Customer Reviews

Up!

5 star:		(386)
4 star:		(95)
3 star:		(57)
2 star:		(43)
1 star:		(48)

 

 

It's clear that sales of Shania Twain's 2002 "Up!" will not exceed the figures of the 1990's best-selling album -- her previous offering "Come On Over" sold 33 million copies worldwide. One of the reasons is that we have entered the age of internet, cd-burners and pirate copies.

Musically, though, "Up!" is at least "up" to par with "Come On Over" and "The Woman In Me", if not better. The superstar has released a double album, on the two discs of which are the same 19 songs, but in different arrangements -- one of them has been inspired by various influences of world music.

Shania and her husband/producer Mutt Lange wrote and produced a collection of 19 brand new songs so catchy and "singable" that it is almost incredible nowadays -- in the era of recycled pop music.

Lyrics often contain sweet nothings but sometimes touch on weightier matters, "Ka-ching!" pointedly hits off the current consuming society, and "She's Not Just A Pretty Face" updates 'girl-power' theme. Romance dominates the lyrics, though.

Unlike on "The Woman In Me", where uptempo songs and ballads were represented equally, "Up!" follows the formula of "Come On Over", built on faster songs. Yet, when Shania ventures into ballad territory ("It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing", "When You Kiss Me"), she sounds at once vulnerable and irresistible. Jealousy ("Waiter! Bring Me Water!") and self-confidence ("In My Car") also suit her fine. Among the cream of the crop is also "Forever And For Always", "Nah!" and "C'est la vie".

The album contains so many crisp melodies that it's almost impossible to swallow them all at once and only after several listens you'll be able to relish them completely. A guarantee: if you own this album, whether at home or 'in your car', "Up!" is on the way to become one of your favourites. This is great pop music.

Calling Shania Twain country is the same as calling Mikhail Gorbachev a communist back in the 1980's. OK, so is this Come On Over Once Again? Well, some bits of it are, but the songs and the album overall seem more solid than Come On Over. The title track breaks open with the same infectiousness that "Man! I Feel Like A Woman" did from the previous album. In other words, "Up!" is simply irresistible from the word go... I mean up! However, as there are nineteen songs here, I'll concentrate on the ones that yanked my ear. Overall, this is a smashing album, though. Oh, note: I'm reviewing from the POV of the red pop disc.

Most of the songs are upbeat and have that manner of erasing bad moods in the same way that "I'm Holding On To Love" and "Don't Be Stupid" from Come On Over did.
"I'm Gonna Getcha Good!" has the most infectious lyrics with the words "gonna getcha" since Blondie's "One Way Or Another." The tempo is

"She's Not Just A Pretty Face" is a tribute to the woman who may be the waitress, gas pump jockey, airline pilot, mother of three, etc, who's "got everything it takes" and is
the mother of the human race." There's a similar rhythm to Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me" in the chorus, not surprising considering her husband produced Leppard's Hysteria.

"Forever And For Always" is has a mid-paced backing drum section that has the same reflective dreaminess of Steve Winwood's "Back In The High Life Again."

"Ain't No Particular Way" is highlighted by the strings providing the backing rhythm after the chorus.

The sweet ballad here is "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing," which is the "From This Moment On" of this album, albeit without a dueting partner, and it's better too. However, the closing ballad "When You Kiss Me" is equally meritorious in beauty.

"Nah!" has only the slightest twinge of country but with the Def Leppard style backing vocals, it's clear that it's more pop than country. Ditto for the next song. "(Wanna Get To Know) You That Good" is a firm avowal of how much she wants to know someone, from memorizing one's face in a lifetime, knowing one by heart and mind, including "Every feel of your fingers, every curl in your hair."

"Ka-Ching" is a pointed social commentary on the mall-style materialism that has swept America. She sings of the indebtedness America launched itself into in the 70's, namely that little plastic card. "We've created a credit card mess/ We spend the money we don't possess/Our religion is to go and blow it all/So it's shoppin' every Sunday at the mall." With the cash register sound present, it could be a counterpart to Pink Floyd's "Money."

"Waiter! Bring Me Water!" has the girl being humiliated by her boyfriend at a restaurant because he is looking at another woman. I get the sense that the put upon girl needs the water to toss in his face instead of to drink in order to cool him down.

"What A Way To Wanna Be!" is a breakneck rock song dismissing the pressures of women of being overly conscious of their looks, figure, and trendy. "Bigger is the best, but only in the chest" and "Yeah, how insane-to be so vain/It's so synthetic-I just don't get it" are key lyrics.

The upbeat and sassy "In My Car (I'll Be The Driver)" has a role reversal in which she doesn't mind whatever her man does, whether it's sleeping with his socks on or hurting her head with his favourite rock song-just let her drive the car.

There are 19, count'em!, 19 songs on this album, so that's VERY generous of Shania and Mutt. Plus, those 19 songs are also on the green country disc, so make that 38 songs for the price of one CD. I favour the red pop disc over the mellower green country disc, which is not bad. Make no mistakes-this one will outsell Come On Over, which sold diamond-ten million copies for those not in the know. So to sum up, longer, better, snazzier, and more solid. And it figures, as Mutt Lange wants to save the best for his wife, but what a wife!

Up! is an awesome song, really upbeat and just puts you in a good mood. I really like the positivity and the uniqueness of it. You can always count on Shania for something original.

Im Gonna Getcha Good is a kickin' song and I still love it!! Shania sings about confidence here and the message is loud and clear

She's Not Just A Pretty Face makes a big social statement. I really like that Shania has put a lot of social songs on this album. A lot of women in the world are looked at only as objects and this song talks about how a woman can do anything a man does!

Juanita is another feminist song, about the common bond all women share. It's beautiful and another very original and very unique song.

Forever And For Always is so pretty and it captures the feelilng of being in love perfectly.

Ain't No Particular Way delivers a message to those who may have given up on love. This song talks about how love can be found anywhere, and is usually found when you're not looking for it!

It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing is the most beautiful song on the album. Shania sings about pain and how she "holds her breath to forget". It's a message and idea that so many people will relate to. For anyone who has ever lost someone, this song is for you.

Nah! is one of the great upbeat songs and is once again true Shania in that it is unique and clever. It's about not wanting to take someone back who broke your heart. This one is going to be a hit!

Wanna Get To Know You (That Good) is my absolute favorite song by Shania. It's about wanting to get to know somebody as close as you can. The music in this song just gives you a feelilng that matches the lyrics.

C'est La Vie is very relatable to all people. It's a positive message from Shania to us, and I hope to start everyday listening to this song. Life isn't all that bad

I'm Jealous is another beautiful song. Shania refers to it as poetic, and it is indeed lovely. It's about how much you can love someone that you're even jealous of the moon, sun, wind and rain.

Ka-Ching is a very deep song lyrically. I don't care for the melody, but the words are true and Shania is making another social statement about the greed in the world.

Thank You Baby does not have much to say lyrically, but the simple lyrics get the message across clearly. I love the instrumentation in this song the most, it sounds so big and beautiful.

Waiter! Bring Me Water is another original tune by Shania. I love how she is so unique. This song talks about jealousy and has a great sense of humor. The oriental sounds at the beginning give the song an awesome kick.

What A Way (To Wanna Be) is another social statement song. It talks about how women feel pressured to look perfect all the time because of society. Shania says that we should just think for ourselves and be happy to be who we are. This song has a great message and the song itself is very rockin'! Almost has an 80s feel to it!

I Ain't Goin' Down is my second favorite song. It's about a 15 year old girl who has a baby and everyone turns against her, but she makes it through because her daughter gives her love to carry on. And at the end of the day if that's all she has, it was worth it. Love the message in this song, very inspiring!

I'm Not In The Mood (To Say No) is a song about being motivated and not wanting to just sit around on your couch. It's got attitude and it's very upbeat and rockin'!

In My Car (I'll Be the Driver) is another favorite. It's about a woman being in control. Shania has fun with the lyrics, and this again is a rockin' song. I can't wait to drive to it!!

When You Kiss Me is another pretty ballad that professes love to another. It's a stunning song and a great closer to an amazing album. It's simple and true and you can just feel the love in the air no matter how you feel otherwise when you listen to this song.

This album is incredible. Shania has matured since COO. But there are still those fun songs that we love (In My Car, I'm Not In the Mood, IGGG, Up!, Nah!, etc.) And those beautiful ballads that we've come to expect (IOHWIB, WYKM, and I'm Jealous). Yet, Shania makes some very important social statements on this album. She talks about the equality of women, the greed of the world, the way women feel like they have to look, teenage pregnancy, and the common bond that all women share all over the world. She does this without exploiting men and she does it all with a good sense of humor and a healthy dose of attitude. Nobody can deny that Shania has much talent. These songs are stunning each in their own way, and there's not a bad song on this album. I only hope that I won't have to wait another 5 years for more Shania music because she keeps getting better and better. Right now I can't imagine a better album than this, but if anyone can do it, Shania can!! In the meantime, Shania has been generous enough to give us 19 great songs that will keep me entertained for a very long time

Finally! Shania, one of the most successful and beautiful singers of all time, is back! Due to motherhood and going through a lot since the overly HUGE success of COME ON OVER, Shania had a well-deserved break, but this album was worth anticipating! I gave my sister the country version, while I kept the pop version; I like the pop version better. The songs are absolutely great on this CD, and I already have my faves:
1. "I'm Gonna Getcha Good!": 1st single; great way to promote the album. Great beat, great song to dance to!
2. "Forever And For Always": The music of the pop version is spine-chilling; beautifully written and performed!
3. "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing": Her vocals have improved so much in this one!
4. "I Ain't Goin' Down": Delivers a strong, positive message to all the young single mothers out there!
5. "When You Kiss Me": Reminds me of "You've Got A Way", but I Love it!
Overall, UP! is a great CD, and I believe strongly that it will measure up to the success of the previous hit albums. Shania, way to go UP! from here!...

This very well may be the most innovative approach to music sales ever. Oh, by the way, the album is unreal too!
First off, Shania really outdid herself this time. She included 2 discs in the set (red and green). Red is all 19 songs as pop versions. Green is all 19 as country. And she also recorded an unreleased blue disc of eastern style songs. That is truly unprecedented.
OK, the music....heres my top 5....but most, if not all are fabulous:
1) Up!....this will brighten up anyones day for sure
2) Gonna getcha good....typical and welcome Shania attitude, about her getting the guy no matter what he thinks about things.
3) What a way to wanna be.....this one is one that i think could make a nice remixed dance tune someday soon....very good driving song.
4) C'est La Vie.....this one, like Up!, will just make you feel better about being you.
5) It only hurts when I breathe.....this is the best of the slower songs, this reminds me of "is there life after love" from the woman in me.
Do yourself a favor and go get the album!

Actually, though after having listened to this CD for more than a month, it still couldn't grip on me like 'Come On Over' did, which only took 2 days. I believe the songs on this album are a little too diversed and maybe, in my opinion, a little too evenly-produced. As each song comes on, it will catch your attention instantly and the rhythm is pretty catchy since the music is really manufactured well, but it becomes a little tedious and predictable after a while and you just couldn't wait to skip to the next track. Besides the first single, "IGGG" and "Forever & Always", there wasn't a track which melody I could recall after hearing it for the first time.

Perhaps Shania chose each song too carefully and it just so happens that when all these potentially good numbers blend together, they overshadow each other and make the whole album a not so memorable one.

One thing, Shania's "oh-ohs" and "uh-huhs" get a little annoying after a while. I know it's her unique style which many people love but there are a few songs that I feel tarnished when she throws out her "yeah-uhs" right after the beautifully catchy starting melodies.

Overall, it would have been a very good album compared with the rest in the market and Shania certainly showcases her talent and that she's 'still the one' here. Maybe after 'Come On Over', we are expecting a little too much in this follow up and it would take some really smashing hits to exceed what she has done in the past. One last funny fact, anyone notice that out of 19 songs in this album, 9 have exclamation marks in their titles!

Recommended numbers: "Forever & Always", "I'm Gonna Getcha Good", "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing", "Thank You Baby", "When You Kiss Me"

Shania Twain's new album, "Up!," is a refreshing and delightful break from the mold of modern country. In a time when most artists sound the same, leave it to country's crossover princess to revitalize the industry. "Up!" has it all. It's peppy, smart, and most of all, has a heart. Songs like "I Ain't Goin' Down" are one in a million gems that help lift people's spirits when something bad happens. "Nah!," "When You Kiss," "Up!," and "Forever And For Always," are guaranteed classics that reel you in from start to finish. On this album she shows her roots in both country and rock with two versions of each song. The green (Country) is more laid back with a down home feel, while the red (Pop) has a rockin' edge. In her words, you listen to different versions according to what mood you're in. My personal favorite is the green version. With 19 songs times 2 versions of each song, there is something for most anyone. Also, the value is incredible. You get two CDs for the price of one! This is the 'comeback' of the millenium! Shania regains her thrown as the queen of country.

This is Shania Twain's first album since 1997's "Come On Over." Since then, it has become the best-selling record by a female artist in any genre. How could Shania top that? Most likely, she will. "Up!" contains two discs -- a green one with the country versions of the songs that has banjos, fiddles, etc. on it and then and a red one with the uptempo pop songs with steal guitars and such.

There are many outstanding songs on here, like "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing," "What A Way To Wanna Be!" [about people's obsession with beauty], "I'm Jealous," "Thank You Baby! (For Makin' Someday Come So Soon)," "I Ain't Goin' Down," "Forever and For Always" and my favorite love song from Shania, "When You Kiss Me." There are also many fun, upbeat numbers, such as "I'm Gonna Getcha Good!," "In My Car (I'll Be the Driver)," "Waiter! Bring Me Water," "Up!" and "I'm Not In the Mood (To Say No!)."

Shania Twain is a superstar with unlimited horizons and she has proved that once again on "Up!" Whether you prefer country or pop, she has made another amazing album for your listening pleasure.

After the success of "Come on over" Shania is back with a new album and an original idea: release it in two cds. One, containing 19 new songs with an edgier sound, more pop and rock ( red cd )and then the other (blue ) disc in which those 19 tracks would have a different sound, as she stated on the album's booklet, with a more "rhythmic feel".

It starts off with uplifting tune "Up!" which is really catchy and is closely followed by first cut "I'm gonna getcha good" which is what you would get if you mixed "That don't impress me much" and "Man! I feel like a woman".

Unlike her previous multi-platinum cd, the ballads in "Up!" are not many and not as good, so you moms may be a bit disappointed. Still, down tempo country track "Forever and for always" or "It only hurts when I'm breathing" are more than decent.

One of the problems of the album is that the lyrics go nowhere. She and husband Robert John Lange ( who co-wrote all the tracks and produced the whole disc )try too hard to find a rhyme to every single line of every song, which can be a tough job and ends up saying nothing. Anyway, Twain's purpose is not to leave you thinking after you listen to her songs, but to dance to it and enjoy the happy mood they put you in.

So, the red cd is enjoyable. It's one to play when you want to forget about your problems and just have a good time.

Blue cd, has a weird sound, like the one from Shakira's "Eyes like yours" song. It ain't bad at all, but it's difficult to tell when a song starts and when it ends since everything sounds really similar. If you consider this disc to be an extra to the red cd, then it's ok, but if instead you think of it as half the album...you won't be that happy.

Shania's voice is very good, she sounds sweet and has a good range, despite the fact that she has not got the chance to show off much in this new release. "Forever and for always" would be the track where she sounds the best.

So, there are 19 songs and another version to every one of those 19 songs. In my opinion, the red cd is by far superior to the blue one. You can tell, by it's title and by the songs ( half of them have an exclamation mark in their titles!) the album is uplifting and enjoyable. Unless you are expecting this album to have deep content or a drama style, "Up!" is a winner. Enjoy!

There's so much to say about Shania Twain. She exploded on the country charts with her second album The Woman In Me. And she became a pop crossover success with her next disc, Come On Over. Come On Over, being the 6th biggest selling album of all time is quite a feat. Yet, Shania does not get sidetracked for her fourth album, Up! Shania may have reached many career highs, but with her new music she proves she still can go up. Countless reviews have bashed her lyrics, calling them juvenile and meaningless fluff. Yet, this is precisely why Shania is so popular. She can write fun songs, songs for escape from an otherwise hectic life. Shania has had her share of tragedy, but you'd never guess it from her happy go lucky albums. That's because Shania understands something that most artists don't, that they make music for the fans. They make music for other people to relate to. Shania realizes that people listen to music to get away from the everyday stress and even tragedies of life, so sometimes you need to listen to something fun and lighthearted. Something that will make you smile. Shania doesn't take her self so seriously like a lot of artists. She writes things that everyone can relate to, so although she has a style with the simple lyric, that is precisely why she is so darn good. Shania offers 19 songs on this album, and 38 if you count both the country and pop discs together. What a bargain! Shania remembers her country fans and also her newfound pop fans. So there is something for everyone on this album. Now for the music: Stand out tracks are Up (a song about optimism that everyone should listen to daily. It really puts things into perspective). Forever And For Always is the ultimate love song, painting a picture with a melody of everlasting and true love. Ain't No Particular Way is a unique sounding song that talks about how love is everywhere and for everyone. Nah is a typical Shania attitude song to an ex-lover. It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing is the weaper on this album. Incredibly sad, it talks about one who has lost someone dear to them. Shania sings this song with so much feeling and conviction, one may wonder if she's singing to her parents that were killed in a car accident years ago. She's Not Just A Pretty Face and Juanita are songs about feminism and the strength of women. I'm Gonna Getcha Good, In My Car, and I'm Not In The Mood are more fun songs with attitude and a healthy dose of feminism. On a more serious note, I Ain't Goin' Down is song about a 15 year old girl who gets pregnant, keeps the baby, and is outcast from everyone in her life. Yet she gets through it all because she has the love of her daughter. When You Kiss Me and I'm Jealous are beautiful love ballads that just give you magical feeling that you will be able to feel whether you are in love or not. What A Way To Wanna Be addresses the obsession that most women have to look a certain way because of society. Ka-Ching addresses how greedy the world has become. There are lots of social statements coming from Shania on this disc. She has greatly matured as a songwriter, and I hope the critics and doubters will be able to understand that although she sings songs that are fun and lighthearted, that she can deliver serious statements with her music. But Shania is modest and humble enough not to take herself to seriously, so she makes music for what it was orgininaly inteneded for, to entertain. Perhaps that's why this woman is the best selling female artist of the last decade. Perhaps that's why her last album is the best selling disc by a woman ever. She's got talent, modesty, a beautiful voice, and music that can fill your soul with love, tears, joy, and bliss. I didn't think it was possible, but Shania outdid her last album, so this one is appropraiately titled "Up!" It's bigger and better. Give this album a listen, it comes from a woman who understands what music is for.