Ingenue

k.d. lang

Sire

 

When a very reliable source told me that the new k.d. lang disc was, "wonderful," I had my doubts. I'll confess to being totally oblivious to many of her previous works, so much so, in fact that I had to borrow a couple of her earlier albums for some insight and perspective. Born in Consort, Alberta, Kathy Dawn Lang first picked up a guitar at age ten and within three years was writing and performing her own works. After forming the Reclines, in the early '80s and releasing, A Truly Western Experience, on a small independent label, the group was signed to Sire, which released Angel With A Lariat in 1987 to broad critical acclaim. She went on to draw enthusiastic public response for the expressive, emotionally charged stage performances that have by now become a trademark. Her next album, Shadowland, quickly went Gold and earned k.d. the Rolling Stone Critic's Pick for Best Female Singer, Canada's Juno and CASBY Awards for Best Female Vocalist Of The Year and Grammy's For Best Vocals Collaboration for her duet with Roy Orbison, "Crying." Her last album, Absolute Torch And Twang, earned her another Grammy, this time for Best Female Country Vocalist. After much success in stretching the boundaries of country music she again moves boldly into unexplored musical territory with her latest release, Ingenue.

 

The album opens with "Save Me," a warm, slow and enveloping tune that melds country influences with a jazzy aura and showcases her soaring voice while setting the mood for the rest of the disc. "Save me, save me from you. But pave me the way to you." The lyrics are steeped in romance, desire and the slight uncertainty that sometimes comes with falling in love. The frosting on the cake is the addition of a subdued lap steel guitar and guest artist, Gary Burton on vibraphone. "The Mind Of Love" finds k.d. in an introspective and confused tug-of-war. It's as though her heart has taken over and all common sense has flown out the window. "Talking to myself, causing great concern for my health,where is your head Kathryn,where is your head." Again, love seems to have been the culprit. Next is the Samba flavored, "Miss Chatelaine," with its catchy rhythms and celebration of innocence, you can almost picture this being a big musical number from an old romantic comedy. "Just a kiss just a kiss, I have lived just for this/ Just a smile just a smile, hold me captive just a while." In style and content, it's one of the more playful tunes here and a real charmer that will more than likely pull you out of your chair to glide around the room with your favorite broom, like Fred Astaire did in the old movies. After this lighthearted excursion she returns to more serious thoughts and feelings. "Wash Me Clean," is a quiet, mournful plea from a lonely heart. "Wash,wash me clean, mend my wounded seams, cleanse my tarnished dreams." It makes for a sad but peaceful lullaby. In "So It Shall Be," there's a sentiment of surrender, as though she can't hold out any longer after finding love. "I can exist being caught by your kiss, willingly, or grant you control of my body and soul, ask it and so it shall be." The air of a string quartet begins "Still Thrives This Love," and is carried throughout this song of wonder and adoration. "But still somehow thrives this love, which I pray I'm worthy of, still somehow thrives this love." These 3 cuts also feature guest artist, Gary Burton,who adds a nice touch on vibraphone and marimba.

 

The rest of the songs on the album are pensive, soul-searching and seem to be a confession of "self". The titles alone are clue enough of this. "Season Of Hollow Soul," "Outside Myself," "Tears Of Love's Recall," and "Constant Craving," which is also the first single and video release from, Ingenue. k.d. has outdone herself this time. There's nothing to find fault with or to quibble about throughout the whole album. Each song makes a strong, individual statement which could easily stand alone on its own merits. But with the rest of the pieces in place a masterpiece is created. One that represents an elegant new direction for this ceaselessly creative artist and is sure to win her leagues of new devotees. There will probably be quite the buzz when it's time for the Grammy nominations next year and deservedly so. Well produced and brilliantly performed, Ingenue is a must have. (SC)

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