Diva

Annie Lennox | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 12, 1992)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Arista
• ASIN: B000002VMH
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (138 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,378 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #100 in Music > R&B > Soul > Blue-Eyed Soul

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The term "diva" is an honorific to be bestowed, not a title to be claimed. That alone gets Annie Lennox's 1992 solo debut off on the wrong foot. Nor does it help that, instead of following the often-daring path of her former outfit, the Eurythmics, Lennox chose instead to wrap her big, emotional voice in aloof, sophisticated settings rendered primarily on synthesized keyboards. "Why" is a gorgeous ballad about a crumbling relationship, but nothing about the pristine "Walking on Broken Glass" comes close to the danger its title implies. "Precious" offers little beyond lite funk, while "Cold" is studiously icy and distant. Only "Why" and the closing number, "The Gift," achieve the sort of richly detailed intimacy she was obviously reaching for here. So hold off on that diva stuff, Annie. We'll let you know when it's time. --Daniel Durchholz

Product Description

LENNOX ANNIE DIVA

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 50 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beauty, power and brilliance caught on a CD April 26, 2000

By J. Derek Reardon

Format:Audio CD

Very few times have I ever seen an album title so perfectly describe an artist and release. Forget comparing her with her past (and present) in the Eurythmics; with Diva, Annie Lennox makes audiences stand up and take notice of her power and talent as an individual. With poignant lyrics, lush orchestrations, and her incredible voice, Annie Lennox puts together a brilliant and powerful piece of aural beauty. Even before Lillith Fair and the "women's movement" in music came along, Annie Lennox was showing the world how women really were "doin' it for themselves." And she was doin' it with style, grace, beauty, brains, power, and finesse.

The release begins on a very strong note with "Why" which showcases the strength, power and beauty of Annie's voice, accompanied by lush, beautiful orchestration. It's no wonder this song was a huge success as a single in 1992. "Walking on Broken Glass" was also released as a single and had a lot of success; it still gets played a lot today on light rock stations. This is a very strong and uplifting song. Unfortunately for me, some of its initial power and edge has been lost because it has been overplayed, but that's just a personal interjection. "Precious" gives us a bit of the soul rock flavor that Eurythmics' fans are familiar with; this is a fantastic and strong attitude song. "Legend in My Living Room" is another fantastic soul-rock attitude song that tells it like it is; you'll be struttin' around with your hands on your hips and singing along. "Cold" returns us to the deep, lush, melancholic feel we started with in "Why" with just a bit of attitude thrown in. "Money Can't Buy It" is a power pop attitude song enhanced by powerful lyrics; you'll be swaying, clapping, and singing along to this one. "Little Bird" is a catchy, fantastic, happy dance-and-sing-along song. However, this is one of those rare occasions where the dance remix of the song actually surpassed the brilliant original (thanks to Utah Saints, this song was a resounding dance floor smash). Other reviewers have nailed the beautiful "Precious" with a single word - atmospheric. The beginning orchestration to "Stay By Me" had me thinking this was going to be a sappy pop song. But as soon as Annie begins to sing, you become mesmerized by the beauty of her voice; this is a beautifully crafted song. "The Gift" is a powerful yet subtle piece, very deep with emotion; it reminds me of the Blue Nile's release Hats. The CD concludes on a wonderfully fun note with "Keep Young and Beautiful." This is Annie's remake of an old classic, which is executed perfectly, from her voice down to the old style sound and record scratches. I can totally see Annie as a flapper singing this in a speakeasy!

Falling in among my top 20 releases of all time, this release easily gets a 5 star rating. Whether you let this album stand alone or compare it with other Annie and Eurythmics releases, this is one of the (if not THE) strongest albums released by Annie Lennox. Furthermore, this is a strong piece of art in and of itself, and anyone who appreciates great pop rock will love this album. Whether you are a fan of great orchestration, fantastic and talented voices, or well-written and thoughtful lyrics, this album has everything for everyone. I would recommend this album to almost anyone. The only qualifier I would place is that a certain level of maturity would enhance listening to this release, allowing the listener to really understand the lyrics and let them truly make an impact.

This is a fun, brilliant, powerful masterpiece. Buy it. If you already own it, play it. The experience will be worth every moment.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It will touch your soul. November 5, 1999

By Kathy Hornik

Format:Audio CD

I have bought many other cds from many other artists, and after a few times of listening to them, they end up on the shelf collecting dust. This has never happened with 'Diva'. Annie speaks to your soul with her music. "Why", "Cold", these songs I have never grown tired of. They can still make me bawl like a baby. Annie Lennox's voice and vocal energy on this album...how can I do her justice with mere words, she touches your soul and your heart with her incredible vocal talent and the emotion she pours out in each tune. You can feel her pain, her love and, yes, sometimes even contempt in each word she sings. Her voice is hauntingly beautiful, wonderfully soulful, and deliciously creamy. She is one the greatest female singers of our century and this album proves it.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Stunning Debut Album April 18, 2001

By A Music Fan

Format:Audio CD

Annie Lennox, in my opinion is one of the greatest female singers alive today, with vocal ability and beauty that can make other artists feel sheepish in the prescence of this fantastic woman. Although Annie is fighting to keep the independent side of her alive most people always classify her under her former group Eurythmics, which in my opinion was Annie's immateur phase. On this album she produces songs on this album ranging from a variety of styles that will satisfy anybody's appetite. Among my favorites is "Why," a beautiful ballad about a relationship that took a turn for the worse, "Walking On Broken Glass" sounds more like a pop song with the same concept in mind as "Why" except that Annie demands attention from her lover, "Money Can't Buy It" sounds like a song Blondie would sing, she even raps at the end! "Little Bird" Annie's voice really shines through on this track, with an incredible beat and of course, Annie's vocals as the chorus, and "The Gift" about the miracle of breaking up, it's very sad yet moving song.

For a debut album this certainly tops the list, and after you buy this album you will understand my point of view.