Review 1 of 1

aroseinthewind writes:

5of 5 Stars

By the time Anggun came out, the music industry was highly dominated by bubblegum pop music. Which explains the reason why this album was mainly overlooked (and even unnoticed) by media during the time it came out. And you people, just have NO idea what you're missing: a highly beautiful, magical, and enchanting work.

Anggun's smoky, deep and husky voice quickly captures my ears. Not to forget the material of the record which -by then- was unusual for a new artist. Given Erick Benzi's production and arrangement which surely brings these songs into a higher level, and you have got yourself an excellent album.

On this record, Anggun mainly tackles issues on love and relationship. If she was fool enough, this record would've ended up to be labeled as 'Celine Dion's copycat' (since Benzi himself a few times produces Dion). But smartly, Anggun (or Benzi) took a different way, by mixing synthesizer pop with ethnic influences and world music. And not to forget the lyrics where there's a lot of nature imageries (the sun, the moon, the wind, the sea, the sky, and so on)which sets this album apart from any love-songs records. And that's the IT thing, that's what makes this record special and ranks up to be one of best records ever released all the time.

"Snow On The Sahara" opens the record with its unique, ecclectic collection of Eastern-tinged pop gems and definitely is one of the most gorgeous and heart-wrenching songs ever written. Thoughtful and beautiful lyrics delivered by Anggun's incredible husky voice are wrapped in velvety, electronic, mid-tempo drum loops, dreamy guitars and feathery synths. While "Over Their Walls" is influenced by Chinese traditional music, with pounding synthesizer beats and energetical performance. The ballad "On the Breath of An Angel" is a stripped down ballad whose lyrics are a mix of English and Anggun's native language. The effect is notably unique and lovely. The drum loops are minimal and the song is awash in ambient synths.

"A Rose In the Wind" opens with an exotic Eastern-tinged sound then is joined by more electronic drum loops. The verses are low and subdued but are joined by the powerful chorus whereas "My Sensual Mind" lives up to its title -- sensual and hypnotic.

"Valparaiso" sees Anggun exploring with her rock background and the haunting "Selamanya" (or "Forever" in English) might reminiscent you a little bit of Annie Lennox. Another ballad, "By The Moon", is simply a standout, with its new age influence and tribal chants in the middle part and delicious guitar riffs towards the end of the song.

Another upbeat track, "Dream of Me", is An upbeat, danceable track (I would kill and die to hear a kickass club mix of this song, but alas, it was never released as a single and not professionally remixed as far as I know) this is one song that will get inside your head and you won't want it to leave. You can't help but tap your foot to this song. The vocals are more layered in this song which produces a very rich sound on the chorus in particular.
"Secret of The Sea" perfectly captures the image of the sea, with longing lyrics [I hear/ Waves that come rolling in/Fleetness of wings/ A sound is missing/A sign from you] and more Eastern chants.

Anggun closes the record with a superb rendition of David Bowie's classic "Life on Mars", giving the song a brand new perspective, wispy, romantic, dreamy..and most of all, original.

All that being said, this is a kick-arse record that sadly went out of attention. Pick up this record NOW, if you want a piece of heaven on earth. This IS a record with depth, substance, sensuallity, beauty, harmony, emotion, wonder, substance...and most of all, originality.

A true masterpiece, a very accesible, enjoyable yet astounding work of art, this is simply a record to buy.

Oct 26, 2006 10:58:37