Is In Your Dreams too long?

[MacMan]

Originally Posted by SapphireSister

I feel as though some of the tracks go on forever and really could have been cut down. There's just repetitive choruses or unnecessary instrumentals. I'd like to see some more fading out with new adlibs from Stevie. I thought this before I read this thread so I'm glad it's being mentioned.

I think the album is a great length [without My Heart]... I like the song - but could do without it...

I think the album is well balanced with all kinds of stuff on it to satisfy all your tastes... I wouldn't want anything cut... The longer songs I particularly enjoy because they sound so great either musically or vocally like on You May Be The One... They could repeat that chorus a few more times as far as I'm concerned - Love it! I wouldn't leave anything out... There's just too much variety.

[bluefox4000]

I just wanna say Stevie's British "Cahn't" Makes me wanna punch something In ELY, and I'm sure it's elsewhere .

Mick

[Spikey]

For me, the answer is yes, although I think overall the album is weak and has a lot of dud tracks. To compare it to BD is almost sacreligious, for a Stevie fan, IMO.

Anyone who has listened to the album and honestly rates it higher than any of Wild Heart, RAL, or TOSOTM is crazy. Stand Back, Talk To Me, Rooms on Fire being the lead singles respectively, IYD has 'Secret Love', which I personally think blows, and any of the other 13 tracks aren't as good as either of those 3 either. IMO of course.

I'm way disappointed. I thought the country thing was over with TISL.

[LiquidDiamonds]

Originally Posted by Spikey

For me, the answer is yes, although I think overall the album is weak and has a lot of dud tracks. To compare it to BD is almost sacreligious, for a Stevie fan, IMO.

Anyone who has listened to the album and honestly rates it higher than any of Wild Heart, RAL, or TOSOTM is crazy. Stand Back, Talk To Me, Rooms on Fire being the lead singles respectively, IYD has 'Secret Love', which I personally think blows, and any of the other 13 tracks aren't as good as either of those 3 either. IMO of course.

I'm way disappointed. I thought the country thing was over with TISL.

IMO this album is comparable to Bella Donna (obviously the vocals aren't as strong). It certainly trumps TOSOTM and is on par with The Wild Heart

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by Spikey

For me, the answer is yes, although I think overall the album is weak and has a lot of dud tracks. To compare it to BD is almost sacreligious, for a Stevie fan, IMO.

Anyone who has listened to the album and honestly rates it higher than any of Wild Heart, RAL, or TOSOTM is crazy. Stand Back, Talk To Me, Rooms on Fire being the lead singles respectively, IYD has 'Secret Love', which I personally think blows, and any of the other 13 tracks aren't as good as either of those 3 either. IMO of course.

I'm way disappointed. I thought the country thing was over with TISL.

Oh I think there's no doubt at all its better then RAL and especially OSOTM. Whats with comparing lead singles, I'm talking albums. Once you move past Rooms on Fire vs. Secret Love and move on to EVERYTHING ELSE vs. EVERYTHING ELSE on both albums its a Landslide victory for In Your Dreams.

[PenguinHead]

I love the album as it was intended to be, length wise or otherwise. As with any album, I listen and accept it as an entire entity, as a moment of time--a warts and all piece of work. Yet, I see no warts in In Your Dreams. Stevie is a quirky artist, and this, like all of her albums, has its expected quirks. What you would deem warts is such a personal, subjective thing.

Having been a Stevie fan since 1977, I've become very forgiving (and accepting) of everything she does. Maybe it's age, but I'm less judgemental about everything.

What is really curious to me are the derogotory comments about Stevie's country leanings (which are few and far between). Are you not aware that has always been an influence in her music? She often speaks of her grandfather, a country singer who left a lasting impact on her. Also, country music is one of the prime roots of rock and roll!

Yes, there are sectors/singers of the realm that are deemed "country" but are very cringe-worthy and cheesy, but you shouldn't dismiss it entirely. There are many credible country artists that don't pander to that show-biz style. I used to completely hate country music, but I've come around to seeing that its to my detriment to cancel out everyone in that field.

I think Stevie's country-leaning songs are great: After the Glitter Fades, The Highway Man, Leather and Lace, That's Alright, Rose Garden, For What its Worth, You May Be the One, Cheaper Than Free etc.. I often thought that if Stevie recorded a full country-style album it would be huge success. The immense country industry would likely embrace her. The Byrds and Elvis Costello did it! It's also a style more befitting of someone who is of an advanced age, where you won't look ridiculous when your expected to mimic a 25 year old rock and roller when you're 70.

One more thing, it's really unfair to compare her vocals from decades past to today. Singers' voices change with age. Her voice now is more limited in range, but she's still a great singer.

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by MacMan

I think the album is a great length [without My Heart]... I like the song - but could do without it...

I think the album is well balanced with all kinds of stuff on it to satisfy all your tastes... I wouldn't want anything cut... The longer songs I particularly enjoy because they sound so great either musically or vocally like on You May Be The One... They could repeat that chorus a few more times as far as I'm concerned - Love it! I wouldn't leave anything out... There's just too much variety.

100% agree with this post. The 13 official tracks are all interesting and diverse - each has their own special sauce, while still being one cohesive & consistent listen throughout to be a whole satisfying full course meal. My Heart is the only insignificant and flat contribution, so I'm happy it's the bonus track, yet sad that I don't love the extra track. However, the 13 IYD tracks more than make up for that small disappointment.

So my verdict is it's only too long if My Heart is included, without the *bonus* track IYD is PERFECT! I could not trim off any of the 13 official tracks.