Customer Reviews

Speaking With the Angel

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

 

 

I wanted to be one of the first in America to get this cd. I got my copy today and wanted to be the first to write a review. I've waited six months for this cd. I made a special 600 mile roundtrip to Portland to see Mary Black and hear her new songs. This may be her best yet. Specifically, Turning Away is one of the best songs from one of the best female voices in the world. Besides that, it actually has lyrics which mean something; a rare commodity in today's music. But, for those of us who know Mary Black's music, good lyrics are nothing new or unusual. And the title cut has a special meaning for those who have heard her sing it in concert after she tells the story of the inspiration for the song. Be one of the first in America to buy this fabulous female's latest cd. Although the price is obvously a little higher now than it will be later, it's worth every penny.

Had to write this review - more than 5 years after the release - to pull up the errant 3 star rating it had here. It may lack the strong Irish flavor of earlier albums like "By the Time it Gets Dark", but at least two cuts - Bless the Road and I Live Not Where I Love - fit that bill perfectly. Mary's voice and passion come through on every cut. "Fall at Your Feet" is an excellent illustration of Mary Black's beautiful voice coming through strong yet seemingly so effortlessly. A couple of cuts I could do without (adult pop?), but overall, this is a cohesive album, MB at her best; Mary Black fans won't be disappointed.

I emailed a friend who was travelling in England, and she brought "Speaking..." back for me. What a disappointment! This collection of new songs is right down the middle of the Adult Contemporary road, neither interesting nor groundbreaking. Gone are the traditional Irish tunes for which Mary Black has no equal; also missing are the "new classics" like "Ellis Island" that have occasionally cropped up on some of her CDs. Save for "Turning Away", this is a collection of rocks, not gems. It seems as if Mary Black is tired of being pidgeonholed as an Irish singer, so she's trying to break into America by releasing a CD of boring music that showcases neither her voice nor her early talents for selecting worthy material. I can't believe, after listening to her older CDs, that this collection of tunes is anything more that a contractual obligation. The Crowded House tune "Fall At Your Feet" is almost embarrassing, and Sting's "Fields of Gold" is nice, but not suited for her voice. "Broken Wings" is pretty, nothing more. If you have to have everything Mary Black records, you might like this more than I did. But if your looking to hear that glorious voice, you'll tire quickly of this CD. Mary, call me when you're in Maryland and I'll help you pick songs for the next one!

I am a huge fan of Mary Black's earlier work. So, when I saw that she was releasing a new CD, I was thrilled. I couldn't wait to rip it open and pop it in. What a disappointment! I thought that Mary's voice sounded as if she were recovering from throat surgery or trauma. I am used to her voice being strong and vibrant, but this collection sees a definite movement away from that. If her records continue in this trend, I will be a fan of her earlier work only.

Also, I was very disappointed that her band had also abandoned their traditional sounds. I feel I am being generous by rating this record 2 stars.