I'm Sorry but I Don't Love IYD (Yet)

SapphireSister · #1 05-01-2011, 12:24 PM

I will attempt to articulate this the best that I can but please remember guys - this is a discussion board and we are going to have differing opinions. If we all felt exactly the same about everything it could get quite boring. You guys know I am a die-hard chiffonhead and defend Stevie till I'm blue in the face but I just can't bring myself to gush over this album. Here's why:
I've given the album a listen of the last few days and did not want to make my initial assessment until I gave it a chance so here it goes....
Let's start with the good. This album is epic in so many ways and I would consider it a huge comeback album. I am so proud of our girl and even more glad that she's happier than she's ever been. That means the world to me whether or not this is or isn't her best album of all time. From a critical and musical standpoint the album is phenomenal. Her vocals are better than they've been in at least 25 years. They are strong, confident, she's hitting higher notes, and really feeling the music. That is very obvious to me. Dave did a stellar job in bringing Stevie out of her shell and giving her the guidance and confidence she's needed to make a record like this. The album is coherent and definitely showcases Stevie's talents as a true poet with songs like Moonlight and Annabel Lee. Dave really worked magic in turning her poems into songs. I also enjoy the political messages behind New Orleans and Soldier's Angel. Our girl has balls and feels passionate about so many things. I love that she incorporated these elements into the album in addition to the unicorns and lace.
Now, with that being said, on to the things I'm not so thrilled with. First of all, after listening it each song at least 20 times, I cannot tell you the one that stands out among st the others for me. Where's my Rooms on Fire, a dynamic lead single and best song of the album by far. I cannot get into For What It's Worth, Cheaper Than Free, or Everybody Love's You. My initial fear about her working with Dave is that the album would be too country and to a certain extent I was right. That's not to say I can't love a good country song because I do but these songs do not appeal to me. The album is very organic and what most would consider true rock and roll incorporating some blues at the same time. I however do not prefer that kind of music. Call me crazy but I like a little electric guitar mixed with some drum machines and synth, I can't help it. I'm not saying that that would be fitting on this album because it wouldn't but that is the sound I like. One of the things I love about TISL is that not only does it have some great rockers on there but it incorporates elements of electronica (Planets, TISL) and I think these songs contributed to making it a more diverse album than IYD. It's beginning to bother me less and less but it will always be true that the songs Stevie wrote the lyrics and melody for will hold a special place in my heart and IYD only has 4. I know Stevie got to much satisfaction out of writing songs with Dave but I stand strong behind my believe that I prefer songs she wrote the melody and lyrics too.
Songs I do like are Secret Love simply because it's better than a lot of songs on there but not that it's such a great song. I LOVE the sentiment behind Soldier's Angel and the music is compelling and powerful in a simple way. If I had to pic a favorite it would be WSS simply due to the killer music in the chorus. Annabell I love because I disliked the demo and like this version so that's a wild card. In Your Dreams is very catchy and fun but again, nothing that I would die over and not comparable to the other title tracks. I'm not going to go through all the rest of the songs because I think I've given a good indication of my initial feelings on the album as a whole.
*The most important thing to keep in mind is that my opinion could TOTALLY change once I listen to the album more. I have no doubt some songs will grow on me but all I know is that the first time I've listened to Stevie's other albums I've loved songs right off the bat and I don't love anything right away here but again, I'm optimistic that some will grow on me. In closing, I want to say that I'm so proud of Stevie and even more proud that all of you, her biggest fans, love the album. Feel free to dispute me on any of these points but it's just my opinion.
-Lindsay

markolas · #2 05-01-2011, 12:32 PM

I'm not sure anyone can dispute a personal preference. If you don't like it, you don't like it. I don't really detect a country flavor from the album at all. Several songs have a definite "roots rock" vibe (reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt), tho. Which I love, but if you prefer music that's more "electronic," I can see you not caring for it.

I will say that it's interesting hearing about other people's perceptions of what "country" is. I had a friend who thought Gold Dust Woman was country.

WildHearted · #3 05-01-2011, 12:35 PM

Well, I don't know how much this will make you feel better - but I'm fairly certian that the songs she co-wrote with Dave, she DID write the melody for. He played chord progressions and such and she sang her poetry over them, therefore creating the vocal melody of the song.

I'm sorry that the sound of the album isn't really what you prefer

That's a bummer I'm sure, but maybe with more time you will grow to love it! For me, I was the opposite, I had to get used to stuff like I Can't Wait and Rooms on Fire because of the synths and such. After repeated listening it really grew on me and I came to appreciate it. I for one, really dislike country music but I don't mind what a lot of people call Stevie's versions of it for whatever reason. I guess they are enough on the border (even stuff like ATGF and The Highwayman) that I still like them. On this album, I hear stuff like For What It's Worth and In Your Dreams as more classic sounding rock/pop than anything. For What It's Worth is more of a folk song in my opinion. You May Be The One definitely has a blues vibe.

And, regarding the lack of a definite best song - look at that as a good thing! They are all so good that one simply doesn't stand out as the best, thanks to the caliber of the others!

Thrown_Down · #4 05-01-2011, 12:41 PM

I can totally see where you are coming from, when I first listened to the stream, I loved 4 songs, and thought the rest were either passable or dull. The problem was that I had been anticipating and dreaming of an album full of songs like Moonlight, Rock A Little, Sable On Blond etc, so I was kind of taken aback by the number of reasonably straightforward rootsy and rock songs. Once I properly listened to them for what they were, I found I actually really like most of them.

bluefox4000 · #5 05-01-2011, 12:42 PM

That's ok.....just fine. Everyone has they're preference. No need to apologize. I'm afraid I'll do the reverse of you. I love it now but I'm afraid my opinion will slide after the glitter fades lol. (cool reference..you saw what i did there?

)

Mick

Ghosty · #6 05-01-2011, 12:52 PM

i can understand what you mean.

i think for me, hearing it was going to be as good as bella donna put too high an expectation on it. i guess nothing can ever beat the bd and wh magic.

on tisl i loved songs like bombay sapphires and love changes and love is (even the title track too). it seemed she was progressing and growing in her music style. when i heard she wrote some songs in italy, i was hoping to hear some like those i just mentioned. i will say, italian summer is everything i thought and hoped it would be!

markolas · #7 05-01-2011, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghosty

i can understand what you mean.

i think for me, hearing it was going to be as good as bella donna put too high an expectation on it.

I guess I always took that claim with a grain of salt, so I wasn't disappointed when it wasn't. Bella Donna is still her zenith; I knew she'd never top it, but she doesn't have to.

WildHearted · #8 05-01-2011, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markolas

I guess I always took that claim with a grain of salt, so I wasn't disappointed when it wasn't. Bella Donna is still her zenith; I knew she'd never top it, but she doesn't have to.

My thoughts exactly. I pretty much attributed that to the excitement of a new release and such, and wasn't expecting myself to actually prefer it (or any other Stevie solo work really, at this point) to that album.

mikephxaz · #9 05-01-2011, 01:03 PM

I'm sorry you're not loving the cd....I'm a critical kinda guy when it comes to music and I have to agree that this is not a cd that has strong singles...there's no Standback, no edge of 17, no Sorcerer, no rooms on fire, no Talk to Me... in truth, I just don't care...I've become selfish as I've gotten older and I'm not obsessing about album sales...I'm only concerned if I connect with the music...and if I feel Stevie was able to put out a product that SHE believes in...like TISL....this cd makes me smile...her voice is in TOP form, it was not over-produced and she spoke from her heart. On Tuesday she WILL make a brief statement on Billboard( as a 63 yo woman rarely does) and she will garner the respect that a singing legend deserves. For What Its Worth, Italian Summer and Moonlight will be terrific additions to her musical legacy......I'm a happy consumer and a thrilled Stevie nicks fan....

Ghosty · #10 05-01-2011, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markolas

I guess I always took that claim with a grain of salt, so I wasn't disappointed when it wasn't. Bella Donna is still her zenith; I knew she'd never top it, but she doesn't have to.

that is true.

SapphireSister · #11 05-01-2011, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikephxaz

I'm sorry you're not loving the cd....I'm a critical kinda guy when it comes to music and I have to agree that this is not a cd that has strong singles...there's no Standback, no edge of 17, no Sorcerer, no rooms on fire, no Talk to Me... in truth, I just don't care...I've become selfish as I've gotten older and I'm not obsessing about album sales...I'm only concerned if I connect with the music...and if I feel Stevie was able to put out a product that SHE believes in...like TISL....this cd makes me smile...her voice is in TOP form, it was not over-produced and she spoke from her heart. On Tuesday she WILL make a brief statement on Billboard( as a 63 yo woman rarely does) and she will garner the respect that a singing legend deserves. For What Its Worth, Italian Summer and Moonlight will be terrific additions to her musical legacy......I'm a happy consumer and a thrilled Stevie nicks fan....

Exactly, and that's what I'm looking for...not in terms of being radio hits but just that kind of song for me and there's not one.

-Lillith- · #12 05-01-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SapphireSister

Exactly, and that's what I'm looking for...not in terms of being radio hits but just that kind of song for me and there's not one.

Wow it makes me feel sorry for you that this Cd isnt your taste too much ,because you are one of my "favorite fans" here... I like the way you talk about Stevie and everything

You are nearly as crazy bout her as i am !

I must say i was kind of overwhelmed the first like 2 times i heard the album as well.
It is somehow difefrent than the others and i loved the synth Music as well

It really took me a little to get it all , i had to focus. when i listened again like the 3 or 4th time i was really flashed by it. All out of sudden.
I mean i kind of liked it really before, but that moment the awesomeness hit me.
First i had to listen to everything , but i found it gets better and better the more you listen.
May be you just need more time to get into it.
Let us know , hope this makes any sense

SapphireSister · #13 05-01-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Lillith-

Wow it makes me feel sorry for you that this Cd isnt your taste too much ,because you are one of my "favorite fans" here... I like the way you talk about Stevie and everything

You are nearly as crazy bout her as i am !

I must say i was kind of overwhelmed the first like 2 times i heard the album as well.
It is somehow difefrent than the others and i loved the synth Music as well

It really took me a little to get it all , i had to focus. when i listened again like the 3 or 4th time i was really flashed by it. All out of sudden.
I mean i kind of liked it really before, but that moment the awesomeness hit me.
First i had to listen to everything , but i found it gets better and better the more you listen.
May be you just need more time to get into it.
Let us know , hope this makes any sense

Thanks sweetie, that totally makes sense and I'm sure I will get more into it as time goes on

.

skuncles · #14 05-01-2011, 01:50 PM

I get where you're coming from but as I wrote in my review of the album. "I always considered "Bella Donna" Stevie's masterpiece and it remains so. "In Your Dreams" is also a masterpiece but painted in a different style using different colors."
I personally am not a fan of programmed drum machines and synthesizers and for that reason alone I feel RAL and to an extent WH sound dated. I really like the direction Stevie has taken on this album. To me this in no way can be compared to her previous work it is in a class by itself. The woman who made Bella Donna is not the same woman who made In Your Dreams.

Jondalar · #15 05-01-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skuncles

I get where you're coming from but as I wrote in my review of the album. "I always considered "Bella Donna" Stevie's masterpiece and it remains so. "In Your Dreams" is also a masterpiece but painted in a different style using different colors."
I personally am not a fan of programmed drum machines and synthesizers and for that reason alone I feel RAL and to an extent WH sound dated. I really like the direction Stevie has taken on this album. To me this in no way can be compared to her previous work it is in a class by itself. The woman who made Bella Donna is not the same woman who made In Your Dreams.

I said I like this album better than Bella Donna, but I think your post is correct. They are two different things, and it's not fair of me to say that. Bella Donna has stood the test time for many reasons.