Angela's iPod

ANNIE LENNOX
SONGS OF MASS DESTRUCTION 2007
5 Stars

I had one of my friends listen to this CD because I absolutely adore it and thought she would love it as I do. She said Annie Lennox has never sounded better but that many people will not buy this CD because it’s lyrics are filled with true commentary and not just fluff.

All I could think was, that is why I like Annie Lennox and her latest CD. She writes from her experience, from her heart. And it is the quality of her writing combined with the beauty of her voice that makes this CD soar. She is a soulful singer with a deep, rich, haunting voice and she can wring emotion out of a person with her lyrics as well as her voice. She is transcendent, evolved, polished, clear and passionate. She creates an intense intimacy with her listener that is simultaneously penetrating and relatable, all encompassing and utterly personal. They reach a chord down inside your soul. Her songs are of loss, sadness, and pain, as well as hope, joy and indomitable spirit. Her lyrics are her take on the world around us; touching on subjects like war, failed love, poverty, aids, truth, lies, and ever changing relationships. Her words are touching, powerful, and ultimately beautiful.

Okay, okay, I won’t go on and on about the lyrics, won’t quote you lines from her songs (well maybe a few). Instead I will recount why almost every song on this CD is unique and phenomenal. Trust me, this CD is one to buy, keep and love. “Dark Road” and “Fingernail Moon” are hauntingly beautiful love ballads. They are filled with the lost “joy within her soul” and the ”sadness takin' hold”. “Love Is Blind“ is a strangely tender suicide ballad. “Smithereens” is so achingly pretty; she truly realizes that “everybody has a broken heart”. ”Womankind” is a funky, soulful groove, calling women to wish for just what they want from men and life. The haunting, wail of the intro of “Through The Glass Darkly” only hints at its intensity as she tries to “remember what it feels to be complete”. “SING” is an amazing song with an unexpected ending. It has a terrific gospel refrain that boasts a choir that includes Madonna, Celine Dion, Angelique Kidjo, Shakira, Fergie, Gladys Knight, Faith Hill and Melissa Etheridge. (Also, all the proceeds from this song go to an AIDS charity) “Big Sky” is a song that allows Annie Lennox to show just what her voice can do.

What is the point of all this enthusiasm? Purchase this CD. In Annie Lennox’s own words, “There’s no need to be shy, there’s no need to be scared”, just do it.

More info: http://www.annielennox.com/