Search - Kiki Dee :: Stay With Me

Get this one!

R. Leonardo | Grand Rapids, Michigan United States | 07/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you've only heard of Kiki Dee from her two US hits ("I've got the Music in Me" and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart"), this is the album you want to pick up to get a real introduction to her. Her vocals on this album are by far her best - blue eyed soul producer Bill Schnee (Boz Scaggs, Pablo Cruise) brings out a powerhouse performance from Dee on these nine tracks.



The extras are a bit odd: her 1983 one-off single "The Loser Gets to Win" and "I want our (Love to Shine)". These two songs seem a bit out of a place and would have fit better on the "Angel Eyes" reissue, containing all of her EMI recordings. (Plus, I always thought the B-side "Love to shine" would have made a better single).



It would have been nice to have included the 12 inch version of "You're holding me too Tight" or some of her other LA recordings including the "Nothings Going to Stop us Now" single from the "Stir Crazy" soundtrack (produced by legendary soul producer Michael (Whitney, Diana, Natalie, etc.) Masser or her duet with Roger Voudaris, "The Last Love Song".



But there are no complaints having this extraordinary album at long last available on CD - Kiki gives the performances of her career on this album. She even comments on the liner notes, that she thinks, her vocals on "Dark Side of Your Soul" are among her best. In addition, diva extraordinaire Patti Labelle complimented Kiki on her "Stay with Me" performance. Considering that the Lorraine Ellison original is a classic, that says a lot.



It's a shame that this was the last Rocket release from Kiki, as she had the finest LA session musicians backing her up, and really put her all into the vocals. If you are a fan of pop-rock-soul, this is an absolutely great listen.



"

Kiki Goes California Rock

gassy goon | 02/14/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Kiki's " California " album was recorded in Los Angeles in 1978, with the top studio musicians of the time. It's a good album, and has more of a slick feel to it. Whereas her other albums have more of a " band " sound & were recorded in England, this one is less organically recorded. It was produced by Bill Schnee , who had done California bands like Pablo Cruise. Some nice pop/rock songs like ONE STEP, a good rocker in ONE JUMP AHEAD OF THE STORM, and some ballads like DARK SIDE OF YOUR SOUL and SAFE HARBOUR. DON'T STOP LOVING ME, however, is probably the dullest song that she ever recorded. YOU'RE HOLDING ME TOO TIGHT is not Kiki's type of song either - given a disco type production! LOVE IS A CRAZY FEELING and her cover of the R&B classic STAY WITH ME are the highlights on here. As the original album was only 9 songs , it is great to have the 1983 UK single of the excellent THE LOSER GETS TO WIN, a very catchy early 80's pop song, and it's equally good B-side [ I WANT OUR ] LOVE TO SHINE as bonus tracks. Not her best album, but definitely has some fine moments."