Customer Reviews

Breaking Silence

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This cd is a classic piece by one of the finest songwriters/musicians in the business. It was released to rave reviews and grammy nominations. The song "Some Peoples Lives" was a title track for a Bette Midler cd of the same title, but Janis' rendition gives new meaning and depth to the song. The title track "Breaking Silence" was used as the opening theme for an expose' on a television special dealing with abuse in America. Obviously, there are many others out there who are taking note of the excellent work from this talented person. Her subsequent cds; "Revenge" and "Hunger" are equally as powerful if not even better and are highly recommended. She performs nationally and internationally and is truely a marvel to see "live!" I recommend you check out her website for local tour dates, buy all her cds, and watch for her newest cd; "God & FBI" which will be released in March 2000!

Breaking Silence is Ian's return to recording after a 12 year hiatus, apparently. The main attraction of this album is the songwriting - just astonishing! Ian seems to have chosen to record with only two musicians, flaunting her role as a "legendary songwriter" to the music industry by featuring the songs rather than the production. By the way, this is recorded and mixed analog 16 track, with gorgeous hi fidelity - I bought it originally on the recommendation of my hi fi store, who use it to test equipment.

There's no secret as to why this album gives me strength. Janis faces the world head on, willing to take whatever consequences her speaking out bring. Highlighting the album are two songs about abuse "His hands" and the title track. I was in an auditorium when Holly Near sang this song, and there was an audible gasp as she sang the words "never hit me when they're sober, never marked my face" She goes on to tackle the legacy of the holocaust with the haunting "Tattoo". Also included is the beautiful ballad "Through the Years" (so much better than the hit by the same name). Who writes ballads more beautiful than Janis? Some of the songs are nostalgic, some are 'in your face' and some just plain erotic. A recording worth hearing over & over. Janis hits the mark again.

This recording would have to be included in a short list of essential Janis Ian recordings. Ian's low key impassioned singing and exquisite guitar playing add to a sense of drama to the proceedings. For those who felt she couldn't match the music of her CBS years, the recording will change their minds. The regular CD release is good, but the gold CD is a sonic treat. The music has more of a live presence-you can actually hear the decaying notes of the guitar and piano. The songwriting collaborations are good, but the standout songs are the songs written by Ian alone.

"breaking silence" is without any doubt janis's best album...
so good from the first song to the last. "some people lives" will make u cry and "breaking silence" is probably one of the most well recorded songs i've ever heard (so if u have a good HI-FI system, it's a pure joy !!!). conclusion : get it !!!

This is not only Janis Ian's best album, it is the best album I have ever listened to. I am not really a fan of all her other work but this album breaks the mould for her. The recording is first class. If you listen to this CD, make sure you turn the volume up. It does not really get loud but it begins to give the tracks a "being there" feel. The guitaring (ian's I believe), percussion are superb, Lyrics meaningful, sometimes melancholy, sometimes dark.

This is a classic!

I have been a fan of Janis Ian since the beginning. This album breaks new ground both for her and her genre. Every song is a gem, filled with beautiful, heart-rending poetry & wonderful sounds. It puts everything else she's done to shame. It is also perhaps the best sounding CD (prior to the advent of SACD) that I have ever heard! If you have even the slightest inkling that you might like it, BUY IT!

This is one of the best female songs made in the last 25 years , it is a real classic , all tracks are beautiful , AUDIOPHILES WILL APPRECIATED , others will compare it with TAPESTRY of CAROL KING OR TRACY CHAPMAN .If you like music BUY IT now.

Janice Ian is at the top of her form with these songs. Heartbreaking lyrics delivered in soft, gentle tones. Great recording, too. Intimacy abounds and caresses the ear to great effect.

Breaking Silence by Janis Ian.
Janis Ian began her singing and song writing in the early 60's. Many albums later in 1993 and again in 1995 she put forth two of what I feel are the best complete albums of my generation. This is the first, it is wonderful. I favor Ride Me Like a Wave and Tatoo for the Raw emotional effect on me. This Train Still Runs" is so true in regards to her being a force in later carrier. If you are a fan: This is a must. If you appreciate a performer with supreme talents, voice and instruments of music; This is a Must! She is wonderful.