Search - Melanie :: Born to Be

Dark little diva

B. Holder | Cedar Crest, NM United States | 07/29/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album was Melanie Safka's first, released in 1974. I've been listening to it ever since, and am amazed at how well it's "held up" in 24 years. The reason for that, I believe, is because it was SO WEIRD to begin with. From "I Really Loved Harold" to "Bo Bo's Party" (what's a Bo Bo?) to "In The Hour", Melanie writes from a place of irony and despair, but as one who continues to pick herself up regardless. Vocally, she has the emotion of Edith Piaf, but is not nearly so annoying. You want Drama? Melanie will give that to you, and more. Her version of "Mr. Tambourine Man" wipes any other version you've heard out of your head; and her throw-away cuts, "Animal Crackers" and "Christopher Robin (Is Saying His Prayers)" are somehow given meaning in context with the rest of these songs. If you think "Melanie" only as "that hippie chick who sang 'Brand New Key'", check her out now! that you're older & wiser. And for you who have no recollection at all of Melanie, have I got a treat for you! I don't understand why, in this age of female EMOTERS, there hasn't been a Melanie revival. She was punk before punk was cool."

Philosophy for the young at heart

John Tierney | united kingdom | 03/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"there's not one track on this cd that i could rubbish - listen carefully to the words of each song and you will find a world of understanding of the human condition - take the track 'I really loved Harold' the start goes: 'They told me when I was little I'd go to heaven if I was good!' she continues: 'Now I'm a long way from freedom cos I tried to find heaven,cos I thought that I could' I first heard this LP in the 70's and unfortunately,along with all the other great Melanie LP's somewhere over the years they disappeared - I can't get this cd in the UK so I was bowled over to find it still available in the US - I am as you probably guessed quite biased about Melanie - at the age of 48 now, Melanie still makes me think on a higher level and if you are a deep thinking person you will find this LP an intellectual joy to listen to."

MELANIE'S FIRST!

Harbor Mystic | USA | 08/09/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is Melanie's very first album which was released in 1968 NOT 1974! It's a very impressive debut with great songs like "I Really Loved Harold," "Animal Crackers,""Bobo's Party," "Close to It All" and a great cover of Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man." Most people don't realize that Melanie first became popular in Europe. "Bobo's Party" was a #1 hit in France in 1969 and "Beautiful People" (not from this recording) was a hit later that year in the Netherlands. Ms. Safka didn't become well known here until her appearance at Woodstock in 1969. Unfortunately, she was not featured in the movie as were several other artists. Since a very early age she has never stopped performing and recording. As she has grown older, her music has matured and become even better. She is NOT a novelty act! Check out emusic.com, where they have tons of her albums, both early and more recent to download if you become a member. If you don't have a any Melanie, I'd start out with a good compilation. Amazon.com lists the best two when you first search for Melanie and bring up her artist's page. Now if only they'd come out with a 2-CD or a boxed set spanning her entire career!"