Diana Krall delivers!
581275
As usual, this lady delivers a smoky, sensual rendition of a standard Broadway hit.  Ms. Krall slows the tempo dramatically for this version with great results.  This has become one of my favorite versions of this song.  The band/background arrangement only adds to the magic.  I would recommend this.
4527846
Ten years from now people will look back on this album as a product of Diana's transitional period, both in her professional and personal life. Her voice is maturing in subtle ways and she's experimenting with new directions here. Most of the album is comprised of big band arrangements of jazz standards. In "It Could Happen to You", "Isn't This a Lovely Day", "Day In, Day Out", "Willow Weep For Me", "Come Dance With Me" and the title track, Diana is backed by the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. These are big tunes with lots of horns. Frankly, I don't think Diana's pipes are quite up to the task of dealing with a horn section. Someone like Ella Fitzgerald could handle it--man, could she ever--but Diana's smokey sultry voice works better for me in a softer, more intimate setting. Her recordings with small ensembles and string orchestras are simply radiant. Here, the trademark sensuality of her phrasing is occasionally, slightly, unsure and she seems to be straining a bit to keep from being overwhelmed by the brass behemoth behind her. The other tracks, where she performs in a trio or quartet, are another story entirely. Diana is in top form on them. I especially liked "Exactly Like You", "I Was Doing All Right" and "You Can Depend On Me".

So, although this album is something of a mixed bag, I think it's one that Diana Krall fans will want in their collection. If you're new to her work, probably you'd want to start with some other album, like "Live in Paris" or "When I Look In Your Eyes".
2067335
This CD has something for everyone. It is very contemporary.  He Lives in You, Hope Is an Open Window, and Someone That You Loved Before are exceptional.  I love both remixes of Until We Meet Again.  Carry On is a  great dance and work out song.  It shows Diana at her very Best.  Love Is  All That Matters is a very good ballad which is the type of music that can  only be done by Diana.  Songs like Not Over You yet, So They Say, and Every  Day Is a New Day are classic stepping music.  She's done it again.  This CD  is for everyone.
3970090
I have been enthralled by Darlene Koldenhoven since my first exposure to her sublime voice over 20 years ago! This album is a compilation of works that work together to allow Darlene's superlative vocal technique to be displayed; she releases her dramatic operatic power in several jaw-dropping tracks, and also sings in a more innocent and tender tone with equal ease. As I listen I am completely enchanted by the fresh orchestration of so many timeless pieces by great composers (including Delibes, Faure, Ravel, Stravinsky, Bach). The display of musicality on this album cannot be overstated; it is an infinitely polished gem!
1187178
When I first watched an episode of this season's AI (starting at Barry Manilow week), I went wanting to favor another contestant that I had heard about.  As I watched it though I was impressed by all the females, but one had me stand there with my mouth hanging open in amazement.  That one was Diana DeGarmo.  She immediately blew me away and was my dead on favorite from that moment on.  There simply hasn't been a voice like hers in literally a decade or two.  The last female vocal that is this impressive in vocal range and genres of songs is Pat Benatar.
Every week following she kept me standing there somehow impressing me more and more.  Holding perfect notes for so long I didn't know a human had that much air capacity!  Aretha Franklin would be jealous of her voice!  I know I am!  She deserves to go down as one of at least the top 10 female singers.  I'm no kid/teenager and I listen to music from the 1920's on through today (well the 1990's through today tends to lack a great deal in talent in song and voice), so I've heard a lot and Diana is a rare talent.
This single is beyond excellent.  It is a tad below the live versions, but that could be because of the extra excitement live versions give a song versus a studio version.  Most songs sound best "live" when done by pros.  The songs leave me wowed and literally gives me chills.  "Dreams" & "I Believe" are well written songs (such a rarity these days) and are expertly sung by Diana.  And to think she only just turned 17!  "Don't Cry Out Loud", a cover song that will be judged differently depending on who hears it, as previous versions will be running in some people's heads.  I think she does a fine job.  The show version is little better though.  A little less "light FM".
Oh and INSTRUMENTS!  There are instruments on these songs!  Played by musicians!  Not "programmed" on a computer!  That adds to the richness of the songs a great deal.  Kudos to the producers for that decision!
I'm very eagerly awaiting her first (of many) full length albums.  One of the few albums I'm just dying to be able to hear in years.  If Diana and crew can get ahold of 10-12 songs of this caliber or better she'll have one of the most solid albums in her genre in many many years.  I really can't wait to hear it.
Note: The childish "reviews" of spammers who just don't want Diana to succeed more than their favorite should be ignored.  They probably haven't even bought/heard the CD.  Take an honest listen for yourself and you'll be impressed too.  This is the first time I have been compelled to write a review in the many years of reading them on Amazon because of all the unfair "ratings". Diana deserves a fair shake!
4879020
Diana Krall is pure example of the unfairness in life.  Upon opening the disc your eyes feast on an incredibly beautiful women.  Upon listening to the first two tracks you are swept up by her voice and you read and realize  she IS the pianist on this recording.  How can one person possess SO much!  It is proof that God has fun in creating--but is it fair to give so much  talent to one?  Maybe not but I am sure glad I found this recording.
1148110
Diana Krall has a very smooth voice.  This CD is perfect to listen to when you want to unwind.
3213045
I think Ariel recorded this CD at the age of 20 and I must say, this is my favorite album of the year! Ariel has beautiful heartfelt vocals with great jazz piano chops, Julian Lage (guitar), Seamus Blake (tenor sax), Larry Grenadier (bass)and Eric Harland (drums) make a killer band. I think Ariel could be the Diana Krall of the younger jazz generation, therefore the future of jazz is in good hands, so get this CD :-)
3117123
I absolutely loved this album. It seemed so fresh, as if it was just released. I can't stop listening to it. My favorites are "River Deep, Mountain High," "You've Gotta Have Love in Your Heart" (originals and re-mixed), "For Your Love," "Hello Stranger," and "If". For those new to Motown Music it is important to note that Jean Terrell replaced Diana Ross in 1970. Although she didn't have the star power, Jean had the "voice power" that Diana oftened lacked. Because of the politics at Motown, Diana got the marketing and focus, and the Supremes were ignored. This album shows that Berry Gordy and Motown Music make a major mistake. Because of Jean, the post-Diana Supremes, still made hits and great music (even without Motown support). Levi Stubbs is fantastic on the album, but Jean really steals the show, exhibiting how comfortable she was in a variety of musical formats. I hope there are more Jean Terrell music in the Hippo vaults.
4191264
I love Diana Krall and this CD is an amazing collection of songs.  I'd heard it was "dark" material but I don't agree with this assessment at all.  They're honky tonk songs, many written during the Depression. They are songs about life--both the good and bad.  I particularly like "Prairie Lullaby."  I picture a mother singing this song to her child at bedtime--perhaps she sings this to her own children?  I highly recommend this CD.  Very inventive and shows her range as an artist who is willing to try different things.
1437924
I love, love, love Donna Summer's voice, and it still sounds fantastic!  Her songs on this CD are most enjoyable, very energetic and uplifting.  However, there is one exception, "Slide Over Backwards."  (Had this track been omitted, the disc would be perfect IMO.)  All other songs are superb, though, and make Crayons a worthwhile purchase.  The Queen is definitely back!

(R.I.P. Donna Summer / LaDonna Adrian Gaines, 31 Dec 1948 - 17 May 2012.  Thank you for sharing your gift of song.  You will be forever remembered, missed, and loved.)
1691384
One of her best.  If your a Diana Krall fan this one is a must for your collection.
871204
I recently purchased a Christine Andreas title "Love is Good" and found myself drawn to the song "Storybook." I have had no exposure to the production "The Scarlet Pimpernel" where the song originated. This concept album is a pleasant surprise. Frank Wildhorn and Nan Knighton, the production's composer and lyricist spin this story into a treasury of wonderful songs. The performers are first rate and add to the strength of this entry. Most notable would be Linda Eder. All one has to do is play "Storybook" and her haunting vocals take the listener to the heart of "Pimpernel's" Mauguerite. Do not let the harsh comparisons of Eder's voice to that of other vocal divas stop you from buying this or any of Eder's material. She is a powerful vocalist in her own right and lacks the "nasal" grating of some Streisand and Dion recordings that make some listeners reach for the next selection button. Streisand's and Dion's awful, screamfest ballad "Tell Him" penned by Linda Thompson, Walter Afanasieff and David Foster is proof of this. Linda Eder, Chuck Wagner, Peabo Bryson and Dave Clemmons deliver a recording you'll listen to over and over again. Enjoy!
3756326
Can I say gotta love the artwork? Def. ahead of its time. Diana Ross never really did too much pop stuff in her career(i consider alot of her stuff old crooner music,touch me in the morning, endless love). And to be quite honest alot of us younger folk didn't even know she had a career outside the supremes she's so outdated. As for the cd,Upside down is an excellent funk/r&b track. It's one the classics in my opinion. As for the album It's got great beats and is something that fun,clean cut and enjoyable to listen to. My Old Piano is a pretty cool disco song. I thought the video was over the top(diana/bad snl skit/big weave/ acting drunk) Get the picture! I like liked the piano part. I actually listened to I'm coming out, i always thought this song was kind of,ugh! (the biggie smalls version and mariah version sucked). But this orginial version was actually pretty kick but. Tenderness is classic. This is truly Diana at her peak, and she does a great job as a solo artist. While,  my favorite song from hers isn't on here, you will not be disapointed with this album,it's a classic! I heard it sold like 10 million copies? Anybody that loves pop hiphopand funk is going to love this cd.
194585
It's been 4 years since "Land Of The Living" blazed onto the club scene.  With "Stronger", Kristine W returns in a spectacular manner.  In a transition to popular radio, Kristine W accomplishes a very difficult task:  staying true to her club roots and taking them mainstream.
Kristine W does not only deliver -- she eclipses!  Her beautiful ballads like "Shower The People" and "Waters Run Deep" put her beautiful, passionate voice on full display.  And with her upbeat dance tracks like "Stronger", "Stand In Love", "Let Love Reign" and "If Only You Knew", Kristine proves again that she is the reigning Diva of Dance!
This album is a destined classic and one that you're sure to enjoy!
2876701
This album by Barbra Streisand, which is a companion title to the movie of the same name from 1976, is one of her best selling titles ever. It contains 11 songs, 6 of which contain Barbra's beautiful singing voice (including the timeless "Evergreen"), 3 of them have Kris Kristofferson's vocals, and 2 have Barbra and Kris singing together. This was and still is a great movie and this album was a hot seller when it was first released in late '76 and was at the top of the charts for quite a long time. The music on this album is wonderful. I mainly prefer Barbra's songs on this title more than Kris' songs. His material on this was okay; his performance was not too bad in the movie. I am not very familiar with any of Kris' other material that he did during his singing career before or after doing the movie. Anyway, I love this album (and the movie, too). I am looking forward to getting the movie on DVD sometime soon. I don't quite understand why the movie wasn't available on DVD before, but Barbra's fans will be looking forward to getting it soon. I have this album on LP (3 copies, believe it or not) and on CD. No Barbra Streisand music collection is complete without this title. Get it while you can!!! Now, I am going to give a brief summary of each of the eleven songs on this album:

1. Watch Closely Now (Kris): Not too bad.

2. Queen Bee (Barbra): Very excellent.

3. Everything (Barbra): Very mellow and dreamy as she (or her character) sings about wanting the things in life.

4. Lost Inside of You (Barbra and Kris dueting): Not bad. This could almost be considered a love song.

5. Hellacious Acres (Kris): This is comical as he (or his character) sings about the experiences of being in the place that none of us would want to go to when our time is up.

6. Evergreen (Barbra, of course): Very beautiful. This is one of her signature songs. The lyrics are impossible to forget if you've heard this song numerous times. This is one of my favorite songs of hers. This song also won an Oscar! It surely deserved it!!!

7. The Woman in the Moon (Barbra): Great one!

8. I Believe in Love (Barbra): Another great one, with almost a disco touch added to it.

9. Crippled Crow (Kris): Not too bad.

10. Finale: With One More Look at You/Watch Closely Now (Barbra): This is a great one. This title starts out nice and quiet, and then gradually progresses to a loud sound near the end. This one was done at the end of the movie in the scene where Barbra's character (Esther) did a concert shortly after Kris's character (John Norman Howard, Esther's husband) passed away in a suicide car accident.

11. Evergreen (reprise) (Barbra and Kris): This was good to listen to.

My grade for this album: A+!!! I give the movie the same grade, as well.
736922
Wonderful selection of songs.  I like about everything Diana Krall does, but this is so far my favorite album of hers.  Great musical accompaniment on all the pieces.