Shine [Extra tracks, Import, Original recording remastered]

Frida | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 9, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Import, Original recording remastered
• Label: Universal UK
• ASIN: B0009HL8EG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #174,506 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Shine

2. One Little Lie

3. Face

4. Twist In The Dark

5. Slowly

6. Heart Of The Country

7. Come To Me

8. Chemistry Tonight

9. Don't Do It

10. Comfort Me

11. That's Tough

12. Shine (Extended Mix)

Editorial Reviews

The third album in this reissue program is SHINE, produced by Steve Lillywhite and originally released in 1984. SHINE reached the Top 10 on the album charts in Sweden, Norway and Belgium, and the Top 20 in The Netherlands. The album features songwriting contributions from artists such as Kirsty MacColl (also a backing vocalist on the album), Stuart Adamson of Big Country and Frida herself (the song 'Don't Do It'). Notably, SHINE also includes 'Slowly', the last new song by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus to be recorded by either of ABBA's female vocalists to date. The featured bonus tracks are 'That's Tough' - a co-composition between Frida, her son Hans Fredriksson and Kirsty MacColl, which was originally the B-side of the 'Shine' single - and the 12-inch extended mix of 'Shine'. Universal. 2005.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A valiant effort, March 21, 2008

By 

bestcdhead - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shine (Audio CD)

While not for all tastes, this second English-language solo album from Abba soprano Frida is overall a strong effort to express her vocal talent and wide-ranging musical taste. Several songs on this album would have played perfectly on American 80's FM radio if they'd ever been given the chance. "Chemistry Tonight," "One Little Lie," and the title track are all prime examples of catchy synth-pop which follow right along with where Abba themselves left off. On the other hand, "Twist In The Dark" is a rather awkward attempt to express paranoia over a failing relationship. A good lyric is marred by a fumbling melody which seems intent on tripping over itself. More middle-of-the-road fare such as "Heart Of The Country" and "Slowly" (the latter penned by Abba alums Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson--Frida's former husband) add a sense of balance. "The Face" is one of the most angst-ridden vocals of Frida's solo career, effectively capturing the eerie uncertainty of a relationship gone sour. All in all, this is an uneven album, but not one to be easily dismissed. While not as strong as her "Something's Going On" album, it certainly maintains its overall focus, even if the picture itself is a bit fuzzy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous 80s artefact, June 22, 2000

By 

T. Kavanagh "tony" (Ireland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shine (Audio CD)

From the opening electro-treated drum crash, there is no mistaking the era of this album. It shouts "1984" at the top of its voice. Which is my way of saying "approach it in context".

"Shine" is Frida's second international solo album and, from the sound of things, she was determined that it would be a bit more commercial than its predecessor (1982's excellent 'Something's Going On'). By 1980s standards, there were plenty of potential hits here: the perky 'One Little Lie' and 'Chemistry Tonight'; the darkly dramatic 'Twist In The Dark' (there's a great video for this track); and, of course, the sweetly romantic 'Come To Me (I Am Woman)'. The title track, with its huge drum sound and swishy synths, even had shades of Peter Gabriel dancing around in the mix.

In the UK, the record company didn't bother to promote the album. The first single there, an edited mix of the sparky title track, made little impact on the charts. The second (and final) single, 'Heart Of The Country', was a catchy and mellow rock number - but not a hit either.

The lack of success was unfair, but kind of predictable. By 1984, the public were tired of anything ABBA-related (they had had 8 or 9 years of unadulterated ABBAmania and something had to give). This attitude combined with the record company's apathy spoiled its chances of success.

Now with 80s nostalgia becoming big business, "Shine" could earn a few new fans. This is a great mix of well-written pop tunes (credits include Kirsty MacColl and David Dundas) and pristine, of-its-time production from Steve Lillywhite (previous credits include U2 and Simple Minds). It's a budget re-issue and, therefore, a low-rick investment. Give it a whirl!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An ideal dancefloor album., July 7, 2000

By 

"mrbean_83" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shine (Audio CD)

I sometimes dance for exercise, and this is one of the perfect albums I've found for that purpose. This superb piece of eighties pop was performed by Anni-Frid Lyngstad of ABBA and produced by Steve Lillywhite (U2, etc.). From everything to rock, dancefloor pop, pop-rock, a little bit of folk, romanticism, the ups and downs of love, romance, and relationships. It's all here. And it's all done by one of the best vocalists ever. I think people who cut this album just don't understand the fact that it DID come out in 1984, so it's gonna sound a bit over-sythed at times. Another thing is the cover. Personally, I don't think that pose of Frida is all that bad. It's just another signifier of eighties stuff. And she looks like she's gonna kick some @$$! I also think it's unfair for people to say that Agnetha is better than Frida or the other way around. I have the girls' English solo work, and I have to say I don't think one is better than the other. They complemented each other's voices so well to make one big voice with ABBA, and solo they both experiment with different styles, although I do think Frida takes on a grittier image, and Agnetha a more light one. Basically, just go buy this album if you're curious. It's got a lot of good songs (even one by Bjorn and Benny called "Slowly."). You really won't regret it.