I have always been a fan of Sheena Easton. Today while doing things around the Casa du Borghese, I broke out one of my little gems I hadn't listened to for some time, Sheena Easton's No Strings. But paused after the first song, no...I needed to listen to this once I settled for the evening with a cocktail. It's pure heaven. In 93, Sheena Easton took a detour from the R&B, Prince flavored music, and in 94 performed a superb standards album. It was huge departure from her regular fare. Easton's voice was never more clear and this stellar set truly allowed the singer to shine, and she wraps her pipes around some timeless tunes. I don't think many even knew of this album. But when it hit, it was met with extreme critical acclaim by not only Jazz critics, but jazz performers as well. The end result was a beautiful and powerful album...and she should be extremely proud of making this change.
How about a nice early spring interlude.... grab a cock-a-tail and hit play.
Apart from The Man That Got Away, which in my opinion is a massacre of a perfect song, her jazzy interpretations of these are not too unpleasant on the ear at all...
ReplyDeleteQuite a surprise indeed, for over here she is far better known for her naff pop hits than she ever was for being the Prince-protégé-slut for which she id best known in America. Jx
I had no idea! She sounded amazing.
ReplyDeleteJust over the weekend I was talking to a friend. We were discussing why when artist age, they still try and perform the same music and imagine when it's not even age appropriate anymore, or they look like they are desperately trying to hold on to relevancy. Yes... looking at you Madonna. Sometimes a different route is the way to go and show growth, while still not looking like a laughing stock.
Thanks for sharing these!
Yes I did know of this album and own it. It was her last album to my knowledge. I remembered... it was on my last day of my work resignation .. 1994! When I and my supervisor went to a music store in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand. I bought this album. I still own this album.
ReplyDeleteActually in 2000 was her last new release I believe, her 15th album, Fabulous, which contained Euro Hi-NRG cover versions of songs from the 70s and '80s.
DeleteI'm by far Im not a professional knowledge person of music, but I know what I like and LOVED this!!!
ReplyDeleteI remember her well with her pops songs.
How in hell did I miss all this?!?!?!?! Thanks!
I don't think I even knew, I just happened to stumble on it in 94 in a record shop.
DeleteRemember those?
Lovely.
ReplyDeleteI remember her Sugar Walls, What Comes Naturally, Lover in Me, U Got the Look, Morning Train....but this, wow, what a refreshing change. I too had no idea. I would totally go see her sing in cabarets if she does them. This made for a relaxing night...even the McGuire Sisters in their cage have quieted down for the evening.
ReplyDeleteBoy she must have been good if she quieted down the birds!
DeleteQuite a departure! She does a great job of these standards!
ReplyDeleteLovely !
ReplyDeleteI had a huge crush on Sheena Easton back in the day. Also, right around the time she made this album she did a guest appearance on the TV show Highlander.
ReplyDeleteI was NOT a fan of Ms Easton before this. I can't believe this was in 94 and I never knew?!?
ReplyDeleteI like this Sheena much better.
And not to mention she looks stunning.
DeleteSlutty Sheena...Classy Sheena, I still love her.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I'd never heard of this album. Although I don't love her version of The Man That Got Away, I do love the others.
ReplyDeleteAnd that was my favorite one. I'll be singing that if the Lumbersexual gets away.
DeleteShe is so underrated. You've reminded me to play my favourite Prince albumn. Diamonds and pearls! It's wonderful. X
ReplyDeleteDiamonds and Pearls! Ok girl....you go one with your bad self Christina!!!! I have that cd too. My favorite track was Cream.
DeleteI'll never forget seeing Sheena on The Big Time, and Lulu being a bit sniffy about her.
ReplyDeleteShe does have a very clear voice.
Sx
Oh I love me some Lulu also! Poor Sheena, she seemed to be picked on from all sides.
DeleteI adore her. And she has such a wonderful instrument. I mean, who else could pull of Morning Train? It's a terrible song and she just floated through it and became the world's sweetheart. There is an emotional disconnect with her that has always bothered me... yes, the notes are solid and the tone is amazing... but it always feels a bit cold and separate from anything emotional. She's an amazing singer... again, blessed with a powerful instrument. Thanks for sharing this. Oddly enough, Morning Train was on the radio while I was doing my morning routine on Sunday and I thought all this about her. Wavelengths... Kizzes.
ReplyDeleteI think she always tried to keep a bit of Sheena "sultry-ness" in the mix. Now today, Im listening to Sheena R&B version!
DeleteExcept for "The Man Who Got Away," which is a Garland classic, this is all very wise. I thought her pacing too slow on that song. But, again, the rest is very nice indeed.
ReplyDeleteAnd that was my favorite one, only because she didn't follow Garlands lead, but took it in a direction direction. It is quite a relaxing cd.
DeleteI have never heard of this album...then arteejee pulled it outta his stack of CDs. now all we need is a CD player to listen to it (ours busted last year).
ReplyDeleteI CAN'T BELIEVE IT! You two might be the one ones I know who own it.
DeleteNo one will ever do The Man That Got Away better than Judy, so I'll give Sheena a pass on that one.
ReplyDeleteBut the others are a nice surprise. I'd no idea she recorded them.
I think I like her version only because she put her own mark on it, with her Sheena "sultry-ness" trademark. I know if my man got away, I would be singing very slowly. But I do have the Garland version too on a cd collection of Garland songs, even though I was not a fan of Garland.
DeleteHad no idea! Really. And I'm a sucker for the standards. (But I do have to agree with Bob - no one will ever match Judy on that one.) BTW - Did you know that "Little Girl Blue" came from the film "Jumbo" with Doris Day???
ReplyDeleteI had no idea Pat.
DeleteOhh She sounds good!
ReplyDeleteI also like Prince-era Sheena Easton but this is nice! And you are right, great background for a few glasses of wine.
XOXO
She had so many songs I liked...where to start! I can't remember but I think she and Prince were good friends weren't they?
DeleteI listened. I liked. Now I’m a fan. Hope you’re happy, little Miss Easton Indoctrination.
ReplyDeleteSassybear
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