Customer Reviews

Greatest Hits: Brighter a Duncan Sheik Collection

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All his great songs on one album. An essential collection for any Duncan Sheik fan or the perfect first album for anyone not familiar with his work. His first self titled album is his best but this album captures that album in addition to the standout tracks from all his others. I have all his works and still purchased this one, which is played and enjoyed the most.

In the late 90's, Duncan Sheik released his debut album on Atlantic Records. It was a modest affair of semi-confessional singer-songwriter material, but a minor hit began to get attention, and "Barely Breathing" became his first and only top 40 record. He seemed to be keen on the moodiness of Nick Drake (that the double disc of this set is called "Brighter/Later" makes the point obvious), yet often cleaves towards Elton John at that artist's most introspective.

That makes the 16 songs on this disc all satisfying listens; Sheik matches his poetic lyrics to low key but memorable songs. It made him perfect for the emo-soundtrack set, and his contribution to the teen angst-fest "Great Expectations" is included. There's also a telling previously unreleased cover of Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark," which fits in among his own work quite well.

He could also rev up a guitar on occasion, and the power-pop contribution to this set is "Bite Your Tongue." However, Sheik is far more at home with the folkier aspects of his music, and the big reveal was the album "Phantom Moon." There are three songs from that album here, and they are the ones that come closest to realizing his Nick Drake aspirations. They're also noteworthy in that they mark the moment when Sheik began his collaboration with Steven Sater. This partnership would help bring Sheik back into the spotlight, when the two of them took home a pile of Tony Awards for the musical "Spring Awakening" and, I would bet, finally nudged this collection into being.

I LOVE THIS CD. ALL MY FAVORITE SONGS ARE ON IT - THERE'S NOT A DUD IN THE BUNCH. ANYONE WHO LIKES DUNCAN NEEDS TO HAVE THIS CD!!

This compilation album of his greatest hits proves the awesomeness of Duncan Sheik's musical talents.
With great sounds of melodious voice & instruments coupled with poetical lyrics, it's too good to miss this one in your musical moments...