Customer Reviews

Art of Love (Hk)

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

 

 

I really think Mrs Cretu has come into her own as an artist, not just as wife of Michael Cretu, producer extraordinaire. No, she doesn't want to repeat herself and do a whole record of dance tracks like in the 80s, nor does she care about commercial success...Sandra's recording art-pop music for herself first, and many of her fans will feel disappointed. Based on most of the reviews here so far, this is true. Me, I'm loving this artistic evolution she is undertaking!!! It has lots of layers, sophistication, and great songwriting. I love how Sandra is incorporating her seductive speaking voice as much as her distinctive singing voice in swell, haunting arrangements. Jens Gad shows he's as great a producer for Sandra as her husband is. Sandra is a very poetic, deep lyricist...this is not shallow stuff by any means. Every word has weight here. The 7 songs she co-wrote are splendid art-pop songs, some could be remixed for clubs, like the first single, the awesome, very melodic "The Way I Am", but they are perfect the way they are. The other 6 songs are great too...3 are tunes brought in by Jens that he wrote for this project it seems. The other 3 are totally inspired cover choices..."Put Your Arms Around Me" is a Sinead O'Connor song, "Casino Royale" was previously recorded as "Sleep" by Swedish artist Jenny Lofgren...a straight cover of "Sleep" is a B-side on "The Way I Am" single...I love the newly added lyrics and Bond theme...the final track and most inspired cover choice is that of the somewhat overlooked 1985 hit "All You Zombies" by Philly powerpoppers [...]...their first hit off their classic debut "Nervous Night", the single before "And We Danced" (was this a huge hit in Germany I wonder??? They were huge in Germany I recall)...they were the backup band on Cyndi Lauper's iconic "She's So Unusual" album from 1983. Sandra's cover is one of THE best covers ever recorded in my opinion, of any song!!! The reimagined arrangement, reggae-ish feel, Sandra speaking the first verse and singing the second, the incorporation of the children's choir...2 of the kids being Sandra's and Michael's 11-year old twin boys Nikita and Sebastian...the choir also does duties on 2 other cuts on "The Art Of Love".

Overall, it's a wonderful, haunting, unique recording...possibly the best album of 2007 and worth the 5-year wait, aside from Sandra's great 2006 single "Secrets Of Love" with Swiss artist DJ Bobo (they also collaborated on another wonderful song on "The Art Of Love" called "Love Is The Price"), and her awesome 2006 "Reflections" disc, consisting of reimagined takes on 12 classic Sandra cuts...

Now, all we need is a boxset...6-8 discs perhaps??? Then, we'll be set..."The Art Of Love" settles the argument about Sandra Cretu's greatness, and at almost age 45, she's just getting started again...after Arabesque and her first 80s wave...you know what they say, like fine wine, Sandra just keeps getting better with age...not to mention her looks, woah...

I have been collecting Sandra's album since the Arabesque days and Art of Love is my favorited album of her. I respect Michael Cretu as a musician, but I am glad that he is not involved in Art of Love. I was actually hoping that Sandra would use a total "stranger" as the producer. Artist needs to evolve and change with the time and Art of Love (also Wheel of Time) is Sandra's evolution. Maria Magdalena, Little Girl, etc.. were great but that was 20 years ago. Thank goodness that Sandra did not become another "Modern Talking" mess. I enjoy the Sandra of the new millenium more than I did back in the 80s. This album helps erase the dissapointing remix project "Reflection"

For the first time, fans of Enigma and Sandra got both sounds in one album. The best songs on this album is What d'ya Think of Me, You Put Your Arms Around Me ( I have the Sinead's version and Sandra's is better)and What's Left to Say. What's Left to Say is the best song on the album. This songs conjure thoughts of all kinds from personal relationship to what is going on in this world that we are living in.

After another long wait, Sandra finally releases an album of new tracks. Was it worth the wait? Yes, although expectations were so high it's hard to imagine everyone being pleased.

Despite what other reviewers have said, I don't think The Art of Love is very unlike Sandra's previous recordings... maybe less upbeat numbers, but definitely in her style. I'd compare it to the organic, more acoustic sound of Paintings In Yellow rather than her early 80s synth-heavy releases, though.

While I too was disappointed by the lack of upbeat, more electronic tracks, I found the songs staying with me, growing on me... now it's one of the CDs I play most often at the moment.

Vocally, Sandra's voice seems weaker as the years go by, she frequently sounds breathless... and her spoken dialogues are a bit silly. However, this may just be vocal stylings, along with an annoying growl she's developed in her later recordings.

She's written most of the lyrics this time around, and done a fine job. They seem very personal, sincere... to the point where I am seriously concerned over the state of her marriage with (ex-producer/husband) Michael Cretu!

This is a fine album, however. I do think that if Sandra recorded more frequently, people would be more forgiving of her trying new things. After 6 years between CDs, fans expect her to hit the bull's eye... and rightfully so.

First off let me say I had never heard of Sandra Cretu before except that I might have heard the odd Enigma song sometime in the past. I downloaded this album for free out of curiosity because I loved the title.I was blown away and went and bought it immediately as well as the single to get the great B-sides of different mixes(which I love even more !)"The Way I Am" Lounge version is incredible ! I changed the order a bit but now it's 17 songs of perfection to my exact taste. I have no idea what her earlier albums sounded like that is causing some animosity amongst the other reviews. But I can't wait to hear them ! This album reminds me of when I first heard Dido's "No Angel" and Sia's "Colour The Small One".
If you like either of those ladies "BUY THIS DISC N O W !!!!!!!!!!!

Love Love Love This Album.
What's Left To SAy is tha Bomb

I just listened Sandra last album ,,Art of love,, and I can't help it!! It's one of the best albums of 2007.If you looking for songs like ,,Maria Magdalena,, this is not your cup of tea.But if you looking for more mature,relaxed and inspiring music?? This would be a cd for you!!I love all the songs!! Great work SANDRA!!

Sandra was on to something with the Art of Love, but the resulting album doesn't live up to its full potential. This time around, Sandra fans will have to tolerate a few weak numbers. But, with thirteen tracks, there are plenty enough to enjoy.

Sandra should be appreciated for soldiering on, when so many other artists from the eighties have fizzled out. But, when album releases slow to the pace of Enya, there must be more to them.

There are a few songs that I find disappointing, where the production is uneven, and Sandra's vocals aren't convincing. But, there are several instances where Sandra blows me away. Putting up with one or two howlers is worth the huge payoff of the winners. Here are my favorites:

What D'Ya Think of Me: Sandra has always had her own unique brand of sensuality. It was hinted at during her eighties heyday, and came to the forefront with Close to Seven, and her stint as "The Voice of Enigma." Honestly, is there anyone who can can make spoken-word sentences sound so seductive? What D'Ya Think of me is full of that, slinky and sexy. The guitar riffs in the background are also a Sandra trademark. Her husband, Michael Cretu, discovered that Sandra's vocal sounded great with guitar elements, which was fundamental in updating her sound in the nineties and beyond.

The Way I Am: Has "anthem" written all over it. A song about being yourself, despite those who judge you. The "na, na, na" part is a little too Kylie Minogue, but maybe that was the idea.

What is It About Me: Love the guitars here. This is a different sound for Sandra, and it works. Definitely captures that summer in the Meditteranean feel.

Silence Beside Me: Sexy spoken word, with a twist of anger. I personally interpret this song about her record label. On the surface, it's about being let down with broken promises by a someone you love. In the chorus part, I hear echoes of the Brazilian style of singing (listen to how she sings "my heart is dying"). The harmonica at the end is a nice touch.

Art of Love- Another song that washes over you. Again, I'm reminded of the Close to Seven period (Steady Me, anyone?). The love vibe here is much warmer, perhaps a kind of love letter to her family. The Asian accompaniments are perfectly placed.

What's Left To Say- Sandra once again takes her imagined lover to task. Honestly, we've all been there. I know I can definitely relate.

Casino Royale- Too bad this wasn't chosen for the last James Bond film, of the same name. A potent blend of seduction and danger.

Shadow of Power- There is an Enigma element that is tangible. The hook at the start of the song reminds me of Goodbye Milky Way, from the A Posteriori album. The blend of that hook with some more traditional Sandra elements is simply incredible. This is pure genius.

Eight good songs isn't bad, for any artist. Hell, I can think of a couple of Madonna albums that don't even match that feat. Whomever wrote the really bad reviews just don't want Sandra to evolve and change. If you want something more predictable and upbeat, go for The Wheel of Time, another excellent album.

Thank God Sandra is strong and wise enough to know the folly of recycling her eighties image and sound. Now, she is more thought-provoking, and intelligent. Don't let the critics silence you, Sandra.

This is Sandra's first CD release in 5 years, and let me tell you it was well worth the wait. Produced by Jens Gad, who is known for his work with Enigma and some earilier Sandra titles, this CD is a breath of fresh air. It doesn't sound like the other pop garbage that's out there today, ie: Fergie, Brittany, Shakira,Jessica, and Gwen.This CD has many musically styles, with a touch of Enigma sound here and there, and even some rock. It might be viewed as "somewhat experimental" in spots, but does not play it safe. It took me a few listens until I really appreciated a few of the songs I was unsure of the first time around. This is supposed to be "Sandra's baby", and is very auto-biographical. It can be moody and dark in certain spots, but happy and extremely uplifting in others. Isn't that the way life usually is for most of us? I think she tried to convey this on these songs. It also touches on some of the trials and tribulations of her life.
Gad is quite the talented producer, and also played all the live instruments on the CD.
Highlights of the CD are:The very upbeat "The Way I Am", the title cut, "The Art of Love"( there is a Japanese string instrument called the Koto being played in this song, which is very beautiful. The very peppy "What Is It About Me?" which has a Spanish Mediterranean guitar sound."Put Your Arms Around me", a pretty ballad written for Sandra by Sinead O'Connor. "Dear God. If You Exist", a song about Sandra's late brother.The Hooter's remake of "All You Zombies" is very different and features a children's choir( including Sandra's 11 yr old twin boys). The only throw away on the CD is the duet with Swiss singer DJ Bobo,"Love Is The Price", which Sandra promised to put on this Cd after last year's hit single with Bobo, "Secrets of Love".
In closing this is a CD that you can listen to over and over again and hear different things each time. The different musically styles make it a great listen. Sandra wrote many of the lyrics( 8 songs, first time on her CD) and did a great job with them. Her unique vocals are still here, and with the spoken word here and there, there is a great flow to this CD.This is NOT a Euro-pop CD. And if you are looking for 80's style, this is not "your baby". If you are looking for a fresh and sophicated sound that you can listen to over and over again...then I high reccommend this CD. Yes, Love it. Can't you tell? Sandra Rocks!

Sandra fan since the 80's. Obviously her music had to change in the last 20-30 years, so it can't really be compared to some of her classic works.

I'm a big fan of Sandrs, I love all of her CD's. She just has a great music for me, never get bored with it.