Heartbreak, Redemption and Triumph in Melodic Bliss
Ismail Elshareef | West Hollywood, CA United States | 07/08/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's a sin this album wasn't domestically released in the US as it's only available as an import which tend to be a bit $$. I took a risk and bought it anyway and I have to say I am very satisfied.
It's so much better than Daniel's first album, which I really liked! This release is more mature and well thought-out. Sonically, there's really nothing new in this album, but there is definitely more crooning. The lyrics do tell a story for a change and Daniel sounds so real, especially in "Sorry", which is about his sister.
If I have to pick up favorites, they'll be: Holiness, Show me the real you, Sorry, The Way, Don't give'r it all, and Growing up. I am still listening to it nonstop at work, in the car, at home, at the gym,...etc. It's that good :-)
I cannot recommend this album enough. Like most solo British artists, Daniel Bedingfield is extremely underrated and underexposed here in America. I can't believe his songs aren't playing on the radio instead of that hackneyed music we're all sick and tired of."
A very touching well thoughtout album
A. Vanderheyden | Miyazaki, Japan | 05/19/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was a Bedingfield fan instantly when I heard his first CD. Now finally getting my hands on his second CD, I was unsure since I had to have it imported but it was worth it! He's changed a lot in the years since he wrote his previous album. The album is extremely personal, it talks about life, love, and dealing with a near death experience. His words are selected carefully and specifically. He is mastering his craft. Nothing is an accident. I absolutely love some of the songs...especially "Sorry" and "All the Little Children", and "Draw You".
Now as for why I gave it four stars and not five, simply because I loved his dance tracks on his first CD, those aren't really here. But his other songs make up for it!
"
This is not your American Pop Music
Michael T. Rognlien | Chicago, IL USA | 08/06/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Daniel Bedingfield is another examples of British talent that is unappreciated in the US due to a combination of undermarketing and the American fixation with what is essentially manufactured crap music.
You won't find any featured rappers or synthesized vocals on a DB song or album. What you WILL find is unique, beautifully-sung music that puts to shame anything coming out of our domestic music scene. DB takes raw emotions and finds a way to translate them into thoughtful, no-holds-barred musical exhibitions. At times upbeat and almost 'perky' to dark and brooding, DB covers a full range of emotions, vocal styles and musical incarnations and again produces an album that is memorable, distinct and a favorite.
This set is not as immediately catchy as his first, which is one of my all-time favorites, but after repeated listenings you realize that being invited into a true expression of talent and emotion is far more rewarding than an instantly-catchy but quickly forgettable pop hook.
Highly recommended. (PS - it's cheaper to buy it from Amazon.co.uk than to pay the inflated import price on Amazon.com - this is true for virtually all British albums)"