Customer Reviews

Blood Red Cherry

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We don't hear Jann on USA radio stations so I have to keep tabs on her releases. I heard Jann sing on "Live With Regis" about a year ago and she sang "Cherry Popsicle". Although it wasn't a great live performance even by the reaction on the show--I knew Jann's work and knew I'd get the album eventually.

The songs that grabbed me on this one are: "Sleepless", "Into the Sun", "Another Human Being", "Janeen", "Taste of This" and "Mend". This album has a different sound both musically and vocally. The vocals are more restrictive on "Blood Red Cherry" as they do not 'showcase' Jann's powerful range as we heard on "Living Under June" and "Happy". We only get brief glimpses on such songs as "Another Human Being", "Janeen", and "Taste of This". This album's synthesized instrumentation partially overwhelmed her vocals, and the emotive lyrics sometimes came across as a whiny country twang.

Overall I did enjoy the album. Many reviews from those who disliked "Living Under June" have raved about this album. The only way to make a decision is to buy them both. Jann Arden has proven to be versatile and just when you think you got a hold on her style she sings "Best Dressed" and you think it could be a Dolly Parton song. Looking forward to her next album as always.

I had never heard of Jann Arden until two weeks ago when I sampled my way through the entire album through a headset in a music shop. I liked it so much, I never hesitated to lay out almost full price for it. Since then, I've become an Arden " junkie"; bought LIVING UNDER JUNE, and HAPPY? is on the way. The obvious ones here, like "Cherry Popsicle" and "I Only Wanted Sex," grab you right off, but before you know it, almost every other track here is your new favorite. "Sleepless" is, for me, the killer track on this CD, and I have no idea why it's not a huge hit, except maybe label indifference in promoting Arden. Much as I like female rock/pop vocalists, most of the current crop of "girls" doesn't do for me. Jann Arden does. A lot.

Hey everyone, this CD is excellent. Anyone who enjoys the deep thoughts of singer/songwriters will certainly enjoy this CD. How many people write a song called, "I Only Wanted Sex" and it sounds GOOD? There are a few songs in here speaking of environmental issues in addition to the great love songs she always creates. "In your keeping" is almost like a lullaby, very quiet and vulnerable. My favorite tracks are "Waiting in Canada" and "Sleepless" And no Jann Arden CD would be complete without the off the beaten path smarty pants song..listen to "Best Dress" I always rank higher those artists who create their own music, not just have a cute voice and someone else does all the writing, producing, and arranging. This is an artist all the way around, and this CD is an excellent example of this. Jann truly has a gift of expressing our dark sides, and somehow making it seems just as beautiful as the rest of us. She is not afraid of the deepest, worst part of herself, and her music encourages me to accept it all.

Just when one thinks that Jann has said all she can about heartache, hope and humanity, she releases "Blood Red Cherry", a sharp, passionate portrait of where she currently is on her emotional journey. Catchy tunes are aplenty of this CD, be they "Waiting in Canada", a song about the unbreakable bond of friendship; "Sleepless", about two people finding meaning and individuality on this planet; and "Into The Sun", a comforting note that the world isn't getting worse - it just seems that way. Jann's humour shines through in songs like "Janeen", a harsh and hilarious account of one woman Jann can't stand. And of course, no one, and I mean no one, does heartache like she does and this is wrenchingly evident in songs like "Mend" and "In Your Keeping, two emotionally rich songs that express how love and support can get us through anything. Jann's lavish vocals get stronger with every CD and this time out is no different and her song writing is stunningly accurate. I challenge anyone to say that there isn't at least 1 song by Jann Arden that doesn't feel like it was torn from their own diary. Until you've heard Jann Arden, you haven't encountered the best that Canada has to offer.

I had never heard of Jann Arden until two weeks ago when I sampled my way through the entire album through a headset in a music shop. I liked it so much, I never hesitated to lay out almost full price for it. Since then, I've become an Arden " junkie"; bought LIVING UNDER JUNE, and HAPPY? is on the way. The obvious ones here, like "Cherry Popsicle" and "I Only Wanted Sex," grab you right off, but before you know it, almost every other track here is your new favorite. "Sleepless" is, for me, the killer track on this CD, and I have no idea why it's not a huge hit, except maybe label indifference in promoting Arden. Much as I like female rock/pop vocalists, most of the current crop of "girls" doesn't do for me. Jann Arden does. A lot.

Another great release from Jann Arden. Slightly more upbeat than her last release, this CD has several outstanding tracks, especially "In Your Keeping", and "Never Give Up on Me". Her emotional vocals are sure to stir your soul. Check it out.

This is the cd that I go back to time and time again. It is my favorite! My personal favorite is 'Mend". It's a celebration of how love and a relationship can survive given the careless way we treat each other and our emotions. There is not a single song on this album that I do not like. It gives me countless hours of enjoyment. The music and the words are meant to touch your inner heart and stimulate your mind. Who could ask for more?

Although I really love this album, I must admit that I love her previous albums more. Maybe it's because this album features more of a rock beat and synths, compared to her quieter more introspective efforts from before. But that is not to take away from this album. It is still a very good piece of work, at times excellent. And it will still please Jann's fans. She is an exceptional singer/songwriter/musician. The booklet too is exceptional. 36 pages long and packed with lovely photos and all the lyrics. I wish all cds came with such a nice booklet.

Jann Arden is by far my favorite singer/songwriter from Canada. This album is so bare, and so beautiful that it's hard to put down. "Cherry Popsicle" is my personal favorite because it completely taps into the emotion of what its like to be completely consumed by love. I also like the way Jann brings to light many social, and political issues through her songs, "Another Human Being" and "Into The Sun." It shows her creativeness and her knowledge going far beyond her own experiences. The best song on this album i would have to say is "Piece of It All." I think she left it as the last song for a a reason. Everyone is going to relate to this song, and i mean everyone, and it's food for thought. We're so indulged in our own misery sometimes that we don't stop to think that we are truly special.
This album is golden, and so pure. Jann is amazing. She is simply just amazing.

Jann Arden has been one of the most interesting singer/songwriters on the planet for the last several years. Yet, her popularity, beyond the Arden-t fan base, hasn't grown much, and I'm not sure this CD is helpful. It's been out as an import for months and I can't help but wonder what the delay was in releasing this domestically. However, compared against her other works, this is not her strongest CD, and in fact, it seems that Jann is uncertain of her future direction. There's too much of an Alanis sound to this CD, and not enough of the beautiful, insightful lyrics and clever, memorable music we've come to expect. Lots of electric, lots of show, but not much substance. I still love Jann Arden, and now I'm anxious for the next CD.