 |
Free Music Notes for Closer: The Best of Sarah McLachlanFree Music Review: Essential : The Only Version to Get Hit: 4 Stars
Considering the 2-CD Tracklisting, you'll agree that this is the only version of the album to have. I have often thought Sarah deserved a Greatest Hits Package a little earlier than this (there are some budget compilation packages out there, but nothing really 'essential'), and while its too much to expect a Box Set (which is really quite required considering Sarah has so many songs in storage that need to be released), this 2-CD edition of "Closer" serves as a fitting Greatest Hits.
If you are a new fan of Sarah, the 2-CD Package is the way to go. The one-disc edition is virtually useless, in my opinion, and in this day and age of digital downloads I can't imagine anyone shelling out hard earned cash for the physical copy of that CD.
For example, its a bit weird to have to buy a 'Deluxe Edition' of an album to get Sarah's signature hit "Building a Mystery". All her biggest hits, "Sweet Surrender", and even "Angel" are on the second disc, which is capped off by 'original versions' and 'radio remixes' (I frankly found the last four tracks on the second CD to be slightly unnecessary as they seemed way too edited down and pointless).
Bottom line : if at all youre interested in this album, pick up the 2-CD version - its the best one in the market right now if you are looking for a quick refresher on all things Sarah McLachlan.
Tracklisting:
CD 1
1. Vox
2. Steaming
3. Ben's Song
4. The Path Of Thorns (Terms)
5. Into The Fire
6. Drawn To The Rhythm
7. Mercy
8. Possession
9. Hold On
10. Good Enough
11. Ice Cream
12. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
CD 2
1. Building A Mystery
2. Sweet Surrender
3. Adia
4. Angel
5. I Will Remember You
6. Fallen
7. Stupid
8. World On Fire
9. Push
10. Don't Give Up On Us
11. U Want Me 2
12. Hold On (Radio Remix)
13. I Will Remember You (Original Version)
14. World On Fire (Radio Remix)
15. U Want Me 2 (Radio Remix)
Free Music Review: Reintroducing Sarah Hit: 4 Stars
This year has shown to be a great return for Sarah McLachlan. Not only is she celebrating her 20th Anniversary since she broke out as a singer/songwriter, but for hard core fans it also is a welcoming return to the stage after 2003's Afterglow. But, with the music industry changing more towards wannabe artists like Britney Spears, Jordin Sparks and The Pussycat Dolls, some may feel out of league with Sarah. Well, they absolutely shouldn't, because the former Lillith Fair founder has crafted some of the best songs from the past decade. Now, with all the wait, there is a new greatest hits album that is sure to please anyone and their Sweet Surrender.
The 2008 album Closer: The Best Of Sarah McLachlan is a welcomed and well-dedicated hits collection that spans Sarah's best songs from her 20 years if great music. The deluxe double-album edition pleases hard core fans well, and adds extra songs that appeal well in price and style. The songs have all been remastered well, and include a lot of Sarah's great songs like Building A Mystery, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, and I Will Remember You. The deluxe addition also adds more for the die hard fans well by including bonus tracks like Ice Cream, and the original recording of I Will Remember You from the Ed Burns film, The Brothers McMullen, and includes 2 new songs, U Want Me 2 and Don't Give Up On Us, which are welcomed returns to Sarah's signature-songwriting for die hard fans, young and old.
While there are those who are torn between buying the deluxe edition double album and the single disc version of Closer: The Best Of Sarah McLachlan, they both work very well as an extra addition to your music library. I really recommend this as one of the must have albums, and that should prove Sarah McLachlan's world is still on fire.
Album Cover: B
Songs: B+
Price: B+
Remastering: A-
Overall: B 1/2+
Free Music Review: Close enough! Hit: 4 Stars
As a die hard fan of Sarah McLachlan's music I was happy to learn about this CD-set and I must say, this is a really good collection.
First of all it includes all of Sarah's best known songs as well as her personal favorites. The artwork is great and the pictures inside the booklet are beautiful, most of them very rare.
But I do complain a little bit.
To me it feels like disc 2 of this set includes some huge fillers;
* Hold On (Radio Remix)
* I Will Remember You (Original Version)
* World on Fire (Radio Remix)
* U Want Me 2 (Radio Remix)
First of all, these so called radio remixes sound pretty much the same as the original versions.
Second of all, three of these four 'extra songs' are on the 2nd disc twice!!
I for one would have prefferd songs like the beautiful I Love You (from Surfacing) or Ordinary Miracle (from the 'Charlotte's Web' soundtrack) or some other rare recordings. That would have made this collection even more perfect!
But... since Sarah and Arista allready gave us Rarities, B-Sides and Other Stuff vol. 2 eralier this year, I won't complain too much.
This collection is perfect if you've just discovered Sarah, or simply never purchased any of her albums.
If like me you already have all her other albums, it's just a nice bonus since there are 2 new recordings on it Don't Give Up On Us and U Want Me 2.
Rumour has it that Sarah will release a new (and awaited) studio-album next year... I for one can't wait.
Free Music Review: Worth getting for the remastered older tracks Hit: 4 Stars
Closer is a good buy, not only for newbies to Sarah's music, but for older fans too.
Newer fans will find all of Sarah's Canadian & US radio hits in a convenient package, as well as a few other non-single tracks hand picked by Sarah as some of her faves. Of course you *should* also buy all of her previous albums for their full effect, but most people aren't made of money and this will hit the spot nicely.
Older fans will find these tracks have been remastered, giving new life to some of the older recordings from Touch, Solace and FTE! As all older fans cherish those albums you owe it to yourself to pick up the double disc of closer and crank these tune on a nice stereo to reacquaint yourself with and old friend. You'll pick up on nuances that you've been missing for years . . .
Some reviews have noted poor sound quality - This isn't really the case in my opinion. On the whole the remastered tracks may be a touch bright sounding on analytical high-end stereos, but with warmer equipment (NAD, Marantz, Naim, Rega etc.) or most modest stereos all you'll really hear is added clarity. The bass has a little more authority and punch as well. The sibilance you may hear on the Touch & Solace tracks is no different than what was originally recorded though.
This is more than just 'another filler album' from Sarah McLachlan, I'll reiterate, this is a solid buy!
PS: Pony up the extra cash and get the double disc. :)
mike
Free Music Review: Sarah's still on track Hit: 4 Stars
For those of you who have heard this wonderful voice I know I do not need to tell you of the depth and clarity which she can reach. It's like having an old friend keep you company. She has a very calming quality to her vocal range, and the word speak right to your heart. Very good, as usual...
More Free Music Notes: 1 2 3 4
|
 |