Customer Reviews

Colour Moving & Still

5 star:		(76)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Okay, Chantal's debut cd was fabulous, but this one takesthecake. Where as her first cd was a bit bogged down by the overdoneguitar, her sophomore disc has been stripped down to what made her so special to begin with: just her and her piano. Sure, you'll find guitar, but the songs are a little slower, a little gentler, and a little better. You won't find any "Surrounded" here, but many possess the same intimacy and hooky chorus as that song. My favorite tracks are "Blue", "Before You", and "Souls". If you had my reaction when you first heard Under These Rocks and Stones, then you probably thought that it had a bit of a rough-edged-Alanisy feel to it, but Colour Moving and Still takes quite a detour. On this effort she plays with a more mellowed Joni Mitchell or Kate Bush style, which suites the album perfectly. However, Chantal has a style all her own, which she should be given more credit for. Many critics say that Chantal is a Sarah of Fiona clone, but it is just not so. There is one thing that bothers me: Why isn't Chantal a big star in the U.S.? I mean, in her native Canada she is a superstar with a household name, but if you mention her here in America, nobody knows who she is. This is one that you don't wanna miss.

This cd far exceeds the first one in quality songs. I listen to this straight through and do not bypass any songs (that is a rarity these days). The only time I do find myself skipping tracks is when I have need to listen to "Far Away" and I don't have time to wait for it. Canada certainly has brought us another beautiful voice that gives me chills. If you are a Sarah fan, Chantal will not disappoint you. I just saw her at the Majestic theatre in Detroit and also at a Border's Books appearance and I can't even begin to tell you how incredible it was. Like Sarah, she sounds even more amazing live than she does on her discs (and that says a lot). It is such a shame that someone as talented (she also plays the piano) as she is not popular. It's a crime when crappy, untalented, little teens, who do not write or play instruments, sell millions of albums and someone like Chantal is playing to 500 person theaters. Trust me, if you enjoy Sarah, Tori, Alanis, or any of the Lilith performers, you will not regret this purchase. If you have a chance to see her live, you absolutely must go to truly appreciate this talent. I wish I could continue this review and give a rundown of all the songs, but I could go on forever. Listen for "Blue", "Far Away", "Souls" and "Until We Die". The bonus CD has one of the most beautiful songs called, "Feels Like Home". When I get married that is my wedding song for sure. ENJOY!

Chantal Kreviazuk's second album COLOUR MOVING AND STILL is even better than her debut album. I only wish it were longer than 10 songs! These are 10 amazing songs though, absolutely no filler. The album opens with "Blue", an emotional song to kick the album off with. Chantal said she wrote the song after talking with a homeless man. "Dear Life" is a complex song about someone you love to hate, but can't let go of. "Until We Die" is terribly sad as a ballad, one of a few songs here dealing with absence and death. "Souls" is lyrically one of the more complex songs as it explores the meaning of a soul. "Before You" was the first single, a bubbly pop song that was a big hit. The song is about her husband Raine Maida (from Our Lady Peace). "M" is a reflective song about trying to move on after a mother loses her youngest daughter. "Soul Searching" is a mid tempo rocker that stands out, which clearly states that there may not be such a thing as a soul, and it's not wasting your whole life trying to understand. "Far Away" is my favorite song on the album, it was also a single, a nice reflective ballad that pushes her vocals. "Eve" is the saddest song on the album hands down, about the youngest girl to die from AIDS. "Little Things" is ending the album on a half positive note. This is definately an intense album fraught with meaning. She wrote all the songs and plays the piano, she's amazing live. This is her best album yet.

This is probably the most overlooked CD on the market at the current time. I'll tell you one thing, the first time you listen to the CD, you'll not enjoy it... that's what happened to me. The biggest mistake with Chantal's songs is deciding whether you'll like the song based on it's opening. If you run through the CD listening to 10 seconds of each song and say it's too boring for you, you'll be sorry... and surprised.

Give each song a chance. Most of the songs are amazing, you just need to get past the beginning of long drawn out piano notes etc. Some of the best songs on the album have the worst openings, but after you get passed the opening, you'll love the songs. One of my favourite songs on the CD is "Souls" (despite it's minute-long opening)... it's an amazing song and Chantal plays the piano so well in this song. Most people will enjoy "Before You", "Dear Life" and "Far Away" (my other favourite song), and you'll learn to love the rest of them in time.

This CD might not be five star material, or as good as Chantal's first release, but it made an impact in my musical taste. It's got everything anyone could want... soul, depth, and passion...

Give this CD a chance. It's beautiful, and I think you'll love it.

Perhaps one day somebody will explain to me why this remarkable Canadian artist has yet to receive the recognition she richly deserves. In the meantime, use the links provided here to listen to "Blue" and "Souls" -- and then see if you aren't convinced. And then spread the word!
Neil

This CD is great! If you liked "Under these rocks and stones" you'll like this one, but rather then pay import prices, you can order from other online like ( mymusic.com ) cd stores that are in canada and save a few bucks :)

With the advert of MP3, I seldom buy albums anymore. But once in a while, an album comes along that sets it aside from the competition. Few albums have such a seductive blend of melachony and poetry, therefoer leaving you in a lingering trance, even when it ended. You can genuinely feel the soul of this exceptional singer-songwriter, a rarity in the age of packaged teen acts. Listening to her arresting voice will sooth you, especially when you are travelling home alone after a bad day. Good arrangement is shown by putting more upbeat songs in between. This album gives you a sense of calm and serenity without putting you to sleep. Just like good wine, it tastes good at first, but becomes exceptional as you listen more. Bottom line-get it.

Noteworthy tracks: Dear Life, Until We Die, Before You, Far Away, Little Things, the 3 bonus tracks(Leaving in a Jet Plane, Feels Like Home, In My Life)

First Listen: 4.5/5 Tenth Listen: 5/5

When I bought Under These Rocks and Stones, I listened to it non stop for months.. until I saw Chantal live. After that, listening to her on CD was not the same. NOTHING compares to Chantal live... just her and her piano. This CD, however, awakens in me the feeling I had when I first heard "Under..." It is SO good to hear Chantal again performing new songs. She is a consumate song writer and the songs on this CD are exceptional. Still, I long to hear just Chantal and her piano, and I hope she tours again soon and performs the same incredible duet (Chantal, piano). Please, please, please release a live CD of Chantal. She needs no additional accompaniment and is nothing less than extraordinary live. I love hearing her songs as they were born, just Chantal's voice and that beautiful piano. Aside from that... this CD is fantastic, and I am so pleased to get the bonus CD. I was not expecting it, and "Feels Like Home" is worth the price of the whole CD. Thanks again, Chantal!

Chantal Kreviazuk's second album is a lean collection of songs that evoke warmth and hope. The record's highlights are the catchy 'Before You,' and the tender 'M'. The album is let down only by the ordinary 'Soul Searching.' Colour Moving And Still does teeter on the edge of sentimentality, but Kreviazuk's glorious, pop-infused tunes are unshakable. There are countless female musicians in the industry who could learn a thing or two from this young talent.

I first saw Chantal Kreviazuk in 1997 at the NAC Opera in Ottawa opening for Amanda Marshall and I was blown away by her beautiful voice. I rushed out to buy her cd "Under These Rocks and Stones" and fell in love with it. Now, with her second cd "Colour Moving and Still", Chantal Kreviazuk proves she's one of the most talented singer/songwriters to come along in a while. From the meloncholy "Blue" to the hit single "Before You", Chantal has created an album of true beauty that will definately find a place in your heart. Definately one of my favorite albums.