Customer Reviews

Freak of Nature

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a HOT album with a selection of great songs that can cater to a variety of musical tastes, of all ages I might add. I have to admit I got the album based on the song "One Day in Your Life," but I found that I LOVED the whole CD and am now playing it all the time, much to the annoyance of my upstairs neighbour! Anastacia ROCKS is all I can say. She sure knows how to belt out a song and she does it with such passion and gusto you find yourself shouting out the song with her...very embarrasing when you're on the bus heading home from work I can tell you!
A nice CD with great tracks such as "Secrets" and "How Come the World Won't Stop." As a pointer try and get a glimspe of the music video that goes with the song "One Day in Your Life", it is wonderfully funny, and sexy and you will love the tatoos that are on display on a variety of people, including a mother, a handsome young man who's pumping iron and Anastacia herself. The song stands on its own but the video is worth a peek.

...Anastacia successfully combines Pop, Funk, Dance and R&B into one rather slim and drop dead gorgeous package. The opening title track acts as Anastacia's mantra "look at me and see a little girl inside my skin / It's supernatural / I'm a freak of Nature" and "just cause I like sipping on champagne / doesn't mean that I'm afraid of the rain." Anastacia stakes her claim as the one to resist the cookie cutter mold. Gotta love the 'tude. Stellar numbers with rather cliche titles shine. "OverDue Goodbye" and "How Come the World Won't Stop" capture the girl with the greek name's vulnerable side. The shining tune "Why'd You Lie to Me" treads Deborah and Whitney territory, but with a fresh slant. Anastacia's been there with a boy and is bitter,..
The single slated for U.S. release, "One Day in Your Life," picks up where "I'm Outta Love" left off... Destined for club success, this high energy R&B thumper is hot, but the real struggle is whether Anastacia's intense vocal prowess can translate to radio airplay.
In an environment dominated by Ja Rule collaborations and Timbaland remixes, can Anastacia find her niche in the pop market? She's got the look, she's got the chords and she's got the substance to shine... One minute hip hop, the next soul with a house flare, Ms. Blige can take on any number and thrill her fans. It's truly about talent in the end. Passion and dedication are undercurrents saavy listeners can easily pick up on. Perhaps the U.K. ladies and gents are a bit more forgiving of labels. If only we were as sophisticated.
"She who will rise again" - the Greek translation of Anastacia. So what if success isn't around the corner for this fiesty blonde? I'll be okay with that, at least she stuck to her guns and defied being attached to one genre. She tells us what it's like to be a girl with a little drama thrown in for fun. Being a fan, I'd feel obligated to purchase whatever she releases...

Given the standard of her last album,' Not That Kind', you could be forgiven for thinking that Anastacia had reached her peak vocally. However, when you listen to this new album you'll soon realise Anastacia has reached an entirely new level.

'Freak of Nature' is best described as a roller coaster of an album, ranging from soulful ballads right through to funk influenced numbers. This album improves on the last, as there are fewer of the weaker ballads present on the last album, and with the exception of the slightly boring 'I dreamed you' the album is a modern classic.

Track 1) Freak of Nature: A very funky number with an infectious chorus. 4.5/5
Track 2) Paid My Dues: Soulful power - ballad with vocals that soar into the stratosphere. The reason I bought this album 5/5
Track 3) Overdue Goodbye: A slick, accomplished song with influences ranging from mild folk to mild country. 4/5
Track 4) You'll Never Be Alone: A deceptive one, beginning slowly, but it builds up to be a powerful and touching song.4.5/5
Track 5) One Day in Your Life: A fabulous up tempo, disco influenced number that is reminiscent of I'm Outta Love. The best song on the album. 5/5
Track 6) How Come The World Won't Stop: A neat song with the odd flourish, but isn't going to set the world alight. 3/5
Track 7) Why'd You Lie To Me: An inspired amalgamation of Latino/funk sounds that really comes into its own towards the end.5/5
Track 8) Don't Cha Wanna: A fabulous song with top notch vocals that just seem to ooze attitude. Superlative. 5/5
Track 9) Secrets: A heartfelt, emotional number, that never quite reaches the same level as some of the other tracks, but still an enjoyable song. 3/5
Track 10) Don't Stop (Doin' It)A funky disco number that is reminiscent of 'Made For Lovin' You'. Another excellent track.5/5
Track 11) I Dreamed You: Whilst this is not a bad song, it isn't a good one either, and Anastacia doesn't have an opportunity to use the fantastic range of her voice, and it is a bit similar to something 'Ally Mc Beal's' Vonda Shepherd might sing. A track to skip past if ever there was one. Mediocre. 2/5
Track 12) Overdue Goodbye (Reprise): This is just a reprise of Overdue Goodbye, consisting of the end part of the song, but it serves as a great way to end the album.4/5
An excellent album overall, and well worth importing! I only hope this album does get a US release!

Though her debut album got little to no notice here in the states upon its' release earlier this year, Anastacia is actually quite popular in Europe, where this sophomore effort sees its' initial release. Working with the same clutch of producers that fueled her debut, her second set is essentially an extension of the first, at least musically, with the primary difference being that the majority of the songs found here are stronger than alot of the material on her debut. Upbeat tracks remain her strong suit, with notables here being the title track(very similar in vein to the first set's title track), the more rock-edged 'Paid My Dues' and the dance-funk anthem 'One Day In Your Life'(which is basically 'I'm Outta Love' set to different lyrics). While her high-octane vocals didn't serve her well on the first sets' slower songs, the more acoustic-based slow jams of this outing manage to frame her voice beautifully, showing far more vocal nuance and restraint than the first go-round. Overall, a solid step up from her promising debut.

Anastacia is a grossly underrated singer that can outperform most female vocalists nowadays. "Not That Kind" wasn't originally intended to be released here in the US but when the album started taking off overseas, her record label got a clue and exposed the US to this talented singer. "Not That Kind" is a classic in its own right but "Freak of Nature" takes Anastacia to that next level. The material is even better than her debut album, if that's possible. On "Freak of Nature", Anastacia starts to move slowly away from dance/pop she made a name herself with and begins exploring her rock 'n roll roots on songs like the first single "Paid My Dues". The entire album is rawer than "Not That Kind" and a lot less polished. The title track kicks off the album with Anastacia's powerful vocals. "One Day In Your Life" is this album's "I'm Outta Love" in the sense of its catchiness. It is my very favorite track on the cd. I always find myself humming the catchy melodies that have been ingrained in my head. "Don't Stop (Doin' It)" is another groovy little dance tune that just has Anastacia wailing her incredible voice with such intensity that I rarely hear in the young vocalists that are making a name for themselves today. "Freak of Nature" truly showcases Anastacia's talent as a singer. I see nothing but a bright future for her.

Well, i dont really know where to start! When i first listened to this CD i was in shock! The mix of raw talent, style and overall power blew me away!! Lyrically this Album is great...and vocally...well, AMAZING! 'You'll Never Be Alone' is one of the most beautiful songs iv ever heard. This womans vocal range is super and so her the range of songs on this CD. Whatever ur mood, whatever ur taste...theres something in this for everyone. A strong recommendation to people who appreciate REAL talent and inspiring music. Best album of the year...By FAR!

Although I'm a big fan of Britney Spears and Kylie Minogue, it has to be pointed out that they seem to hog all of the limelight. It's not their fault, it's just the public around the worldwide who seem to have an obsession with them. This true fact sadly prevents other, maybe more talented singers from entering the mainstream pop market and ruling the world. Anastacia is one of these. OK, she's had phenomenal success in Europe, but she's never really broken the American market - even though she is a native of the country in question. After Anastacia's superb debut album, Not That Kind (which sold 6 million copies worldwide), the foxy lady returned in November 2001 with her second album Freak Of Nature. While Not That Kind focused mostly on power ballads, Freak Of Nature had a more worldly feel to it with a lot more up-tempo songs. Freak Of Nature has so far sold 5 million copies worldwide and features some of Anastacia's greatest songs ever.

The album opens with the album's title track, Freak Of Nature (10/10). The thing you realise the most about this song when you first hear it is it's powerful and booming bassline. It really is absolutely mind-blowing but once Anastacia starts singing, her vocals alone dwarf this once massive bassline to a miniscule weakling - that's how strong and striking her voice is. Track 2 is Paid My Dues (9/10). This superb pop hit was the first single to be taken from Freak Of Nature in November 2001, where it peaked at No.12 in the UK and No.1 in many countries around Europe. Anastacia's voice is amazingly powerful as usual and the beats are so funky and addictive. Track 3 is Overdue Goodbye (10/10). This song has a very country/pop feel to it - very Shania Twain around the time she released The Woman In Me. It's a shame this song won't be released as a single, as a video where Anastacia's in a field in America on a farm would be perfect....OK, shut up! Track 4 is You'll Never Be Alone (10/10). Not That Kind had Who's Gonna Stop The Rain as its power-ballad - Freak Of Nature has this. You'll Never Be Alone is a superb and emotion-packed ballad from Anastacia. The woman flat out sells the song from the bottom of her heart and soul - you can sense it in her voice. This song is phenomenal and has never failed to make me cry almost everytime I listen to it. Just thing of a sad time in your life and the good memories will overcome them as you weep your heart out! Track 5 is One Day In Your Life (10/10). This second single from Freak Of Nature peaked at No.11 in the UK in March 2002. Apparently, the song topped the chart in 17 countries around Europe! Out of all Anastacia's single releases, I definitely consider One Day In Your Life to be the best - the beat is so funky and Anastacia's voice is so strong. Track 6 is How Come The World Won't Stop (9/10). This song is another superb mid-tempo track with some beautiful lyrics and memorable beats. The song is more indie-oriented with its acoustic guitar rather than the traditional Anastacia style (pop/rock/ballad). Track 7 is Why'd You Lie To Me (10/10). This was the third single to be taken from Freak Of Nature in September 2002. The song didn't even peak inside the UK Top 20 - probably through lack of promotion, which is a great shame because that amazing video looked very expensive!

The album continues with the funky Don'tcha Wanna (10/10). This amazing slice of pop funk adds that much-needed drop of R'n'B to Freak Of Nature. The song has an amazingly heavy bassline - it's very slow and seems like a some huge ship trying to slowly make its way through the water using all the force it can. The song also has that dab of rock and Anastacia's voice is wacky beyond belief (in a good way). Track 9 is Secrets (10/10). After all that grooving around to Don'tcha Wanna, Secrets provides that relaxing safety net for all the fans of Anastacia's soothing and soft voice. She gives the booming vocals a rest for this mid-tempo ballad about her childhood. Track 10 is Don't Stop (Doin' It) (10/10). Anastacia speeds things up with this catchy (and camp) disco pop number that will get any party-goer up on their feet! Definitely an album highlight. Track 11 is I Dreamed You (8/10). This is an average ballad about a man that Anastacia dreamt about - not very interesting and lacking in music ability. The song starts off good, but Anastacia goes a little OTT as she continues her warble-fest towards the end. Track 12 is Overdue Goodbye (Reprise) (10/10). This superb reprise to track 3 has some superb and exotic instruments while Anastacia's vocals echo around your room. "Goodbye..." she booms as it echoes for a few seconds at least. This gives the song a more epic feel. Overall, a superb end to an even more superb album!

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

Anastacia is one of the most exciting female artists to arrive on the pop scene for quite some time - and Freak Of Nature should see her around for quite some time to come, too! If you have ever been interested in Anastacia's music, you should not hesitate to buy this phenomenal album. The only complaint that I have is that some of these songs are included on the US version of Not That Kind, wich in a way makes her look a bit lazy - in that she just took some old songs and included them on the European version of Freak Of Nature hoping no one would notice! Tsk, tsk! Anyway, Anastacia's unique vocal ability, trademark songs and signature fashion-style is so original and she's eventually getting the praise she rightly deserves - buy Freak Of Nature from Amazon[.com] now!

It's been a long time since I've purchased and enjoyed an ENTIRE album. I had heard PAID MY DUES and found it catchy and expected to only like some of the songs - but I have found that I can't seem to stop listening to it. An excellent voice - with tonnes of power. A pleasant surprise and a permanent fixture in my CD player in the car.

Most artists have the famous "sophomore slump" but not Anastacia. "Freak of Nature" is great, filled with a wide variety of cuts similar to her first album, but different enough to stand on its own. I have to admit "Not that Kind" is still my favorite, especially the infectious dance hit, "I'm Outta Love." One can't help but move to the beat after just a few bars of this song.

If you like music with a beat that stays in your head long after the song is over, then Anastacia is definitely the artist for you. Exciting, strong, and soulful, Anastacia is definitely my kind of singer...

Anastacia could be taken for a younger Taylor Dayne - same voice, same attitude & both release v.v.v.v good albums. This 2nd offering from Anastacia follows on from the world-wide smash of Not That Kind, with the same type of mature pop-rock & balladry which she has become known & loved for. First single, the funky Paid My Dues just gets you rocking & her voice builds up into major power-mode. The title track is uber-funky, particularly the brass section & is very reminiscent of Prince/80's funk. My fave track is a rip-roaring dance anthem called One Day In Your Life & is reminiscent of Anastacia's first smash, I'm Outta Love. It sounds as if it was written from the same formulaic recipe of the first hit, but hey it works & that's all that matters. The album is also smattered with plenty of smoochy ballads, if that's your thang. Not necessarily mine, but when Anastacia's delivering world-class music like this & with a gorgeously powerful voice, you can only let yourself listen. Sublime!