Breathe, Just Breathe
Eliza Bennett | Southeast Missouri | 10/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is a creative extension of Amie Ridley's first album. The music explores the emotional depths of life. A pattern is illustrated wherein a song which is sad and mournful is replaced by one that is uplifting and hopeful. The first and last songs are the only two songs which contain purely synthesizer music. The last song, "Mother's Womb," contains waves of lone notes in the background, almost like a child's heartbeat. It is an appropriate title and end to the album. Two of my favorite songs are "The Stroke of Midnight" and "Foreverone." "Midnight" is almost ten minutes in length and is the longest song on the album. I love the beginning as it uses the melody of high-pitched bells (almost like Christmas bells) to go along with the music. They occur again halfway through the song. There are moments of childlike energy and other times that seem more like a wedding at then end of any Shakespearean comedy. The song ends with the deep, echoing sound of church bells chiming twelve times. "Foreverone" is a love song, full of hope and happy tears. The piano notes create a wedding scene where lovers are joined as one. Very romantic. I should make mention of the song "Where Time Stands Still" since it shares its name with the album. This song illustrates the theme for the album. It plainly states it on the back cover: "For those whose soul is waiting to exhale." The music on the entire album is about letting go, starting anew, getting back to what's vital. Breathe, just breathe. For it's in that still moment when the world makes sense and your purpose is clear. It's an amazing album which delves into a gamut of emotions and leaves you breathless."
Music for the Mind and Heart
shotputsuz@hotmail.com | Georgia, USA | 11/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Amie pours her soul oh so gently into her music. It pulls you in and challenges you to listen with your heart. Always enjoyable."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1