Shadowland

great music for when I’m a sad dyke but want to be country about it. This album definitely dips into being cheesy and maudlin at times, but Lang’s vocal performance is so fantastic that she sells it well enough. weirdly, this album felt a lot longer than 35 minutes. 7/10

Imagine this being your first album. A bunch of cabaret-style country cover songs. This is hotel lobby fodder if I've ever heard it. Has no place on this list. 2/5.

i'd forgotten how sweet and how powerful her voice is. this was a joy to hear, even thought i don't really love the music - it was a definite throwback to a time that's pretty much lost, when country music could be lonely and soulful, and not just cheap beer and cheap flags.

The album is good K.D Lang has a beautiful voice I want to get into more of his music

Fabulous. Just fabulous. One reason for doing this is to 'discover' prominent artists who despite attaining global prominence have somehow stayed off my radar. I'm now a fully certified kd fan. Thank you

This type of country is squarely my shit. Not every song is perfect but what a lovely listen.

I thought "oh, nice voice, but in the 50s music wasn't really to my taste". Then I saw it was made in 1988! What the fuck? How is it on this list? As a significant throwback karaoke album? Nope.

I had never seriously listened to KD Lang before this, and I need to reconsider some life choices. This album is a warm cup of tea and a blanket. All warm, soft edges, flowing. It's intimate and comforting. You can feel the intention and the craft behind every voice accent and every instrumentation choice. This record enveloped me. It is tightly connected to the tradition from which it flowed. There is an obvious reverence and love for these songs: as if KD Lang was inviting us to her house and introducing these songs as her friends, stopping for a bit of conversation with each one, sharing what makes them special without telling us but by showing us what they are made of, what they mean for her, where they come from and where they might be going next. This love from the material never turns into sterile imitation. In that she is supported by a flawless production, completely in the service of the songs. She is never crushed by the excellence of the songs, but instead shows what is possible when this excellence can free you to find your own voice. In a way this makes this record a wonderful example for how constraints can lead to outstanding creativity. Nothing is superfluous here. The result is a record that manages the rare feat of feeling lush and humble at the same time. And completely timeless. I will come back here.

Right on. This is why this is a fun project. Best find so far. I mean, what's not to like? Old-school country, produced perfectly. (I just read that she convinced Owen Bradley, who produced Patsy Cline, to come out retirement.) Lang has an amazing voice. Also that opening track is pure bliss. Why did it take me so long to listen to this?

My life has been rather stressful recently, I needed this, lovely listen.

I thought I knew who k.d. lang was, but I did not. Very cool, very country/western.

This album confirms I'm not a huge kd lang fan, which is something I always suspected.

Look I’m not a fan of country music, but this is AMAZING. Probably one of my top albums of all time noe

It’s been really hot and ridiculously humid here in the northeast the last few weeks, so it wasn’t really surprising that when I put this on during my drive home, I started feeling sleepy. Humidity is a fucking burden, constantly weighing you down. So, I listened to about half and then put on something to get the blood pumping: “Too Hot Too Sleep” by Daniel Romano’s Outfit. Best decision I made all day.

This isn't country... I've been tricked. It's jazzy lounge music reminiscent of 40s and 50s clubs. It's the very definition of easy listening, with a soulful voice and cozy sound, utilizing techniques from jazz, blues, and country. It's fine to listen to, but some songs suck, and I don't think there's anything to write outstanding about any of the tracks. Favorites: Western Stars, I Wish I Didn't Love You So, Black Coffee, Busy Being Blue

UNIRONICALLY i fwt shit's soulful af

Aye now THIS is an ALBUM! I can’t stand country music or so I thought! But this was so good, her voice, the lyrics, the guitar. Whew! The last four songs are fucking incredible, shoutout to my girl K.D.!

This was a wonderful surprise. It was as much blues/R&B as it was country. Avery nice mix of all styles that integrated very well with each other. She has a really nice voice. This album was a good introduction to K.D.

Finally an album I really like that I haven’t heard of. Lang has a beautiful voice and a good mix of songs and instrumental arrangements!

Relaxing asf

Such a beautiful voice!!!

Country is not really my thing but she sounds great

I did not want this album to end. This is pure country perfection. I don't know what happened during this 3rd listen, but let's just say I became a superfan. So much emotion and heart packed into the delivery of every line, and the perfect arrangements. My god I don't know what else to say about this album. Best 35 minutes of my life

I don’t k ow any merging about KD Lang, but I love this album!

Really interesting cowboy-esque. Woman old Willie Nelson? 8/10

I think my favourite we’ve listened to so far. So so good.

Jesus motherfucking Christ this woman has an absolutely exquisite voice. I don’t care wtf she’s singing. I don’t care that this is a million miles away from what I usually like. This voice is crazy perfect. I’m along for the ride and loving it. Recording quality, tight band, traditional arrangements - there are no flaws. She’s Peggy Lee, Roy Orbison and Patsy Cline. Timeless and effortless. I hate how much I love this.

Gorgeous voice. I don't think lang sings any of her own stuff here, but as a work of interpretation it's masterful. Just well arranged music, with a lovely, slightly spooky production, a nice amount of variety whilst remaining cohesive... ...and did I mention lang's voice? Mightily impressive.

I can hear this being played on a crackly record in a saloon.

Sublime. 5 stars.

Her voice is so good!

If more country music singers sounded like this instead of super Southern or redneck twang BS, I'd listen more often. Loved it

Relaxed slow Country

Was exactly what I wanted to be hearing yesterday morning 9/10

A raucous prime rib party must be going on somewhere

Great album, brings back nights around the Frederick fire.

KD Lang's voice is so good it got Owen Bradley off the retirement couch and back in the studio with all his old pals. I love this. Some might not vibe with this, but you have to recognize that this is a pure, honest, representation of an original American art form (even if KD is from Alberta).

A lesbian!!! Admito que country não me pega tanto. Mesmo assim, ela não deixa a peteca cair!!! O álbum é bom do início ao fim. Algumas músicas tem um som mais estereotipado do gênero, mas os vocais e a interpretação são divinos! Outros momentos são mais jazzy e dão um balanço legal ao álbum. Gostei muito e passou voando.

I remember K.D. Lang being kind of a big deal in the 80s, but I was a kid & wasn't paying attention. As a fully fledged adult, I'm glad this challenge has introduced me to her music. Holy smokes, this is fantastic. I'm a fan of country music, and I love her particular style of country. It's got soul, melody, and depth. I feel nourished after listening to this. I don't normally give 5 stars to something so brand new to my ears, but this is excellent.

Loveeee it

What a great album! A tribute to some amazing songwriting, coupled with k.d. lang’s gorgeous vocals. You totally hear the influence of Patsy Cline.

I hear some country and western, but the style is more lounge. I felt like I entered a small bar in the 1950s ... I think the slide guitar is what makes the sound so C & W. K. D. is a great singer. A treat to hear the full album.

Am I really going to rate a country album I’ve never heard of a five stars? Yes I am. Country has many sub genres, and although I don’t know what to call this one, I love it. Lang’s voice is just phenomenal.

Interesting, great orchestration, surprisingly delightful. Genre bending excellence.

100% great!

RIYL Patsy Cline etc. which I do

Great 👍

Wish I had found this album sooner

Makee laulaja

Turns out I love k.d. lang.

Listened to this in the car and fell asleep. Pretty chill

Yay! Gorgeous voice, marvelous songs, I sure needed this today. "Black Coffee" has been a favorite from back in the day, and "Honky Tonk Angels' Medley" is a goddamn world treasure with Kitty Wells, Loretta Lynn, and Brenda Lee! More amazing women like all of these, please!

This is a k.d. lang album with which I was not familiar. It was quite twangy, but I have no complaint, especially as the music is backing such a beautiful voice.

This is exquisite. I have no notes.

I’ve heard this album before but it has been a long time. Good lord this is a great album! k.d. lang’s voice is perfection! Back when this came out I was in love with “Black Coffee.” It’s perfect - impressive that it can still stand out on an album filled with stand outs! How k.d. lang slipped out of the rotation I don’t know, but I’m glad to have her back! THAT VOICE! Gliding effortlessly around these melodies so smoothly. Truly the pinnacle of torch-song country!

upon re-listen i love it!

Well dang, did not expect that sound to go with that album cover. How have I never heard of her, she's got a phenomenal voice! most angelic yeehaw music I've ever heard.

28th April 2023 Was in Albania for Barnett's stag so listened on the Tuesday in the new kitchen with Jen having been at Denise's for drinks. Gorgeous stuff, absolutely loved it. As did Jen.

Great album, great voice, great songs. Reminds me of marfa

I really liked the voice she has, it's so beautiful. Waltz Me (Once Again Around the Dance Floor was amazing, I mean all the songs were but that I especially liked that one.

cool

Growing up in Canada, I always heard k.d. lang's name but I never listened to her solo. I've listened to her on the amazing case/lang/veirs album so I knew her voice. I loved it. Definitely regret not listening to her earlier in my life. She has such a great voice for country and it hits me in the right spot.

очень приятный альбомчик, so sexy местами

I wish all music sounded like this

Lovely country tones with a genuine voice

just absolutely great ear sex🥰

So rich with emotion, and she has such a raw, talented voice. This album has become a favorite.

Being pretty young throughout the 90s, and growing up in a rather conservative area, the only context I *ever* had for k.d. land was "DiD yOu KnOw ShE's A lEsBiAn?!?!?" I'm sad to say that that was still basically all I still knew about her before listening to this. Imagine my surprise (and delight!) to learn that she is essentially a slightly more baritone, updated version of Patsy Cline! I adored this album. Catchy tunes interspersed with wistful ballads. This is my favorite kind of country music. I'm somewhere between a 4 and a 5 on this, but writing out my feelings has (temporarily, at least) boosted me to a 5.

Hmmmm, 5? I fucking love this

Loved it. Great country.

Я удивлён. Думал, что это будет кантри, но если кантри и есть, то крайне в крайне необычном виде. Джаз и блюз великолепен. Голос исполнительницы шикарен. Красивый. Даже буду переслушивать.

Love this, wasn't expecting it to have such a country vibe.

Loved it!

Awesome

It’s excellent. Deserved of many many repeat listens.

Lesbian country lorddd 😩 😩 Jokes aside she has such a beautiful voice and its like Spanish influence and everything is so smooth, straight fire. Fav Songs: Western Stars, I Wish I Didn't Love You So, Tears Don't Care Who Cries Them

k d Lang's voice is so beautiful, lighting up this collection of country songs. Nothing to dislike here

Very pleasant, and TDCWCT is one of my all time faves. Thanks kd!

"Shadowland" is the debut solo album by Canadian pop and country singer-singwriter k.d. Lang. Lang brought in Owen Bradley to produce as he had produced Patsy Cline. The album is essentially Lang's reinterpretation of and homage to country songs of the 50's and 60's. Commercially, the album hit #73 on US Billboard Top 200 and #9 on the US Country Charts. The album actually starts with the relatively modern song in Chris Isaak's "Western Stars." Acoustic and steel pedal guitars. A lovely voice, yes, Patsy Cline comes to mind. Her heart is bound to break tonight. The band goes more electric in Roger Miller's "Lock, Stock and Teardrop" with electric guitar and more steel pedal. Bass, piano and background doo-wop singers. She throws a fun song in with "(Waltz Me) Once Again Around the Dance Floor." A violin solo. Prominent bass. Piano driven. And, of course, a waltz. A mexican-sounding guitar starts "Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes." A country beat. An orchestral background highlights "Tears Don't Care Who Cries Them." Langs' voice just magical. Great background vocals. Lang collaborates with Kitty Wells, Loretta Lynn and Brenda Lee in the closing song "Honky Tonk Angels' Medley." A country guitar and beat. All women singing together and then get their solo turns. The girls ramble though medleys of three songs in three minutes. This had to be the high point of the recording for Lang. Lang shows a tremendous range with her voice - gentle, soaring, emotional and sultry. Great varied musical production. This album sounds both modern and retro. There's really not a bad interpretation of any song. A great debut album giving every indication of the superstar to come. High recommendation.

The old-timey C&W swing might not be your thing, but her voice is always sublime. Why did she make this record in 1988? Because that's what she knew and loved out on the prairie in the middle of nowhere.

k.d. lang does straight country music? I had no idea that's where she got her start. I think of her as the Constant Craving singer, more folk pop. She has a real Patsy Cline vibe. Which makes sense because I just now learned it was produced by the same guy who produced Cline's best known works. This is a revelation. k.d lang is awesome! I love this album and I would never have expected that. This has a Dwight Yoakam kind of feeling. She should have stuck with this, I'd rather listen to this album than almost any other \"country\" music produced since 1988.

Incredible voice, well crafted country, just not my thing.

Chill background countryfied music, good voice. I had another album by her like 2 weeks ago so that's a weird coincidence?

I don’t like country. I don’t typically like singer-songwriters. I like this album though, it’s so lovely. I’ve heard the criticism that it’s just a bunch of covers performed cabaret style and.. that’s pretty reductive and a misunderstanding of the type of person k.d. lang is. She’s exactly the type of person to want to perform covers in a smoky nightclub. lang’s voice is soulful and emotional with an incredible tone and range. The musical performances are all clean and professional, and the guest singers add a real lively touch. The first time I saw k.d. lang was on Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special in 1988 and she’s always been a Canadian icon as far as I can recall. That bias aside, she deserves every bit of love and respect for her contributions to music, art, and her support of gay, animal, and human rights.

Great late-night country atmosphere

p598. 1988. 4 stars. Strangely alluring country/jazz hybrid, matched with a fabulous voice. Terrific production, and it rarely strays into yee-haw. Perfect late evening music.

3.5☆/5 08.10.2024

Phenomenal. Her voice made me like this style of music. 4.5, loved it.

i am unsure who i was mixing up KD Lang with, but this was a pleasant surprise for a first thing in the morning listen. I've been developing a soft spot for older & femme-fronted country recently. songs didnt feel particularly distinct but i liked the vibe. 3.5

Enjoyed it a lot

8/10. Amazing voice. Good mix of music. Loved the country western vibe songs. Some of the “jazzy” ones with the sax were also good. But there were some boring ones in the mix as well.

First time listening to K.D. Great voice, fine album of country swing songs

Fun and easy and oh so inviting.

This kind of music is hit or miss for me, and I have to be in a specific mood to voluntarily put it on. But the vocals are absolutely insane. Ethereal and dreamy.

Enjoyable even though I'm not into country

Not gay upon first glance but very gay. I want to put this on for my lil gay shawty, but we don't know there's vibes until Waltz Me plays and we jokingly dance, but there's a moment, and then we push away, but the rest of the album plays and we just can't resist.

Captures the same jazzy melancholy, and conjures the same images of liminal Americana, as Roy Orbison’s music does for me. Did not know what to expect from this, but this is really really cool! Prob like a 3.5 but I like it!

An incredible voice, this list is really gonna turn me into a country fan

When you have Owen Bradley, one of (if not) the most legendary producers in country music deciding to come out of retirement to produce your debut album, you may have stumbled upon a good thing. For k.d. lang, her good thing was her approach to the standards lain in front of her and she makes the best of them and comes close to essentially making them her own (notably on Once Again Around the Dance Floor). Shadowland is anything but shadowy, it is the arrival of a bright new talent who'll go on to bigger things. Favorites: Lock, Stock & Teardrops, Sugar Moon, I Wish I Didn't Love You So, (Waltz Me) Once Again Around the Dance Floor, Black Coffee, Tears Don't Care Who Cries Them, I'm Down to My Last Cigarette.

Beautiful