Alannah's Back.... Thank God!!!
gassy goon | 05/25/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Years in the making, Alannah Myles has given her fans a tremendous new album. " BLACK VELVET " kicks off with an updated version of the original classic. Alannah wanted to re-record it because she saw no royalties from that #1 hit & all the albums she did for Atlantic Records. I'll indulge her on that decision because it's the 10 NEW songs that make this album so great. She co-wrote 9 of the 10 new songs. I prefer listening to this new CD starting with COMMENT CA VA, the first new song, and consider the new version of BLACK VELVET as a bonus track. After all, how can you top an absolute clasic?
The entire CD is filled with diverse sounds, singing, instruments, and arrangements . The main thing is her VOICE. She still sounds crystal clear. You can't tell it's been awhile since her last album. She sounds amazing, and all these new songs are a joy to hear after such a long wait. There are rock songs like COMMENT CA VA, PRIME OF MY LIFE, ANYWHERE BUT HOME featuring Jeff Healey on guitar and WHAT IS LOVE, one of my favorites on here. Ballads have always been one of her strengths, and I LOVE YOU is astounding - a really beautiful song exquisitely sung & arranged . It is easily one of the best songs that Alannah has ever done. FACES IN THE CROWD was written by the same team that gave us BLACK VELVET - David Tyson & Christopher Ward. The variety of genres is all over the place on here, and of course, blues is represented with the closing song TROUBLE. Fellow Canadian rock chick Sass Jordan sings back-up on 2 songs, and the CD was produced by Mike Borkosky , who worked with Alannah on her A RIVAL album. Everything on here was produced sumptuously, from layered sounds and intricate parts to a spare arrangement like on I LOVE YOU.
Alannah is in full reign here as one of today's premier female vocalists. She's a chanteuse, rocker, balladeer, rocker, artist and legend. Get this CD. It's been worth the wait. Not to be missed."
A good album by a great artist
Richard Gilbert | MD United States | 06/12/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Well after many years and a couple of name changes Alannah releases her new album. Technically only 9 of the 11 tracks are new ("Black Velvet" is a re-recording of the #1 hit from her debut album and "I Love You" was originally recorded in 1995 under the title "I Believe" and appears as the b-side to the single for "Family Secret"). The album is still full of great songs. The standouts are "Comment Ca Va", "Prime Of My Life" & "Leave It Alone". If you are a fan of Alannah's or just looking for some good music this album is recommended."
Why? Why? Why?
Jesse David Black | Revolution City, UFSA | 12/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Why isn't Alannah more popular? I find her voice, her sound, her beats, and her lyrics hypnotic. There are some great songs on Black Velvet; great for me is Alannah's sex appeal oozing on top of her beats. If you're a fan, don't hesitate to buy this. If you're not a fan, and just interested, listen to her previous CDs, and if you like them, then is CD won't fail to please you."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1