Reviews (page 3 of 7)
- I Wish I Didn't Love You So - Black Coffee - Tears Don't Care Who Cries Them
4+
I like Western Stars, Waltz Me, Sugar Moon, and I kind of like Lock stock and Teardrops and some of the others
Song: I Wish I Didn't Love You So This sounds like it came straight out of the 50s. It's a very nostalgic, pretty track, and Lang has a great voice. Overall, this was a pretty solid track, and a song I'd definitely return to.
4/5. Country music with a voice of a rising 90's indie rock artist. It's definitely unique, I'll give it that. These covers actually feel like original songs which is nice and she sure can sing, belting through some of them. It's basically if feminine-Morrissey did noir-country, it's a vibe for sure that sometimes hits, sometimes not but it was better than I was expecting from the first song.
Previously rated: Ingenue (3/5) ******************** Some very pretty songs here. Sort of Patsy Cline like. I liked the medley at the end.
A lovely lesson
A little Honky Tonk, Jazz and Modern Country. A good listen for sure.
Si bien no estaba familiarizado con el trabajo de k.d. lang en el pasado, este disco (a pesar de no ser el primero), me sirvió como una introducción al trabajo de la talentosa artista. Su voz melódica y dulce; sus letras introspectivas y sentimentales; y su respeto por la tradición folk norteamericana, la pone a la cabeza de las artistas canadienses dedicadas al country. Gran álbum, sumamente recomendable.
Honky tonk vibes for the most part. Pretty relaxed vibe
Didn't expect this... great voice! Nice slide guitar!
I think I love how kd lang ends all of her songs - judged based purely on her winsome outros, I would give this 6 stars out of 5.
Really nice.
Yee-haw
Beautiful voice and songs. Gentle country sound.
Favorites were "Don't let the stars get in your eyes" and "Busy Being Blue"
Lesbian country music... Better than expected
Une superbe voix. La musique marie des accents country, jazz et blues.
Like a country Billie Holliday. Very cool
3.5 maybe? Shes got a cool voice, good songwriter as well. Kind of dig her stuff
IT WAS SO CORNY AND LOVELY SO GOOOD
Good pop country
I honestly was very surprised with this album. First of all when seeing the album cover I assumer this album was some sort of alt-rock so when I played it and it was country I was very surprised and I would say it was a fairly pleasant surprise because I am always looking for good new country albums whereas I am always getting recommended alt-rock albums. This was a very enjoyable album with my favorite tracks being \"Lock, Stock and Teardrops\", \"Shadowland\", \"Black Coffee\" and \"Tears Don't Care Who Cries Them\" but in reality I liked pretty much all the songs on the album. One problem I have with some country music is sometimes country artists will fall back on the easiest, most derivative lyrics and topics without putting forth any new ideas. I think this may come from the fact that country singers lean more conservative and in turn are more rooted in tradition but in art tradition can lead to stagnation. This album while still being clearly country provided some small differences that I think made it stand out from the crowd. Also while the final song is not my favorite I do love the inclusion of some country legends and specifically one of my two or three favorites Loretta Lynn. Also in general k.d.'s vocals really stood out to me on this album as being very strong and really were the center of attention which is an aspect that I personally enjoy in my favorite country music. To me, the vocals in country music can sometimes take a back seat to things like lyrics or trying to create the country music feel but this album I think gives all these aspects their just due and it came out really good. Solid 8.5/10
Extraordinarily mature development of voice and sound considering the handful of years she'd been in the business. Maybe a little too purely straight ahead Country - it needs a little twist and surprise. Still a really great debut.
Very surprised by this album, I haven’t heard any country/folk songs that I’ve enjoyed but loved the ones on this album. Very good
Er godt country-album, simple temaer, stærkt vokal
A charming album, showcasing Lang’s exquisite vocals with some old standards and new country.
Super surprised by this whole album. Very creative and not anything what I expected from her. It's very Chris Isaak-esque. Really digging it.
Gorgeous voice that in many ways knows no era. The album is a really special blending of country and vaudeville - it brings up visions painted sunsets and fake horses on a Western soundstage
I never imagined enjoying a kd lang album, I don't like country music. This isn't country music. It was delightful. KD Lang's vocals are superb.
more vocally talented faye webster. and i fucking love faye webster. god this is so fucking awesome. fav songs: western stars, lock, stock, and teardrops , black coffee, tears dont care who cries then, im down to my last cigarette.
hints of country and jazz worked surprisingly well
Some tasty western country, no standouts though.
This was pretty good. Not what I was expecting, and I enjoyed it.
Cute little country album, very twangy
songs to listen to while you’re dancing with your husband the night before he leaves for the war
I don't know her music that well but I now understand what all the fuss was about. She has a wonderful voice with great range that makes the country songs sound wonderful. (Waltz me) once again . . . sounds similar to what Amy Winehouse did decades later.
A shining example. Of just how beautiful, heart-wrenching, and emotional honky-tonk, blues, and old school country can be.
A rich and enjoyable effort, often lovely, here and there cheeky, and very well executed overall, but it feels just slightly overdone productionwise at times, as if everyone got a little carried away with their new toys (i.e., strings and steels). One wonders what’s homage and what’s ironic, but that could be expectations from the earlier, campier records. It reminds me vaguely like a rural version of Joe Jackson’s Night and Day. The strength as ever is k.d.’s voice – true and strong and fluid.
Not a big country fan in general, so I was thoroughly surprised how much I enjoyed this album; Lang brings so much emotion to each track.
This is a lot more country than Ingenue (which is the only other album of hers I know - it’s 5 ⭐️) This does miss that lusher sound but her voice is so wonderful that it carries this along perfectly well
Really enjoyed the pop/country fusion from this album, definitely different than the modern way of doing it. Solid 4
Initially I was thinking that she has a pretty voice, but this isn’t for me. The more I listened though, it started to click. I definitely prefer the ballads to the more bouncy tracks, where lang shows off her full range. I get why she’s so acclaimed now. B
This album is perfect for buying Oh k.d. I wish I didn’t love you so. I actually enjoyed this album a lot more than I would. Even the country songs I found kind of charming, because it was obviously styled after “old-school” country, which I can appreciate more than modern country. I loved that I checked the year on this album multiple times because I couldn’t believe it was from 1988. The music, the vocal quality was something out of 1958. I thought that was super cool and frankly, hard to do. k.d’s pipes are primo, they’re stronger than black coffee. What a Canadian treasure. Hard to pick out a favourite on the record, I liked quite a few..maybe the country blues banger, Sugar Moon. A lighthearted love song. Busy day yesterday (was too busy being blue, but ultimately tears don’t care who cries them, so I’m effed), I only got to listen once but would absolutely listen to this more.
Really enjoying this one. It's the type of album I want to listen to on a lazy weekend morning. k.d. lang's voice is amazing. Will be going back to this for sure
Prima, maar niet blijven hangen
Surprisingly enjoyable. I like her voice a lot, and just the general vibe of more relaxed country. Definitely a bit repetitive, but there were at least 2-3 songs I specifically enjoyed. Will be listening again soon to figure out what to add. 6.8/10
Very chilly, bluez vibes .... A lot of *this is my last cigarette* lyrics
Not the most exciting or innovative music, but a damn good album all the same. Great vocals and performances, and I like the slight 80s edge infused into the more traditional pop and country sound. Would easily come back to this one. 3.5/5
Knowing KD Lang exclusively from "Constant Craving" I was not prepared for an album of lounge/cabaret country! I dug it! I wouldn't be averse to further listens. Fave track - "Lock, Stock, & Teardrops" for lounge, "Black Coffee" for cabaret, and "I'm Down to My Last Cigarette" for country!
Q+Q
I thought I had heard of k.d. lang but I’m not actually sure I have. Country music usually doesn’t click with me for some reason, but nevertheless I’m still happy to have something to expand my horizons. Let’s listen! Songs I already knew: none Favourites: (Waltz Me) Once Again Around The Dancefloor, Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes Well I’m certainly surprised by how much I enjoyed this! The vocals are simply beautiful throughout, and the music is mesmerising. The songs that sound typically country with the slide guitars don’t repulse me like a lot of other country songs - I wonder if this might be because there is nothing patriotic and screaming ‘Murica throughout (I’ve since read that k.d. lang is Canadian, so that makes sense). There are also influences from salsa music that come out now and then, as well as Tears Don’t Care Who Cries Them, which sounds like it could be a secret Buddy Holly song. Overall, despite my expectations, I enjoyed this very much.
Slaps
I had heard of k d lang, and knew what she looked like, but never realized she was a country singer. She has a great voice, and this album was some good classic country.
Country roots with a lot of other sounds in here. What a beautiful voice.
3.7
Amazing voice, had not heard this before
Gorgeous voice - and a nice take on the country genre - very familiar yet compact and smooth. Still very country but that doesn’t bother me.
4.0
this album is solid. k.d. has a great voice with a really authentic patsy cline vibe. The album feels a little safe, but the what’s there is well-executed. The bass tone on “down to my last cigarette” is super corny
this is swag. pedal steel and pretty voice melts me
The country vibe bores me to death, but her singing is out of this world and the songs are beautiful
a little reminiscent of Patsy Cline
Yee haw älskar cawntry
country, but nice and calm country.
Queer country, queer 50s ballad. Nice listen.
De va bra!
K.D. Lang has a great, emotive voice, and it’s set well against the backdrop of country stylings
Bra!
Wow, this is really cool. Kind of a reverby, female Roy Orbison or something? IDK. I've heard of k.d lang forever but never listened to her stuff. Listened to a few more of her albums and none hit the mark quite like this one.
Unexpected but a welcome surprise. Classy old fashioned country with a unique twist Great vocals
Well, to start off, I didn't know KD Lang was a country artist at her debut. I only knew her from the song "Constant Craving" and always thought she was more of a pop artists from the R&B side of the music world. That said, her voice grabs you from the beginning of the first track. She has the perfect female country voice: powerful yet subtle, soft and filled with emotion. This album has a real blast from the past feel. KD Lang isn't Patsy Cline, but she does a hell of an impression. 4/5
This mix of breathy 30s music and country blues is like crack to me honestly. Idc what it is but I’ll always enjoy it. Especially lock stock and teardrops
Well balanced production. A little bit of something for everybody.
Solid combination sof country, jazz and pop here. Favorites: "I Wish I Didn't Love You", "Black Coffee", "I'm Down to My Last Cigarette"
Gorgeous voice. Timeless songs. Why have I not heard this before. I always thought Ingenue was her first..
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.
better than I expected, good country sound!
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.
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.
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.
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.
I always knew I liked her voice, but this album is so great. Great songs, great band, great arrangements.
Always partial to things that lean melancholic, really enjoyed this.
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.
lovely voice, subversive then, unsurprising now...
Very cool. If Marty Robbins was a woman, he would have sounded a lot like this.
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.
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
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.
Nice mix of country and jazzy sounds. Excellent voice. Could listen again
Country is not my style, frankly, but this one was very good.
Really really liked this, way more than I expected to
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
Swings from fun and pokey to smoky and romantic. Pair with a date at home. 4/5
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: (Waltz me), Don't let the stars get in your eyes, Tears don't care who cries them
Sounds great, but not for me
Quality songwriting and performance
Did not expect this to be country.
yeah you know what this was pretty good
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.
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"
Fun album. Busy Being Blue was a really great tune.
I read that she didn’t continue to make country music. Probably for the best. Far and away the best songs on this album are the blues ones, and the country ones seem anachronistic.
Man, this was dorky. But also pretty calming I suppose. It did make me realize just how much the “western” in “country western” is just gone these days.
Not what I expected.
Some albums are so good that you almost forget the genre it’s in… this is not one of them. However, K.D.’s voice makes the album bearable despite how painfully country it is
It was fine. I do actually like this older style of country music but this one didn't really do it for me.
A little tame but it had a retro, country, bluesy vibe that I enjoyed.
I dig it. A little hokey in parts, but she has a great voice.
Uh oh. Looks like I've got another challenging genre prediction on my hands. I was riding high on my hot streak of correct genre guesses a couple of days ago and the list just had to bring me back to reality. I have not a single clue as to what this album could be. It could be punk, but it could just as easily be jazz or bossa nova. I know punk album covers have homaged other, more innocuous genres of music, though 1988 seems a little too late to being something so provocative. The artist name and butch hairdo gives me more a punk feel than anything, however. Fuck it. I'm rolling with punk for my genre prediction. Nope, alt-country. I feel like I can be forgiven for my incorrect guess. It was inordinately difficult to judge this album by its cover, after all. This was alright. Lang has a nice voice, which is generally put to good use across this album's humble 38-minute runtime. There's also a bit of a novelty to hearing this style of music coming from a woman. The vocals are very characteristically male in their pronunciation - especially during the strained sections. There's less to remark about the instrumentals. They get the job done, though the meandering, characteristically country guitars put me to sleep. However, there's fortunately enough variety to keep me occupied. There's a surprising spread of cultural influences, from Gaelic music to a hispanic, old Western sound. Other embellishments, like the strings and brass numbers are also welcome. Overall, this album was competent and I didn't mind kicking back to it for a few, though I don't get the impression that it belongs on this list. Book time. Lang alienated audiences at the time for her androgynous appearance and spin on country music. She did, however, impress Owen Bradley - a prominent and influential country producer in the 50s who came out of retirement to assist in the creation of this album. Bradley's most significant contribution to the album was that he smoothed out the campiness of Lang's previous album, instead replacing it with a blend of straightforward pop and country. Wikipedia says that this album was well-received by the handful of critics that reviewed it in addition to peaking at No. 9 and No. 73 on the Canadian/US charts respectively, though that's about it. Yeah. I'm not convinced by this one. The critics are favourable, but somewhat polarised by her albums and Lang also doesn't appear to be particularly successful or influential. We Australians like her, however. The highest chart placements on all of her successive albums were almost always in Australia, being firmly rooted within the top 10. Most of her albums also landed at around No. 40 on the year-end charts. Aw geez dood. I think it might be an indictment on our women that a butch lesbian has so much sway on the charts. Anyways, two list albums is definitely Lang punching above her weight, so we're ripping this one the fuck out of here. In place of this album, I humbly submit "The Beta Band" by The Beta Band for inclusion on the list.
I want a reason to hate it, but i cant find one. not bad. 3 stars
I avoided this album at first. I'm not sure why, but I'm glad to hear it. I still didn't finish the whole thing, but am glad I heard her sound.
Sounds like classic old country so it’s ok she has a good voice but was nothing special to me
Perfectly "fine" album of standards done in a Patsy Cline style with Cline's producer. I can admire these songs and Lang's voice, of course, but the songs produce no feelings in me at all. The song I liked most was the last one, with Loretta Lynn and others, because it broke from the previous stylized country songs and added some heart and humor.
Feel similarly lukewarm about this as the other kd lang album here. Fantastic voice, but there's a real lack of originality in these throwback country/ Orbison crooner songs, and they almost all have the same sleepy quality. Not much to grab onto, although I did like the last medley track. Nothing against her but will never quite get the hype either.
Wow, this Canadian sounds country. This album is actually really decent. I like the bluesy songs the best, like Busy being Blue - k.d.’s voice lends itself really well to those vocal slides.
There were times when I sighed to be listening to an '80s country covers album but there were times I felt like I got it, "I Wish I Didn't Love You So" does go. It's a decent album
I have never heard anything in this album before, and that makes sense, though it's not terrible.
Weird! But not bad i suppose
Me sorprendió para bien, sentía que no me iba a gustar, no sé por qué.
This was okay. Quite an interesting mix of instruments used. Favourite Track(s): Black Coffee Least Favourite Track(s): Lock, Stock and Teardrops
I was incredibly surprised when I found out this is an almost pure country record. After listening to "Ingénue", I expected all of her work, past and future, to be singer-songwriter oriented, but guess I was wrong. I should start reading more into the history of the artists I listen to... So basically this album is essentially a country project. It may have some touches of vocal jazz, but I think it definitely counts as country. And for that reason, I didn't like it pretty much. What saves this record from being just another boring country album is her voice, She sounds really good and gives a great performance with a lot of energy on every song. Even the more standard melodies sound quite good thanks to her. In terms of instrumentation, the skillful guitar playing also stands out overall. Makes the album more entertaining to listen to. The rest is okay. There are some decent strings and saxophones here and there, but nothing compares to her voice. With that being said, I might be giving a lot of praises to the performances, but the album isn't that good, and it is due to the ideas being quite bland, if I'm being honest. So in the end, I think it is just an alright experience.
Another country album, another day of suffering. It’s not that bad I’m just burnt out on country albums that all have the same subject matter. 5/10
KD Lang and her sultry voice ugh! This album kind of melted together like butter. I love the jazzy elements and her lovely clear voice. You can really hear the Patsy Cline influence in how she sings. I can imagine swaying and dancing in the kitchen to this one. Lets go Canadiand! Lets go lesbians!
The most beautiful voice in the world. So beautiful it even makes some of the more shmaltzy songs enjoyable. This album runs the country-to-jazz spectrum, and I definitely liked the albums on the country end a lot more.
Wonderful voice, unexceptional songs. 3.5
Boring
A great voice. Not so keen on the country stylings, but the crooner type offerings are nice.
Nice and sweet, enjoyable little trip into country.
3.5
Solid
For dark lonely nights in your honky tonk with a can of beer in the one and a cup of black coffee in the other. The Voice of her makes it palatable. It’s ok I guess.
Sounds MUCH older than 1988. Makes sense some of these are covers but I didn't realize that at first. She has a great voice but these are just not songs for me. Certainly channeling that oldies sound. "Busy Being Blue" was a welcomed change of sound and pace. This feels 80s.
Yea, pretty nice, sad country songs. A bit basic sound I guess
This actually wasn't bad. Makes me feel like I should reevaluate that other K.D. Lang album. Favorite track: (Waltz Me) Once Again Around the Dance Floor
Daría la vida por escuchar este album en un diner de Massachusetts tomando un cafe negro y un desayuno con chori huevo hamburguesa, todas esas graseadas q desayunan alla
Really enjoyed most of this album. Great voice, and a reminder that country isn't always the "big truck, cold beer, blonde girl, we country" shtick. So yeah lesbian country goes hard as fuck.
A gorgeous voice completely ruined by steel guitar and jangly piano. This was tough to get through - at least it was quick!
She's wonderfully talented and I really enjoyed this although it's not really my style. 3/5
Meh
All of the stars are earned from the exeptional singing. Sadly the 50's country formula gets tiring after a while and I really wish that this would have been original tracks from an obviously talented vocalist.
Chill country album with amazing vocal talent. Best track was Busy Being Blue.
Oh god, a second one in a week?! Really didn’t like the first album of theirs on here. Felt very cheesy, poor crooner, boomer music so this might be a quick listen :-/ Just not sure I’ll ever gel with this. Feels too cheesy and polished and a bit contrived. Just not for me, unfortunately, but can see why it’s popular for a certain crowd
I never quite felt the appeal of k d. Can she sing? Absolutely. But she Sings. It’s great but not for me.
Usually don't like this type of music, very reminiscent of old 50s 60s stuff with the vocals but I really like her voice here. Instrumentation is somewhat interesting.
Interesting, some really cool standouts, and a lot of tracks that feel twin peaks esque, and then some filler country. 3.0/5.0 Best Song: I’m down to my last cigarette
Ok
Killer voice, and I have some time for country, but this record drags a bit. 6/10
Liked: (Waltz Me) Once Again Around the Dance Floor, Black Coffee, Busy Being Blue Added: (Waltz Me) Once Again Around the Dance Floor, Black Coffee
kinda sounds like a very unchristmasy christmas album
I’ve got a soft spot for sad cowgirl music
It's cabaret-style country and it's alright. It's not my thing but it's not bad for what it is.
The start of the 90s country sound but a little too much twang for me
Quite likeable, in an easy listening kind of way.
I did not realize k.d. lang was a country singer. Then I realized I was thinking of KT Tunstall
Interesting combination of country and soft rock...feels wholesome like they would play it in Toy Story
Endearing 80s country from the shadows.
What an instrument she has. Incredible control, tone, and soulfulness. The music is kinda corny classic country but it turns out I mind that a lot less than modern country which just sounds like bad pop music with a fake ass southern drawl. Nothing groundbreaking for the genre but her voice makes it worth the listen.
I’m not a country fan, so the music on this album was not to my liking. However, Lang’s voice is fantastic—her precise control of her voice stands far above the music. For that alone, this album deserves a 3.
3 stars
Quite a jam to be fair
Country isn't my strong-suit and for whatever it's worth kd lang is seen as alternative country. With that, the production and backing musicians on this album are pure Nashville country legendary types like pedal steel legend and arguable GOAT Buddy Emmons and legendary producer Owen Bradley. Shadowland sounds really good, that pedal steel is truly perfect throughout. Aside from that, it's fairly average. kd lang can sing pretty well (especially on Busy Being Blue), but the music as a whole doesn't do anything for me. I'm not going to argue a spot on this list against a Canadian alternative country singing lesbian when a couple other genres are over saturated like Britpop or Nu Metal, let alone the whiteness or the amount of male artists to female artists, etc. But I will say one thing: this is better than the Norah Jones selection.
I liked this quite a bit and more than I thought I would. She has a beautiful voice, of course, but I hadn't really known her work. (k.d. lang I owe you an apology, I was not familiar with your game.) I expected soft, singer-songwritery stuff, and this is that, to be sure, but I expected sort of boring, folk-y, strum-strum sing-sad stuff. There's a little of that, but not a ton. Instead, the majority is some countrified balladering, accompanied by some enticing slide guitar. Slide guitar goes a long way. That's was most of it, and it got very same-y, but was pretty enjoyable. Then there was "Busy Being Blue," which sounded like some old-timey Sinatra crooning. Dug it.
Some decent sad girl country right here.
Didn't think I'd like country but this was great, she's got an amazing voice
here's the thing I appreciate this being a vocal masterpiece and it's nice to listen to but this is just not my vibe.....glad we at least had a female artist tho woooo
not the moooost my vibe, think it also just wasn’t where i was at today so that didn’t help some fun instrumentals, i like the kinda old country sound and how some sounds got kinda jazzy, maybe worth a revisit one day but eh for today
pas mal mm si je me suis endormi
Con un disco de KD es suficiente en el listado y este álbum es una buena elección aunque tal vez sea mejor incluir Ingénue, posterior a este. Venía del country-punk (A Truly Western Experience) y poco a poco iba domando esa fiereza Angel with a Lariat, y ya sin los Reclines publica esta joya. Antes había cantado Cryin´con su ídolo Orbison y después del disco publicó una de las canciones que más me gustan: Calling All Angels con Jane Siberry. Una joya en la banda sonora de Until the End of the World. Abre con Western Stars de Chris Isaak, que en su voz reluce perfecto. También destaca el Honky Tonk Angels' Medley con Brenda Lee o Patsy Cline. Sugar Moon es un country, con aromas clásicos como el resto del disco, con su pedal steel, su ritmo entre swing y hawaiano y su excelente voz. I Wish I Didn't Love You So es un clásico de Broadway compuesto por Frank Loesser. Busy Being Blue es un estándar que le queda fenomenal. Gran disco. Buena chica.
Pretty voice but generic ahh shoppy shop music
felt very hawaiian listening to this 3.5
It was decent
Not too big on the honky tonk part of this, but the Jazzy sections were great and straight out of film noir
I don't usually listen to country music voluntarily, so this album felt fresh to me. The smooth vocals are very pleasant.
Suave, para once in a Lifetime jaja 3/5
Random thoughts: * This was a super chill album. My daughter noticed this playing and asked me if this was my homework album. I would not normally play this kind of music in the car. * This is chill on the weekend or wind down for the night kind of music. * I thought this was an album of country covers. Which it may be. But it sounds more like a pet project of covers than a debut solo album. * I caught shades of Norah Jones listening to this. Maybe it was the country/jazz sensibilities throughout. * A pleasant album that I might return to on some chill evening.
This album has a really vintage country sound. It feels older than its 1988 release date, in a good way. Shadowland is a very clean, classic country album production wise, an easy listen. I liked how cohesive it sounded throughout; nothing sticks out awkwardly with arrangements being very balanced (somewhat conservative?). However, despite the polished finish, I wouldn’t say it has an obvious 80s gloss to it. The twangy sound of pedal steel is pretty much the cornerstone of C&W music for me, and I love hearing it across the tracks; using the brushed drums helped maintain the soft, somewhat unobtrusive tone. K.D. Lang’s vocals were so rich and controlled; the lower tone was really grounded and matched the music perfectly. The lyrics, albeit not very profound, felt very authentic and worked in favour of the album. Overall, I’d describe Shadowland as “nice” in the best sense of the word. It’s warm, well crafted, and has a lovely sense of sincerity about it. I didn’t love it, and by the last few tracks, it was feeling a bit samey, but I would probably listen to some of the tracks again.
She has a great voice. Almost enough to bump this up a star but overall the country isn’t all that good. But her voice is great.
Not bad. Not amazing.
3/5 - Not my taste but I did really like Waltz Me Once Again Around the Dance Floor
k has a nice voice and this is a safe album with no special songs
k.d. lang – Shadowland (1988) On Day 59, Shadowland started strong but unfortunately lost its momentum halfway through the listen. What really stood out most was k.d. lang’s impressive ability to blend jazz standards with country-pop vibes—it's a high-level technical mix that results in some very good tunes. Tracks like I'm Down to My Last Cigarette, Lock, Stock and Teardrops, Sugar Moon, I Wish I Didn't Love You So, and Waltz Me Once Again Around the Dance Floor were definite standouts. However, as a complete body of work, the project isn't quite strong enough to guarantee a return visit. A solid 3/5.
Ok.
This album surprised me a lot. My only exposure to K.D. Lang back in the day was the song Constant Craving. Didn’t even realise she was around in the 80’s. Anyway, I quite enjoyed it and will definitely listen to this album again.
Album Review 068 Shadowland by KD Lang (1988) Rating 3.5/5 An album of country covers and songs written for the singer that (mostly) sound like they could have been recorded at some point in the mid-1950’s - think Patsy Cline or Loretta Lynne. These songs are languid and never get out 2nd gear, but that’s not a bad thing as this works well with her (very good) vocals and build a mood. Only one track doesn’t really fit in here: Busy Being Blue has a the feel of a 1980’s blues/jazz bar, rather the feel of morning-after-a-hoedown in Hicksville. I was surprised at how good this album was, but ultimately, it’s a country album and that’s a style I’m just not a fan of.
Liked it at the start, a nice western feel and sweet sounding songs. Got a little long in the tooth by the end
Not really for me but would like to revisit
Music to listen to in a 1950s diner.
2.5
Liking it more than I thought I would. Because I am old now.
Beautiful voice, shit genre. Lang's voice made up for it at least.
A bit boring
The album best quality is that it is only 32 minutes long. I mean, it was alright I guess
Not exactly my cup of tea but you can't deny her talent.
i must have listened to this twice on accident because there is no way this album was only 35 minutes. some of these songs songs were really good while others were incredibly dull. she does have a great voice though
Twangy country. I can take it in the right context, this was not too bad. Better than I thought it would be, actually.
I despise modern country but this is a throw back. Not something I’d seek out and likely won’t listen again but not mad at the assignment. She’s got a great voice and I never knew her debut was a country album!
Pretty great vocals but as a whole pretty average. This was inoffensive, fairly straightforward country music and ultimately unremarkable. Global average is appropriate here 2.5/5
this was nice enough. Don't have anything to say
Not bad
Good album by Lady KD Lang. I like the hits and that smoky/quirky style of hers. Would I buy it and play it? Nope. Did I enjoy a few of the tracks? Yup
Not for me but seems okay :S
Had never listened to k.d lang that I can remember. I think she's a very talented singer and these songs were pretty easy to listen to. Nothing that really stood out in a way that I will return to.
Actually pretty nice sponge
Not as big a fan of the more country stylings of this album compared to lang's other one on the list. This one also relies more on cover songs, which pairs well with the jazzier moments. The voice remains fantastic though. Key tracks: Western Stars Shadowland
You know, a more folk pop-centric k.d. lang (a la her album "Ingénue") is my preferred version of her, but I can't deny that she is really good at breathing new life into classic country sounds. Her voice melds and stands well with the likes of Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn. Truly, she has a beautiful voice on this album, using all of these songs as great opportunity to show off her range and soaring vocals.
Meh, kinda boring songs but recorded really nicely. 2.8/5
Nicer nostalgischer Country - Sound Würde mir aber keinen Song davon öfter anhören, klingt alles ziemlich gleich Don’t let the Stars get in your eyes - abgespeichert
80s country pop debut. Had no idea she started in country. Beautiful, very melancholic and longing. Very traditional.
I've known of k.d. Lang for a while now but don't think I've ever actually heard a song by her until now. This album didn't blow me away but I thought it was ultimately pleasant, her voice voice is great! Also not a critique but for an album called Shadowland it is quite chipper
enjoyable
Pretty good
Good album
It was okay.
Pleasant, but not my mood.
This was a lovely listen. kd has such an expressive, yearning quality to her voice and the songs were sublime. This was nearly a four-star listen but the album felt slightly too long (plus I still struggle with honky-tonk music). Orville Peck is the obvious spiritual heir.
Lots of variety in the vibes of this album, some more slow and yearning, others upbeat and fun. Reminded me a bit of Elvis but better.
Pub open mic night music but actually good
Her voice is so soothing and vibey The music is nothing too special and is not something I would actively listen to on many occasions HOWEVER as the album went on I noticed I just simply liked listening to it. I just bobbed my head a little and went along with the music and it was nice. Not a ton of songs as inclusion for my playlist and it's not something I'm crazy about so I'm sticking to a 3.
I expected a bit more from "Shadowland", but it's fine. Most, if not all, of the songs are covers. Lang can really sing, unlike some people. If "Shadowland" had more songs like "Black Coffee", I would've enjoyed it more. "Busy Being Blue" reminded me of Pink Floyd's "Great Gig in the Sky". 3 stars for "Shadowland".
Absolutely beautiful voice. I like this a lot more than Ingenue, although the country-by-the-numbers got a little old by the end of the album. Still, very nice.
Yee huh? Country tonk? k.d. lang is o.k.
Feels like an ode to a bygone era, released 20 years too late, with a country twist. Appreciate the vocal / lap steel accompaniment being pushed hard on the opener
It was ok, great voice.
It's ok, she's the female Chris Isaak. Black Coffee really good. This is a 3 all day.
Solid bluesy twang to this album Fave track: Tears don't care who cried them
Saw the year and the cover, and then was gobsmacked when listening. Not what I expected at all.
Toujours pas fameux.
Voix enveloppante qui me fait penser aux chanteuses populaires des années 40-50 comme Vera Lynn. A part ça pas trop mon style, mais c'est quand même un bon son de fond.
Meh. Pourquoi KD Lang est là 2 fois? Incompréhensible. Encore une fois ça me laisse très neutre.
Lovely voice, very mellow. I won't be coming back to it though
54/100. A decent listen with a chill country jazz vibe. Nothing really stood out lyrically or musically, but it’s relaxing enough. It's pleasant background music.
usually im not a fan of country but this wasn't half bad
The music is more shmaltzy than I expected. Sounds like Elvis. I expected KD Lang to be more pop with maybe a country tinge.
Oddly enough, this brings to mind the Christina Aguilera album on this list - it's so competent, her voice is amazing - and ultimately I think it might stray into cheesy a bit too often to get higher than a 3. I liked most when she leaned into Country vibes (Western Stars) but a lot of the rest strayed into a lounge-y feel that just wasn't for me.
What a voice. An album that reveled in its "throwback" status back in 1988 and still exudes that same magic today.
Some nice tracks on this, particularly busy being blue
3.5
I mean it was fine, honestly I was expecting worse when I saw some other reviews LOL. I think the songs for me kinda blended together too much, like I didn't even realize that the album ended when the songs continued. I think this can be a blessing and a curse, where if all of the songs are good that it can feel like its just banger after banger. I think in this case, all the songs were just like mid throughout. I felt like I was listening to a reaaaallly slow twangy blues country album, which is pretty much what I expected coming in. Overall, not my favorite country music but I think I came out happier than what I expected coming in.
A bit too honky-tonk for my tastes, but pretty short and listenable.
Pretty relaxed country album with nice twang but I kept getting SpongeBob vibes for some reason.
This was an interesting take on honky tonk, with jazz and lounge influences. Wasn't familiar with this album and was surprised to see it given how many hits KD Lang has on other albums. 2.5 rounded up.
It’s a classic sounding country crooning record. It doesn’t try to be too much and the lyrics are well written.
k.d. has such a beautiful voice. I'm glad she's on the list but not this album
I've never listened to this album (62). Always down for some country music.
Okay, this one was a pleasant surprise. I did not know what to expect, but I found the sounds very relaxing. I save the album for the future, as I will definitely listen to it again. 3.5/5
3.7/5 similar songs but great sound of the canadian frontier
Dreamy in parts but a lot of this passes me by. Good background music. Nothing here to get too worked up about
This rating system is killing me. This is a 3.5 Maybe even a 4 that’s just not my flavor, but I guess we’re ranking it a 3.
Yeah
The covers are nice; I like KDs voice, but ... country. Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): Lock, Stock, and Teardrops, Sugar Moon ⭐⭐⭐: Liked it.
This is probably the best singing voice of any album I've had thus far. Gorgeous vocals. Super cheesy, though. And it made me sleepy. Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): Once Again Around the Dance Floor, Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes ⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Saved one track.
Good country singer.
aw
Gear: HEDD Audio HEDDphone Two Artwork: ️🧑🏻😏🔲 Production: 👂🧈🔎 Music: 🤠💙👢 Rating: 👤👤(👤)/5
k.d. lang has such an incredible voice, I really am unable to figure out why her music doesn't click with me. My current hypothesis is that I am not the intended audience, and it's ok that I'm not a big fan, even if it is masterfully made
Shadowland is kinda just another country album. It's not anything bad, just kinda there. I was honestly surprised to hear that this was a woman singing since Lang here, looked like a man (I guess seeing the album arts for both Iggy Pop's The Idiot and David Bowie's Heroes did that for me). Like i said at the start of this review, This album really is just a generic country album like a lot of the other ones on here. It has the music of one, the vocals, the lyrics and even a song at the end with the words "Honky Tonk" in it's title so it's got it all. It thankfully wasn't very long but i still found this album to be fairly forgettable. It's fine, just nothing all that special. Best Song: I Wish I Didn't Love You So Worst Song: Sugar Moon
This was pretty good - a bit like Patsy Cline at times.
maybe if you were more well versed in the genre youd have bigger qualms with this, its got a low rating for the website. but not me, i enjoyed it.
I expected this to be way more avant garde it was kind of just easy listening vibes
I respect k.d. lang's singing. However, I am surprised to learn that her first solo album, Shadowland, featured all covers, given she wrote or co-wrote every song on her follow-up Ingénue. lang's singing does elevate Shadowland, but it is still Country karaoke to me.
Quite impressive that she captures the sound of 50s and 60s country and Western so accurately. That said, it feels more like a great pastiche than an actual classic.
What an amazing rich voice! Wish the songs were worth it. There's better kd Lang albums.
#752. This is now the second album of country covers I've listened to. This is obviously significantly better than the Willie Nelson one, but honestly I still can't be bothered. 3/5: fine?
Interesting in that it is sort of genre defying while being somehow entirely in the pocket.
Doesn't tickle my fancy, not big into pop country, but I do appreciate the instrumentals. There's definitely an audience for this album, just not me.
Genre: Countrypolitan This was a decent listen. Crystal clear, clean as a whistle, and a very solid vocal showcase, overtop some decent Country Pop stylings. Probably a record I don't need to listen to again, but one I can recommend to any country lovers out there. k.d. lang has a very nice voice! 3/5
Meh not bad. Just really not to my taste at all.
I'm stunned there are multiple k.d. lang albums on this list, and this was far better than the last one. Almost put me to sleep on a sleepy work afternoon. Do not listen while operating heavy machinery.
Some melodies from this album can potentially be a good background music for SpongeBob series 😅
Rating: 6/10 Pretty decent overall, a few boring songs but most of it was pretty enjoyable.
3.5
This one's alright. Apparently k.d. lang has two albums on here, which seems a bit high, but I think one can stay. This list is pretty low on the representation of women and even lower on that of lesbians, so I can't be too eager to remove an album like this. Apparently Shadowland is the weaker of the two. If so, then that means I'll like Ingénue to some degree seeing as I think Shadowland is good. It's not really for me. This style of country isn't usually my thing barring a few exceptions, but this album has good elements. The singing is one of them. I do enjoy hearing k.d. lang's voice on these songs. She's a good singer that does these songs well. The song choices make sense. These are pretty standard country pop affairs, which is fine. This album doesn't need to be mindblowing or anything. It'd be cool if it was, but that's not necessary. I don't see myself going back to this much, but I certainly can't call this bad. 3/5.
Great voice. Great slide guitar. Great antidote to the Korn album I had to listen to the day before.
Decent old country, mad respect to Queen KD 👍
I had no idea who k.d. lang was. Then when I turned the album on, the most beatiful woman's voice you can imagine hit me. Quite a few excellent songs there, could easily be Bond movie theme songs. I really enjoyed listening to this album.
Man I wanna go to hawaii. Nothing very interesting to me on this one, low 3
Always thought of KD Lang as country but she’s really not, despite the country western music influence which is noticeable. I couldn’t help but think of the classic crooners like Frank Sinatra when listening to this one. Her vocals are fantastic. Don’t love this kind of music, but it’s a quality record for sure.
Too slow for my likely.
Enjoyable mellow country but not much to elevate it beyond that.
Classic 80’s country sounds mixed with Texas swing and light jazzy country. Makes me think of Lyle Lovett and Patsy Cline at times. This is a solid album, not necessarily a showstopper, but clearly displays k.d. lang’s talent. Notable tracks include Western Star, Lock, Stock and Teardrops, I Wish I Didn’t Love You So. All the songs are listenable and well performed.
6/10 Favourite: Tears Don't Care Who Cries Them Least Favourite: (Waltz Me) Once Again Around the Dance Floor
Only knowing k.d. lang from the 90s and Constant Craving, I didn’t know she did country. I guess it’s probably good country? I did like Black Coffee and Busy Being Blue though
Some really pretty gems in here, I’m left wondering if maybe there’s some other under-the-radar country records that could’ve taken its place because it sort of feels like it
I like her voice. My favourite song was Don't Let the Stars Get in your Eyes.
Nice country album, k.d. has a most excellent voice, a good listen (and yes, I did dock a point for the lower-case name; it was originally 3.5 but I rounded it up to 4 before knocking off a star)
This was actually pleasant, in small doses.
She’s got the voice, she’s got the band. I’ve got the boots, I’ve got the hat. But I can’t get all the way there.
No one could sing these songs better, but I just don't like most of these songs. 3 stars or C.
Constant Craving is a banger, so I had high hopes for this. But country music has to be stellar AF to even stand a chance of penetrating my hard prejudices against it. It's not bad my any means either, but not really my vibe.
Constantly dancing back and forth between good and cheesy, the balance is a bit off here but when it is good it is pretty and fun.
Some of the songs on this album have a real old Austin sound, but that still couldn’t raise it to a four star album for me
A short and sweet collection of nice country songs. But I’d rather just listen to the OGs Loretta or Tammy or Patsy etc. to be honest, I’m not sure this adds anything much to the genre although her voice is lovely.
I had only ever heard of k.d. lang in the context of being a gay icon, so a soulful country album was not what I was expecting! Unfortunately not my vibe, but she has a beautiful voice. 3.5 stars.
Its reshaped my understanding of how respected she was by other singers and country artists so early in her career. I kind of think of KD as a chameleon who indulges in so many different styles, but she's a country girl who reinvents herself. I enjoyed this, but I think it is less refined than Ingenue.
Not familiar with this album, not too familiar with country especially 80s American style. Interesting voice, music not so much. 2.5 rounded up Heard before? No Owned: No 14/1001, 14/55 (25%) Will I get? No
Very chilled and nice to listen to in the morning. I've never heard of K.D Lang before, but she sings like Roy Orbison at times.
Surprisingly enjoyable
Great vocal performance.