The Woman in Me

 

 

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louise's 2nd album is much better than the first she show's she can hold a note as well as she can dance to them. this album is great there is something here for everyone, move over celine, mariah, natalie and britney because louise is the best!

Louise shot to fame in 1993 as a member of girl band 'Eternal'. The band's debut album 'Always and Forever' was a huge hit; selling over a million copies in the UK and knocking out 4 top ten hits. So it was a surprise to both fans and critics when after a year with the band Louise decided to leave; claming she felt creatively restricted (not surprising seeing she only had one solo vocal performance on the whole album).
In 1996 Louise released her debut solo album 'Naked'. The album was commercially successful - peaking at number 6 in the album chart, and giving Louise 3 top ten hits. While the album established Louise as a solo artist and featured quality pop songs like 'Light of My Life' and 'Naked' it failed to showcase anything unique or amazing. Critics were unable to see the 'real' Louise that wanted her artist freedom so much - instead they felt they were getting a Louise trying to please her record bosses by playing it safe.
Louise's second album 'Woman In Me' (a truly fitting title) however, is an extremely pleasing and high quality album. It is evident when listening to the album to see that Louise has radically grown into a mature and diverse solo artist. Louise has created a true pop album, probably one of the best and last solid pop albums of the 90s.
Every song on 'Woman In Me' is a well-constructed, highly polished standout track in its own right. The relaxed sounding lead single, 'Arms Around The World' brings Louise into a slightly different light, showing her ability as a songwriter and singer to bring in a somewhat 'eastern'/'worldly' feel into the track; yet still keep it upbeat and mainstream. Fans of Louise's tried and tested 'safe' pop sound will love the tracks 'All That Matters' and 'New York Moon'- which build on her 'Naked' days.
One thing Louise has got perfect on this album are the ballads. All of which engulf the listener with their touching lyrics and ideally soft tone. 'I Pray' (reminisce of 'Light of Me Life') and 'Trust In You' are typical big ballads, however the ballad that really stands out is 'When Will My Heart Beat Again'; which is constructed like an acoustic track. The track might be simple but is highly effective and Louise's vocals seem to fit the song like a glove - reflecting her seemingly genuine emotion.
While the album has tear-jerking ballads it also has up-tempo party numbers, something 'Naked' lacked but Louise does really well. 'Let's Go Round Again', 'Happy Love' and 'Don't Be Shy' (a refreshing 'club' dance tune) will have you up and dancing around your bedroom. Fans of Louise's 'sexy' pop sound (present on the provocative single 'Naked') will lap up 'Shut And Kiss Me', where Louise's vocals smoulder with sexiness.
The two extremes of the pop spectrum (ballads and dance) are present but cleverly Louise has given the album another depth by incorporating 'calmer' and ‘varied’ elements into 'Woman In Me'. 'Healing Love’, which is almost an RnB / Slow Jam tune, makes full use of Louise's vocal ability. 'Who Do You Love' and 'Running Back For More' have a cool, retro 60's feel and makes you believe Louise could have been one of the great female pop artists of that era. The title track 'Woman In Me' is a mature and original up-beat love song that highlights Louise's development as an artist on this album.
'Woman In Me' showcases the 'artist in Louise'. The album just hits all the right notes, literally. Louise's vocals, which technically are not the most acrobatic, sound rich, lush and glossy, especially on tracks like 'Love Will Bring You Back To Me' and 'Reminds Me of You'. While Louise will never get the critical praise she deserves for this album, 'Woman In Me' will go down as a cult pop classic for years to come! It’s just a shame that this record hasn’t got the praise it rightly deserves.

Although on this album there ARE some excellent pop songs, they are in the minority. These good songs are the ones she released as singles (Let's Go Round Again, Arms Around The World, etc). Unfortunately this album doesn't live up to expectations, as it goes gradually downhill as you listen to it, and by the end you will have fallen asleep.
If you liked Louise's first album, you will probably like this. If you haven't heard any of her albums, give it a miss. I was stupid and bought all three albums on the same day in a sale. I then realised that all three have this disappointing lack of decent songs. Sorry Louise but you can do much better. Dido and Anastacia, luckily, have now taken her place and they deserve to, they have much more talent and better quality songs. I'd recommend their albums highly.

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