Customer Reviews

Angels & Demons

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I listened to Cindy's second CD (SMASH) for weeks when I first got it. The music and lyrics were haunting, vibrant and so unique. I kept thinking that this was one of the best CD's (and artists) I've ever heard. I love most genre's of music - it only has to be good. And Cindy is right there at the top of my list.

Then I received my copy of Angels & Demons thinking "How (or could) she top SMASH?" Well Cindy, you did it!! Starting with Immortal I was hooked. The next few songs continue with Cindy's style and grace. Then the title song "Angels & Demons" - what another haunting song. It made me hit the "repeat" button for a while. Again my CD player played the CD for weeks before moving on - or have I?

Cindy - thanks for another great opening of your heart and soul! Look forward to seeing you live again!!

Dave & "Lips"

If you've heard Cindy Alexander's first two albums ("See Red" and "Smash"), you already know you really shouldn't trifle with this artist. Her songwriting talents are simply amazing and her abilities as a performer are first-rate. There's nothing trivial about this music. It's not something you'll want to just throw on the stereo while you balance your check book or brush the cat. No, you'll want to sit still and ABSORB it, INGEST it, preferably with the lyrics in front of you so you can marvel at the craftsmanship with which she fits the words and the music together to produce an amazing emotional experience. One that changes and evolves each additional time you listen. But don't worry, you'll be amply rewarded!

The principal theme of most of Cindy's music has always been the emotional turmoil of her life, from failed relationships, to the relentless stress of struggling to make it in one of the world's toughest businesses, to doubt and uncertaintly in her basic philosophical grounding. She pulls no punches and doesn't shrink from laying it out there for all to see. "Write another song, offer up my soul" she sings in a song from one of her earlier albums. And so she does. But despite the pathos, she manages to pull it off with humor and a strength of character that leaves you certain that, in spite of all, she's gonna make it!

There's a little of everything on this album and they're all typical Cindy -- first class. "Immortal" will make you think, "Warrior" will make you chuckle and "4 Hours" will bring a tear to your eye. The title track expresses very powerfully how music and songwriting allow Cindy to manage the "Angels and Demons" of her emotional life. Finally, there's "Grace", in which Cindy says good-bye to her "unfairweather friend", the miseries that have so strongly influenced her past life, and hello to "love...and light...and grace". Cindy says that this song declares the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Trust me, you'll want to get in line for that right now! And while you're waiting, you'll definately want this album on your iPod.

Cindy Alexander has a way of reaching your soul with her music, and helping you purge emotions you don't even known you have. Her music can make you cry, and her lyrics can make you laugh. The songs have so many levels that even after the 10th go around, you are still finding new meaning...truly one-of-a-kind music from a powerhouse indy artist.

There's a reason Cindy is at the top of the LA Music scene, she puts out albums like this. This is a great follow-up to her 2 previous CD's with cerebrally artistic lyrics, her great voice and emotion. The end of the CD (I won't spoil the surprise) is one of the more innovative things done in music in recent years taking you to a most-intimate place that is the perfect ending to a CD.

When I play this CD at work or during one of our dinner parties I always get the "who is that?" comment. I have a feeling that Cindy is right on the edge of something really big.

I have experienced this lady's music from the inside out and I will say without reserve it is some of the best there is to offer. It owns my heart and soul. For someone to share their particular version of the world then be able to communicate that to listeners is amazing. Cindy Alexander has a gift to do that and more. Her music shows a depth to songwriting that is not always that visible today. Angels & Demons is a precious piece of work indeed.

Not much I can add that hasn't been said in the other 5 Star reviews here, except Buy this CD - You won't be disappointed. Also catch one of her live shows! The whole band is amazing!

Angels & Demons contains ten strong tracks, all written or co-written by Cindy. If you have yet to experience her work, the thing you should know is that every one of her songs is insightful. It's always rewarding to listen to her lyrics and think about them, whether it's a deadly serious song like "Immortal" (which is about the Columbine massacre), the wistful "Unavailable Billy" (a song about addiction), or the mystified title track (which is about creativity).

For Cindy's fans, of course, insightful lyrics are nothing new. What's new this time out is the confidence Cindy brings to this project not only lyrically, but also musically. The strength of her voice has grown with each passing year. And musically, she's now willing to be very playful ("The Warrior") or even daring ("Better When I'm Broken"). We've heard glimpses of this in previous albums, but this time out she's confident enough to fully explore her chosen soundscape.

I haven't heard an album filled with such a perfect blend of the artist's personal style and correct risk-taking since the height of the prog-rock movement.

Of course Cindy doesn't leave you hanging at the end. As is her habit, the final track says goodbye and gives the listener a feeling of completeness. (Well, that's not entirely true, but you'll have to buy the CD to find out what I mean.)

Another outstanding effort from Cindy Alexander.

This album is simply amazing, in the first week of owning this CD I listened to it twice a day, and some tracks three times a day. Months after it is still in my CD player. Angels & Demons, is an extremely powerful album built on true emotion. As a long time fan I have been lucky enough to hear just how much these songs have evolved over the years, but even if you have just been introduced to Cindy's music, you will no doubt be blown away by the real feelings conveyed in these songs. All of the tracks work very well off each other, from very thoughtful songs like Immortal, 4 Hours, and Domino, to upbeat songs that get in your head and just will not leave (and you won't want them to leave) like Unavailable Billy and Whoa (my personal favorites). Other stand out tracks include, Better When I'm Broken a track with very unique style with bold lyrics to match, and Grace, a perfect end to the emotional ride of the previous songs, one in which Cindy sings she now has color and light in her life. Trust me, this is one artist and one album you must check out.

Cindy Alexander proves again that she is an artist to be noticed. "Angels and Demons" is her 3rd CD and she proves that 3rd time is a charm.

Songs like "Immortal" and "Dominos" could be seen as "demons". "Immortal" is a song that Cindy has played in live for a few years and she has said it was written following the tragic events at Columbine, Colorado. "Dominos" was written in response to the 1000th U.S. solider killed in the Iraq war. My guess is that "Unavailable Billy" might be a "demon"! The nerve of Billy!

Stand out songs for me are "4 Hours" which is really a look into Cindy's life on the road, planes, trains and automobiles. The vocals and arrangements on this are haunting. One of those you need listen to on headphones songs. This song is one of the "angels".

"Warrior" is a kind of a cross angel/demon. She sweet, but she'll kick your butt and ask questions later.

"Whoa" and "Better When I'm Broken" are tunes that you need to blast from your stereo. Your neighbors or the people in the car next you might think you're a "demon" yourself.

"Softer" and the title track "Angels and Demons" really showcase the power and sensual tone of Cindy's voice. This woman can SANG !

Rounding out the record is the final cut "Grace" is a perfect uplifting end at the "Angels and Demons" of Cindy Alexander.

This is a record that won't leave your CD player anytime soon. In fact you might want to keep it on repeat, because you're going to want to hear it over and over.

First I have to say, Cindy Alexander has an incredible and beautiful voice! I listened exclusively to this album for a few weeks straight...and I still love it to pieces! Angels and Demons is very passionate, human and poetic. Some of the songs remind me of my favorite movie soundtrack. Lyric wise and sound wise the album is solid. All Cindy's albums are a real treat...but this one is my favorite. It easily gets 5 out of 5 stars!