Customer Reviews

Dawn of Ananda (Reis)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
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If you love the sound of Annie Haslam's voice buy this CD, she's never sounded better. If you're looking for a one person reincarnation of Renaissance you will be sadly disappointed. The main problem is that the material, all but one written by Annie, is very similar. She's mining the currently popular angelic influence vein. While the songs are good, one even could be a pop hit on a soft mix type station, they lack the diversity and intensity that was much of the appeal of Renaissance. Perhaps for her next offering she could find the Becky Thather who co-wrote several of Renaissance's songs. As a disclaimer I will say that yes I'm a dyed in the wool Renaissance fan, but I also own and listen to everything of Ms Haslam's that's available. I don't mean to say I don't like this, but rather I wish it was a better example of what she is capable of. Sigh......

One of the loveliest albums of 2000, "The Dawn of Ananda" is a sublime and beautiful showcase for the vocals of Annie Haslam, lead singer of the 70s classical rock group Renaissance. Each of the songs has do with angels, from the title track (about the "Angel of Bliss") to the serene benediction of the opening song, "Precious One" (about a dead child who sends a message of love from the other side) and the optimistic "Summon the Angels" (about our ability to receive heavenly guidance at any time). In case this sounds like too much spirituality for you, the heavenly lyrics are grounded in truly beautiful musical arrangements. And then there's the voice -- Annie, the nightingale of progressive rock, still sounds as lovely today as she did in the early 70s. If you're a Renaissance fan, this is not to be missed -- it's as good as "Novella" or "Turn of the Cards" in this reviewer's opinion. And even if you've never heard of Renaissance or Annie Haslam, but enjoy spiritually uplifting music with beautiful arrangements and vocals, this is one well worth trying out.

Annie Haslam's sixth solo album goes full tilt into a theme that she touched upon on her previous three. It's a concept album about angels. She wrote the lyrics to all but one of the songs. Interestingly, she called on former collaborators for all of the music. The opener , "Precious One", was written by her Renaissance bandmate, Michael Dunford; "A Thousand Angels" was contributed by then-Renaissance keyboardist Mickey Simmonds; Larry Fast, who produced the "Annie Haslam" album, worked on the last two songs; Tony Visconti, who did her last studio album, "Blessing in Disguise" did two more; David Biglin had previously performed his "Summon the Angels" with Annie on her first live album, "Under Brazilian Skies"; and the rest of the songs were co-written by Rave Tesar, who had worked extensively with Annie in the past and would again on her next two albums.

With all these songwriters, one would expect a lot of
diversity in the album. However, Tesar was involved with most of the arrangements, and he pretty much sticks to gentle keyboard sounds. This makes sense when one considers the lyrics, which pretty much stick to the loving presence of angels in our lives, etc. This can all be a bit "samey" or cloying to those who might not be open to Annie's messages. Certainly, those who expect to find the classical/rock fusion of Renaissance better look elsewhere.

Still, there are some gorgeous melodies here, and Annie sings them beautifully. Her vocal grace has not diminished with age.
In particular, she gives "A Thousand Angels" (about the death of a baby)a very moving performance. And not everything is taken at a slow tempo. Tesar gives the title song, "Ananda" an Indian feel, while Visconti adds Far Eastern sounds to "Lily Lullaby". "Summon the Angels" and "Running River Runs" have a more upbeat, anthemic sound (although Fast, as he did with the "Annie Haslam" album, gets a bit bombastic).

Still ,the album is more suited for a relaxing, gentle mood -- again, fitting with the theme. Most listeners would enjoy the CD more for the melodies and Annie's great voice than the lyrics, I'd say. The CD is getting harder to find, but you can still get it from Annie's own website. But if you want a better idea of her capabilities, try "Blessing in Disguise" or her early classic Renaissance albums.

Like many progressive works of the 70's, the songs on this CD are all of one theme and that is they are about angels.The title track is probably the best song but Annie is in good voice throughout. A nice solo effort with Annie more involved in the songwriting than she used to be in old days.

For many years I have been a huge fan of Annie. I never could understand why she wasn't a big star. However this CD is not up to her usual standard. I didn't care for the vocal harmonies on a few songs. She has a great voice and needs no support. The songs were average compilations and the mixes were a little weak. Finaly she is a very attractive woman, and the portrait of her was not very flatering. Whoever recomended that picture should be fired.

This CD finds Annie Haslam and friends in great musical form. You will only find shades of the Renaissance sound here. That doesn't matter though, as the musicians (with primary kudos to Rave Tesar's composing, arranging and keyboard talents) have assembled a compelling collection of songs. "Precious One" is so haunting, it's hard to get its sonorities out of one's head for days. "Michael, Prince of Angels" is sweet and gentle, showcasing the honey in Annie's voice. "Angel Blue" is almost anthemic in places. A wonderful album, that's not getting enough airplay. Escape into bliss with Ananda.

The Dawn of Ananda is another in a long line of stellar efforts for Annie Haslam! Anyone wanting to listen to one of the finest voices of all time in any music genre will like this album. Annie has also written all the lyrics for this album (except one song) and it is very evident to me that her lyricist abilities have improved dramatically!! Buy this, it is simply fine! Two other things... Annie, if you're reading this, 1. come down to Dallas for a show sometime in the near future, please! and 2. I just wanted you to know that if I were ever stuck on a desert island I'd want two things... my guitar and your lovely voice!!

"The Dawn of Ananda" is Annie Haslam's most celestial and mystical CD. It is equally spiritual and surreal. The songs are so good it sounds like Enya and Kate Bush helped out. But no. Annie Haslam is so innovative, creative and compassionate, she needs no assistance. Haslam's vocals are incomparable and the lyrics are both poignant and glorious. "The Dawn of Ananda" can appeal to classical music fans,a spiritual person or a fan of a peerless diva. Ms. Haslam is actually at her zenith 25 years after her commercial popularity. In addition to music fans, this CD will appeal to people who love Angels, Animals, the afterlife and the sacredness of life.

This album is one of the most relaxing, calming and spiritual ones I have heard. The 2 songs about children who are now angels brought warmth to my heart since I am a bereaved mother.These songs are beautiful and uplifting. If you know anyone who has lost a child I think this album would be a wonderful gift. These songs are as lovely as her voice and I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates music. I bought 3 other of her albums and am not disappointed.