Customer Reviews

Sweet Life

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

 

 

Seems strange to say it, but 26 years into her recording career and Renee Geyer has delivered her best album yet. Doesn't hurt when you're starting with that sensational voice in all its power and glory and her delicious phrasing and cadencing, but add a set of REALLY strong songs, great arrangements, playing and production and it adds up to what was one of THE albums of 1999. Startingwith the sensual groove of Best Time through the country leanings of You Broke A Beautiful Thing, the supreme balladry of Cake And The Candle the stylistic shifts blend together perfectly to create an album that just warrants repeated plays and no skipping of any tracks. A crime that this didn't sell better. With this set and Difficult Woman, Renee really is at the pinnacle of her career and I for one can't wait for her next album.

I have been an admirer of Renee Geyer's singing for more than 20 years now, and I rate this as perhaps her all-time best album. Forget your Dusty Springfields et al: THIS lady is the closest thing on the planet to a black voice in a white body. And what a soulful, evocative voice it is! For me, it's dusky tones are a cross between Marianne Faithfull and Aretha Franklin. Backed by the brilliant talents of Paul Kelly and Joe (Jo Jo Zep) Camilleri, this album displays beautifully the tonal and emotional vocal range of Ms Geyer. Although it has always been great, her voice seems to get better and better with age. Sweet Life is an album you will listen to over and over, without ever getting tired of it. I would have given it 5 stars, but I like to keep some headroom in my ratings - just in case there's a better album waiting in a studio somewhere around the corner.

A friend from Australia gave me this and I just want to know where this lady has been. Renee Geyer's voice is fantastic and this album shows it off really well. It's kind of a mixture of soul, pop and even a bit of c and w. There is not a weak track. If you like singers like Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, etc. you should listen to this.

What a voice!! I'f you like a strong and powerful voice full of character and emotion (e.g. Alison Moyet) then Renee is for you. Move over Cass. Wilson; Renee is your lady! Her voice is stong, powerful, and emotive!! Love Always-Tassie, Australia!!

I bought this CD because it is co-produced by my favorite artist Paul Kelly and contains at least four of his newly penned tunes as well as a duet featuring Paul and Renee. The album is outstanding in terms of performance, choice of songs and production values. She reminds me of Dusty Springfield with her emotional range and smoky voice delivery. I strongly recommend this CD to anyone who likes R & B, both new and old. A great CD all around.

Undeniably, Renee Geyer has a voice that has proven to be one of the strongest and most sophisticated of all female vocalists, with the ability to sorround herself with brilliant musicians who can lay down soulful and sometimes jazzy grooves. Sweet life continues to demonstrate her incredible voice, but completely fails to include any complimentary music. If you are a fan of real instruments, this album is not for you. There is an overabundance of synthetic strings and bland arrangements that are a far cry from some of the soulful performances of her earlier work. Be ready to be amazed by the muse, but put to sleep by the band...