This past Tuesday saw the release of Donna Summer's first full-length release since 1991. CRAYONS finds disco's first (and biggest) superstar effortlessly spanning the generations with a surprisingly fresh CD that is her most consistent work since her heyday. While nothing will ever come close to the double-LP BAD GIRLS that defined radio in 1979, the 2008 version of Donna sounds like she has never left us, with a dozen tracks that are all strong and radio-and club- ready. The two standouts are "Fame (The Game)", and "Be Myself Again". The former a blistering, guitar-driven track that echoes her hit "Hot Stuff", a scathing indictment of what it is that defines "Celebrity" in this new milennium. The latter, an autobiographical ballad that finds Summer accompanied by only a piano as she reflects on the ultimate cost of her own stardom, stands as one of this icon's finest moments. Ironically, the record's low point is "I'm A Fire" (which has already hit #1 on the dance charts...). It is hard to believe it's been nearly 35 years since she first hit with "Love to Love You". CRAYONS sits comfortably among her best work.
No comments:
Post a Comment