Customer Reviews

Breathe

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

 

 

I have to admit. The first time I ever heard Blu Cantrell's voice, I was completely taken by it. The first time I heard this song (the original version without Sean Paul), I automatically began to look forward to the new material Blu had to offer. Blu's second cd "Bittersweet," however, has yet to see the light of day. 'Breathe' was originally released last fall (2002) and the new album was originally due around the same time. After 'Breathe' failed to get off the runway on the singles charts, "Bittersweet" was pushed back and is now, supposedly, due out in June (2003). The thing is, I can't understand why 'Breathe' failed the first time around? It's a blend of highly sophisticated hip-hop with a healthy dose of jazz. Blu's amazingly fluid vocals simply float over this track and don't stop for a minute. Personally, I think it's a stunning r&b masterpiece. One can definitely tell that Blu has taken steps toward making her music unique. The new version featuring Sean Paul is just as good as the original and should 'breathe' new life into this song. This newer version hasn't been altered musically, but Blu's vocals have been spliced up to make room for Sean Paul. His contribution adds a great reggae feel to this tune. With Sean Paul's popularity strong right now, this great single should do better than the original. Definitely worth listening to!!

Tracks:

1. Breathe (featuring Sean Paul)
2. Breathe (original version - without rap)

People always take the black performer of the moment and exploit them to the nth degree: Heavy D, Missy Elliott. Now it's happening to Sean Paul. He is only in the first song and he does add something great to it. Still, Blu can sang! She got some pipes! Her vocals and the funky hip hop background could survive without him. Actually, both versions are good. Many CD singles include the video nowadays; I was disappointed that this didn't have a video. The last song is somewhat weak drum and bass, but I'm glad that Blu had the guts to try drum and bass. I know that version will grow on me. I'm definitely glad I got this disc. This is a perfect "let's slow down this relationship" song.

This is easily the most underrated song of 2003. Blu Cantrell is very talented and this song could not be better. The remix with Sean Paul is really good. Her voice is amazing, and her and Sean work very well together. This song deserves more airplay. I'm still puzzled be the lack of popularity that this song is receiving. Anyways, I reccomend this single, because it has the Regular version, with just Blu. And it also has the Remix featuring Sean Paul. The Remix is basically the same as the original but it has added Sean paul verses, and more adlibs from Blu. This song samples Dr. Dre's "What's the Difference?". Since this song gets barely any airplay, this single is worth it.

The song "Breath" is a song that describes how a man doesn't appreciate the love his lady has given him. They seem to always break up them make up, they both need to realize its better to let it go than stay in this situation. This song is great I love it...........the lyrics makes you wanna get up and dance......let out all the emotions you have inside.....

"Breathe" was the first single to be released off of Blu Cantrell's sophomore album, Bittersweet. "Breathe" finds a couple at a crossroads: always fighting and breaking up and then getting back together, in a continuous cycle. The main point of the song is to step back, take a break, and let the relationship "breathe". The music is sampled, but is very catchy; it fits the lyrics well. There are 4 tracks on this single. The first is the album version (and the mix played most often), which and features Reggae sensation Sean Paul. The non-rap version without Sean Paul, is the second track; it has some different lyrical parts, which are equally satisfying. Third up is the "Andy & The Lamboy Radio Edit", which is the only dance mix here. It is very tribal, and fulfilling in a sense. However, sometimes I do wonder if they could have taken the re-production even further. The single ends with the instrumental version of "Breathe". This is a nice collection, but would have been more enjoyable with a few more mixes (maybe an acapella, a full-length "Andy & The Lamboy" Mix, another dance or hip-hop mix). The track listing is:

01. Breathe [Rap Version] Feat. Sean Paul [Radio Mix] 3:49
02. Breathe [No Rap Version] [Radio Mix] 3:21
03. Breathe [Andy & The Lamboy Radio Edit] 3:43
04. Breathe [Instrumental] 3:45

Good job.

Like some others have stated, I fail to comprehend how this single (with Sean Paul) is not enormously popular! Consider: the melody is refreshing and infectious right to the end, Blu's vocals are breathtakingly gorgeous and achingly emotional, the lyrics are easy to understand yet represent a universal problem in relationships, and Sean Paul adds even more pizazz and welcome levity to the situation. Result: a classic pop tune.

This is top-quality stuff, and deserves to be a bestseller.
If not, it confirms there is little justice on this planet!

... and that just about says it all. I had never heard the Sean Paul version until I went to buy this song, yet that is the only version I could find. Where the dance version is crisp and is filled with tension and emotion, the Sean Paul version sounds like a 45rpm record played at 33. I know why this wasn't a hit, it's because this version was foisted upon us.

I will briefly sum up why I believe this song to be crap in it's purest form. But let me tell you something; I am not a boring old man who believes modern music isn't 'as good as the old days.' If I didn't know the full story behind this song, I would like it.

This song is shamelessly nicked.

The EXACT rhythm, and I don't mean somehow related, EXACT down to the last sound-byte, is in Dr. Dre's classic 'What's the difference' featuring Eminem and Xzibit.

All Blu Cantrell did was nick his beats. And she became rich because of his work. Which irratates me no end. I hate Blu Cantrell, the thieving, snivelling rat child.

I hate when a great talent feels they have to add a rapper to make it big. This song did so so in the USA, but was a huge hit in the UK and Europe. This is one time I don't mind the rapper.

I love Blu Cantrell since her song HIT EM UP STYLE came out she's been my fave in the R&B world. Now with her second single off her second album I don't understand whats wrong with us American's. this song is even better than her first singel yet it wasn't a success here. over in the uk this spent a month at #1, Blu's vocals are smooth as ever and her beauty seems to have increased. He lyrics are great and the beat is off the chain. Sean Paul adds alittle reggea flavor plus you get the version with Lady Saw. This should be a must have to all cd single buyers and all R&B fans. Blu puts whitney to shame. The only reason this dosent have 5 stars is cause the version without sean paul dosent seem as complete with oput the boy girl interaction.

1Breathe(lady Saw)(9/10)
2Breathe(Sean Paul)(10/10)