Customer Reviews

Luminescence

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anggun had a hit a couple a years ago with `La neige au Sahara', I also remembered her for `La rose des vents' and her participation to a DJ electro-jazz project 2 years ago. I was therefore surprise to hear from her after so long with `Etre une femme', first single taken from this new album. I must say it ended up a nice surprise as this album is one of my favourite French albums of 2005 so far.

`Etre une femme' (two versions on the album, the solo/single/radio version and another one featuring rapper Diam's) will remind you of Truth Hurts `Addictive': it mixes oriental vibes with r'n'b rhythm. The lyrics is about being feminine without being misunderstood by men, it is a sort of declaration of independence. The result is rather catchy and will get you to shake those hips, but does not reflect the rest of the album.

There are a couple of beautiful ballads on the album. `C'est écrit'/`Painted' is a power ballad about how love can be written in the stars, written by Anggun in English and adapted by Lionel Florence in French. `Nous avions des ailes' is a breathy ballad, full of tenderness and very dreamy, a little bit melancholic maybe, one of my favourite tracks. `Un de toi' is an almost acoustic ballad about 2 becoming 3, how a couple turns into family. `Sur les cendres' is a grand ballad, with lyrical flight of strings - a true romantic number. `D'où l'on vient' is maybe more an album filler, even is the chorus gets you singing along.

`L'improbable cours des choses' is maybe my absolute favourite. The lyrics are signed Anggun and the music Tété, a folk singer nominated to Victoires de la Musique 2004. It has a cool rhythm that get you snapping fingers - think Jack Johnson.

Then Anggun unleashes the electric guitars on a couple of numbers: `Captivité'/ `Captivity', `Devil in my mind', `Human' (the intro sounding a little bit funky, a la Lenny Kravitz, gets me crazy), `Cesse la pluie' (announced as second single), all of them bringing a great upbeat, rocky feel to the album. I always get a little wild when playing those in my car.

I really enjoyed the album as a whole, and I really got into Anggun raspy and very distinctive voice. Just a good French pop album!

This edition comes with a bonus DVD. You will get 'Etre Une femme' video and a short presentation of the album, with interviews of Anggun, Diam's and Tété (in French) about working on this project.

With each new release Anggun (pronounced un-goon) gets better and better. This is the English version of her French release of the album of the same name. She co-wrote all tracks in both English and French, which is amazing. This CD is hard to categorize. It's pop with rock influences. There are plenty of ballads but my favorite tracks are the up tempo "In Your Mind" which has a funky Eastern Indian vibe and wild percussion, and the very pop-radio sounding "Devil In My Mind" which is just a great fun song. The single "Undress Me" and "Savior" are also great, with "Savior" having a great rock vibe. My other favorite track is "Evil & Angel" which is a mid-tempo Alanis-esque intropsective type song.

If you like exploring new types of music and especially world music, I highly recommend this album and Anggun. This album doesn't really have a vibe that I totally would put in the "world" music category, it's pop. But there is an Eastern Indian vibe on a few track and overall, as with all of Anggun's music, she borrows from all genres.

The CD contains several bonus tracks including an extended version and Indian remix of "In Your Mind", as well as several different versions of the Bahasa language version of "Savior" called "Mantra".

Anggun, the Indonesian-born French singer, is best known for her first single "Snow on the Sahara", but she consistently proves she sings more than world music or ethnic touch sounds--her voice has a lived-in grace (in indonesian, her full name means grace born out of dreams!) that you don't hear from a lot of competitive french divas. Her third french album celebrates Anggun's freedom with a powerful voice, classic-minded variant on her pop rock and ballads.

With its oriental touch, "Etre une femme" (being a woman, or "In your mind" for the future english title) puts a dance groove in this album,
and the funkier "Human" reminds the rock&roll era.

With "Nous avion des ailes" and "Cesse la pluie" provide future hits, Anggun is more remarkable for its cristal-clear voice.

When I heard Anggun was about to relase a new album, I was highly excited, as I am a huge fan of her, and was curious of what her new album would be like. Anyway, around September 2005, I finally purchased the record (excitedly, of course) and then listened to the album. And this is the conclusion of what I heard:

With the release of her 3rd (4th if you count 2002's soundtrack album "Open Hearts")album, Luminescence, Anggun has marked herself as one of true, original, fresh and innovative artists in music. She always dares to take another step on each of her album, while never leaving her world-pop trademark. And this album proves musical genius, with 12 (originally 13) songs ranging from upbeat dance music ("In Your Mind") to soft, beautiful ballad, the reminiscent of her early sounds on her 1997's international debut "Snow on the Sahara"/"Anggun" ("Surrender", "Breathe In Water") to rock-influenced sound("Saviour", "Painted", "Undress Me"). Not only singing, Anggun also co-wrote all the tracks, mostly with Jean-Pierre Taieb.
Now this IS real talent we're talking about here.

The opening track, "In Your Mind", is a R&B-influenced dance tune with Arabian music vibes, and what's more amazing are the lyrics, about embracing women's femininity, and suggesting that "the only thing wrong is your irritating mind". Could be a huge hit, with its infectious, hooky, catchy beat and sing-along lyrics.

2nd track, "Undress Me" talks about a relationship in which Anggun suggests her lover to "remind me to be myself" because "if there's a painless love, we wouldn't be the same", a beautiful love song and the arrangement is breathtaking.

"Evil and Angel", still has a R&B influence, but this time is mixed with electronica sound. The atmosphere of the song is light-hearted, positive and uplifting, reminiscent of her "A Prayer" song (from 2000's "Chrysalis"). Anyone hearing the song must feel uplifted with lyrics about loving yourself "for you can't love another" and the chorus line "Yeah, this is me, I am who I am and I'm proud to be me".

"Breathe in Water" is simply one of the greatest love songs EVER, it's amazingly breathtaking with guitar and percussion almost throughout then is continued with electronica sounds and drums towards the end. Not to forget the lyrics : "To show how much you mean to me/I'd give up my gravity/To walk the surface of the sea/To find where you would be". So romantic (anyone in love definitely can relate to this song). The poeticism and the world beat may remind you of her "Snow on the Sahara" sounds.

"Saviour", "Painted" and "Devil in My Mind" are the signs of Anggun's return to her original rock sounds (if you don't know, when she was still in Indonesia, she was a 'lady rocker' in late 80's and early 90's). Each of them is very catchy and sing-along.

"Human" is another infectious track, on which Anggun lays her point of view of humanity with lyrics "I know my friends and foes/But I'm not quite sure anymore".

"Cover" talks about Anggun's feelings towards Indonesia, about how she doesn't feel accepted and being looked like a stranger by people on her homeland. Very touching with sad lyrics: "Some things can't be erased from paper/Blood cannot be replaced by water/Things that I have embraced/Can't cover the trace of my home".

"Something Sublime" is another song about self-esteem, where Anggun gets wise, with catchy beat and subtle guitar sounds
, very sing-along and definitely one of the album's highlights. I personally really love this song, particularly the chorus:
"To walk the road in my rhythm/Put my faith in the hands of time/Everything comes with a reason/And life is something sublime/To live with courage and wisdom/Always keep my head up high/Everything comes for a reason/And await is something sublime".

"Capticity" is another love song, the sound may reminisce you to her 2000's "Chrysalis" sounds, electronica beats with pop and rock influenced.

All that being said, 'Luminescence' is undoubtedly the best album in 2005, and though maybe a few fans see this album as Anggun's crossover to mainstream territory, it doesn't weigh down the quality of this album. 'Luminescence' is a brilliant, fresh and original music album that surely join Snow on The Sahara and Chrysalis as the REAL classic albums. Anyone looking for albums with fresh sounds and deep, meaningful lyrics should definitely add 'Luminescence' to their collection, as the album will surely 'luminescent' your life!

Go buy this record now, you won't be disappointed!

Latest release from an underrated singer named anggun after she signed a new record deal with local french label attached to Sony-BMG. Luminescence, a well crafted up to date mixture of sounds with a new modest was releasee with a hope of global recognition.

Its hard to predict if 'Luminescence' will be the 'IT' album for anggun. Without heavy promotion, it might become another unnoticed album as similar to her previous work which were only adored by her existing fans and music lovers who happened buy her album by friends recommendation.

However i can guarantee you that this album is nothing but perfection. It has everything in it, a well crafted mixture of latest sound with high quality production. If your thinking of buying english version of 'luminescence', this release is the best in the market so far. IT contains 13 new tracks with 5 bonus tracks.An offer that shall not be miss.The adventure begin with the first single off the album....

1. in your mind
opening track. BOLD. Refreshing sound with heavy middle eastern drum beats. Anggun teases guys who loves to critizes everything about women physical appearance.She sum it all by saying "its all in your mind". clever and catchy. 10/10

2.Undress Me
great opening hook. will reminds u of her 'snow on sahara' opening sound. great song.this song was #1 on italy online sales chart. The first single release from this album in Italy. what more i can say? The lyrics?brilliant. Anggun tell the men of how women can be be modest to their guys by undressing their ego with respect and love. (10/10)

3.evil angel.
playful song. still upbeat with catchy self confident lyrics. Anggun wrote"i dont wear lipstic everyday only kisses decorate my smile, i dont have long legs im not tall, but i was told that i can reach a star". She talks how we should be confident by being no one but ourself. This is far from being preachy. totally brilliant catchy song. (10/10)

4.breathe in water.
soulful ballad. simple guitar driven song. the lyrics will make those softy hearts outthere sobbing in tears of how far you will you go to prove your love. the lyrics is also clever not cliche. "to show how much you mean to me, i erase my memory, i walk on surface of the 7 seas..to be where you would be.." uplifting love song. (10/10)

5.saviour
urban rock. uplifting european rock vibes that will makes u open up your sleepy eyes.trust me. this is her 2nd single off the album. the theme song for the hollywood movie's 'the transporter 2' and was included in the movie OST for worldwide distribution.
Anggun talks about how she need a saviour to rescue her from falling out of love.(10/10)

6.surrender
the song open with a short hindu cants.this song is a relaxing song with simple music.a romantic song where anggun talks about how she will surrender to love, to the man of her life. orientalish vibe with soothing charms. (9/10)

7.captivity.
up beat modern track. anggun talks about how her love kept her under captivity and how she dont wanna go away from her man of her life. simple. (9/10)

8. cover
great song. this song is romoured to be anggun defenses from the indonesian media who accused her of forgotting her indonesian roots. This song also serves as an anthem to those people who live away from their native country. uplifting,emotional song. she wrote "somethings cant be erase from a paper, blood cannot be replaced by water,dreams that i have embrace, cant cover the trace of my home.." well said! (10/10)

9.something sublime
slow dancing track. anggun talks about being positive towards life. "to walk the road in my rhytmn, put my faith in the hands of time, everything comes from a reason, and life is something sublime". So now we know how she become a strong women.(9/10)

10.devil in my mind
playful upbeat tracks. this song talks about how hard it is to take a one step out of time to pursue true love before devil in our mind take control. (9/10)

11.painted
another emotional midtempo song where anggun talks about how hard it is when we fight a love that is symbolicly described as like having a tatoo, forbidden like a taboo.(10/10)

12.human
dance track with sound elements borrowed from the 70s with 'the beatles'ish sound. with clapping hands. something different but interesting from anggun. She playfully question about how nowawayds to identify someone is our friend or foe, a human, but behave unlikely, thus she throw her scarcism on this song. interesting and catchy. (10/10)

13. go
last song off the album. a emotional but uplifting post breakup ballad. almost sounding like a prayer to set off those sadness away. anggun vocals really carry this song well. brilliant. (10/10)

The bonus tracks
----------------

14.mantra( single version)
- a malay language version of 'cover' for indonesia/malaysia market.mantra means cants in english.

15.mantra(a cappella version)
-an unplugged version of 'mantra'. no music, just anggun crispy voice. soothing.

16. mantra(intrumental)
-indulge yourself with the music of the song. no vocal.

17. in your mind(indian remix)
-a refreshing mix of 'in your mind' interesting. it sound different than the original version. funky. upbeat. with hindu cants all over the songs. a must listen.a potential club hit.


18 in your mind(FBcool extended club mix)
-another remix of 'in your mind'. this remix doesnt have hindu cants. a blend between her vocal and the drum beats. interesting mix. potential club hit.

There you go, a well packaged song selection that makes luminescence a must have for anggun fans and will definately make a new listener to become a fan of hers. This european production have what it takes to conquer the world and serve anggun a recognition she supposed to have. If only it is well marketed with a well plan promotional activities it will bring justice to the hardwork that has been pour in the production.

I should know that Anggun started in the Asian circuit before expanding herself to the European scene. This recent effort of hers proves to be a benchmark in her career as "Luminescence" (both the French and upcoming English album) will undoubtedly propel her to higher peaks.

I have to say the disc is eclectic, with beats ranging from slamming guitars to soft acoustics. Although the album would have done without the English songs, it was still a perfect blend nonetheless. My fave tracks would have to be the belly-shaking track "Etre Une Femme"; the rock-driven theme to 'Le Transporteur 2' soundtrack, "Cesse La Pluie" and also the equally powerful "Captivite"; the melodic "Je Suis Libre" and "L'Improbable Cours Les Choses"; and the gentle tracks "Sur Les Cendres" and "Un De Toi". I also give props to the English songs, "Devil In My Mind" and "Human" for giving it a familiar edge that Anggun brings. The English acoustic version of "Captivite" (or "Captivity") was just absolutely touching and romantic! Definitely worth listening to!!!

Proving herself worthy to the mainstream music scene, Anggun has given new life and light to this new album, which would certainly give her the much-deserved recognition from markets like the U.S.A. Kudos! Am anticipating the English version, which I hear it lives up to the French album. Hope to hear more from this talented Asian Princess! Au revoir!

Anngun is quite simply the sexiest voice on the planet! Her unique vocal stylisms reflect that of artists such as Annie Lennox, Carole King and Celine Dion, only far better and far more talented! Think Annie Lennox with twice the vocal range and a mondo sexy voice! If you have not heard any of her work, start with her US debut "Snow on the Sahara." It was a great introduction of her at the time and she was still quite young. She has "matured" a great deal since then and I think in the coming years people will take notice of her with the right cross over album. Cheers!

Anggun had a hit a couple a years ago with `La neige au Sahara', I also remembered her for `La rose des vents' and her participation to a DJ electro-jazz project 2 years ago. I was therefore surprise to hear from her after so long with `Etre une femme', first single taken from this new album. I must say it ended up a nice surprise as this album is one of my favourite French albums of 2005 so far.
`Etre une femme' (two versions on the album, the solo/single/radio version and another one featuring rapper Diam's) will remind you of Truth Hurts `Addictive': it mixes oriental vibes with r'n'b rhythm. The lyrics is about being feminine without being misunderstood by men, it is a sort of declaration of independence. The result is rather catchy and will get you to shake those hips, but does not reflect the rest of the album.
There are a couple of beautiful ballads on the album. `C'est écrit'/`Painted' is a power ballad about how love can be written in the stars, written by Anggun in English and adapted by Lionel Florence in French. `Nous avions des ailes' is a breathy ballad, full of tenderness and very dreamy, a little bit melancholic maybe, one of my favourite tracks. `Un de toi' is an almost acoustic ballad about 2 becoming 3, how a couple turns into family. `Sur les cendres' is a grand ballad, with lyrical flight of strings - a true romantic number. `D'où l'on vient' is maybe more an album filler, even is the chorus gets you singing along.
`L'improbable cours des choses' is maybe my absolute favourite. The lyrics are signed Anggun and the music Tété, a folk singer nominated to Victoires de la Musique 2004. It has a cool rhythm that get you snapping fingers - think Jack Johnson.
Then Anggun unleashed the electric guitars on a couple of numbers: `Captivité'/ `Captivity', `Devil in my mind', `Human' (the intro sounding a little bit funky, a la Lenny Kravitz, gets me crazy), `Cesse la pluie' (announced as second single), all of them bringing a great upbeat, rocky feel to the album. I always get a little wild when playing those in my car.
I really enjoyed the album as a whole, and I really got into Anggun raspy and very distinctive voice. Just a good French pop album!

Always known for her gorgeous looks and sultry smoky voice, Anggun arrived on the scene as an Exotic breath of fresh air. With Luminescence, she puts aside her foreign "Asian-appeal" and proves that she can transcend all barriers and genres. "Etre Une Femme" was a urban-flavored surprise and captured Anggun garnering an entirely new fan-base while staying true to her strong vocals and amazing R&B runs. "Cesse La Pluie" burst out as the memorable next single with it's beautiful piano arrangement and crunchy guitar riffs. Althroughout the album we find Anggun reaching a new zenith as the writing becomes more poetic and lyrical, the hooks are tighter and her voice is more polished and confident. The already superior album (Almost every song could be a single) was re-released in mid 2006 and offers new remixes and bonus tracks not included in the original version. "Garde Moi" a duet with David Halliday is a haunting and exquisite rock ballad, while "Juste Avant Toi" was a lighter yet no less melancholy triumph that ruled the summer of 06'. The remixed songs are excellent as well : Captivite is mashed-up with "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd, "Etre Une Femme" is remixed to sound like something from out of Lata Mangeshkar's repetoire, and there are two techno mixes of the other two singles. This was truly one of the best French albums (or any album for that matter regardless of language) I have ever heard, and as Anggun's star ascends ever higher we are left to wonder what she could possibly do to top Luminescence.

I don't. Still great music. If you have seen Anggun in concert, you know she can do no wrong. The third track even made me cry and men don't cry, especially when they don't understand the words? For the most part an upbeat album.