Customer Reviews

Toughest Girl Alive

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

"The Toughest Girl Alive" reflects Candye's immense talent as a songwriter and a singer. The diverse songs make this CD a real jewel. Not only do they have great lyrics to which it is easy to relate, they also have this swing and rhythm that goes straight into your blood! You just can't keep your feet on the ground, while Candye's powerful voice wants to make you "Scream in the Night"! Five stars for this well-rounded CD!

First off, let's make it clear that Candye Kane is not some novelty act. While some folks like to focus more on her past and on her looks in reviewing her work, this is a serious vocalist with an exceptional backing band. There are few people on the planet who can belt out a song like Candye. Add to that, an allure that is hard to ignore and you have someone who makes great CDs and performs at unforgettable shows.

Of all of her work this CD is by far the best. I don't think there is a weak cut on the entire album and most of these songs will either get your feet moving, put a smile on your face or at least get you to stop and reflect.

While I would recommend anything she has ever recorded, this along with Diva La Grande are the perfect place to start in terms of appreciating her talent.

Candye has had an outrageous life and an outrageous career, and judging by this sharp, expansive and swingin' CD, it's not over by a long shot. Candye sets herself up as a classically bawdy belter in the mold of early Della Reese, Ruth Brown and Big Maybelle, with a little Rusty Warren thrown in. And it works. For me there's not a bad song on here. It's absolutely the best CD to put in when there's a party going on. Even when the CD slows down for some questionable material (Didn't We and Highway of Tears) her big, warm voice carries it along anyway.

A real surprise of a CD; I was familiar with Candye from her previous career in the, ahem, adult entertainment industry but had NO idea that behind the big beautiful exterior there was an equally big, beautiful music talent. Anybody who likes swing and blues, a little on the salty side, will dig this immensely. Candye might be the Toughest Girl Alive but I've always had a soft spot for Tough Girls. They've always got more substance than those prefab teen cuties.

I thought Diva La Grande was the ultimate Candye CD...until I heard this one!

Her deep, rich voice really comes through on some very good songs. There is a great deal of variation on this CD that never fails to keep my interest - with the exception of For Your Love which gets fairly cheesy towards the end.

But that is a small price to pay for a boatload of ear Candye that I have been putting on every chance I get. Diva La Grande was much more raw, both lyrically and to my ear musically. Toughest Girl Alive is more polished. I love'em both.

I discovered Candye Kane last year when I saw her on television. I bought "Toughest Girl Alive" the first day it came out and I have not stopped listening since. IT is an album of pure gold, not one bad song in the mix. From the opening of "Toughest Girl Alive" to the last scream in "Scream in the Night", the album is pure gold. If she doesn't become a star, there is a problem with the world.

Candye is the star. She sings on all the tunes, demonstrating a voice with power and a nice range of intensity. The voice is more insistent when singing about impending sex, sweeter and less intense when singing out of love. She has a range of exuberance as well. Her voice does not have tremendous pitch range but it's a solid, professional voice.

The songs are a few covers, some familiar, but most are familiar chord changes with new lyrics written by herself, sometimes with others. I find the lyrics interesting, creative and funny, albeit more than a bit raunchy. But, hey, she is performing in a blues-y genre. Some of the best lyrics are about:

Survival (Toughest Girl Alive song)
Love (Didn't We)
Sex(Let's Commit Adultery and most of the others)

On balance, this is a good album, worth buying. Ms. Kane has a professional voice. The horn arrangements add to the swing tunes. Some swing that's around today take arrangements from 40 years ago, perform them in a boring manner and then act like it's something new. I'd much rather listen to new lyrics and arrangements.

this cd starts like a freight train and never lets up till the final stop. if you love uptempo music with great horns this cd is for you. candye kane is a talented artist who can sing,so give her respect know matter what she did in the past,because its all in the music

The CD was exactly as described. Jewel case, disc, and insert were all in fine condition. No skips or scuffs.

Besides that, this cd is a blast! Great getting-ready-to-go music, it's super fun and delightful. If you ever get a chance to see Candye Kane live, do it!

It is an absolute shame that a talent like Candye Kane's is overlooked in favor of the tripe that rules the airwaves, either radio or television. Candye is a thousand percent better than anything out there. Moreover, she is the most humorous & sincere woman I've ever seen, heard or met.

Admittedly, it is virtually impossible to look past her amble bosom (even for a gay man) when she is noodling on the piano, but without looking at the cover when listening to any of her albums at home, she could be anyone who deserves your attention, let alone be an automatic inclusion on any blues festival or tour that claims to be authentic. Forget about her supposed checkered past in the various offshoots of the entertainment industry, she is, first & foremost a blues singer.

I am forever grateful to my best friend for talking me into seeing her some years ago, and I remain a committed fan forever. If anyone out there is still sitting on the ledge, dive in - the water is fine. Tell it like it is, Miss Candye!

If you don't know Candye Kane, you're missing some terrific music. She's unique, of course, but think Grace Slick singing Janis Joplin songs with a swing band and you're not too far off. All her CDs are worthy; Toughest Girl Alive is my favorite. Play it loud.