Customer Reviews

Hymns of the 49th Parallel

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

Although the songs are not new on this album, the concept is - trying to plumb the soul of the Canadian songwriter. And to offer renderings of those exquisite songs by Mitchell, Cohen, Young and some carefully selected others. Does it make sense? Yes, I think so, because I know of no attempt like it before. Yes, because the interpreter is an authority and a great Canadian singer in her own right. And yes, because these recordings sometimes reach the sublime, as is the case with Joni Mitchell's incomparable "A Case of You" - perhaps better than the original, more carefully phrased, more intense (the only other version that resonated with me was a live TV version by Diana Krall, but this is better). There are other notables - After the Gold Rush, Bird on a Wire, Hallelujah, Love is Everything. Overall, kd lang is striving for a tone, though, spare, controlled, conservatorial? A fantastic achievement, buy it.

kd lang is not the kind of artist who dreams of packing Giants Stadium, or being the center of attention as she walks the red carpet into the Grammy's (although she has won three). kd lang is the kind of artist who creates ART. This album is a true testimony to that fact. Ever single one of the songs on this album are covers, but lang makes them all her own while celebrating her Canadian sisters and brothers in song.

This entire album is inspiring, but a few tracks stick out in particular. lang's rendition of Simple could make even the most cold-hearted skeptic dream of true love. Helpless showcases lang's talent for torch and twang. Hallelujah, my personal favorite, send chills down my spine each time I listen. This version of Leonard Cohen's haunting tune is performed with gut-wrenching emotion and sincerity.

The orchestration on this album is on par with or better than Ingenue. With this album, kd has shown us once again what her love in life is...to sing for us.

What an exquisite voice kd lang has and what an album to showcase it! Her voice and phrasing are so seamless, so absolutely perfect, the effect is spellbinding (so much so that my spine literally tingles to listen to it!). In our age of 'processed, fast food' music, here is a truly genuine and compelling album with songs sung by one of our very finest and most talented artists.

I don't even own this CD yet.. but I will very soon (I wish my birthday or Christmas were coming soon). This woman has the gift of one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard and we are blessed to be able to hear her. There is such heart and soul in kd's versions of these beautiful Canadian songs that even those that have been done many times before are new again. Her rendition of Jane Siberry's "Love is everything" brought tears (of joy) to my eyes. Thank you, kd!

You could be very inspired by the still brilliance of this CD and moved by its simplistic approach OR...you will be bored.

As I carefully listened to the CD for the first time, I discovered a soft mature collection of timeless songs that are unquestionably Canadian in spirit.

The tracks have been carefully selected by the artist for their lyrical content and are vocally interpreted once again with magnificent accuracy.

Fans of kd appreciate her vocal ability - however on this release she opted to deliver a vocal tribute to the Canadian composers that have influenced her as an aspiring musical artist growing up in Canada.

This CD does once again provide the listener with another intimate glimpse into her sheer vocal talent. She is surrounded by a collection of Canadian "pop/folk" songs mirroring the peaceful poetry found within Canada.

This CD does truly achieve its goal. It reflects the gentle poetic spirit that inspires the population within Canada to thrive and silently exist in harmony with nature.

The track list found on this CD is not meant to target commercial top 40 radio or to play into the current commercial standards set by an insipid commercial pop market. It is meant to reflect and introduce the listener to a portion of Canada's mostly unknown musical heritage.

This is yet another rare glimpse into the nature of the artist.
The songs found upon this CD present a tapestry from Canada's musical legacy that still remain, to this date, a huge part of kd as an artist.

The cd will undoubtedly please her fans based within Canada - those already familiar with the melodies - but may be more of a musical challenge for her global fans to enjoy.

This review is coming from someone who's been a fan of k.d.'s since she was 10 (and is now 21), and I must say, this is an absolutely wonderful record. k.d. is back, and her voice is as lush, rich, and beautiful as it's always been, if not better. Ben Mink is also back after a temporary leave, and his signature sound is all over this record. Standout tracks are "Hallelujah", "Helpless", "The Valley", "Love is Everything"...oh hell, the entire album is a work of art! Not a single song is 'skippable'. This record is deep, thoughtful, and will most certainly bring tears to your eyes. It's a stunning piece of work. Well done, k.d.! It's so good to have you back!

After listening to Ms Lang's tender, graceful and ever respectful treatment of each song in her new album, it was hard not to get annoyed hearing Ms Sarah Brightman, along with other artists, trying to turn famous tunes into offensive, thoughtless and commercially driven hits (have you listened to Ms Brightman's version of What a Wonderful World! ? Terrible stuff). Ms lang does not sing as a lesbian, a vegeterian or a Canadian for that mattter (though oh Canada, you are like holy wine. You are so bitter and sweet, I can have the case of you. And I can still be on my feet ). Rather, Ms lang sings with her true voice of humanity- full of nuances, grace and humility. Try to listen her early work and compare her singing to this album- and you can see how much this great Canadian singer has grown! All of the songs are great. Some, like Hallelujah, Simple, Fallen, the Valley, Helpless and Love is Everything, catch on instantly. Others, like After the Gold Rush and particularly the Case of You, grow on to you after a few listening. All and all- her singing lingers long after you have turned your CD player off. Her love for those songs and for Canada is inspiring. Indeed, one cannot call a place home without one's deep love for the country; one can also not experience true love with someone without finding a home in them. oh, Canada. oh, Ms lang. What a soulful country! What a country of soul!

kd lang is one of Canada's best female vocalists. The confidence and polish is evident in these familiar Canadian classics. Total command and precision in every song invites the listener to play this CD over and over. lang is a treasure and this album shines with her mastery of these beautiful songs.
Looking forward to seeing her in concert this year with any of these songs.

I will be honest I wanted Hallelujah off of this album. It is fantastic! However this album is also a great choice for anyone who loves Leonard Cohen's songs. K. D.Lang's voice is of course, phenomenal!

All the world must have been enthralled with the performance of KDLang when she, in a spectacular setting, offered her solo of "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen at the Vancouver olymics. So emotional it would bring tears to most. Never a fan of hers in the past I am converted and regard her voice as an exceptional talent. The entire CD "Hymns of the 49th parallel" is pleasant listening which I would recommend to friends.