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.

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

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

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.

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?

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Awesome

Loved it!

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

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.

Loved it. Great country.

Hmmmm, 5? I fucking love this

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.

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

just absolutely great ear sex🥰

Lovely country tones with a genuine voice

I wish all music sounded like this

очень приятный альбомчик, so sexy местами

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.

cool

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.

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

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.

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.

upon re-listen i love it!

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!

This is exquisite. I have no notes.

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.

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!

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

Turns out I love k.d. lang.

Makee laulaja

Wish I had found this album sooner

Great 👍

RIYL Patsy Cline etc. which I do

100% great!

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

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.

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.

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.

Loveeee it

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.

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.

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).

Great album, brings back nights around the Frederick fire.

A raucous prime rib party must be going on somewhere

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

Relaxed slow Country

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

Her voice is so good!

Sublime. 5 stars.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Country is not really my thing but she sounds great

Such a beautiful voice!!!

Relaxing asf

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!

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.

Fun album. Busy Being Blue was a really great tune.

I like this more than "Ingenue". It's more of a cut-and-dry country record, with a chorus of all-stars at the end, and some interesting choices of instruments (don't remember much saxophone on other country records). Still not really for me, but I can kind of see the reverence around it. 3.5 stars. Favorite tracks: "Black Coffee", "Down to My Last Cigarette"

My only reference point for KD Lang was that my friend's lesbian mom listened to her. I had no idea what she sounded like, but she is far more soulful than I imagined.

yeah you know what this was pretty good

Did not expect this to be country.

Quality songwriting and performance

Sounds great, but not for me

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: (Waltz me), Don't let the stars get in your eyes, Tears don't care who cries them

Swings from fun and pokey to smoky and romantic. Pair with a date at home. 4/5

Wasn't sure about this originally. First few songs a bit slow and waiting for it to pick up. I've since listened about 5 time so feel 4 stars warranted. Picked up after tears don't care who cried them

Really really liked this, way more than I expected to

Country is not my style, frankly, but this one was very good.

Nice mix of country and jazzy sounds. Excellent voice. Could listen again

After exploring many country touchstone sounds, often with levity, the music understates itself to make lang's voice the star of the show. The subject matter is utterly consistent; The music has the characters of country and pop but isn't quite either. It seems delicious to slow dance to.

7/10 not a big fan of this genre but I really liked the bluesy rock and roll sound I Wish I Didn’t Love You So, Black Coffee, Shadowland, and Tears Don’t Care Who Cries Them were some of the songs I liked most overall a fun album but I don’t think I want to hear any other songs in her discography unless they’re also on this website/book

Holy shit. The opening to this record is not at all what I expected. Sounds like Willie Nelson and his band are backing such a beautiful voice. I love this and I'm truly surprised. I mean, I knew that I liked what I know of K.D. Lang ("Constant Craving" and that's it). Her voice, the surprise that she's actually a country artist, the lack of Southern baggage she carries as a Canadian, and my excitement to listen to this in the summer when I want to nap in a hammock...all lead to a surprising 4 stars. If this wasn't her debut, it might be a 3. Because it's not super original. But to come out of the gates so strong, is just incredible. I look forward to listening more to this record and her other music.

Very cool. If Marty Robbins was a woman, he would have sounded a lot like this.

lovely voice, subversive then, unsurprising now...

This album really surprised me! Ended up listening to it at least a few times over. Think in doing so I made myself sick of it? But a solid 4/5 anyway.

Always partial to things that lean melancholic, really enjoyed this.

I always knew I liked her voice, but this album is so great. Great songs, great band, great arrangements.

Slick and smooth country from country great k.d. lang. With a voice like that and classic country tunes that call back to the great crooners of old, you can't lose. Charming is the word I'm looking for.

A had heard of k.d lang but didn't know much about her before listening to this album. It was a nice mix of country and jazz vocals. If you'd have asked me beforehand I would have thought that this couldn't work but she pulls it of rather well. Enjoyed the whole album quite a bit but the opening track, "Western Stars" was the real standout for me. I could see me putting this on again as just something to relax to with a good book.

I didn't expect this to be anything more than average. But I was really surprised. I felt kind of sheepish because I only gave Loretta Lynn a 3, but this album was more than just good singing. And Lang can really sing (better than Lynn, probably better than many). I kind of viewed it more like the Marty Robbins album. Vocals that fill the ears and some real simple but precise musical accompaniment - perfectly on point for her vocals. Throwback to country of a different time. Really solid.

I like the mixture between country and lounge act lang straddles here. It was her first record so I guess she was still trying to figure things out, but you can hear the real emotion and fire in some of those tunes. Go for it girl, yeah! So... would you file this under country? I guess so. But the jazzier bits break up the monotony. I really dug it, reminded me of Lyle Lovett. Nice refreshing change of pace for me.

better than I expected, good country sound!

This album is a great mix of honky tonk, doo-wop, and a healthy dose of the Bakersfield Sound. KD Lang is strongly influenced by Patsy Cline to the point where she uses her producer on this album. Overall this album reads like a love letter to KD Lang’s heroes and it works incredibly well; her voice can be forceful and delicate and suits the music perfectly.