Dido - Life for Rent
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Free Music Notes for Life for Rent
Free Music Review: A Superb Sophmore Release
Hit: 5 Stars
Dido has always been a magnificent artist. With this album, she proves she's got staying power. Her debut had so much intensity and passion, many thought it couldn't be beat. But Dido has managed to surpass all expectations and give us an album that's not only as deep and intense as "No Angel", but perhaps a little more emotional. Staying away from harsher styles and lyrics (i.e. "Don't Think of Me" and "Slide"), Dido has taken the subdued route this time. With mellow tunes and a more optimistic attitude, she refrains from desperation (i.e. "Here With Me" and "Honestly OK") and seems more content in her songs. "White Flag" which is the first single, is warm and inviting, growing slowly from sweet to strong. While not as loud as "Here With Me", this song has it's own charm. She longs for love but she's content with it. That's a rare quality to find in a song, and something only Dido could pull off. The flowing strings give it the final touch. (10/10)
"Stoned", the second track and one of my personal favorites, is a bit more contemporary but just as beautiful as you'd expect anything from Dido to be. With a long drum and bass introduction, it takes you into the mood for the whole song. The highlight of this piece is the chorus, which has some of the most wonderful chord arrangements ever. Also the bridge has some fun synth sounds. (10/10)
The title track, "Life For Rent", is the third song on the album, and extremely mellow. Again, Dido mixes lots of live instruments with synthesizers; something she is very talented at doing. This song is thick with music and includes a catchy drum loop which starts in the second chorus. (9/10)
"Mary's In India" is the fourth track, and for this song Dido uses the bare minimum: a guitar, a very soft drum kit and not much else. There's a few whispy synth effects throughout, which give this song a fantasy feel. A very cute song. (8/10)
"See You When You're 40" is an elegant piece. It fades in from nothing, sounding like wind in the forest at night. A simple drum loop joins, but somehow this song maintains it's spooky feeling. A very captivating song, it's got some romantic guitar and moody synthesizer effects. At one point, Dido sings a cappella for a few seconds, sounding haunted but content. (10/10)
The sixth song is arguably one of the best on this album, and is called "Don't Leave Home". It opens simply, with acoustic guitar and a simple echo. But once the chorus begins, the strings join and the bass is kicked up a notch. This is another song where Dido has successfully mixed many contrasting sounds together to make a piece that pops. It includes some very moving chord progressions, and it's also one of the few songs where Dido sings with a stronger voice. (10/10)
"Who Makes You Feel" - when this song begins, you immediately know it's going to be a mysterious one. It takes a while to build to it's full potential, but the suspense is chilling. It's got a wonderful bassline that sets the tone and as Dido sings the first chorus with a whispy voice, you get the feeling she's sad. But by the end of the song, she's strong and commanding. Creeping strings join her jazzy vocals halfway through, and when the song ends abrubtly, it leaves you wanting more. (10/10)
The next song is the most upbeat, with quicker vocal arrangements and a perfect relationship between the music and lyrics. It's called "Sand In My Shoes". There's sounds of the blowing breeze on a beach in the first verse, and right away you want to join Dido in her dream. This song has a wonderful mix of many different sounds, including a 'sparkling' electric piano in the chorus. You could easily drive on the coast listening to this song. It's peppy but sweet and laid back at the same time. (10/10)
The ninth track, "Do You Have A Little Time" makes a huge impression. At first listen, it's not much more than the same chord arrangement over and over again. But the more you listen to it, the better it gets. The title is perfect, considering it takes a little time to love this song. It's got haunting strings and a xylophone-sounding arpeggio in the second verse. Repetitive, but gorgeous. (10/10)
"This Land Is Mine" has a wonderful message, and despite the fact that is has more instruments than "Mary's In India", it's probably the simplest song on the album. With acoustic guitar and piano, it's got almost no synthesizer instruments, except for the bass rhythm in the bridge section. However, this seems the be the most enchanting piece in all it's simplistic glory. (9/10)
The 'last' track, "See The Sun", even sounds sunny. And with lush chords in the chorus, it sounds like the clouds lifting to reveal a brighter day. This song is perfect for getting over someone, or anything for that matter. (10/10)
The true last song on the album is "Closer", and it's a hidden track. It's another song stripped bare of most everything except a guitar and light piano. But Dido proves to be an excellent artist when it comes to simple tunes. She really shows her passion through her lyrics when she sings this song. But then, she does that in every song anyway. (9/10)
When an artist can paint a picture and take you there, you know they're truly a musician. And with Dido, she sometimes leaves the conclusion of a song to our imagination by suddenly ending it; but somehow with her that's okay. She sings softly but with as much emotion as Celine Dion or Whitney Houston. This album is a gem, and a wonderful album to relax to. And even if you like more intense music, I promise you won't be disappointed. I truly believe this collection of songs is Grammy worthy, and it will be a collection you listen to for years. Don't rob your ears of a beautiful sound any longer - buy "Life For Rent".
Free Music Review: An album WORTH buying
Hit: 5 Stars
Dido's first album captured my ears, I've seen her in concert three times, and have an autographed poster of her up in my room for the past years. I bought "Life For Rent" the day it was released. The album is just as excellent as the first if not better. Her lyrics are captive with many a person can related to, and her words are passionate as well. Her beautiful voice is amazing and one of a kind. 1- White Flag - (4.5/5) 1st single off the record, great song to start off the album. This song is excellent "...I won't put my hands up and surrender. There will be no white flag above my door, I'm in love and always will be..." I saw on TV this song's acoustic performance on the Europe Music Awards, it was astounding that the entire audience sang along with her.
2- Stoned - (3.5/5) Didn't know what to expect from the title of this song, the music is different, it lasts for at least a minute until Dido begins to sing.
3- Life For Rent - (5/5) It's a great song no wonder it's the title track of the album. "While my heart is shield and I won't let it down, while I am so afraid to fail so I won't even try, well how can I say I'm alive."
4- Mary's In India - (3/5) It's a different song. Features only her voice and an acoustic guitar. This song shows off her beautiful voice.
5- See You When You're 40 - (4/5) It's a beautiful song. I liked it right away. I think it's a song about finding out another person's true colors, seeing what that person is all about and realize that they are not worth it. "Well if you had walked past me today I wouldn't have picked you out, now I've seen tonight, how could I waste my time and I'll be on my way and I won't be back..."
6- Don't Leave Hone - (4/5) Another wonderful track written by the Armstrong siblings. I think it's a great song about being there for someone. Catching lyrics, "and if you're cold I'll keep you warm if you're low just hold on, cos I will be your safety..."
7- Who Makes You Feel - (3/5) The music is okay but not as good compared to the rest. But the lyrics are great though. "Who makes you feel the way that I make you feel, who loves you and knows you the way I do..."
8- Sand In My Shoes - (4/5) I really like this song, it's a bit poppy and uplifting. "I've still got sand in my shoes and I can't shake the thought of you. I should get on forget you but why would I want to. I know we said goodbye...but I want to see you again."
9- Do You Have A Little Time - (3.5/5) This song is defiantly different, it's darker compared to the rest. But overall a good song, take awhile to get used to.
10- This Land Is Mine - (6/5) This is one amazing and beautiful song, the best track on the CD. It should be a single. I just love the beginning of this song, captivating. As the song goes on, you'd want to sing along and listen to over and over. "From behind these walls I hear your song oh sweet words the music that you play lights up my world. The sweetest that I've heard...finally things are changing."
11- See The Sun - (5/5) It's a great pick up song when you're feeling down. Music is beautiful and lyrics are splendid. Dido co-writes all of her song but this one is special because she wrote it by herself. "...and you're asking me why pain's the only way to happiness and I promise you you'll see the sun again...Do you remember telling me you'd found the sweetest thing of all. You said one day of this was worth dying for so be thankful you knew her at all..."
There is a hidden track towards the end. It's a great short acoustic song, shows off her beautiful voice...if only the song was a bit longer. "I've been meaning to tell you, the closer you get, the better I'll feel. Closer you are more I see why everyone says that I look happier when you're around."
Life For Rent is an amazing album and I give it my HIGHEST recommendation. I cannot wait for her third album. Please do not download her songs off of any file swapping programs. This amazing, touching, captive album is WORTH buying and each song has a special meaning of it's own. Above description is what each song means to me. Why not buy the album, listen to each song and read along the lyrics as show in the insert and have special meanings of your own? It's worth it.
Free Music Review: A beautiful, haunting, brilliant album - MUST BUY
Hit: 5 Stars
Like a lot of people, I first discovered Dido on the soundtrack of the Gwyneth Paltrow movie Sliding Doors. I instantly feel in love with Dido and ran out and bought her first album No Angel. When Life for Rent was released, I was the first in line to grab a copy and I haven't stopped listening to it since.Life for Rent is the long-awaited sophomoric effort from Dido and the best of Dido comes across on this album. Life for Rent is very simple, almost atmospheric album with a lot of simple yet complex and beautiful songs. This is not your typical overproduced album - This is an album where the vocals and in most cases a simple acoustic guitar make the song. Dido has just an incredibly beautiful voice that is very pure, pristine and effortless. This album just grows on you and I have been listening to this album in my car, at work and I cannot get enough of it. It's completely addictive and you will be humming the songs in no time. The lyrics are honest, beautiful and sometimes creepy and scary in this album. This is a very introspective album with honest lyrics about life, love and other feelings overlaid with simple guitar and beautiful arrangements. One review I read somewhere called this album 'comfort food for the ears' and I totally agree with it. I have listened to this album over and over and I just cannot get tired of it. I absolutely love this CD and can't get it out of my head.
The album starts off with the single White Flag which is just a simple beautiful song. I love the arrangement as the songs starts up. The second song is Stoned which has some interesting lyrics and a nice catchy hook. The third song from this album is the title track and it is one of my favorite songs on this album. I love the chorus of this song and the simplicity of it all. The fourth song is also another simple song with just an acoustic guitar about finding a new love as friends' breakup. This song is really beautiful and has a beautiful chorus.
Don't Leave Home and Who Makes you feel are the two songs that are a little creepy and reek of co-dependency. 'Don't Leave Home' is one of my favorite songs on this album and has one of the catchiest hooks and chorus. 'Who makes you feel' is another song that you will listen to over and over. Dido's beautiful voice is almost a whisper on this song and it creates an incredibly haunting sound that's hypnotic. I just love that song. The next song on the album is the only traditional rock sounding song. 'Sand in My Shoes' is a very radio friendly rock/pop song that's bound to be a hit single. The next song, 'Do you have a little time' is another simple atmospheric song that not much about anything but you will still hum and sing along with it.
The last 2 songs on the album have to rate as my favorites on this album. The 10th song is 'This land of mine' and this another simple sing with a great chorus. Maybe I am reading too much into this song, but it's almost biographical where the land is Dido and she is allowing someone in. Great song that will capture you. The last song on the album is 'See the sun' and this is my current favorite song off this album. This is a beautiful, sad song about helping a friend get over the loss of a loved one. The chorus is completely addictive and I just love the beautiful, clever lyrics of the song. Great way to end the album and absolutely my favorite song on this album with lyrics like 'and you probably don't want to hear tomorrow's another day - Well I promise you you'll see the sun again'.
I absolutely love this album and give it 5 stars whole heartedly. If you've heard of Dido and liked anything she's done, you will love this album. If you've never heard of Dido and are looking for a great female singer with smart and melodic songs, this album is for you. Buy it.
Free Music Review: Lovely-a sophomore disc that actually delivers!
Hit: 5 Stars
I have been a Dido fan for almost four years, and, no matter how much I listen to her music, she never fails to astound me. Her lyrics are stark and simple and profound, and her voice unique and shockingly original. It is almost impossible to find someone who truly hates her- what's to hate? Or more importantly, what's not to love? "No Angel" was a musical milestone, and I was half-dreading this release- how could it top "No Angel"? But I decided that if it was even a quarter as good as her debut, I would be satisfied.It is at least as good as "No Angel." I thought there could be no equal to songs like "Thankyou," "My Lover's Gone," and "Isobel." But there are!
WHITE FLAG: the first single is a great open to the set and sets the mood for the rest of the album. It's a bit overplayed, but with all the cruddy music out there these days, too much of a good thing isn't so bad! .... "I know I left too much mess and destruction to come back again..." 9/10
STONED: a trip-hop song that's come to be one of my favorites on the album. Its confessional lyrics are bit uncharacteristic, but any risk that Dido takes is sure to be a good one. A truly addictive song, no pun intended! .... "I think I'll explode if I can't feel this freely now..." 10/10
LIFE FOR RENT: The title track is beautiful and wistful, and Dido sings about how nothing she owns is truly hers. It is heartbreaking and profoundly touching, and a true masterpiece. .... "My heart is a shield and I won't let it down..." 10/10
MARY'S IN INDIA: The "My Lover's Gone" of this album, this is an atmospheric and melancholy song that really tells a story... "See the things I'll probably never get a chance to see..." 10/10
SEE YOU WHEN YOU'RE 40: a touching ballad about realizing that the love of your life isn't always the person you thought they were... "You think misery will make you stand out from the crowd..." 9/10
DON'T LEAVE HOME: A sweet and very beautifully written song about a woman's devotion. One of the album's catchiest and most moving songs.... "If you're cold, I'll keep you warm..." 10/10
WHO MAKES YOU FEEL: This trancelike song is almost creepy, and Dido's voice really shines... "I don't mind if you come home late/ I just assume that if there's a problem you would tell me...." 8/10
SAND IN MY SHOES: This is right up there with "Thankyou" as Dido's best song ever. It is difficult to put into words how much I love this song about a woman who is thinking about the love she found while on vacation.... "I'm home now, and things still look the same...."10,000,000/10 !!!
DO YOU HAVE A LITTLE TIME: A song that warns listeners about the toll a fast-paced lifestyle can take on you. It's very sad to hear Dido singing about how she is being ignored... "Why do you run when you could walk with me?"... 10/10
THIS LAND IS MINE: Reminiscent of "Hunter," this is standout track that features some of the album's most beautiful lyrics. Classic Dido.... "From behind this wall I hear your song/ oh sweet words...."
SEE THE SUN: The album's only song written soley by Dido, it's a beatiful, tear-soaked ballad about a woman comforting a friend who has lost a loved one buy promising him that he will indeed "see the sun" again one day. A perfect end to the album... "Wear anything, as long as it's not black..."
My favorites:
SAND IN MY SHOES
STONED
DON'T LEAVE HOME
MARY'S IN INDIA
LIFE FOR RENT
This is a truly wonderful CD and would make a great addition to any music collection.
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Free Music Review: There's more than White Flag!
Hit: 5 Stars
Reviewer: Ben Lewis from Geneva, SwitzerlandAfter the mindblowing No Angel, I immediately bought Life For Rent, Dido's second album. I had, of course, been hearing White Flag on the radio for weeks, and it had taken a while to grow on me, but I thought I'd try the album anyway.
1. White Flag - Although it has been adored all over the world, White Flag really isn't the best track on the album. Musically and emotionally beautiful, it is an easily accessible track, with a mix of sweeping orchestral sound and respectful silence for Dido's simple voice.
2. Stoned - Not a mainstream pop song like White Flag, Stoned starts with a full minute of instrumentals. Starting with "When you're stoned, baby/And I am drunk/And we make love it seems a little desolate", this song at first seems rather confusing. But once it gains momentum (with a beautiful chorus), Stoned comes through as a great track.
3. Life For Rent - The second single, this is one of my least favourite tracks. It's very pretty, and symbolises Dido's plans for the future, but the chorus somehow seems too "sing-along-ish" for my taste.
4. Mary's In India - A simple, pretty melody, but intriguing lyrics, Mary's In India talks of Dido's friend Mary who leaves to India and doesn't call boyfriend Danny when she'd said she would. Eventually Danny finds comfort in Dido's arms. Naughty...
5. See You When You're 40 - Maybe the song I've least warmed to. This is partly because of a review I read where an immature critic said Dido made the line sound like "See you when you're farty."
6. Don't Leave Home - The planned third single (should have been second), this is a fantastic track the chorus of which is a beautiful plea to a lover Dido is clearly addicted to. "I will be your safety/Oh, don't leave home".
7. Who Makes You Feel - A rather difficult track slyly persuades a partner in a dying relationship not to leave, for, as Dido points out "Who makes you feel the way that I make you feel?"
8. Sand In My Shoes - The first song I fell in love with on the album, this must be the fourth single! It could be a great summer hit, as it tells of a holiday romance Dido failed to hold on to.
9. Do You Have a Little Time - Similar to Who Makes You Feel, this track berates an absent lover, asking "Why do you still run when you could walk with me?".
10. This Land Is Mine - Similar to Life For Rent in that the chorus is an irresistible clap-along song, This Land Is Mine is a grudging concession to love, as a defensive Dido reminds her partner that "this land is mine".
11. See The Sun - See The Sun is the only track on the album Dido wrote on her own, and it's beautiful. A friend is mourning for a lost loved one, and Dido comes and pulls him out of bed to walk with her
*See The Sun contains a hidden track, seperated by 2 minutes of silence*
11 b. Closer - This track comes as a shock when your stereo has stopped playing for minutes, and suddenly the gentle guitar chords of Closer start, and Dido teasingly flirts with a man, telling him she is happier the closer he gets, but he needn't rush it, as she'll always be around.
In short, Life For Rent is a wonderful album. Different in subtle ways to No Angel, there is far more to the album than the radio suggests!