So Much More Than...
Dana C. Steinman | SyracuseNY | 06/25/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Although an evergreen simply becuase it is one of the best pop songs of the last thirty years, investing in this collection solely for "I Love The Nightlife" will leave you surprised since few of Alicia Bridges' other recordings reflected the disco aspirations of her signature song. Showcased here are her appealingly unique voice and phrasing as she masticates rather than sings these 16 tracks, which include for the first time on compact disc tracks from her 1979 LP 'Play It As It Lays'. Think Carole Pope with a much softer edge and more dexterity (not to diminish Carole's own brand of tribal vocalizing at all) and you can almost hear a sample of Bridges' making her way through her mostly Southern Rock/R&B material. ("Body Heat", Bridges' follow-up to "...Nightlife", is a clever bridge bewteen her dance and rock territories.) In fact, had Bridges a more illustrious career Alanis Morissette could have been accused of studying her style a little to precisely ("High Altitude" being a perfect example). While included on this disc is Bridges' debut album in its entirety, excluding a mere three of the nine tracks that made up 'Play It As It Lays'--leaving the playing time at 66 minutes--seems unnecessary. Why not both complete LPs? But anyway, still a great disc to (re)discover a talent who should have had more than was given her. Unfortunately, she was a victim left in the wake of Disco's excess--and undeservedly so since her talent prevented her from becoming a producer's puppet. I have seen Bridges perform live in the past few years and she still sounds as robust as she does on many of these 20+ year-old recordings, and of note is that she co-wrote them all. She also sounds capable of making some new music. If it's voices you like, check hers out. It's really not the voice you've been hearing all these years."
Diamomd In The Rough
acshore | Seattle, WA USA | 11/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like the title of one of her songs... Alicia Bridges is truely a 'diamond in the rough!'
I still cannot believe that this lady was so underrecognized as an artist. She must be surely something when she is performing live. I of course - love her staple song 'I Love The Night Life,' but also like her No.86 hit 'Body Heat,' as well as other greats such as the country-tinged 'City Rhythm,' the funk-like 'In The Name of Love,' and the original footlose dancer 'Learned To Dance Too Soon.' Bottom line... I like 13 out of 16 songs on this CD; all but 'We Are One,' 'High Altitudes,' and 'So Cozy.'
For those of you who are curious... Alicia started doing DJ/VJ work in the 1980's after her music career stayed at a hault, and lived in San Francisco for a while. Then she moved back to Atlanta, and in the mid-90's started working at a gay club called The Otherside Lounge. I believe she still works there, too. [...]"
I Love The Nightlife and So Much More
Murray | 11/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you enjoy versatility and good vocals, this is for you. Alicia is known for her signature song, I Love The Nightlife. She displays her talent as a singer and writer by showcasing songs that she cowrote with Susan Hutchenson. These are the tunes that everyone missed because they were caught up in the disco era. Check these out and treat yourself to the range of emotion and depth that Alicia inspires with her music."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1