She's Back! with a twistby Anonymous
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April 05, 2006:
Lara's venture into the American pop world with two English-language albums, including the most recent ill-named "Wonderful Life," were, if anything un-Lara-like. Whether because of SONY executives or due to dollar-conscious managers dictating that she do commercial sounding pap, these were largely contrived, expresionless efforts, hardly up to her standard. Fortunately, she has returned to her French roots on "9," where she comes alive once again. This time, however, there's a difference. With the aid of Jean-Felix Lalanne, her new musical director, the production is measured and improved while much of the material is refreshingly distinct. Her smooth, sensuous voice is given free rein, but this time with arrangements and compositions which are at once familiar and novel. There are a number of moving ballads drawing upon the familiar classical quality that is this chanteuse's writing and singing trademark. Often subdued in presentation, they again bring her emotional power to the surface. Yet, there are surprising new influences here as well, which, if not always pleasing, mark her attempt to strike out in new directions. "Il Ne Manquait . . .," for example, a well-crafted melody which is given Lara's sensitive interpretation, opens with a very modern, 5-part-harmony a cappella intro. It provides an interesting and inventive variation on a theme. Likewise, "Une Ava Maria" closes with a repeated refrain which incorporates a descending minor third chorus, a dissonant string line in the background. Less satisfying, however, is "Si Tu N'as Pas D'Amour," a slick, R & B-type selection that ends with rap-like verses. A little too derivative to sound authentic, if nothing else, it does reveal that our girl can phrase with the best of her contemporaries. There is, as well, a light, jolly-sounding ditty about a steel guitar player, "L'Homme Qui N'Avait Pas de Maison," that makes us smile. "Les Homericains," a duet with Melissa Mars is, however, something that simply should have been left out of this package. A voyage into another musical sea, the overwrought rock style is just too bombastic. "9" is nonetheless an album with real substance. It is Lara at her best but in a manner that you've never heard before. It provides a diverse and dynamic musical experience, and it clearly signals a new departure in this talented singer's musical career.
This review was written about the CD edition.
Lara Fabian not Celine Dionby Anonymous
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March 11, 2006:
I hate the reviews from those who compare Lara to Celine. I really like that this album really distances herself from any Celine comparison and how Fabian has pushed her Lyrical side to greatness,This collection of songs created for this cd are sophisticated, radio friendly and all attention grabbers. The lyrical content is mature reaching beyond the girl loves boy scenario. Her vocal performance on this cd is hypnotic and surprisingly superior to her recent Anglophone release with Sony Music. On this collection, Lara demonstrates a genuine vocal instrument unlike many of her peers. Distinctly pure in tone, she remains non nasal when reaching for her higher register. The audience will remain stunned and impressed. This release is a musical masterpiece.
This review was written about the CD edition.
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