Search - Randy Crawford :: Play Mode

Where is the magic?

Jaroslaw Michalonek | New York, NY United States | 05/10/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I own every single CD this talented soul diva recorded. I was very intrigued by the title of her latest effort. It certainly enhanced my appetite for it so I went ahead and orded it without any hesitation. I am a very loyal and discerning fan and must admit that this project is one of Randy's weakest. Why? The material presented here hasn't been carefully tailored to bring out the singer's truly unique voice and extraordinary interpretation skills. In most cases Randy sings here dull pop music that permeates the contemporary music scene. I believe she was hungry for a hit song and prematurely recorded some of this stuff lacking her sophisticated signature style.And why does she have to sound like Britney Spears on one of the CD's dance flavored tracks? Dance music never worked for Randy anyway. Club music oriented tracks on this CD are hardly appealing, so why bother, Randy? As far as a few of the less 'unforgetable' numbers /e.g. "Merry Go Round", "Free the Child" or "Alfie"/ go, I am afraid that as much as I wanted to force myself to falling in love with them, the producer's rather uninspired and mechanical treatment of them defeated my goal.I hope Randy's next project involves more sophisticated production work as well as more jazz influenced tunes that historically have suited her so well!"

Yearning for More...

Soulsafari | Atlanta, GA | 07/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Smooth...confident...elegant...lush...unexpected...innovative...These are but a few of the words that come to mind when listening to "Play Mode," the new CD by Jazz-Soul-Pop diva Randy Crawford. Opening with a smooth, quiet remake of the Nina Simone classic "Wild Is The Wind, " Randy gives us only a small taste of what she has in store for us over the next 53 minutes. Randy gives this song that special Crawford touch and creates a tune that is pure ether to the ears, taking the mind to the calmest of places...a hammock, day-dreams, the gentlest of breezes.... utter peace. This song hypnotized me and took me to a place of such calm and relaxation that I played it four times back-to-back, not wanting to escape the feeling.Next is one of the most beautiful songs I've heard in some time. "Merry Go Round" is the song that Randy Crawford has lived all of these years to record. Her voice and her vocal mastery were created to bring this song to life. Singing of the ups and downs in a relationship, Randy takes a song that could have easily been a somber remembrance of a dying relationship and makes it sound like the ultimate wedding song, spinning emotional vibrations of utter love. "Our love is like a merry go round/Sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down/Like the sun and the rain, even good love's bound to change." Romantic perfection.... "Free the Child" is plea for self-discovery and the exorcism of old demons that haunt us and affect our every relationship. It is a deep and moving track, that haunts you with its spiritual lyrics and emotional melody. "Permanent," I feel, had more potential than what is offered here. Something about the tempo, her voice, or the melody are just not quite right. I found myself wanting to like this song, but just could not connect with it. Lyrically, this song is superior to most of what's on the radio these days, but the point of the song is missed, mainly due to the background vocalists' repeated singing of the word "permanent," which is buried so far under the music that it is barely understandable.Of course, after hearing "Sweetest Thing," I am ready to forgive and forget the previous songs' mistakes. "Sweetest Thing" is a cool, rhythmic throwback to `ol school love tributes. If Minnie Ripperton were alive today, she would've wrestled Randy to the ground for this song. Ms. Crawford's vocals are as rich and smooth as fine Belgian chocolate. Her vocals seem to literally meld with the music, forming a most alluring concoction. Her opening whispers say it all, "Sweet, sweet, sweet." This, in my opinion, is one of this albums greatest tracks.Okay, now comes the ultimate indulgence! If Britney Spears were black and in her forties today, this is what she would sound like. The opening notes and chorus beats of "Fire and Rain" sound so much like a relaxed version of "Oops..I Did It Again" that it's uncanny. Even so, and maybe because of it, I enjoyed this song very much. It's an all out attempt at pop, without being too overtly so. Randy gives it just enough of that trademark Crawford magic to keep it from sounding too trivial or too "bubblegum.""When I Get Over You" reminds me of the recent remix project performed on some of Shirley Bassey's greatest songs (An excellent CD, by the way). This song has an ethereal, electronic feel reminiscent of the production work of Massive Attack or that of recent Sarah Brightman works. Part icy break-up song, part James Bond theme, complete with soaring strings and vocals, this song hits the mark and has me (im)patiently waiting to see what's next.What's next is certainly no disappointment. A cool remake of "Alfie" which combines just what you'd expect- strings and lavish production, with a bit of the unexpected-a hip-hop undertone that gives your brain just enough of a buzz to have your head uncontrollably and unexpectedly bobbing along.I feel like I've said so much about this album already, but there's even more to tell. Here comes the albums' disco throwback, a smooth thumping song with background vocals taken straight out of the works of the Emotions and a beat right out of Chaka Khan's "I'm Ev'ry Woman." This track lifts the mellow fog that has overtaken your mind and body thus far and gets you moving and yearning to hit the dance floor. Nobody could've done this better than Randy! OH MY GOD! Just when you thought it was safe to leave the dance floor, here comes a modern, sexy, upbeat version of Stevie Wonder's "All I Do". Bravo Randy, bravo!! This version is fresh and has a newness that makes the song undetectable to soul novices, but will make die hard soul fans shout "Hallelujah!!!" Ohhh, hold up; I think I'll listen to that one again.......Okay, I'm back. Let's see what else is in store..."When Will I Be Free Of Love's Taboo" is classic Crawford. Randy and piano and that's all. Or so you think! Suddenly a mid-tempo drum track kicks in and turns this torchy jazz hymn into pure pop perfection. Another standout track.Wrapping up this musical feast is "Tell It To Your Heart," (an adult contemporary hit if I've ever heard one), and the soulful, yearning "I Get A Little Burned." These are two songs that have a deep lyrical message and serve as a fitting end to a wonderful musical journey.Overall, I think this is one of the strongest offerings by Randy Crawford. She has continued to grow and change, without betraying the sound that has made her a star, a feat rarely seen in today's cookie-cutter pop-princess world. I give this my highest rating. It calmed me, pleased me, grooved me, and had me dancing. What more could you ask for? I guess we'll have to wait until Randy's next album to get the answer to that question."

"Sweetest Thing" and "When The Evening Comes"

Soulsafari | 03/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have followed this talented Songstress, for most of her career. Randy Crawford, is truly a gifted singer, and "Play Mode" reinforces that. "Play Mode" is one of those CDs that you listen to over and over again, because you just can't believe the sweet, tender, sexy and soulfullness Randy has put into the songs. Randy Crawford out did herself with this one. I smell a way overdue Grammy! Thank you Ms Crawford, for keeping it true."