Diva

Annie Lennox

Arista

 

It's been almost three years since she recorded as one half of the Eurythmics with long-time musical partner, Dave Stewart. In that time these songs were painstakingly written, carefully recorded and polished until Annie felt they were strong enough to be released as, Diva . Preparing for the album was a very solitary task. choosing to work closely with producer, Stephen Lipson, and struggling to write most of the material herself, Annie made sure that everything was recorded the way she heard it in her head. And by not writing meaningless, formulated pop songs, (which would have all but guaranteed an instant success), she has produced an album that is authentic and completely true to her talent and convictions. Without question she made all the right decisions. There should also be an eight-song home video available by the time you read this. Shot on location in Venice, Italy, it carries the same title as the album and is full of the theatrics and drama that she has been known for since the beginning of her video career with the Eurythmics. The album opens with, "Why," the lament of an unworkable relationship and flows from there to, "Walking On Broken Glass," which depicts the misery of abandonment and rejection. The next tune, "Precious," a song for her baby daughter, serves to lighten things up just enough without becoming sappy. Both, "Primitive," and "Stay By Me," examine the feelings of hope and a willingness to work through the problems. Then it's back to business with a couple more tunes, "Legend In My Living Room," and "Cold," that lean toward a darker emotional state and are written in her unique lyrical style. Most of the remaining songs on , Diva , are rife with sadness, the kind that follows a broken love affair, without being depressingly full of, "doom and gloom." They describe the anguish and heartache while conveying a sense of acceptance and the will to carry on. The CD also has a bonus cut, "Keep Young And Beautiful," that was produced to sound like the authentic 20s' English dance-hall number it probably is, with an added bit of tongue-in-cheek. All in all, Diva , is a fine album and one that should put Annie Lennox back in the spotlight. With her soulful voice and immense talents, it's where she belongs. (SC)

 

Index

© 2000 Dr. Rock'n'Roll
All Rights Reserved