Sing

Song: Sing
Artist: Annie Lennox
Album: Songs of Mass Destruction




While not prolific, Annie Lennox has always been a dependable artist, releasing albums of a certain quality… you always know you’re in for something good. I had always been a Eurythmics fan, but it was a pleasant surprise when her solo work, without the assistance of ‘other Eurythmic’ Dave Stewart was comparable. (Less there were any haters whom assumed Dave was the mastermind, as some often do. “Diva,” her first solo record released in 1992, was a smash out of the gate including hit singles “Why” and “Walking on Broken Glass.” Her second, “Medusa” was a covers record, but contained the hit ballad “No More I Love You’s.” It wasn’t until 2003 did she release another solo album, the excellent “Bare” which I can not recommend enough.

So, it is with great excitement that a brand new solo album finds release this week. “Songs of Mass Destruction” finds Annie doing what she does best… there are the tender ballads, and synth-soul upbeat numbers, and as always… Lennox’s strong, distinct voice. I have only had the change to listen to the album twice, but knew almost immediately I was going to like it.

This album is Annie statement on the status of the world right now. She notes; "It is a dark album, but the world is a dark place. It's fraught, it's turbulent. Most people's lives are underscored with dramas of all kinds: there's ups, there's downs - the flickering candle, half the people are drinking or drugging themselves to numb it. A lot of people are in pain .” Despite the truth in this… we don’t seem to be talking about it. But sister is doing it for herself!

“Dark Road” is the first single, most likely chosen as a good representation of the album… vs. a hit single. I am really digging “Sing” a song written for those affected by AIDS. It’s a powerful song helped by her guest singers. She got a few woman together to sing on the track with her… maybe you recognize a few: Anastacia, Isobel Campbell, Dido, Céline Dion, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Beth Gibbons, Faith Hill, Angelique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Gladys Knight, k.d. lang, Madonna, Sarah McLachlan, Beth Orton, Pink, Bonnie Raitt, Shakira, Shingai Shoniwa, Joss Stone, Sugababes, KT Tunstall, and Martha Wainwright. (!!!) Madonna is the most prominent, singing a verse by herself where the others create a chorus toward the end of the song.

I’m really digging the album so far. If you are a fan I recommend it!

Enjoy.

Dark Road