Search - Shara Nelson :: What Silence Knows

Sophisticated achievement

A. Griffiths | London | 04/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you loved "Unfinished Sympathy" by Massive Attack, and want more of the same, you could do no better than buying this CD. Shara Nelson is a unique vocalist and this critically acclaimed album brings more material in the same vein as the aforementioned track. Each song has the same incredibly rich and textured production, and the songs have very personal and poignant lyrics that will have an effect on you. This is soul music, but with a darker, deeper edge than most."

Debut solo album from one of the UK's finest soul artists

A. Griffiths | 09/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What Silence Knows, Shara Nelson's first album since leaving Massive Attack to embark on a solo career, was recieved with high acclaim though she has since earned little name recognition. Nevertheless, this is a unique debut which mixes sparse but compelling beats with soaring strings and only the occasional piece of guitar or piano for emotive effect. The real surprise however is Shara's incredibly distinctive voice which thrills and engages with subtle melodies and sublime, understated lyrics. Highly reccommended and definately worth investigation."

Lasting quality

menno lievers | The Netherlands | 09/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have owned a copy of this cd ever since it was released in 1994 and I have played it continuously; late in the evening in the car, at home, abroad,... giving it only to my very best friends, because I didn't want Shara Nelson to become too popular. Alas, quite the reserve has happened. Where is she? This cd is a masterpiece, that will endure current fashion. With her husk, passionate voice Shara Nelson embodies her songs with an emotional depth that goes way beyond the semantics of the lyrics. The minimal instrumental support does justice to her vocal talent that requires space. Listening to her album one cannot but be touched by the purity of her presentation and the sincerity of the emotions that her voice brings across. Wholeheartedly recommended to anyone who has on open mind for unfashionable, honest music."