Highly Anticipated So-So Effort
05/04/2000
(2 out of 5 stars)
"With each new Melanie album from, say, 1975 on, I would cross my fingers and take a deep breath and hope that it would be the one that would bring Melanie back into the spotlight where she belongs. Unfortunately, this album, isn't "the one." For whatever reason, this album was released in the U.S. as "Freedom Knows My Name." The only difference being that the U.S. version does not include the song, "Record Machine." Doesn't really matter either way. I can hear what the producers were trying to do; it's just that they didn't do it well. There are editing glitches in the opening cut, "Estate Sale," as well as Melanie's cover of Bob Dylan's, "Hard Rain," (also included on "Precious Cargo," and her current "Shine On," CD only available in Europe.) Editing glitches in the 1990s! In addition, the instrumentals are bland and played with complete lack of passion. Melanie tries to give her all vocally but just can't cut it with these arrangements. The exception is "Detroit or Buffalo." Here, the arrangement completely suits Melanie's vocal and the result is fabulous. Also, there are five to six acoustic cuts from her "Silver Anniversary" album which are quite good. No need to get this album, though, for the acoustic cuts as they're included on her more recent (1999) and vastly superior, "Ring the Living Bell.""
Melanie Returns!
Dennis Lee Cleven | Madison, WI | 01/30/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The only fault I find with this album is that it is too short. Melanie is in good form and there are good harmonies throughout. A rousing "Estate Sale" is the great opener. It is a fun song, but not cutesy. "Silence is King" and "I Will Get Over" are brilliant songs. "Wear It Like A Flag" is a true highlight, a great energetic song. The longer album,"Freedom Knows My Name," is a superior album because it includes several more tracks. That is no reason not to get "Silence Is King." Melanie has still got what it takes. She is better than ever."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1