Customer Reviews

Play With Me

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I bought Lene's solo album based on how much I loved her work with the wonderful (and disappointingly short-lived) pop band Aqua, and I was completely blown away by this album. While she was in Aqua, Lene's vocals were nearly overshadowed by the synth-beats and cute lyrics (not to mention having to compete with Rene! :)), but on Play With Me, Lene's vocal range absolutely shines.

Certain songs definitely stand out - "It's Your Duty" is a very fun and playful ode to - what else? - shaking your booty! The clever, sinfully wonderful lyrics on "Bite You" are very-well enhanced by the sing-songy, almost-childlike chorus - it's odd to hear such dirty lyrics sung in such an innocent voice, but the song works very well. And of course, the range that Lene displays throughout "Scream" is very impressive - we all know that Lene is very good at the high-pitched squeaks and squeals so famously displayed in Aqua's songs, but who knew she could also make her voice so low and sultry? I was definitely impressed. Other strong, upbeat tracks are "Virgin Superstar," "Surprise" and the title track, "Play With Me."

There are a few weak tracks - "We Wanna Party" and "Pants Up" spring to mind immediately, as they seem to be nothing more than mildly enjoyable filler songs, but the rest of the album is as strong, sexy and sassy as Lene herself :)

All-in-all, this album is a must-buy for any Aqua fan, or anyone who's a fan of playful pop tunes.

From the moment I heard "It's Your Duty" I knew this CD would be worth it, but it's DEFINITELY not what I expected... it's... undescribable really.

1. Virgin Superstar (5/5) - Perfect opening track! It's middle-Eastern tinged, and it's an upbeat dance number, and like every song here, amazingly well written. The chorus is irresistible! I'm sure we've all felt this way too.

2. Pretty Young Thing (5/5) - ONE OF THE BEST SONGS HERE! It's an upbeat breezy love song, and you cannot deny you've felt this way at once. It's about being MADLY in love with someone. This *has* to be a single!

3. It's Your Duty (5/5) - Amazing dance song that we all know (otherwise why are you reading this?). While it's great, it *does* seem out of place on this CD. It's the only raunchy sex song on here. You can't resist dancing ;) admit it.

4. Play With Me (3/5) - A rock track, it has a really cool symphony opening. I don't like it though - I hate rock, 99% of the time.

5. Bad Coffee Day (4.5/5) - The first ballad, it has some of the prettiest instrumentation I've ever heard. It's really unique. It's dark and sad. The chorus is really rocky. It reminds me of Avril Lavigne's "Losing Grip" --- I hate Avril, but this song takes a more techno approach than Avril has. I can really relate to the lyrics too.

6. Here We Go (5/5) - One of the best tracks, it's really Latin influenced, with some amazing beats and melodies, and really good lyrics. Very VERY original! The chorus is perhaps too rocky, but it's still amazingly catchy and unbelievably fun.

7. Bite You (3.5/5) - The beat here is a little sluggish, but very creative, and it has a grinding feel to it. I guess it will grow on me. It's really mid-tempo.

8. Up In Smoke (5/5) - My FAVORITE song on the CD, PERIOD. It's so angry and fun! The beat is amazing. If that chorus doesn't pull you in and make you melt, get your ears checked. This MUST BE A SINGLE!

9. We Wanna Party (4/5) - Something feels missing here. There's no real beat to dance to, that's why it's missing a star. It's meant to be a party track, but there's hardly any bass! It's really 80's, and awesome as heck, so that's why it gets 4.

10. Pants Up (5/5) - The funkiest track here! Such a party track!!! So fun to dance to!!! It has a really unique funky beat, and the melody is so awesome, great lyrics too. It's about a man who can't stop cheating. The chorus is amazing.

11. Surprise (1/5) - Too punky for me. I don't like it.

12. Scream (5/5) - The best ballad here, it's unbelievably haunting and beautiful - this one is a real tear jerker, there's no way to describe it really. It's too beautiful!

13. Doin' It To Ya (4/5) - Really awesome beat! It's really catchy and 80's sounding! I love it!! Very techno!

14. Paper Bag (5/5) - LMFAO! It has an 80's video game beat, it's so unique! This is one of the best songs on here (tied with Up In Smoke, and PYT). It's so funny... but at the same time, I can really relate to this song. I won't spoil it for you. Just listen to it for yourself.

What happened to...
Queen Of The Day?
As Good As It Gets? This song was so pretty!
Pole Position?

At least we got Paper Bag!...

This album wasn't given a fair chance. Lene has lots of potential but critics were all against her after the one hit wonder that was Aqua. Lene comes with a new sound with her solo album that is very comparable to Britney Spears' sound in In The Zone. [I'm not sure if that's a compliment, but I certainly like it, ha ha] The songs are cute and fun and are better than most pop music around here. I wonder how it would have done if it had been released in the USA. [It deserved to be]

I thought during the AQUA days, Lene was at the top of her game. Now the Play With Me disc has completely renewed my perspective on her vocal ability. For a woman to have this kind of range of vocal ability is amazing in my book. A++

I absolutely Love this Album. She sings great and it has very catchy songs. If you are thinking about buying this make sure it is the bonus tracks edition with "doin' it to you" and "paper bag" as they are really awesome songs and worth the extra money.

Ms. Nystrøm's debut is amazing. It's sexy, sophisticated and fun. When I first heard the lead single, "It's Your Duty," my jaw dropped. It's one of the best pop songs ever, coalescing naughty, suggestive, tongue-in-cheek lyrics with a danceable beat and a risqué twist on sexism and objectification. Do yourself a favor and at least give "It's Your Duty" a quick spin.

Being a huge Aqua fan, I am so glad that I found out about Lene's new album. It definately has some of the great sound of Aqua, but with a more sexy disposition. It does have more of a rock flair, but she doesn't stray far enough to dissapoint Aqua fans. The other review before mine sums it up pretty accurately and in much better detail (thanks!). I do miss the deep voice guy though :)

I wasn't a huge fan of Aqua, I mean I enjoyed their albums but I always felt like Lene was holding her vocals back, the only time u really got a glimpse of her vocal capcity was in the ballads.
Anyways, I really really like this Album, with a rock alternative edge too it, it reminds me a bit of Gwen Stefani (NO doubt). for those of u who are expecting Aqua type songs and themes you may not like it.But Lene has a great Album that she's put out, fun songs without coming off as cartoony and great lyrics,playful yet in a more mature manor.over all her vocals are so great!You can tell she put her all into it and did a great job.
Stand out tracks, Virgin Superstar,Pretty Young thing,It's ur duty, PLay with me,We wanna party, and Pants up.

This album is great - at first I was a little worried but I finally bought it and I am glad I did! All the songs are great and they are a lot better than what is playing now. Hopefully Lene hits the charts big, she deserves it!

I was rather suprised to trip over this CD and find out the lead Aqua vocalist broke out in 2003. Those expecting cover-to-cover good a la Aqua's "Aquarium" are going to be dissapointed, because some tracks are definitely filler. But like so many pop acts, Lene nailed a select few songs that will burrow their way into your skull. "It's your duty" stands out as the single of course. "Bite You" also works well, and "Up in Smoke" is similarly infectious, though some might dig deeper into the lyrics, realize Lene is harping on pot smokers, and move on.

Strange subjects is a good way to peg down some of the other reasons why this album isn't a 5-star affair. Lene seems to have caught "break-out fever", the sudden rush of independence causing her to stretch her boundaries a little too much and come off a little haphazard as a result. With a little more coaxing and guiding from producers, Lene probably could've grumpily put out a much better album at the expense of a bit of her pride...but unfortunately, sometimes artists get caught up in politics and don't realize it's about the music in the end.

Regardless of the flaws inherent in this album, if you like catchy eurodance-ish tracks and find this used for cheap like I did, you might enjoy it. But those who pay full album price may find themselves with a bit of buyer's remorse.