Customer Reviews

Life for Rent

5 star:		(241)
4 star:		(125)
3 star:		(32)
2 star:		(20)
1 star:		(21)

 

 

Dido's first album captured my ears, I've seen her in concert three times, and have an autographed poster of her up in my room for the past years. I bought "Life For Rent" the day it was released. The album is just as excellent as the first if not better. Her lyrics are captive with many a person can related to, and her words are passionate as well. Her beautiful voice is amazing and one of a kind.

1- White Flag - (4.5/5) 1st single off the record, great song to start off the album. This song is excellent "...I won't put my hands up and surrender. There will be no white flag above my door, I'm in love and always will be..." I saw on TV this song's acoustic performance on the Europe Music Awards, it was astounding that the entire audience sang along with her.

2- Stoned - (3.5/5) Didn't know what to expect from the title of this song, the music is different, it lasts for at least a minute until Dido begins to sing.

3- Life For Rent - (5/5) It's a great song no wonder it's the title track of the album. "While my heart is shield and I won't let it down, while I am so afraid to fail so I won't even try, well how can I say I'm alive."

4- Mary's In India - (3/5) It's a different song. Features only her voice and an acoustic guitar. This song shows off her beautiful voice.

5- See You When You're 40 - (4/5) It's a beautiful song. I liked it right away. I think it's a song about finding out another person's true colors, seeing what that person is all about and realize that they are not worth it. "Well if you had walked past me today I wouldn't have picked you out, now I've seen tonight, how could I waste my time and I'll be on my way and I won't be back..."

6- Don't Leave Hone - (4/5) Another wonderful track written by the Armstrong siblings. I think it's a great song about being there for someone. Catching lyrics, "and if you're cold I'll keep you warm if you're low just hold on, cos I will be your safety..."

7- Who Makes You Feel - (3/5) The music is okay but not as good compared to the rest. But the lyrics are great though. "Who makes you feel the way that I make you feel, who loves you and knows you the way I do..."

8- Sand In My Shoes - (4/5) I really like this song, it's a bit poppy and uplifting. "I've still got sand in my shoes and I can't shake the thought of you. I should get on forget you but why would I want to. I know we said goodbye...but I want to see you again."

9- Do You Have A Little Time - (3.5/5) This song is defiantly different, it's darker compared to the rest. But overall a good song, take awhile to get used to.

10- This Land Is Mine - (6/5) This is one amazing and beautiful song, the best track on the CD. It should be a single. I just love the beginning of this song, captivating. As the song goes on, you'd want to sing along and listen to over and over. "From behind these walls I hear your song oh sweet words the music that you play lights up my world. The sweetest that I've heard...finally things are changing."

11- See The Sun - (5/5) It's a great pick up song when you're feeling down. Music is beautiful and lyrics are splendid. Dido co-writes all of her song but this one is special because she wrote it by herself. "...and you're asking me why pain's the only way to happiness and I promise you you'll see the sun again...Do you remember telling me you'd found the sweetest thing of all. You said one day of this was worth dying for so be thankful you knew her at all..."
There is a hidden track towards the end. It's a great short acoustic song, shows off her beautiful voice...if only the song was a bit longer. "I've been meaning to tell you, the closer you get, the better I'll feel. Closer you are more I see why everyone says that I look happier when you're around."

Life For Rent is an amazing album and I give it my HIGHEST recommendation. I cannot wait for her third album. Please do not download her songs off of any file swapping programs. This amazing, touching, captive album is WORTH buying and each song has a special meaning of it's own. Above description is what each song means to me. Why not buy the album, listen to each song and read along the lyrics as show in the insert and have special meanings of your own? It's worth it.

As most fans, I first heard Dido as an accompanying voice for M&M. I was very intrigued by the somewhat melancholy yet seductive female voice and purchased her first CD. I loved her first CD, cannot stop raving about her second CD, and anxiously wait for her next release. It is heartbreaking when you grow to like an artist based on one CD but find that there next release is disappointing. Dido has NOT been a disappointment and has definitely kept my attention with this CD as much as, and possibly more than, her first.

This CD is for all age groups whether your a teenager or preparing to retire. The music in some songs is slightly electronic and mysterious while combining with an often folk-like feeling. The lyrics reflect on life, love, and learning and will spark many emotions and give many listeners the feeling of a conected understanding with the artist. Dido definitely has a very distinct voice and sound on this CD as well as her first.

The CD will definitely impress you the first time you listen to it but you will grow more and more attatched to it. With each listen you find a new lyrical passage true to life or a new musical rhythem to satisfy your mood.

It took a bit for "Life for Rent" to grow on me, especially since I first listened to it after reading several negative reviews. Not much different in style from her debut, but there's nothing wrong with that, IMO. She has a style which is instantly recognizable after just a few notes. That's her staple, so there is no reason to change, despite that common criticism I hear.

1) White Flag - I did not find this special at all the first few times I heard it. I was afraid that if this was the first single, I had a lot to worry about if I was expecting something special overall. I was wrong. This song is so engrained in me, and is quite special. It just needs the chance to attach itself to your soul.

2) Stoned - Although the way this song starts out leads you to wonder where it's going to end up, it quickly became one of my favorites. I love the driving, flowing chorus, and it just builds and builds. Addicting.

3) Life For Rent - Very pretty title track.

4) Mary's In India - It took me a while to warm to this beautiful song. Just let it flow with your eyes closed.

5) See You When You're 40 - Another one which to me a while to warm up to. Very atmospheric.

6) Don't Leave Home - One of my favorites, and one I liked right away. I love the rhythm of this one. This should definitely be a single. It's one of her best.

7) Who Makes You Feel - I know there's a song in here somewhere, but I'm too distracted by everything else that's
going on. I skip this occassionally, but I'm trying.

8) Sand In My Shoes - Very different from the rest of the album, but fabulous. A great pop song. Also should be a
single, and a huge hit. If there isn't one yet, there should be a club mix of this.

9) Do You Have A Little Time - Not one of my favorites. Sounds a bit dark. Not that I don't like dark -- I do. But this just doesn't do it for me.

10) This Land Is Mine - Although it's a nice song, it reminds me of the feeling I have about "Thank You" -- the verses are great, but the chorus lets me down a bit -- too generic.

11) See The Sun - Maybe my favorite on the album, and a great way to end it. A sweeping, atmospheric, emotional punctuation mark on a great sophmore effort.

Overall, I'd give this 4.5 stars (c'mon, Amazon, it's about time you let us rate like that!). I had to round up, because it wasn't fair to round down.

Highly recommended!

Dido has always been a magnificent artist. With this album, she proves she's got staying power. Her debut had so much intensity and passion, many thought it couldn't be beat. But Dido has managed to surpass all expectations and give us an album that's not only as deep and intense as "No Angel", but perhaps a little more emotional. Staying away from harsher styles and lyrics (i.e. "Don't Think of Me" and "Slide"), Dido has taken the subdued route this time. With mellow tunes and a more optimistic attitude, she refrains from desperation (i.e. "Here With Me" and "Honestly OK") and seems more content in her songs.

"White Flag" which is the first single, is warm and inviting, growing slowly from sweet to strong. While not as loud as "Here With Me", this song has it's own charm. She longs for love but she's content with it. That's a rare quality to find in a song, and something only Dido could pull off. The flowing strings give it the final touch. (10/10)

"Stoned", the second track and one of my personal favorites, is a bit more contemporary but just as beautiful as you'd expect anything from Dido to be. With a long drum and bass introduction, it takes you into the mood for the whole song. The highlight of this piece is the chorus, which has some of the most wonderful chord arrangements ever. Also the bridge has some fun synth sounds. (10/10)

The title track, "Life For Rent", is the third song on the album, and extremely mellow. Again, Dido mixes lots of live instruments with synthesizers; something she is very talented at doing. This song is thick with music and includes a catchy drum loop which starts in the second chorus. (9/10)

"Mary's In India" is the fourth track, and for this song Dido uses the bare minimum: a guitar, a very soft drum kit and not much else. There's a few whispy synth effects throughout, which give this song a fantasy feel. A very cute song. (8/10)

"See You When You're 40" is an elegant piece. It fades in from nothing, sounding like wind in the forest at night. A simple drum loop joins, but somehow this song maintains it's spooky feeling. A very captivating song, it's got some romantic guitar and moody synthesizer effects. At one point, Dido sings a cappella for a few seconds, sounding haunted but content. (10/10)

The sixth song is arguably one of the best on this album, and is called "Don't Leave Home". It opens simply, with acoustic guitar and a simple echo. But once the chorus begins, the strings join and the bass is kicked up a notch. This is another song where Dido has successfully mixed many contrasting sounds together to make a piece that pops. It includes some very moving chord progressions, and it's also one of the few songs where Dido sings with a stronger voice. (10/10)

"Who Makes You Feel" - when this song begins, you immediately know it's going to be a mysterious one. It takes a while to build to it's full potential, but the suspense is chilling. It's got a wonderful bassline that sets the tone and as Dido sings the first chorus with a whispy voice, you get the feeling she's sad. But by the end of the song, she's strong and commanding. Creeping strings join her jazzy vocals halfway through, and when the song ends abrubtly, it leaves you wanting more. (10/10)

The next song is the most upbeat, with quicker vocal arrangements and a perfect relationship between the music and lyrics. It's called "Sand In My Shoes". There's sounds of the blowing breeze on a beach in the first verse, and right away you want to join Dido in her dream. This song has a wonderful mix of many different sounds, including a 'sparkling' electric piano in the chorus. You could easily drive on the coast listening to this song. It's peppy but sweet and laid back at the same time. (10/10)

The ninth track, "Do You Have A Little Time" makes a huge impression. At first listen, it's not much more than the same chord arrangement over and over again. But the more you listen to it, the better it gets. The title is perfect, considering it takes a little time to love this song. It's got haunting strings and a xylophone-sounding arpeggio in the second verse. Repetitive, but gorgeous. (10/10)

"This Land Is Mine" has a wonderful message, and despite the fact that is has more instruments than "Mary's In India", it's probably the simplest song on the album. With acoustic guitar and piano, it's got almost no synthesizer instruments, except for the bass rhythm in the bridge section. However, this seems the be the most enchanting piece in all it's simplistic glory. (9/10)

The 'last' track, "See The Sun", even sounds sunny. And with lush chords in the chorus, it sounds like the clouds lifting to reveal a brighter day. This song is perfect for getting over someone, or anything for that matter. (10/10)

The true last song on the album is "Closer", and it's a hidden track. It's another song stripped bare of most everything except a guitar and light piano. But Dido proves to be an excellent artist when it comes to simple tunes. She really shows her passion through her lyrics when she sings this song. But then, she does that in every song anyway. (9/10)

When an artist can paint a picture and take you there, you know they're truly a musician. And with Dido, she sometimes leaves the conclusion of a song to our imagination by suddenly ending it; but somehow with her that's okay. She sings softly but with as much emotion as Celine Dion or Whitney Houston. This album is a gem, and a wonderful album to relax to. And even if you like more intense music, I promise you won't be disappointed. I truly believe this collection of songs is Grammy worthy, and it will be a collection you listen to for years. Don't rob your ears of a beautiful sound any longer - buy "Life For Rent".

When I first listened to this album, I wasn't real impressed. It seemed really boring compared to "No Angel". But then I gave it another listen, and liked it a WHOLE lot more. Then I gave it a 3rd listen, and liked it even more! It seems it's one of those albums that you enjoy more each time around. The album's first single, "White Flag", is a good choice as an opening song, because it will feel very comfortable to Dido fans that loved songs such as "Here With Me" and "Thank You". The next song, "Stoned", is a very soothing tune with some sad lyrics, but with an upbeat electronic drum track. "See You When Youre 40" is another sad yet upbeat tune, with probably one of the best choruses I think Dido's ever written. "Sand In My Shoes" starts off with Dido singing really fast, which might throw you off for a second, but then you get used to it after you hear the chorus, which sounds like something you might hear from Sade or Everything But The Girl. "This Land Is Mine" is simply Dido with acoustic guitar and drums, and sounds almost like a folk song. There are several other acoustic tracks on here such as "Mary's In India", "Don't Leave Home", and "Life For Rent". I'm very pleased with this album, if you don't like it at first, give it 1 or 2 more listens, and then you'll start to love it. In all honesty, this is probably every bit as good as "No Angel". However, that album came out 4 years ago, so it's sort of become a classic already with Dido's fans...which means that no matter how good of an album she puts out, people will always say "it's not as good as No Angel". But if you were to play both albums to someone who had never heard of Dido, they'd probably tell you that "No Angel" and "Life For Rent" are just as good as each other. If anything, it's great to finally have some new songs from Dido. So if you liked the last album, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

I have been looking forward for quite some time to Dido's follow-up album to "No Angel". I felt that "No Angel" was one of the best debut albums ever by a solo woman. I have read some reviews here where people are complaining that "Life for Rent" is too acoustic. Yea, I guess I can see where that is coming from, but it really is like 2 or 3 songs that are *truly* acoustic and one of those is the hidden track. I actually think that is not a bad thing as Dido's voice is so smooth and flowing that having an acoustic track or two helps add to the song as the "stripped down" version places more emphasis on her voice.

Here is the track listing:

1) "White Flag" - the first single from the album, great intro with the strings and a song that sounds very much like one that would have been on "No Angel". Great hook - 10/10

2) "Stoned" - one of the more electronic songs on the album, sounds a lot like a Faithless song (Faithless is a group that Dido is in from time to time that is headed by her producer and brother, Rollo). I didn't really like it that much on first listen, but it has grown on me - 8/10

3) "Life for Rent" - the title track and one of the better songs on the album, another great hook - 10/10

4) "Mary's in India" - a weird song, it has grown on me somewhat, somewhat acoustic - 7/10

5) "See You When You're 40" - another song that sounds like a Faithless song; okay but nothing special - 8/10

6) "Don't Leave Home" - My favorite song on this album! Everything about is great - the lyrics, the instrumentation, Dido's singing, worth the price of the CD alone here - 11/10

7) "Who Makes You Feel" - interesting song, has a nice vibe to it - 9/10

8) "Sand in my Shoes" - I love the way Dido sings this song; reminds me a lot of "Take my Hand" from "No Angel" - 10/10

9) "Do You Have a Little Time" - this song is another weird one with the strings at the beginning and then the chorus has this weird synthesizer part to it - 7/10

10) "This Land Is Mine" - one of the few *true* acoustic sounding songs on this album, it is one of the better ones on the album - 10/10

11) "See the Sun" - Great way to end the album; perfect blend of voice with instrumentation, this really makes the song a good one - 10/10

The hidden track is alright, nothing special. It is more of an acoustic track, but a decent song.

Overall, you have to give this album a chance. I remember with "No Angel" that the first time I listened to it, I only liked like 3 songs ("Here With Me", "Thank You", "Don't Think of Me"). However, the more I listened to it, the more I liked all the songs. It may take longer with "Life for Rent", but it is a solid album in its own right. It is also better than anything else that is on the radio. One of the best albums of 2003. If you liked "No Angel", you will enjoy "Life for Rent". Just don't write it off after one listen.

to me Dido is a amazing artist...though there are better singers her voice just touches me...so soft and soothing. After I got her first album I wasn't to impressed with her songs..I liked like 4, so when four years later I heard she had her follow up coming I wasn't even gonna but it, then I heard WHITE FLAG and I was inlove with it fromn the start...her vocals with those words...So yesterday I purchased the album and just rerpoeated the one song then I allowed it to continue on figuring might as well give the other tracks a go over and I was pleasantly surprised...No one song was bad...some were just okay others good, then a few great ones...To me White Flag still is the best song on the album...but defenitly improved songs from the first one...she has more to offer vocally this time around....give it a listen...

1. White Flag(10/10)
2. Stoned(8/10)
3. Life For Rent(10/10)
4. Mary's in India(8/10)
5. See You When You're 40(8/10)
6. Don't Leave Home(8/10)
7. Who Makes You Feel(8/10)
8. Sand In My Shoes(9/10)
9. Do You Have a Little Time(8/10)
10. This Land is Mine(9/10)
11. See the Sun(9/10)
overall 95/111 85%B

For the moment, this is my favorite cd. I cannot stop listening to it, and its not only because Dido's voice is so enchanting, all the songs on it are simply superb and I love not having to use the FF ( skip forward) button on it.

She sounds like a sea at midnight in dreamy melancholy with sweet undertones. For a sophomore album I think she grew as an artist, and since I really liked the first cd, I had no idea that the second one could be even better.

I love blasting it really loud to the point where you get the same feeling as when you are submerged in a bathtub, her voice cradles you whole body and makes all the hair stand up. Don't Leave Home is so full of soul and so mesmerizing that it sticks in my head for days even after one listen. Her smoky voice curls over the funky lyrics and combined with an orchestra of sound it makes for a gorgeous song.

I think all the songs on the album are fabulous, but the ones that stand out the most are Don't Leave Home, White Flag, The Land is Mine and See the Sun. Each one is deep, luminous and something that you will love for a long time. I can't imagine being tired of this album. Excellent soft lovely music for any time of day or mood.

Dido isn't an artist who sounds terribly original. She has strong links to any female artist who have come before her such as Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Laurie Anderson, Tori Amos, Jewel, Alanis Morissette, Sophie B. Hawkins, Joan Osborne and, of course, Sarah McLachlan and Loreena McKennitt. However, she does have her own vision of how relationships are, and like "No Angel", "Life For Rent" continues to explore themes of broken and unattained relationships. Dido also has a gifted vocal quality that makes her sound both depressed and angelic AND uplifting all in one. All the tracks compliment one another and no one particular track detracts from the flow of the cd. There are brilliant moments on the disc such as the chorus to "Life For Rent", the lyrics to "See You When You're 40", the idea to turn in a more r&b flavored track on "Who Makes You Feel" and the meter and rhythm of "Sand In My Shoes". "White Flag", "Mary's In India" and "See The Sun" are all solid failed relationship songs that sound honest and true (which is what I want from an artist because the song doesn't feel disposable). I certainly enjoyed "Life For Rent" more than "No Angel" and Dido avoided the sophomore slump with ease. This is the type of cd I can listen to anytime, and I look forward to hearing future cds from Dido.

That's what I am thinking with this great second album of hers. I would say, although a bunch will hate me for it, but it's the truth to me, is that this c.d. is even better than her first No Angel. It is more free, more light, and yes, more fun. The songs are great to hear when you are just relaxing from a long day or just want to turn down the volume and hear more softer, plesant music for awhile. I have both loud and soft music and on one day I want to hear loud and then the other times I just want to hear soft and lovely, and that is what Dido is, soft and lovely. This c.d. does sound a lot more light- hearted than No Angel and I like this side of Dido a lot.
I also love the music in the background a lot of the times it matches perfectly with Dido. A lot of the times singers will pick bad background music for a perfectly good voice, but Dido knows what she's doing definitely. I also love her voice a whole lot, I always have. It is different and sticks out from the crowd and that is what I look for these days, difference from the crowd and Dido is a good singer to have with us and I hope she sticks around for a long while cause we need singers like her with her way of music.
Why this c.d. is not five stars? There are one or two songs on here that I do skip because they do not sound the best. There are songs on here you'll attach yourself to so quickly, and there are one or two you'll find yourself skipping. They're all right but not as powerful as others.
The strongest songs on here:
White Flag was a good hit
Life For Rent- Nice
Mary's In India- I always liked this song too, very nice sound.
Home- Amazing! I love this song a whole lot.
Sand In My Shoes- Uplifting, catchy, a good dance hit.
This Land Is Mine- I always liked this song.
See The Sun Pt 1- There are two parts to this song, but the first song is beautiful I love it.
Pt 2- I never got why she did this but if you ever noticed wait for the song See The Sun to end and then if you can fast forward it, you'll noticed the minutes speed by for maybe like two minutes without any sound, but then a guitar will strum after seven minutes and you'll hear a whole new song come on. Why she has two songs lumped together I have no idea. After See The Sun fast forward to at least 7: 05 and you'll hear the new song come on, and it is worth the wait regardless because it is a good song. Very sweet, with really only Dido and a guitar.

The one song I find the weakest on here is Who Makes You Feel. I never liked that song. But the others are good to hear as well that I have not mentioned, but probably will take more time to get into than the others above. Home and Sand In My Shoes I just love though, and See The Sun's both parts are a close runner up.