Play to Win [Extra tracks, Import]

Gabrielle | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 24, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Import
• Label: Universal UK
• ASIN: B0001Z2REQ
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #352,089 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Ten Years Time

2. Sometimes

3. Stay The Same

4. You Used To Love Me

5. Play To Win

6. No Big Deal

7. Latch Key Kid

8. Fallen Angel

9. Give & Take

10. War Of Two Minds

11. Picking Up The Pieces

12. Tumbling Down

13. Letting Go

Editorial Reviews

With ten UK top ten hits, two Brit awards & an American Music award to her name, 'Play To Win' is the fourth album by UK soul diva Gabrielle. The album is a mix of contemporary pop, soul, & even country & features the single 'Stay The Same'. Universal. 2004. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gabby at her deeply thoughtful and soulful best, August 2, 2005

By 

Kyles Beguiles (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Play to Win (Audio CD)

This album is a treat from start to finish. Gabrielle has always told great stories through her song lyrics and this album continues the trend, only the songs have become even more touching and deeply personal.

From "Ten Years Time" where she asks someone to ponder their situation in life to the triumphant "Play To Win" (probably her finest song ever) where she pleads with someone to stay determined and hopeful in spite of life complications, and the poignant "Fallen Angel" where she tries to help someone shake their demons to see their potential and validity in life, Gabrielle does not hold back on this record.

Her voice sounds incredible throughout and the musical arrangements could induce tears of joy from the beautiful sounds they create. Although this album is definitely more low key than her past releases, this is likely a reflection of where Gabrielle was in her life when writing and recording the album (fresh off a highly successful third album and Greatest Hits album and tour) and wanting to take things down a notch. Some stunning downtempo moments include the introspective "Sometimes" (which also features in Bridget Jones 2: The Edge of Reason) as well as the heartbreaking "You Used To Love Me", the affirmative "No Big Deal" and the compelling "Tumbling Down" which addresses peace conflict in the world.

The album also has tinges of country throughout, and several uptempo moments including the Cure-sounding "Stay the Same" (also a bit of a testament to Gabrielle's commitment to quality music) and the glorious hidden track "Letting Go" (also the bside to the Stay the Same single).

This album is indeed a win and will touch your heart for years to come, as will any item within Gabrielle's stunning back catalogue.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be huge!, July 13, 2004

By 

Kevin Jordan (Cork, Cork Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Play to Win (Audio CD)

This album has had a lukewarm reception and I can't understand why! It is one of those albums that the more you listen to it the more you love it. Just put it on, lie down and listen to the lyrics you'll be amazed at how many chords it strikes in your mind. For anyone that has gone through a break up you'll be touched by the simplicity of the emotions and little everyday situations described by Gabrielle in the songs.

Stand out Tracks "Play to Win" "Fallen Angel" and "Picking Up The Pieces"

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, January 5, 2006

By 

Reader "gramercypk" (NEW YORK CITY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Play to Win (Audio CD)

There are 13 new and beautiful performances here. If you are a fan of Gabrielle, know that what's consistent is the pleasure it is to hear this voice and the music. You will hear gentle nods to country in the melodies but this is pop at it's finest.