Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The first rule of reviewing is, you have to let something be what it wants to be. With that said, k.d. lang has released a career milestone with Hymns Of The 49th Parallel. After touring with Tony Bennett doing Louis Armstrong-based covers from an American songbook, k.d.'s idea was to get in touch with her Canadian roots by covering songs from Canadian songwirters. The result is an intimate and warm record perfect for quiet reflection. Like the citizens of that country, the music is powerful but extremely understated, incisive and brilliant. From Neil Young to Leonard Cohen to Joni Mitchell to the vastly-underrated Jane Siberry, lang's voice provides a soothing glimpse into the stillness of the Great North. There have been two major complaints: 1) "This CD is boring," and 2) "Why did she cover THIS song? She should have covered this one!" This is a very mellow, muted disc, designed to be a gentle acoustic recording. it makes for a great listening experience, but for the listener looking for a Top 40 hit, it's not here. What is here are her flawless vocals and sparse arrangements like your own private sessions in her living room. (You have to let the disc be what IT wants to be.) Finally, lang chose the songs from her compatriots based on what she connected to. This isn't supposed to be an Encylcopedia Brittanica of Canadian songwriting, and to expect that is shallow. What lang has done is to seek out outstanding lyrics and melodies that share common themes -- love and nature -- that speak to her and allow her to express them. (You have to let the disc be what IT wants to be.) This is a disc for a) k.d. lang fans, and b) anyone who wants a silky voice gently giving life to songs of depth and meaning. "Hits" fans beware. Kudos, k.d.