Having now listened to the CD multiple times (3 times in a row on a roadtrip over the weekend, lol), I've decided that the masterpiece song (in my humble opinion) is, ironically, a bonus track. I cannot get enough of PLUS D'AMOUR, that's one of the most gorgeous, evocative, perfectly-realized productions I've ever heard. Vanessa is spot-on with her interpretation, she's completely comfortable and in her flawless groove; and the instrumentation and unusual chord progression, wow. What a gem. If you haven't bought the CD with the bonus tracks, go out and get it!! This song is worth the price of the whole thing :-D The only song that feels like sort of a 'misfire' to me is "The Dark, It Comes". It's kind of a fun song, but I don't think it suits Vanessa well. She can do many, many styles of music extremely well and can convey myriad emotions; but vitriol isn't one of 'em. She just doesn't have the voice for it (again, just my opinion). This tune works when they're singing together on the chorus; but when they get to the verses, I keep wishing it was Carl Barat singing with someone like Marianne Faithfull, or maybe Patti Smith or Chrissie Hynde. It also reminds me a little of this bit o' genius:
However, as I said before, I'm waaay impressed with Biolay's production throughout this CD. I don't love it quite as much as I love Vanessa's work with -M- ... and I'm not so keen on Biolay's fondness for the 'celestial choir' background singers (too Phil Spector for me) ... but overall, it's a lovely album. He demonstrates admirable restraint here (compared to his own solo work that I've heard). His light touch and charming, tasteful production complements Vanessa beautifully.
Post by Emilie-Jolie on Jul 23, 2013 21:00:46 GMT 1
I love the lyrics to New Year, the symbolism of tattoos, scars and emotional pain but healing also is very touching. So happy the album is finally available over here!
I wasn't too crazy about this album when I first listened to it but now after a few listens I LOVE it. I agree with some comments about the production and all the background singing in some songs is a bit too much but I really love this album. Favourite tracks for me are "Love song" "Prends garde a moi" "Rocking chair" "Mi Amor" "New Year" "Sombreros" "Door way" "station quatre septembre"
second favourite album aside from Bliss. I'm not surprised Vanessa couldn't choose to narrow down these tracks as they are all brilliant. I would be SO happy if she came to England as part of her tour as it's just too expensive at the moment to travel to France
^Unfortunately, I don't think Amazon.com ever had the limited edition version for sale. Ever since the album was released, I've been incessantly checking Amazon in hopes that they'd offer the limited edition version. It seems that they'll only ever supply the standard edition.
Mine came with 22 songs on although I paid less than it is now asking so maybe they've changed the product but I followed the link from my "Order history"
Hope this helps
Edit: Also I don't believe I bought it as an import now thinking about it as I waited for the UK release. Maybe they have taken it off and replaced it with this one
Last Edit: Sept 15, 2013 10:23:20 GMT 1 by sweetjd
Post by rachellovesyou on Oct 29, 2013 0:13:58 GMT 1
Has anyone seen where there's going to be a Christmas Special Collector's Edition? I'm so excited for this! I think there's going to be some new bonus tracks plus a DVD. Anyone else seen this?
I play the album almost non stop. Agree with Chandelle...about Dark it Comes...but it is an interesting stretch for her. Plus dAmour is my favourite. But I love the whole album!!
Has anyone seen where there's going to be a Christmas Special Collector's Edition? I'm so excited for this! I think there's going to be some new bonus tracks plus a DVD. Anyone else seen this?
Yep!
With 4 bonus tracks which 2 exclusives tracks, I DVD (the exclusive concert saw on arte last May) and the Love Songs Tour poster!
Kittycat88, I play it constantly, too! I keep thinking I should put something else on, but I always come back to Love Songs. It's soooooo beautiful, terrific songwriting, production and performances. I have too many favorites to choose just one, but I do think Plus d'Amour is the standout.
I'm even becoming more fond of The Dark it Comes, LOL! One thing I love about that song's production is the way much of the instrumentation drops away when she sings her last verse before the final chorus - excellent dynamics by doing that.
Post by heartbreaker16 on Nov 4, 2013 22:56:16 GMT 1
Finally bought Love Songs a few days ago. I loved it! Its her best right after Bliss (which is my favourite Van album). I can't choose which songs I love best, I love them all.
"Perfection is completely overrated. It is absurd. You open these magazines and the end result is that it can make people feel somewhat inadequate. Which is stupid, because that person has been through three hours of hair and make up. And at least I can make people think, ‘Yay! It’s okay to be catastrophically dressed"