on the album. 10/10
Oh God (Prayer) I'm still not sure about this one. Annie apparently recorded it in one take, and you can hear the raw emotion when youm listen to it. On the other hand, it doesn't use her voice to its full potential, it's very high and she sounds squeaky in places! The song itself is about when you are so depressed that uyou reach out to a god, whether or not you believe in one. A nice idea, but depressing end to the album. 6/10
Remember, overall, great album! Buy!
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Bare, Annie Lennox's first album of original songs in 11 years, is a stylish tour de force ... more
that showcases the former Eurythmics chanteuse in all her chilly, shimmering splendour. Her formidable voice is still a supple and intriguing instrument, lithely...
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Bare, Annie Lennox's first album of original songs in 11 years, is a stylish tour de force ... more
that showcases the former Eurythmics chanteuse in all her chilly, shimmering splendour. Her formidable voice is still a supple and intriguing instrument, lithely...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
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