Search - Toni Childs :: House Of Hope

Brilliant music tackling very dark issues...

A. Ort | Youngstown, Ohio | 08/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the second effort by Toni Childs, by far one of my favorite artists. I fell in love with her first album and still am moved by it. This one is much more complex musically and instrumentally. The work with David Rhodes became apparent with repeated listening and it reminds me musically of Peter Gabriel's work, specifically his So album (this should be no surprise as Peter Gabriel shows up on her third album). This album is also significantly darker than Union. This is not necessarily a bad thing but it is not quite as joyous as her first effort. You often have to work to find the hope in it.She deals with themes such as incest and spousal abuse in powerful, powerful songs. Perhaps some of the songs on this album will provide strength for people who are in similar situations. The album is filled with pain and emotion yet it also contains the desire to make the world a better place in spite of all the horror. She tackles the horror head on but does not take us off the deep end -- laced in the music are moments of inspiration and hope. Perhaps it is merely a reflection of reality.Ms. Childs' lyrics are intricate and brilliant, poetic yet plain. And the music, oh the music! Remarkable. It is much more technical musically but this adds depth to her lyrics. All in all, a great album."

The voice will sometimes tear your`e soul apart.

Kurt Olav Helle | Lonevåg, Osteroy Norway | 09/09/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Toni Childs has a voice that sometimes tear your`e soul apart bit for bit, then when you hunger for more she`s gone, but at least you can play here over and over again. There`s a certain rumble jungle atmosphere on these tracks, that really swings. Track 1 I`ve got to go now is a good starter, With it`s clearly U2 inspired soundpicture that`s clearly define a great voluminous vocal that realy hit`s the mark. Yeah she`s got the power. Nuff said. Track 2 Next to you saunter along with it`s more relaxable atmosphere altrough. Greatness shines on this one two. Track 3 House of Hope, is the real winner on the CD. The soundpicture sounds very inspired by Robbie Robertson`s solo stuff. The opening is stunning, and create a very soulfull and creative atomsphere. Every little thing is magic on this one. Pure eargasm. Track 4 Daddy`s song has a light heavy metal atmosphere, and Toni`s voice is not realy up there. Powerfull all the same. Track 5 Heavens Gate is a great ballad, full of atmosphere . Simple and effective so to speak. Track 6 The Dead are Dancing is the tale from the crypt. This is a bonechilling ballad, that has a gotic musical feel allover. Track 7 I want to walk With you is a lighthearted pop song, which swings your`e soul in many happy directions. Track 8 Where`s the light is a light heavy metal composition, with the right guitar riffs spread in the right directions. Track 9 Put this fire out is a slow song that doesn`t make it. A certain lack of atmosphere makes this a minor letdown. Track 10 Three Days, sound`s like she tries to create a Peter Gabriel soundpicture, but it fell flat, sorry to say. Anyway Toni Childs "has it "most of the time".



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House of Hope

gortard | Galway, Ireland | 12/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A haunting in depth hint at Child's wonderful talent - this is a CD that will stay with you forever; one of those if you ever lost you will look for 10 years later - a rare gem"