Customer Reviews

When I Look in Your Eyes

5 star:		(264)
4 star:		(63)
3 star:		(20)
2 star:		(19)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

While I'm a new fan of Diana Krall, I have to say that she's such a great talent, and I'm so glad that there's an artist like her out there making music. In this day of "Mainstream Pop", hearing someone who has real musicianship is a much needed change of pace.

The first time I saw Diana was when I was watching Jazz Central on BET a few years ago, and I was truly impressed, but I never really tried to find out anything more about her, until this year. I was searching on the Internet and I found her rendition of "Christmas time is here". I was totally blown away, and I had to find more.

From the very first song, "Let's face the music and dance", with its steamy bossa nova, smokey delivery from Diana, and smooth string accompaniment, it's really hard to put this album down. All of the arrangements are extremely well done, and Diana brings out all of the emotions of each song like she's lived through them all. Especially the title track. I couldn't stop listening to it. I just hit the replay button, and fell into the lush sounds of the strings, the warm guitar, while I fell in love with Diana's soothing, comforting voice. VERY few albums have ever done that to me before, and I can't wait for her next effort so she can do it to me again.

Now I can understand that people are mad that Diana doesn't show off her great piano chops, and those who claim that she's selling out, but I have to totally disagree. Diana doesn't have to go the route of so many artists and use their albums to display how great they are; she just wants the music to show for itself. As for the selling out thing, she is more popular, yes. Being nominated for Album of the year proves that, but can't an artist be allowed to grow, and even expand out of their genre ever so slightly? This album is NOT Pop and ESPECIALLY NOT elevator music. Having strings on a jazz album is also not a sign of selling out either. While the strings were certainly not needed, as she sounds just as great with just her trio, the strings just added a whole other dimension to the songs. I'm glad that she went that route, as it made for a wonderfully splendid album.

It couldn't come any more highly recommended. Go get it now. And while you're at it, newcomers should go and get her other albums as well, so you can see that her talent isn't just a one-album affair; it's the real deal.

When I first heard this CD ,I had a very limited knowledge and appreciation of Diana Krall.The exposure was limited to a couple of tracks on her tribute to the Nat King Cole trio,and her version of Danny Boy with the Chieftains,on the 1999 offering,Tears of Stone,but even then something attracted my interest...it was well placed.Diana's interpretations of these standards,showcases her rich and husky voice,and seems to marry her jazz vocalist roots with a more mainstream appeal.Lets face it when you have it ,you have it,talent will always stand out. From the opening track,Lets Face the Music and Dance with its bosanova rythms through to the mischievious Do It Again,this is a delight.To see such classics by Cole Porter,Irving Berlin and George Gershwin delivered with such emotion whilst relying upon the jazz tradition is a pure delight to listen to. I have taken the opportunity to listen to previous CDs by Ms Krall,and the performance on this recording really should not come as a surprise. What really caught my attention,and are the strengths of this CD,is the talent and ability of Diana Krall as a jazz pianist,and her ability to meld her trio /quartet to complement her delvery of the songs.In an age when production and studio musicians cover a glaring limitation or lack of talent of many artists,Ms Krall has it all and caresses the keys with a skill and emotion that belies her years.If her talent as a vocalist and pianist werent enough,she has some credits on arrangements as well. My admiration for some excellent guitar work from Russell Malone and the bass credits shared between John Clayton and Ben Wolfe.The atmosphere that is generated on this recording is owed to a large extent to the talent of these gentlemen. The production on this recording is excellent as you would expect from Tommy LiPuma and Johnny Mandel.The overall feel of this recording just simply oozes class that is not a readily available quality these days. The string arrangements beautifully compliment the mood,and I think the purists can forgive me in saying,loosen up live a little,let the jazz be accessible to everybody. A real delight for me was to hear the Michael Franks track Popsicle Toes,delivered with such sensual humour,it offers a new dimension to an artist so unfairly labelled bland,thank you Ms Krall,from an old Michael Franks fan. Whether you listen to this at dinner,when the sun rises or sets,alone or with the one you love you are in for a rare treat.I could not help but think of The Fabulous Baker Boys and wonder what Ms Krall could have delivered in the vocal department!!! Above all this is an adult,smooth and flawless performance...I had no regrets in parting with my money for this one,and I have become a fan of this artist.I give it five stars,and highly recommend that you listen to this with a good red wine,and a sense of adventure.

Although I just recently found out that Diana Krall is a relatively recent Grammy-nominated jazz-music sensation (the past five years or so) and hailed as a fresh, new talent on the general music scene, I didn't experience her music first-hand until very recently.

Even then, I didn't come in entirely unprepared. After hearing about the third random rave-review of her music, and especially her piano-playing, I finally had to sample her music for myself.

My first sampling was 'Love Scenes', which certainly didn't disappoint. I could definitely see her husky-voiced, character-laden appeal. Her covers of many traditional hits (Porter, etc.) are certainly very appealing, and unique enough to warrant all the claims of Krall's being one of the biggest, truly new things to happen to contemporary jazz music.

But it was after I bought 'When I Look Into Your Eyes' that I really found out what all these claims about Diana Krall's 'specialness' meant. Although I am a huge music fan with a very wide range of tastes based on my mood, it is seldom that a piece of music absolutely takes me away. Well, when I first heard the title track, 'When I Look Into Your Eyes', I actually stopped what I was doing, and just *listened*. What a beautiful, sad song. Funny, a few days later I casually listened to the CD again from the beginning, and the same thing happened AGAIN! I suddenly dropped what I was doing, and just sat and listened because I was almost incapable of doing otherwise. The beauty of that song is indescribable. It makes so much of pop-music seem so utterly trivial in comparison. The depth of feeling, plus the expression in her voice, is so heart-stirring as to be almost painful.

I can't say that I come across such emotionally powerful music very often. Only select classical music can even come close to the effect that Diana Krall's voice has on me. She is truly wonderful and we are lucky to be able to listen to her.

I first bought a Diana Krall cd on a whim one day in the music store, and immediately fell in love with her music. Of all her albums this I feel is far and above her best effort. She brings a smoldering intensity to the music that I have been unable to find in any other album or artist. The choice and arrangement of songs mesh wonderfully with her vocal style and have left me feeling that no one has ever sung them better. It is rare that an album not have at least one song that doesn't appeal to me, but this is definitely one of the few. I recommend this album without reservation.

I first heard Diana Krall on a television special on PBS I believe and I instantly knew I had to have her music in my house. I won't make this a long review, I am sure most people are busy, but this music is wonderful. She has a very soothing voice and the arrangements of the songs are wonderful. My favorite is Popsicle Toes, the melody, timing and lyrics make me smile. The title track is hauntingly beautiful and I feel like she has actually lived this song. This is a must buy for anyone who enjoys music they can put on and just "be" with. Diana Krall has a new and loyal fan in me.

Why is it when an artist suddenly becomes popular, they're accused of selling out? I have been listening to Diana Krall for years now, and I have to say that I am enjoying her work as much today as I ever have. I think this album is terrific! From the sultry remake of "I've got you under my skin" to the delightful "East of the Sun" she makes you want to listen to her music. I love the numbers that feature the full orchestra; it adds a new dimension to her wonderful talents. I enjoyed "All for you", I loved "Love Scenes" and I am hooked on "When I look in your eyes". Anyone that can listen to the bonus track, "Why should I care" and not lament a lost love, must be dead. This CD is great and I hope she keeps turning out more like it!

I just got Diana Krall's, "When I look In Your Eyes," Keith Jarrett's, "The Melody At Night With You," and John McArthur's, "Hidden" all at the same time. I haven't gotten to listen to the others yet because I can't get Diana out of my CD player. How sorry I am that I have just discovered her - I've not heard her tribute to Nat King Cole but I shall rectify that soonest. Her piano playing has "deft" touches of Oscar( Another Canadian ) If "Sinatra" lived I'm sure he would be impressed and a possible date would/could have been "Duets 111" - Verve have done it again!

Diana Krall is a modern day diva of sexy jazzy soul. And this album once again proves it. I have been enjoying it for awhile, but recently rediscovered something special. I just finished watching a movie called "True Crime." It features and down and out recovering alcoholic played by none other than Clint Eastwood. In addition to acting, Eastwood also wrote and directed the film. And, as you may know, Eastwood is also a jazz fan. So, after meeting the charming and soulful Diana Krall - what did he do? He asked Diana Krall to sing a couple of songs that he had written - including one very beautiful tune called WHY SHOULD I CARE? After seeing the movie - and hearing the song written by Krall - I went to look for Diana's recorded version. But strange - it wasn't listed anywhere. Surely she had recorded. Well, it turns out that she did record it - but as a bit of a mystery, surprise - and honor to her friend Clint Eastwood, she simply recorded it on this album - and left it as a surprise at the end of the album. So - buy the album, listen in to the song writing of Clint Eastwood - and the beauty of Diana's voice. Listen and sing along...

Why Should I Care? (Written by Eastwood, voice by Krall) - the final mystery track.

Was there something more I could have done? Or was I not meant to be the one? Where's the life I thought we would share? And should I care?

And will someone else get more of you? Will she go to sleep more sure of you? Will she wake up knowing you're still there? And why should I care?

There's always one to turn and walk away And one who just wants to stay But who said that love is always fair? And why should I care?

Should I leave you alone here in the dark? Holding my broken heart While a promise still hangs in the air Why should I care?

Enjoy the surprise music lovers!

Diana Krall is fast becoming one of the greats - and "When I Look In Your Eyes" is, perhaps, her best effort yet. Each song is a gem - and what a collection of songs - "Let's Fall in Love," "Let's Face the Music and Dance," "I've Got You Under My Skin." "Popsicle Toes" is a treat (I never tire of hearing that song). If you're anything like me, you have a number of friends who'll claim "they don't make music like that anymore." Well, just slip this into the CD player and watch as their face lights up. It's positively magical. Everything old is new again. A terrific CD.

I'd heard a few Krall tracks on the radio, and saw her a time or two on TV, but this is the first Diana CD I've purchased. I did not even realize that this release was seven years old. I was spending a gift card at a big discount store, and this one was the only Krall CD on the shelf. I knew eight of the 13 songs, so I took it home. And played it. And played it again. And again. What a nice way to do laundry on a Saturday afternoon, with the lovely Diana for company. Her voice is great, the arrangements are interesting, and her "Diana Krall Trio/Quartet" of 1999 sounds fantastic. If you like romantic jazz vocals of leisurely tempo, you can't go wrong with this item.