Shine

Amazon.com Mary Black's first seven solo albums were all recorded in Ireland, with producer Declan Sinnott crafting a fine balance between Celtic folk music and international pop--and every one of them climbed to the top of the Irish charts. It was a successful formula but it was becoming a bit predictable, so Black decided to cut her eighth album, Shine, in Los Angeles with Joni Mitchell's longtime collaborator Larry Klein as producer. As might be expected, there are fewer Irish folk flavors in the music and more L.A. singer-songwriter influences. The results, though, don't resemble Mitchell's cutting-edge folk-jazz so much as Linda Ronstadt's adult-contemporary pop. Black remains a special singer; her husky mezzo manages to be intimate and powerful at the same time. She's not a songwriter, however, so she's utterly dependent on her material. Unfortunately, Shine is dominated by the sort of melodramatic melodies and sentimental lyrics that might have been intended for Celine Dion. Black isn't guilty of Dion's over-the-top bombast, but Black can't inject much subtlety into simple-minded songs that urge us to "Shine" and enlighten us that "Nobody Lives Without Love." It's only when Black returns to the work of such proven songwriters as Richard Thompson ("I Misunderstood") and Paul Brady ("I Will Be There") that she reminds us what a dramatic interpreter she can be. --Geoffrey Himes Product Description Following the worldwide success of Circus, this Irish artist returns with a much-anticipated new album. Her first work with Grammy-winning producer Larry Klien (Joanie Mitchell, Shawn Colvin) is a set of 12 new songs; featuring the title track, the Richard Thompson-penned "Misunderstood," her duet with Paul Brady, "I Will Be There," and the pop/AC sound of "One And Only" (first single), Mary expands on her previous success by tapping into edgier pop/alternative material. Expect strong press and critical acclaim.
ASIN: B000000DI0
VSKU: DBV.B000000DI0.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Black, Mary
Binding: Audio cd
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