Jane - Jane McDonald

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	attractive, powerful, emotional, amazing vocals, great range of tracks, outstanding power
Disadvantages:	n/a

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I cannot believe its only been two years since I first fell in love with ITV lunch time chat show Loose Women. It feels like it has been part of my life for so much longer than that! During that time I grew to idolise the panel; each and every one of them is genuine. I don't have a favourite – how could I possibly choose? They're all unique but equally fantastic with their own strong personalities and set minds. One of these lovely ladies is Jane McDonald!

Now Jane's career, like the rest, did not start out as a Loose Women! Born in 1963, the Yorkshire lass toured local pubs and bars, before travelling on cruises, singing beautifully for everybody. After signing a record deal she released several successful albums as well as an autobiography, Follow Your Dreams, and appeared in TV show, 'The Cruise', and of course, Loose Women when she joined the panel in four years ago.

Ten years after the launch of her first album, Jane released her eighth album in August 2008, which went straight to number 7 in the UK album charts. It was definitely a success, but I didn't rush out to buy it! I hadn't properly explored Jane's music at that point, and had only heard of her artist side from my Grandma. In my Grandma's spare room, the room where I would stay when I slept over there, there are a few pictures of Jane on her wardrobe. I did like to look at this glamorous woman, but who she was I had no idea! I have, since then, learned that my Grandma has been to many of Jane's concerts and has also been fortunate enough to have met her at a signing!

I think that it was Loose Women that encouraged me to find out what Jane's songs were all about. I didn't for a moment doubt its greatness however I wasn't keen on paying a fair amount for her latest album, so ventured to buy the cheaper album, 'The Collection', which was half the price. That is now one of my most played albums and adore every track on it! I'd seen Jane down at the ITV studios in London, and finally I decided it was time to purchase another of her albums to see if they were as great, and since 'Jane' had such good feedback, I felt that was the one I would go for.

'Jane' has such a gorgeous yet simple design to its cover which is certain to draw you in! It has a main orange shade, but its not shocking or too bright in any way! Its more of a golden shade, very rich and attractive. Mounted on it, you will see a close up of Jane. If its an image in HD, then she has a superb complexion! There's a golden glow about her, her eyes sparkling and her smile broad and warm. She's wearing pearl jewellery, and knowing this diva they're likely to be genuine, with her name standing out below in pride. It's all so welcoming, it gives a superb first impression!

On the back of the case there is a track listing. The text is quite a good size, displaying all fourteen tracks, with a gorgeous picture of Jane on the left. If you open the case up, which is one of the easier to do, you will find a little booklet. I wondered if this had lyrics in it, but remembering her previous didn't, I was keen to find out what was stored inside. I found that it held a selection of inviting images of Jane, as well as her 'thanks', and information about the label and musicians behind the tracks. There was quite a lot of interesting information here, and although I don't normally fully read these booklets, I did anyway since it was Jane (!), and quite enjoyed it.

Having now enjoyed the casing, I decided it was time to explore the music! I was quite excited to discover the songs that were on this, as I can't say a single bad word about the ones on The Collection, and hoped that this would live up to its expectations! Popping the orange shaded CD into the player, I was ready to begin...

1. Doctor's Orders ~ 2:45
Doctor's Orders was the only Jane McDonald song I could find on Youtube prior to buying this that I did not already have on CD! So I had listened to this one quite a bit, but the version was a little fuzzy and had Jackie's introduction and the closing theme of Loose Women on it too, which wasn't too fantastic! So I was looking forward to listening to the proper version!

This song starts off quite lively and after a short period Jane kicks in with a very powerful voice, almost jingling the lyrics out. It's so strong right through, each word clear and sticking in your mind. The lyrics are very true and touching too, “Doctor's Orders say there's only one thing for me, Nothing he can do 'cause only you can cure me...!”. It's so true and honest to life!

Although this song was originally released by Carol Douglas in 1974, Jane has made this song her own. I had a listen to Douglas' version on Youtube and I found her version didn't flow at all. The vocals were dire and not mature enough for the song. Jane's however is full of sophistication and didn't sound needy at all! You can almost hear the smile in her voice as she sings it, its magical!

2. Time for Love ~ 4:19
I hadn't heard of the second track before so I had no idea what to expect. When it first started to play, there was only a very short instrumental piece at the beginning, Jane singing almost instantly as the track began to play. It didn't sound like her, a lot softer than I was used to and more powering over the music. Though it was not loud, but powerful. She was in control over the music.

And then there's the lyrics. The title suggests the song is about love, and indeed it is. She is singing about looking for Mr Right, “I've been away to long, and I don't know how! I'll tell you what I feel...!” It's so beautiful, and there's a gentle instrumental piece about two thirds of the way through. It's not too long but its a good length for you to sway your arms to in appreciation while Jane rests her voice for a few seconds! A beautiful song through and through!

3. Song For You ~ 3:29
At first, this sounded like something you would hear in a music. This was new to me, and I took instantly to its loving slow pace and soft rhythm. Although its a low slower and less demanding that many of her other songs, Jane still clearly has power in this one, without a doubt.

The lyrics are not as easy to follow in this song, but it's not a flaw! It makes the song a little more mysterious and magical, as if it has hidden wonders waiting to be explored. “I've been so many places, in my life and time!” It's almost as if Jane is taking us on a journey with her.

There's something amazing about this song, it creates such a beautiful image. When it plays I can visualise her clearly on stage singing it, a warming smile itching up her face as she powers out the lyrics. A truly remarkable atmosphere I can only hope to experience for real!

4. Mas Que Nada ~ 2:44
As soon as this song started playing I recognised it, but where from? Apparently it was originally sung by Jorge Ben in 1963, but that couldn't be it! I checked over the covers and I couldn't recall any of them either. I think it sounds like something I have heard on The Sims, or maybe a TV advert. It will frustrate me deeply until I remember!

The song is very lively from the beginning, with an upbeat tempo and incredibly catchy rhythm! All the lyrics are in Brazilian Portuguese, and the title means “come on”. That is the only bit I can then understand in the song, but it is still an amazing track to listen to, sort of like covers of La Macarena and The Ketchup Song, when you have no idea what they are singing but still are able to enjoy the funky rhythm!

It must have been quite difficult for Jane to sing this, of course unless she has a background in Portuguese, which I am not aware of! Though it does not, as such, sound like she is singing a foreign language. She still sounds like herself, and it is completely natural for sure. It's a beautiful and energetic song and well worth a listen and 'boogie' to!

5. If I Knew Then ~ 4:20
We go from a lively and upbeat song straight to a slow and gentle piece with this next track. After a short instrumental introduction Jane begins to sing and melt our hearts. The tempo is quite slow and steady, very delicate throughout. Jane's voice is very sweet and warm, a little emotional too. There are parts where it sounds like the volume of the song could possibly increase, but somebody is putting pressure on Jane to keep it low. It sounds like she is struggling. Not her voice, but her in person, giving the impression that her heart is in pain, waiting to burst from the tension. Finally at the end she does gain more control. It's beautiful, outstanding!

The lyrics for this are so powerful, and would be even sung at a whisper. They really reach out and touch you. “If I knew then what I know today, I wouldn't change a thing!”. It sort of makes you think of 'wrong turns' in life and which way things could have went had we done something differently, tried harder or let things go.

As far as I can find out, this was originally sang by Dean Martin. I'm not a huge fan of Dean Martin, so Jane's cover is to stick with me at heart. It's so beautiful and I doubt it could be topped. She's made it something special, and is definitely worth not letting pass by!

6. How Do You Keep The Music Playing ~ 4:51
I was quite surprised at the beginning of this one. There was a short instrumental, followed by the wonders of Jane's voice, sung acapella. I'd never heard her sing without music so it was quite pleasant to hear. The vocals were very clear and powerful, but not overly so or booming! The lyrics were very touching, with a lot of rhetorical questions. “And tell me how, year after year, you're sure your heart will fall apart each time you leave!”. It's so...upsetting. It's like the break up between two that should still be together, a loss of a relationship that's still somehow yet to grow.

The music itself is quite soft, allowing Jane's incredibly powerful voice to be heard. You can almost visualise her lungs taking in the air as she sings, preparing for the demanding moments, when she sounds in control over every music artist there ever was. I am utterly baffled by Jane's voice. An utter amazement.

7. Sweet Talker ~ 3:17
Straight away I could tell this was going to be a more lively track in the album! It had a very 'techno blues' introduction, with a steady rhythm throughout. It almost had a hint of 'country' to it, an interesting mix that would keep you jiving all day long!

Jane's voice suits this song especially, as she has a very strong and variable voice that fits with the deep sound of this song. It's probably the clearest of vocals, with her voice nicely above the music! The lyrics are incredibly addictive too and so much fun to sing to! “I wish that you were sweet talking me every time you say goodbye!” I'd say this has to be one of my favourites on the album for sure! I think the album may be worth this song alone!

8. If You Love Me ~ 2:59
I don't know what it was, but as soon as I heard this, if felt like it was straight from Jane's heart. Whether she intended that and its actually words out of her own mouth or not I don't know, but it certainly feels like it! It's again another gentler piece, with slow violins in the background floating behind Jane's voice. It creates a very magical atmosphere!

Jane's voice here is incredible. There's so much power in her, yet its so soft and gentle too. The vocals are very clear and touching, with interesting lyrics too, “Will I catch a falling star? Will I bring it where you are? If you want me to I will. I'll do anything you ask, you can set me any task! If you only love me still!” I feel that it has such a deep meaning to it in Jane's life, but whether it's true or not, I can't tell. Either way it certainly seems like it comes straight from her heart, which makes it all the more special.

9. Nine Times out of Ten ~
I knew I was going to love this song as soon as I heard it! It was quite upbeat with a lively rhythm to it, and to be honest it sounded a little like songs heard on Hi 5 (Australian children's' educational show aired on Channel 5!). It had such a happy beat to it, and my feet were tapping uncontrollably! The swaying began and the fingers were tapping...which does make typing quite a challenge!

The vocals are superb here. There is a splendidly quick paced bit, which could be slurred and misunderstood, but Jane's voice is clear and can be heard crisply, “But all of the waiting and anticipating, is really worth while!”. Her voice flows perfectly with this gorgeous piece too, which is always magical! This is another track which alone makes the CD worthwhile!

10. Even Now ~ 4:05
The high spirits are drained from the previous track when this gentle and sorrowful piece kicks in. It's incredibly soft and slow, but not in progressing. This is another where somehow if feels like the lyrics are Jane's own, singing about her own life. It's quite upsetting actually!

Naturally, Jane's voice here is magnificent. As she sings, I can see her standing there, her eyes welling up as the emotion floods out of her. The strength in her voice is phenomenal, I love it.“Even now I think about you as I'm climbing up the stairs”. She really touches out to me, it hurts.

11. You Do It All For Me ~ 3:33
I got quite a shock when this song first started to play! It started off with what seemed like electric guitars, though is likely to be an electronic keyboard. Though this calmed down and Jane's more predictable rhythm kicked in, almost...very powerful and demanding! It was quite steady from then with no nasty surprises or anything!

The vocals were quite enjoyable too. Jane's voice seemed to fit this slightly different song to what I was used to. It was quite a happy song too, again something a little different! “You have made my whole life come alive”. It suited Jane greatly and is well worth listening to! Somehow, it reminded me of the lovely Carol McGiffin...oh, dear!

12. The Hungry Years ~ 4:06
This reminded me of a Robbie Williams style song when the opening began, but when Jane started to sing, that soon changed too! The Hungry Years has quite a soft and gentle love-story rhythm to it, very slow and caring. It didn't dip too much, quite steady and relaxing. It does bring a tear to the eye too, purely because of its magic!

I think Jane has such an impressive voice here, as there is quite a great vocal range despite its steady rhythm. It makes a great impact and the lyrics keep spinning around in my head, “The days of me and you, were lost along the way!”. It's not the happiest of songs, but somehow fills me up with little smiles because her voice is so gorgeous. It's not unlike her other tracks, but is unique at the same time, utterly remarkable!

13. Not a Day Goes By ~ 4:46
I am now crying. I told myself I wouldn't, as Jane's voice melts me, even the 'happy songs'!. I am actually surprised it took me till track thirteen to break, too! This is one of the most delicate and touching songs on the album. It has a steady tempo and an incredibly flowing and gentle rhythm with a slow pace and touching sound. Then you throw in the vocals...

There's something I cannot pinpoint about Jane's voice. In every song I have listened to it amazes me, I can never tire of it. Though there was something so spectacular about this power ballad that made me break. The lyrics themselves were beautiful, “I have loved you all my life and always will!” It is such a beautiful sound, beautiful lyrics, a beautiful song...it paints such sorrow and despair, you simply cannot remain strong. :'(

14. One Voice ~ 3:21
I was wondering how this album was going to end. Was it going to go out with a superbly upbeat and joyous song, or was it going to be something more sorrowful and touching? I was incredibly impressed and taken aback by what I discovered...

Jane began to sing acapella, which was beautiful in itself. Hearing her voice unaccompanied, very gentle and soft, was superb. Then when the other voices came in, a choir of beauty, it was unbelievable. I had goosebumps! It was so beautiful and moving, an utter pleasure to listen to, and yes produced even more tears! “There's more than one voice, singing in the darkness. Joining with your voice, each and every note another octave, hands are joined...”. A definite favourite!

I felt quite ashamed that I did not know it was Barry Manilow (another favourite of my Grandma's!) that sung this. So I investigated his version a bit, and I must say it was quite impressive! However, no I do not feel it beats Jane's! Perhaps I'm being biased, so sue me! It's that final note Jane belts out, it's incredible. It's enough to reduce any body to tears. It brings back memories I never knew were there. It creates a path to follow, a life to lead. It gives you realisation and spirit, hope and strength. Jane McDonald ~ this song is an amazement. Thank you.

Fourteen tracks and fifty three minutes later, Jane McDonald has made me experience every emotion possible. I jived, swayed, smiled, cried. 'Jane' creates such an incredible journey,with a phenomenal ending to it. In every song her voice remains strong and powerful, and even when she sings softly there is no drifting away from control. She has to be one of the few artists left with such a natural talent; an inspiring sound and incredible vocals. I don't think I've sobbed so much over a CD before either – this is definitely so much more emotional that The Collection!

I had a look on Jane's official website and it turns out three of these songs were written and produced by Jane herself: If I Knew Then, Not a Day Goes By, and Time For Love. It's quite special that the one that made me finally cave and cry was one written by her! It must be quite a challenge to write your own music successfully, as I have attempted it many times and found it too tedious. She is incredibly talented, you cannot deny it!

If you are a fan of Jane, or want to discover something a little bit special, then I would strongly encourage you to go out and buy it! It is quite widely available, more so than other albums, on-line. You can buy it from HMV both in-store and on-line for £16. I could not find it anywhere else in-store near me at the moment, however you can buy it from her official website! I was quite annoyed to find out that I had just paid £16 in HMV, when you can buy a signed copy (yes, signed!!) via her official site for only £12! Never mind...maybe if I ever have spare cash I'll buy that one too! There are lots of other merchandise I want too, such as her 'Diva' t-shirt, and her recent DVD too...think I need to find more ways to make money!

I hope it's not too long before Jane releases another album, as I adore her music! Though with her current tour I do feel it will be a little while yet! I'm hoping to get a ticket to go and see her in concert, possibly at Dundee in September...I just hope it wont be a sell out before I have a chance to buy one! Until then, I shall enjoy the pleasures of 'Jane'!.

She's a fantastic person, a beautiful woman, a wonderful panellist, and a phenomenal artist...she's worth it all!

© Amy 2009

www.jane-mcdonald.com