SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 58:00 Min.
In 2000, Sony Music Entertainment (UK) released this compilation album of miscellaneous Des’ree tracks. Including five live renditions, the thirteen tracks (which she also co-wrote) consist of:
- Silent Hero (5:03) Note: The song is featured in Spike Lee’s 1995 film, Clockers.
- Get A Life (3:31)
- I Ain’t Movin {Family Stand Acoustic Mix} (4:05)
- Innocent & Naive (3:40)
- Warm Hands, Cold Heart {2000 Mix} (4:39)
- I Ain’t Movin’ {Live} (5:19)
- Little Child {Live} (3:51)
- Looking Philosophical (4:10)
- Caring World (4:12)
- Soul Mates {Previously Unreleased} (3:53)
- Feel So High {Live from London} (4:49)
- You Gotta Be {Live from London} (5:17)
- Life {Live from London} (6:01).
REVIEW:
Projecting a wonderfully articulate mix of pop, R&B, and jazzy blues, Des’ree’s vocal effervescence is something else. Working off sparkling instrumentals, she makes these cast-off tunes (not widely released for whatever reason) sound almost magical. More so, she skillfully pitches her thoughtful lyrics as something to say vs. merely saying something. It’s just a shame that none of these tracks would be surefire radio hits, though Track # 3: “I Ain’t Movin (Family Stand Acoustic Mix)” likely comes closest.
Otherwise, the album’s style conveys a welcome sense of classiness, from start to finish. At nearly an hour’s running time, listeners will be getting their full money’s worth. Even if deemed as a sampler for her other albums, this Des’ree compilation project is an elegant treat.
PACKAGING:
The CD case lists the tracks. As for the insert booklet, the tracks, their running times, writing credits, and the full lyrics are included. Des’ree briefly explains the backstory for each tune. A discography listing tracks of four of her albums is included. Lastly, Des’ree offers her thank-you’s.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
