The Divine Comedy

Milla

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 5, 1994)
• Original Release Date: April 5, 1994
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B000002TNT
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (162 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #15,818 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

You'd expect this to be a travesty. Milla Jovovich is a model and actress (The Fifth Element, He Got Game) who decided to put out an album of dark, lyrical art-rock in the manner of Dead Can Dance or This Mortal Coil. That's a demanding genre, littered with the bones and witchy jewelry of dozens of histrionic types who got the image thing right, but who never ironed out the "singing" and "songwriting" aspects of it all. Model? Actress? (Gong!) ... Next! Except The Divine Comedy is a stunningly good album, with folky-pastoral instrumentation, haunting, accomplished vocals, and tight songwriting. There are, it's true, session pros all over this CD--which tempers the awe a bit--but nonetheless, it's a real gem from an unlikely source. --Gavin McNett

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superlative, Exceptional...Unforgettable., September 18, 2000

By	cinemagirl (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

Milla Jovovich is a Jack (or is that Jill?) of All Trades - gorgeous model, convincing actress, and a magnificent singer - who irrefutably proves her talent in the latter profession by the release of this gem of an album. After seeing her explosive performance in `The Fifth Element,' I became curious about her and found out she also sang. However, I did not purchase this album until months later (I had not yet become a loyal customer of Amazon), when I found both `The Divine Comedy' and `The Peopletree Sessions' at a CD shop in Berkeley, California.

Unlike most people whose reviews grace this site, I did not come in with any expectations. Honestly, there were no thoughts such as, "Oh, she's a model; no way can she sing well!" Instead, I just became an impartial listener while riding in a car. After going through the entire album, I was mesmerised by the quality of the album. Stand out tracks are "Gentlemen Who Fell," "It's Your Life," and "Clock."

First and foremost, Milla's voice struck me. Names like Tori Amos and Kate Bush have come up in many reviews, and although there are similarities, I would not go so far as to declare Milla their matches. Adjectives: soaring (in a non-operatic, soul-infused manner), haunting, distinct, ethereal. Her voice invokes Enya, Sarah Brightman, and even Loreena McKennitt. The conglomeration of her commanding yet fragile voice, strong melodies, and the obvious passion with which she sings makes the album well worth any price. Every song rouses a different emotion and mood. Just one run-through will take you through the feelings of utterly creativity, depression, solitude, to reasonless joy, bliss, and giddiness. You cannot shake the thought that it is utterly non-mainstream; in fact, it is weird, unusual, brilliant, making you wonder how anyone can stand any music that isn't of this ilk. This album is the equivalent of a sorceress from the recesses of the forest, of whom you heard, from whom you've heard directly just once, but for some reason you cannot shake that voice, cannot shake the aura that surrounds Miss Milla Jovovich. Every time I see this girl (whose resemblance to Milla is quite striking), I yearn to hear this album. Thus, I always keep `The Divine Comedy' in reach.

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "What Makes You Different, From Us?", February 15, 2006

By	Brian E. Erland "Rainbow Sphinx" (CA - USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Wow, who could've guessed that Milla Jovovich was such an artistic, multi-talented individual! Not only can she model and act, she's a singer, wonderful mandolin player and composed all the lyrics of this delightful -11 track- masterpiece.

I'm not exactly sure how to categorize her sound. I think about as close as I could get would be to compare her to a medieval troubador performing at some grand yearly village gathering like the 'Feast of Fools' Festival. Maybe that's just the image I perceive because of the mandolin?

Every song is different and memorable, my favorite being -track 7- 'Bang Your Head.' An amazing and eclectic collection and a very bold musical statement by Milla to step out with something so unique and be so successful with it.

My Highest Recommendation!

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars breathtaking..., December 17, 1999

By	Joe Valenzuela (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

I bought this album upon its release, out of utter curiosity. It is now some 5 years later and I still can not get enough of this album. It is absolutely magical, yet extremely deep and the lyrics are brutally honest. Milla has proven what a true artist she is. I have made so many people listen to this cd, the usual response is "Oh my god! That's milla!" Utter disbelief if you will. I am just hoping the true follow up will live up to this magnificant musical masterpiece (an indie electroncia diddie is not worth mentioning)...you will be captivated by her beautiful voice, haunting melodies and enchanting music.