Solid Collection
J. M. Zuurbier | Canada | 09/01/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is Michelle Wright's first album in 6 years, since 1996's FOR ME ITS YOU. And change is inevitable, and very apparant here. Michelle never really fit into the cookie cutter sound of Nashville, she always had her own style of country music which seemed to lean in on other genres without losing its country appeal. She released a GREATEST HITS COLLECTION in Canada in 1999, and a different one in the US in 2000.SHUT UP AND KISS ME is her new album of music, which blurs the lines between genres and is offered here in a melting pot of sorts. The first single "Shut Up And Kiss Me Or Just Shut Up" is gutsy and very tongue in cheek, hardly fits into the country category. In fact most of the material on SHUT UP AND KISS ME is not country at all, ranging from pop to rock, and more. Her Canadian hit "I Surrender" appears here, different than the version found on her compilation, this one is more edgier and less country."Still No Shangri-La" looks at a relationship that seemed to be going so well, but realizing it wasn't more than just being friends. "Find It In New York" resembles Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner" in many ways, but its probably the most rhythmic song on here. I quite enjoy the ballad "Thank You For Your Love" which has a message of cherishing love instead of regretting it, even after its all ended. There's some really positive songs like "Circle of Life" and "Love Is The Only Way". "Could You Be" reminds me a bit of Motown. "Sorry" is the edgiest song on here, it rocks. "I Will Be There" is straight up pop, with a nice sentiment.Fans of Michelle Wright either love or hate this new change, and you will be shocked when you first hear her. In this genre she sort of resembles Sheryl Crow or Melissa Etheridge in her style, but SHUT UP AND KISS ME is a bold move and in my opinion a creative success."
Great listen!
Jake Z | Canada | 02/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Michelle Wright is an artist who never really took off in the US, save for a few hit singles here and there. A lot of the albums she released in Canada therefore, were not released in the US. This would be one of them, and people are truly missing out. This album was released in Canada in June 2002, her first album since 1996's FOR ME IT'S YOU. The album is a bit of a departure from her, not lending itself too much to country as her past albums have. However, a lot of the singles were remixed and played on country radio, and met with a good measure of success.SHUT UP & KISS ME is the name of the album and it was one of my most played albums in 2002, and it still gets a lot of mileage in my CD player. Michelle co-wrote 8 of the 12 songs on the album. "I Surrender" was a hit, one of the new songs from her GREATEST HITS COLLECTION, also makes an appearance here with a slightly different version (more rock oriented). In fact a lot of the songs have a rock/pop flair to them. The first single was "Shut Up & Kiss Me or Just Shut Up", a great uptempo rock song that was a pretty big hit here, really great fun memorable song."Still No Shangri-La" is a nice midtempo song about looking at a relationship after it's over and realizing it was fun, but not enough. "Broken" was the second single, and one of my favorites on the album. It's a very honest ballad that most could relate to (I sure can). "Every Time You Come Around" is the latest single from the album, a song Michelle wrote for her fans. "Find It In New York" is one of the more interesting tracks, a bit obscure, the music is very interesting and the lyrics are revealing. The song is about asking someone to try to find their happiness.The ballad "Thank You For My Love" is my favorite song on the disc, it's so poignant. The song doesn't place blame on the relationship, it's just saying that it's over and that no one is to blame, but thanks for everything anyway. "Love Is The Only Way" and "Circle Of Life" carry a similar message, nice songs. "Could You Be" is a nice R&B-ish ballad about wondering if the new love could be the true love. "Sorry" is a great uptempo rocker, would have been a great single. "I Will Be There" was the third single from the album, although it was remixed for country radio as this version on the album is very poppy.Overall, a really strong collection of songs from a talented Canadian singer. Not disapointing at all, I don't think you would be disapointed either!"
Stupid title, but...
elwoodeye | hammer | 04/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hold onto your hat, she'll kick your attitude. Gorgeous in song and body. You won't be SORRY."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1