Customer Reviews

White Flag

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

It would not be accurate to say that Dido 'burst' on to the music scene in late 2000 with her album "No Angel", because album had been on the market for two years already. However, thanks to hip-hop superstar Eminem sampling Dido's song "Thank You" on his own hit song "Stan", people began clamoring for the identity of that haunting voice in the background of "Stan". They discovered that that voice belonged to Dido and her album "No Angel" was readily available for purchase. That album introduced fans to such musical gems as "Here With Me", "Hunter", and the full version of "Thank You". Album sales soared and fans waited for the next production from Ms. Dido Armstrong.

It took a while, but Dido has returned with the first single of her new album "Life for Rent" called "White Flag". It should be noted that the themes that run through Dido's songs are love, self-introspection, and co-dependency bordering on obsession. The wonderful "White Flag" is lyrically similar to its cousin "Here With Me" in that is lamenting a lost love and pining for a return to that love. Musically, it has elements of both "Here With Me" and "Hunter". As with those songs, the musical arrangement for "White Flag" is lush and full, but defers to the true power of this music, Dido's haunting vocals. "White Flag" is a strong start to what can only be hoped to be another big hit album in "Life For Rent". Hopefully, there is still much, much more to come from this beautiful and talented woman.

Dido's first single off her new album is simply outstanding! She sticks with her winning formula of sweet vocals, subtle beats and touching lyrics and it's a success once again!

Although some may criticise Dido for being too "same same" one listen of "White Flag" will really make you appreciate her unique sound. Why would you ever want to go for a different sound when the current is so movingly fantastic? The thing with Dido is that you honestly believe what she is singing about. This, I believe, is the sign of a true artist!

Track two is a non album track, which is a real treat for the fans! "Paris" could easily have been included as a track on the album. The simple guitar ensures the focus remains on Dido's vocals and lyrics. Such a sad tale of love, Dido adds a real, believable emotion to a beautiful ballad to make it what it is.

The "Johnny Toobad remix" is an unfortunate addition which left me both appreciating the original version of "White Flag" and wondering why a ballad must be transformed into a remix. They are ballads for a reason! Don't let this put you off though as "Paris" is enough reason to purchase this one!

For the life of me I can't quite put my finger on exactly what it is that makes this artist so appealing. Her lyrics are sophisticated enough, especially on White Flag with an extended metaphor that tugs at your thoughts. Yet, it's the music and her voice that create the real mystery- and magic. The apparent simplicity of the sound, what others have described as "dull" and "boring," I find enchanting. Dido's fetching habit of biting her lyrics off in short spurts is uncommmon in today's hip-hop-influenced world of unending and prolonged phrasing, but it is refreshingly clean and sensual. There's a clarity to this uncluttered styling. Indeed, it is her innocent manner, unfettered by needless repetition or superfluous overproduction, that seems to provide the understandable musical statement. Underneath it all, however, is an indefinable pulse that is both inviting and intriguing.

"White Flag" is a great melodic single. Though it is very catchy is has shown "wearing qualities". Dido has very special way of singing - easily recognizeable. Her style at times might remind you of early Suzanne Vega. The second track "Paris" is a quiet moving song about a sad trip to Paris. What exactly went wrong the story does not tell; maybe that`s what makes the story even more moving.

The final track "The Johnny Toobad Mix" does not do anything for me - I find it pretty tiresome!

Here with us, after what seemed a far too long break. But not only doesn't she measure up to the strongest songs in 'No Angel', with the single 'White Flag / Paris' she in fact surpasses our expectations - well, certainly mine. The melody, the arrangement of strings vs. electronic, and *that* voice. She seems to have expanded her range. And the firmly rooted in reality poignancy of the lyrics is the good fish out of the murky waters of pop.
She proves herself unique, again. But we were all aware of that from the first time we ever listened to her out of this world harmonies, weren't we? Well, some of us were. I would like to believe all who will listen to this will be, as well.

White Flag is one of the best song's on her album, "Life For Rent" and it stands out boldly from her older songs like "Here With Me" or "Thank You", but still holds the same cooling voice of Dido, who always does wonderfully with all of her songs and successes. The single CD is done well, and if you only like that song, then buy it! Its well worth it.

The song is beautiful and simple. Just the way it should be. Its about her breaking up and not fighting the dissappointment. She caused enough damage while she was with the guy and is going to move on. There is nothing she can do about her feelings and the results of her actions. So she will 'Go Down with this Ship' and will always be in love because that is part of what she cannot change.

It's the best CD ever. I love Dido. She is so cool

I have it on all the time. I think Dido is brilliant, even though she's been rather quiet, after her previous album, "No Angel". Is it any wonder, it became one of the biggest selling albums of 2000-01, and if she did a 'bad' follow-up album, then ... She probably wouldn't have succeeded. Many second albums are hard to do, and some fail. It's funny how Dido didn't become famous sooner. Her brother, with the equally weird name, Rollo, is part of Faithless. It was only when Eminem sampled her track "Thank You" for "Stan" that she really came into the spotlight, and "No Angel" went on to send millions of copies.

After a 2 year break, in which time Dido split up with her long-term boyfriend of 6 years, she came back with this track. From the two songs I've heard so far, this and "Life For Rent" (the title track of her album), a lot of the lyrics relate to her break-up. I find especially this song. It must hurt for her ex to hear this song, as it's very deep and raw. Dido sings about splitting up with someone and apologising for that, and talking about seeing them a while afterwards. And how they'll see how much she's changed.

The video to this is equally brilliant, and features David Boreanaz as Dido's "ex". I don't normally like this guy, he doesn't really appeal to me as drop dead gorgeous, but in this video, he was perfect next to Dido.

Some people think I only like this song because of the line "I will go down with this ship", and everyone knows how much I like Titanic! But its not for that reason - when I first heard it, I thought she was singing that she would go down with this FISH! Didn't make much sense!

I love this track, and makes you want to buy the album. The only problem I have with Dido is many of her tracks sound too similar. But she can really cut it live.

First White Flag, the track everyone must have heard by now. I don't know if it was a bigger succes than any of the singles from No Angel, but it holds it's own very good. Nice strings, nice lyrics, although some people complain about overkill and too much of the same thing.

Paris is a nice b side. A sad story about a trip and something gone wrong - Thelma And Louise or Sous Le Sable images almost spring to mind. The mystery that u don't get the whole story makes this song even better

And then the remix - well, what can I say... it's not bad, but I've also heard better. It's enjoyable, but I would not be the first one to play it a party :) Let's hope future remixes will be better