Customer Reviews

9

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's been quite a year for Lara: Her second English-language album A WONDERFUL LIFE was a commercial disaster (which led to her parting company with Sony Music). She then left Quebec and is now living in France. And now, of course, she has quickly returned to the spotlight with her 5th French-language studio album 9. Her albums may not always be as commercially successful as she'd like, but the one thing that is never in question is THE VOICE: It is, quite simply, of the world's finest instruments. And unlike so many of today's vocalists, Lara's upper and lower registers are equally strong and stunning. This album doesn't really showcase her powerful upper register, but it's still amazing! For the French market, Lara (like Celine) goes for a more stripped down approach in regards to production and vocal arrangements. I can't say there's a single weak song on this album (my favorite being "Si tu n'as pas d'amour" (If you don't have love). True, I don't understand everything she's singing (English is my first language, but I can speak and understand a fair amount of French). Even if you don't understand a single word of French, just let the music and Lara's incredible vocal artistry speak to you. Now with that being said, Lara is NOT actually abandoning her English career. She has said in interviews that she's taking her time to look at some different options in regards to her English-language recording career. Until English album #3 surfaces, this masterful album will certainly satisfy Lara fans around the globe. Btw, 9's Canadian release date is set for May 3rd, 2005.

I had been Lara Fabian's fan since her first French album at 1991, and she never stop satisfy and surprise me ever since.

Aside her 2 English albums which were manipulated by SONY and lost most of her personality (as a result, 2 very disappointing and boring albums), Lara Fabian's music is always inspiring, energetic yet soothing. She had always been creative and adventurous, and does not afraid to touch different social and humane topics when she writes and sings a song.

For example,"La Difference" from the "Pure" album talks about Gay and Lesbian love; she tells us there are no difference about loving somebody(she is not a lesbian). In this album, a song calle "Les Homerican", shows her disapproval of war. While at the meantime, she reposes hope of real world peace on our second generation in another song "Un Ave Maria".

There are fantastic love songs in the album, too. My favorite is "Il Ne Manquait Que Toi". The lyrics are so poetic, with her airy voice and romantic arrangement, this song is a masterpiece! Actually, it is so gentle that I believe another great French singer, Helene Segara will do a good job on this one, too! Not only the music touched me, but also the meaning of the song moved me deeply. Roughly translate it into English: "At the reflection of the mirror of memory, I almost forget that future is at my hand." Many people would have the same feeling because even though we are happy with our current partner or spouse, sometimes we can not help but think about our ex-lovers -- "What is he/she doing right now? Is he/she fine?" And then we turn around and look at the only one in our life now, and realize how lucky we are to find each other.

"Je Me Souvien" is also a beautiful song, Lara played the piano herself in this song."La Lettre" is the first single in France( but the last song written in the album), very pop-ish but Lara interprets so well. This is a very good album, with serious production and of course, a GREAT and PASSIONATE singer with a amazing voice. Highly recommended.

What I have is the CD+DVD limited edition, with 9 music videos from this album. From that you can see Lara's ambition. Each music video are independent but somewhat connect to each other. It is like a short French film actually. And also "9" not only means this is the nineth album of Lara Fabian, but also the last number before 10 -- for her a new beginning.

I've been following her work with great enthusiasm for nearly a decade, and I think she is one of the greatest singers and song writers of all time!

Her new album "9" is great and a proof of her musical change. There are 11 new songs mostly written by Lara Fabian and Jean-Félix Lalanne (her new partner in music after Rick Allison). Most of the songs in the album are full of emotion and tenderness like the first single "La Lettre". She will probably surprise her fans with the up-tempo songs "Les Homericains" (a duet with Melissa Mars) and "Si Tu 'Nas Pas D'amour"

My favorites are: "Ne Lui Parlez Plus D'elle", "Il Ne Manquait Que Toi", "Speranza", "Je Me Souviens", "Un Ave Maria" and naturally the first single "La Lettre".

Also in the limited edition of the album, there are 9 music videos and the making of the album.

I think this album will bring her a huge success for her singing career, and once again, will carry her to the top of the charts as the leading female singer in the Francophonic World.

I had the pleasure of seeing Lara Fabian perform live (at the Olympia in Paris), and she is one of those rare performers whose voice is even more magnificent in person. She blew the audience away... and concluded the concert with her version of "Papa Can You Hear Me" from Yentl. Covering any Barbra Streisand song takes courage, and that song in particular. It was one of the most stunning moments I have ever experienced, in any theater with any performer, in my life.

By the way... Lara is Belgian, and Celine Dion is Canadian! I much prefer Lara's voice-- she is not prone to the hyper-dramatics and screeching that Celine sometimes falls into when she sings in English.

I agree with all the reviewers here who state that Lara's French songs are far better than her English ones, and also that you do not need to speak French to appreciate the beauty of this album.

For anyone who appreciates a crystal clear, pure, powerful voice, I recommend this album. Lara Fabian is the ultimate example of how music can prompt powerful emotions.

Another excellent choice would be her album called "Nue." I am confident you will be pleased and moved!

Like one of the featured reviewers indicates, Lara's venture into the English pop world was questionable and perhaps even detrimental. The dollar-signed vision of the SONY executives and studio producers introduced Lara to the American public in two formulaic and rather expressionless albums. The distortion of her image is perhaps best illustrated when it is noted that her most successful Anglophone single, "I Will Love Again," is a contrived, disco-oriented, dance mix selection, hardly a reflection of the moving, original character we can find in songs such as "Je Sais" or "Tout," hits which helped make this performer a deserved star in the Francophone world.

Fortunately, returning to her French-language roots on "9", the genuine Lara comes alive once again. This CD, though, breaks the mould a bit. Not incidentally, its production, which is both improved and distinct, benefits from the expert hand of Lara's new musical director, Jean-Felix Lalanne. Her smooth, sensuous voice is given free rein, but this time with material and arrangements which provide interesting nuance. As in the past, there are a number of romantic ballads drawing upon the classical quality that is this chanteuse's writing and singing trademark. More subdued than usual, they still bring her emotional power to the surface. Yet, there are fresh new influences here as well, which, if not always pleasing, mark her daring attempt to strike out in new directions. For example, the selection I found to be my favorite, "Il Ne Manquait . . .,"- whose well-written, tender melody combined with Lara's sensitive interpretation is enough to prompt tears- opens with a very modern, 5-part-harmony a cappella intro. It presents an inventive contrast. Likewise, the music-box, minuet-sounding "Une Ava Maria" closes with a repeated refrain which incorporates a descending minor third against a unison chorus, a dissonant string line in the background painting darker musical hues. There are similar surprises on many of the other tracks. A few, however, are more overt than they are subtle in variation. For that reason they also are less satisfying. "Si Tu N'as Pas D'Amour," for instance, is an R & B selection that ends with rap verses. Slick in conception, it's a little too derivative to be authentic. (It does reveal, though, that this girl can phrase with the best of any of the current reigning hip-hop "divas.") Then there is "Les Homericains," a duet with Melissa Mars (what is she doing here?), which simply should have been left out. While its message might be compelling, the overwrought rock style is top heavy and bombastic.

Less than perfect, "9" is nonetheless an album with real substance. Dare I say? - it's exciting! Familiar while also unpredictable, it gives the listener a diverse and dynamic musical experience, and it clearly signals a new departure in this talented singer's career: the essence of the Lara we have come to know and love is preserved, but with an unexpected and innovative twist.

Lara Fabian is my one of my favourite female vocalists. This CD is as good as the rest. Even though I don't speak or understand French, the music and lyrics and her voice more than compensate. Wonderful to listen to as I drive. I wish she would make more CDs.

They're not each other's clones like some people think (or say).
You don't have to have special training to know they have different styles & delivery...I personally like Lara better because she's more operatic...

As in the case of Celine Dion, Belgian born / Quebecois chanteuse Lara Fabian possesses the sheer ability to vocally hypnotize the lyrics of any francopop ballad.
The collection of songs created for this cd are sophisticated, radio friendly and all attention grabbers.
The lyrical content is mature reaching beyond the girl loves boy scenario.
Her vocal performance on this cd is hypnotic and surprisingly superior to her recent Anglophone release with Sony Music.
On this collection, Lara demonstrates a genuine vocal instrument unlike many of her peers. Distinctly pure in tone, she remains non nasal when reaching for her higher register. The audience will remain stunned and impressed.
Lara does not tumble into the identical nasal trap as Dion did on her recent 2004 release "Live in Vegas".
Lara Fabian melodically hits the demanding musical notes with restrained emotion.
This release is a musical masterpiece.
On this release Fabian has found her chef-d'ouvre. Her own "Deux" for all the francophone world to enjoy.

Lara Fabian is without a doubt one of the most versatile artists the world has in the music industry today. Fans and critics have listened to Lara's past albums with awe and amazement through her intense emotion and stunning vocals. HOLY COW, HER VOCALS!!! She can belt out notes that just don't sound possible but yet they sound so clear and beautiful. But for her new album, "9", she avoids using this full voice we all know and love. She approaches most of the songs with a small, laid back feeling, a lot like an acoustic style (En Toute Intimite). She uses her excellent musical technique by easily jumping from note to note at rapid speed without strain or pushing. Based on that information alone, meaning without looking at her past albums, this album is wonderful. She brings a certain charisma to every song without using full power the only way Lara Fabian could. If this were her very first album, people would except it for what it is and say this album is a masterpiece.

But the only reason this CD recieved a 4 star rating from me, is simply because I am so accustom to the old Lara. I miss those high points of the songs that literally send chills down your spine. "9" definetly has its highs and lows but there are only several occassions where she uses her full voice. And I'm going to jump on the band wagon and agree that Jean-Felix Lalanne is holding back Lara. Ever since they found each other they have created beautiful easy-listening music, but he has yet to create the "power ballads" that we all love to hear her sing. And I find it quite sad that my two favorite songs on the album had nothing to do with him ("La Lettre" which is a remake and "Je Me Souviens" which he did not co-write). This is a good album, but its not what Lara fans are used too. Enjoy!

Personal favorites are "La Lettre", "Si Tu N'As Pas D'Amour"(kinda rockish), "Speranza", and "Je Me Souviens"

With all the great reviews previously written for this album, Lara Fabian's '9' doesn't really need another raving review. But I thought I should write this especially for fans out there who don't speak french but love Lara Fabian's music.

Without a clue of what Miss Fabian is actually singing, I've bought this french CD album simply because I found myself totally captivated by her other song - 'Love By Grace'(from her first english album- released 2000). And, without any understanding, I've played '9' over and over again.....Why? Lara Fabian sings beautifully and the songs are work of art.

No french is required to'fall for'this album. Love is BLIND, right?