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Discounting 2000's compilation of rarities and live tracks, Dream Soldier is Des'ree's first album in over four years. As always, she's aware of people's need for her soothing brand of easy R&B and big-sisterly wisdom. "Sometimes love don't conquer everything, we're living in a world so full of hate," she sings on the uncharacteristically plaintive "Human", before counselling in the worldly wise way that only Des'ree can, "sometimes all you need is a little faith." For such a simple song, with the most basic of love-thy-neighbour messages, it's amazingly affecting. Such is the power of Des'ree's calm yet unerring voice.
Back in her regular role of putting mundane trials and tribulations into perspective, the bright and breezy coffee-table soul of "It's Okay" and "Why" could flood-light the darkest of days as she imparts her philosophies on life with reassuring grace, serenity and, in the case of "Fate", an effortless gospel quiver. Admittedly, with nothing to match her previous best "You Gotta Be" and "Life", Dream Soldier won't exactly change the world; it'll just make it a damn sight easier to bear. --Dan Gennoe
Unfortunately soon after this albums release, Des'ree was dropped by Sony. I find it awful that an artist such as her is dropped by a company who are the main reason her album didn't sell - no promotion! Thankfully Des'ree can find some comfort in the fact that she produced one of her best albums to date and certainly some of her strongest material. Tracks such as 'Righteous Night' and 'Nothing To Lose' hit something deep inside of you that goes further than just good music. Other favourites include 'Why' and the brilliantly upbeat 'It's Okay' although I don't favour the Stargate Radio Edit very much, thankfully that is tagged on as an album bonus. All in all this album is more consistant that 'Supernatural' and showcases Des'ree's true talents. One can only hope that she will continue to release music either with another label or independently. BUY BUY BUY
I think that this is a great return from Des'ree. I really liked her previous albums Supernatural and I Ain't Movin', but i think she may have left it a bit too late with hardly no promotion of her single it's Ok and a break of four years. But this album was really worth the wait.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:3.5 out of 5 stars 2 reviews
5.0 out of 5 starsJust what I needed30 Jan 2008
By Michelle Tomlinson - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Audio CD
Dream Soldier is living up to my expectations. When I got my first Des'ree album, "I Aint Movin" (the cassette then the CD) it soothed me through a very painful break-up. Now I'm finding solace in Dream Soldier, especially with "It's OK" and "Why" as I go through yet another break-up 12 years later. As usual Des'ree's soulful voice speaks to everyday issues of joy and sadness, an excellent connection when you need to know there is someone out there who understands. Excellent Des'ree.
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 starsTomb of the Unconscious Soldier21 Feb 2008
By Vincent L. Smith - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Let me say first I like Desree. Now let me be blunt: this cd sucked. Out of 10 songs and 1 remix, there is only 1 decent song "It's Okay" (no pun intended) and one great song: "Fate". The rest of this cd is just no good.
The main problem with this cd is the peddling of message songs. No one wants to hear message songs, that they can't dance, make love or clean to. The worst example on the cd is the song "Human", which sounds like Bill Cosby wrote it for his Fat Albert Cosby kids band. If you must put a self help book, Dr Phil type message in your music use Amel Larrieux as a good template. Her music is positive and fun.
Again, I like Desree, and you will to, just do yourself a favor and buy the "Mind Adventures" cd which is great, then go on iTunes and buy "Gotta Be" from her other cd, and then just buy the track "Fate" off this cd which is solid.