Look Of Love, The - Diana Krall

...go out and buy ‘The Look of Love’ by Diana Krall.

This album is sure to make any woman’s heart melt. It is an album of sophisticated ballads (Don’t worry guys, it doesn’t sound anything like Celine Dion) that are sure to get her all hot and bothered by the end of the evening. And if she doesn’t, and you’re on your own at the end of the night, then you can always have a swoon at the gorgeous ...
...her fifth album ‘When I look in your eyes’. Suddenly she was propelled to stardom; her image changed from girl-next-door to sex kitten and she started selling albums in the millions.

Everyone who heard the wonderful songs from ‘When I look..’ waited in anticipation for her next album. And, earlier this year Ms Krall released ‘The Look of Love’. I didn’t know what to expect, but I did realise ... more

Fellas: are you planning a romantic evening in with your loved one (or someone you just fancy like mad)? Want to impress her with your passionate, romantic personality and make her go weak at the knees? Not sure what music to put on? No, no, you silly boy, don’t reach for that Bob the Builder CD, instead go out and buy ‘The Look of Love’ by Diana Krall.

This album is sure to make any woman’s heart melt. It is an album of sophisticated ballads (Don’t worry guys, it doesn’t sound anything like Celine Dion) that are sure to get her all hot and bothered by the end of the evening. And if she doesn’t, and you’re on your own at the end of the night, then you can always have a swoon at the gorgeous pictures of sexy Diana Krall in the sleeve.

Canadian born jazz singer/pianist Diana Krall has been making albums since the early nineties. Until recently only hard core jazz fans had heard her.

That all changed though when she won a Grammy for her fifth album ‘When I look in your eyes’. Suddenly she was propelled to stardom; her image changed from girl-next-door to sex kitten and she started selling albums in the millions.

Everyone who heard the wonderful songs from ‘When I look..’ waited in anticipation for her next album. And, earlier this year Ms Krall released ‘The Look of Love’. I didn’t know what to expect, but I did realise there would be a big change in style as it became obvious she was being made into a star.

‘’The Look of Love’ is different from her previous albums. In other Krall albums there has always been a variety of styles from smoochy ballads to up beat swing. Her latest creation, however, contains only slow to medium paced ballads with some interjections of bossa nova. There are no really fast swing numbers.

S’Wonderful and I Remember You are both light bossa nova tunes, with lovely accompaniment of flute and jazz guitar. Diana’s voice sounds deep, clear and sexy as always. Most other renditions of Gershwin’s ‘S’wonderful’ are very up beat and fast, but this version is laid back and relaxed.

Love Letters, Cry Me A River, The Night We Called It a Day and Maybe You’ll be There are all beautiful love songs. Diana Krall’s vocals really do suit ballads, she always sounds so relaxed and as if she doesn’t have to try. She has real warmth and feeling in these songs. Love Letters seemed a strange choice to have on a jazz ballad album but it fits in perfectly, it is very different from the original, it sounds sexy. I felt slight disappointment with Cry Me a River though as it really offers nothing new from the other numerous recordings of the classic song, by the likes of Dinah Washington and Julie London.

Even so, all Diana’s songs are classy and are always a pleasure to listen to. Wonderful musicians back her. Bass, drums and guitar accompany her voice and piano playing as well as lovely, subtle backing by the London Symphony orchestra (that must have cost a bob or two).

I Get Along Without you Very Well is a wonderfully simple song, is less jazzy than the other songs as the backing is mainly strings. It is a melancholy, sad song that has an air of Nat King Cole about it.

Besame Mucho, Dancing in the Dark and The Look of Love are slow bossa novas. They are so laid back they’re almost horizontal! They are all beautifully sung and recorded and remind me of the great Brazilian songwriter/singer, Antonio Carlos Jobim. Besame Mucho is actually sung in Portuguese, it really is beautiful. These songs are definitely made for the summer, and conjure up images of Rio and white sandy beaches. Again, the Look of Love is an unusual choice for a jazz song but it is performed and arranged beautifully.

This really is a lovely album. All the songs are relaxed and laid back, and the whole album definitely has a Latin feel. It is an album to listen to when you want to relax and chill out, maybe light a few candles, some incense and hopefully if you’re really good get your other half to give you an all over body massage (I’m going sex mad at the moment aren’t I?!)! It is perfect for candle lit dinners and romantic night’s in.

This album is definitely aimed at bringing more fame to this very talented lady. Unlike her other albums, which all consisted of jazz standards, this on contains more popular tunes such as Love Letters and The Look of Love. Unfortunately there is also not much of Diana’s piano playing to be heard on this album, which is a shame as she is a wonderful pianist.

‘The Look of Love’ is an album that will appeal to anyone who loves easy listening or Latin influenced music. If you like jazz divas such as Ella or Billie then you will love this. I do feel though that the hard core jazz fans will be disappointed with this album, as it contains no swing or up tempo numbers, and not many solo’s from Diana or her bass and guitar players. If you want to hear Diana’s piano playing or like up tempo tunes then this is not the album to choose, you should instead go for one of her earlier albums such as ‘Stepping Out’ or ‘Only Trust Your Heart’.

If like me though you love to listen to a beautiful voice, and like the sound of simple songs with beautiful and subtle accompaniment, or you just enjoy ballad songs then I am sure you will not be disappointed with ‘The Look of Love’.

If you have never heard Diana Krall’s voice then you are missing out on an extraordinary talent. She has the most beautiful, deep, sexy voice I have ever heard. Definitely the kind of voice to fall in love by. When she sings of love and happiness her voice is light, airy and joyful. When she sings of heartache and pain it is grainy and rough, and is enough to make you cry.

Any woman who has a romantic nature will swoon as soon as you put this CD on. If she doesn’t fall into your arms at the end of the night and utter words of lust in your ear, then you can hold me personally responsible (and you could always put that Bob the Builder CD on instead).

Incidentally, ‘The Look of Love is available at www.cdwow.com for £8.99.

P.S The title refers to what my brother/Dad/male friends said when they saw the cover for 'The Look of Love'
 

...less