Customer Reviews

Shine: the Best of

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For many years now Annie Crummer has been one of my favourite voices, and indeed I believe just about the very best to have surfaced in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. I remember seeing her in just about her first performance with The Netherworld Dancing Toys as a real shining highlight on vocals. I was also lucky enough to watch her perform in the late 1980's with her friends in the all-girl When The Cat's Away (including the awesome Margeret Urlich - bookmark that name too) and Annie just stole the show. The type of girl with the really big smile that you just want to walk up to and hug (if laws allowed!).

This album is a collection of Annie at her best, giving a marvellous diversity of writing and writers, lending herself to so many different styles & moods. My pick is now, and always has been, Dave Dobbyn's "Guilty", which seems to have been written for Annie. The opener "See What Love Can Do" typifies the polynesian influence and impression.

Annie has got some powerful musical friends across Australasia and if you like a strong female voice then this is a 'must purchase'.

I first heard "Language" on Radio New Zealand International about a month ago and knew that I needed to hear more. This is a great first sampler. "Language", "State of Grace", "U Soul Me" and "Love not War" are top drawer. They show off her amazing range - from the breathy depths to her powerful highs. And the backup from the Cook Islands Christian Church choirs is both exciting and haunting.

The creativity and talent it takes to combine traditional Cook Islands Maori music, modern Pop and Soul and make it all work is breathtaking.

The only shame is that more North Americans haven't heard of her and she hasn't released more!

This girl can sing!!!! Her songs 'Make up' and 'Guilty' will make your shiver she rips them apart. 'Seven waters' is a great fast track with amazing backing vocals.

You may not of heard of her but you def want this CD. As of 2003 she is in the musical 'We will rock you' in Melbourne, Australia and before that was in the musical 'Rent'.

She is brillant.