Dark Dear Heart

Holly Cole | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 21, 1997)
• Original Release Date: October 21, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000005H9X
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #51,444 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Instead of opting for the full-on pop diva route, Cole travels a far more interesting path towards the mainstream that picks up on the vapor trails of "I Can See Clearly Now" and her album of Waits covers. "I've Just Seen a Face" retains echoes of its signature melody, but is otherwise a smart reinvention, and Sheryl Crow's "You Want More" or the slinky Aaron Davis cowrite "Timbuktu" make fine follow-ups. Larry Klein's spartan production shines in particular on the title track. --Jeff Bateman

Product Description

1997 album on Alert Music. Contains 12 tracks, including'I've Just Seen A Face' & 'You Want More'. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Music with sincerity, depth and great jazz roots, September 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Dark Dear Heart (Audio CD)

It took A LOT of doing, but I first heard "Make It Go Away" on a CBS television show. But tracking it down was worth it because the Cd "Dark Dear Heart" is pretty different from any other I own. If you like Diana Krall, Indigo Girls, Shawn Colvin, you will like Holly Cole. I really recommend this CD!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is Holly Cole's most accessible work to date!, August 31, 2001

By 

A. Peters "ablpete" (Near Chicago, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dark Dear Heart (Audio CD)

From first listening, this album is immediately likeable. Her treatment of Lennon/McCartney's "Norwegian Wood" not only covers it, but redefines it. To many, though, the highpoint of the album is "Make It Go Away" (which was aired on the TV series "Due South", on which she made appearances as a club singer). Each of the titles on this album are excellently executed, giving a balance between the instrumentation, arrangement and Ms. Cole's voice. If you are going to buy one album by Holly Cole, this should be the one. You will NOT be disappointed! (Of course, "Temptation" runs a very, very close second, especially if you appreciate the songs of Tom Waits!)

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Diverse singer comes full circle, December 13, 1998

By 

John Jones "Musician" (Chicago IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dark Dear Heart (Audio CD)

After years of turning standards inside out and singing the hell out of pop tunes with a jazzy angle, Holly Cole releases an all-out pop release with dark, dear results.

The overall feel is "moody"...how fitting that Holly recently said in an interview that her favorite color is "dark." Songs like the country-tinged "Dark Dear Heart" and the Sade-esque "Hold On" are intense, consuming listens that boast stellar musicianship and Holly's specialty, an understated vocal. You can still be dark and have rhythm, though, as she proves on the Sheryl Crow-penned "You Want More" and the slinky, David Piltch co-write gem "World Seems to Come and Go." These standouts, while still midtempo, have rhythms that inspire toe-tapping without compromising any of the emotion and depth Holly brings to all of her performances.

"Make it Go Away" is a gorgeous ballad perfectly suited to her voice, and "Onion Girl" is one of the finest pop/rock ballads of recent years; the latter's success as a single should have been no surprise to anyone. But where are those covers Holly is so well known for...the kind that are so personalized, you often don't even recognize them at first? The Beatles' "I've Just Seen a Face" and Joni Mitchell's "River" are ordained into Cole's realm of classics given freah new leases on life, not only two of Holly's strongest renditions but two of the finest remakes ever. That she is able to take classic songs by such high-profile acts as the Fab Four and Mitchell prove what a gifted interpreter she is.

Some fans were up in arms at this album's release, longing for the days when Holly sung 98% jazz standards and wore strapless gowns with evening gloves. But they clearly missed the point; with a talent as deep and emotional as Holly Cole's, staying in one place would be a waste. You don't buy a luxury car fully equipped to drive around the block, and Holly Cole possesses the sort of unique talent that travels well.