Customer Reviews

Whatever It Takes

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

 

 

I love me some Sandra Bernhard--I saw WITHOUT YOU, I'M NOTHING ten times between the live show and the film. And I'm one of the world's most devoted Chrissie Hynde fans. So imagine the shift from excitement to dread while trying to listen to this CD. Bernhard does not possess the lovliest of voices, but her confidence and physicality never fail to capture you when you see her live. She's funny, edgy and totally in command on stage. And therein is where the problem exists. Remove her stage presence and what you have left is a voice that doesn't sound all that captivating. The writing on this CD is lamentably bad. Bernhard's bits of self-indulgence on stage are funny because you know she's winking you in on the joke. Here, there's no eye contact and some of the lyrics just come off as truly Tyra Banks-ish in terms of the diva's self worth. Even Chrissie Hynde, the greatest rocker EVER, fails to ignite the proceedings and that's how the album starts! Her attempts at world music lack the conviction of the style she's emulating. It's as if all the budget went into the cover photo and all the creativity got left on the floor. Had Bernhard been allowed to interject some of her stinging comedy into the mix, this CD could have had a bit of life kicked into it. Anyone new to Bernhard's work will find this selection tedious, tired and most likely will never ever care to hear from her again. For anynoe who studies music and is "classically trained," you'll find yourself zipping through the tracks to end the nightmare quickly. Sorry Sandra, but without musicality, this is nothing....

I've been a fan of Sandra Bernhard's work since the '80s and as any die-hard knows, her first love is music. She herself has said in interviews that she wishes she could be a singer-songwriter like Joni Mitchell. Alas, she is a comedy legend and I love her for it and applaud her going after her dream and trying something different here. Her singing may be an acquired taste for some, but after a couple of listens I'm actually quite into this album. Genre-busting, surprising, uplifting. (My favorite track is "The Sun Comes Up," which reminds me of Astrud Gilberto.)

I really love the record, it is produced by the guy from modern english Ted Mason. and even features chrissie Hynde on a few trax It has an amazing mix of african and some latin rhythms and it is a joyous and at times rebellious album that breaks new ground for sandra, as a life long fan i would have to recommend this for any serious fan of sandra bernhard, it is a whole new dimension for her..

i really like this album....yes it's more polished than you can be used to from sandra, but it's good! i think if you are a fan of hers you will really enjoy it!

Being a fan of Sandra's music over the years I can say that I really do like this album. I think she sounds good and the album is very catchy. : )

I couldn't believe someone could make a bad album and try to sell it in this economy, but surprise.. Whatever it takes...or whatever it is, is a little, who did it and ran.