Search - Diane Schuur :: Schuur Thing

Diane Goes Pop

James Fenos | Columbus, OH United States | 02/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album, Diane's sophomore effort, turns to bouncy pop with a lot of synths and electric piano. There are standards here with jazz harmonies, but the effort of this album goes toward adult radio. The bouncy "Needle In A Haystack" is pure pop fluff with Diane handling all the overdubbed harmony and backing vocals. "By Design" is a pop duet with Jose Feliciano, whose baritone is as strong and full as Diane's contralto. Both sing this song in full voice and the song is clearly targeted for radio airplay. "Love Dance" is a more straight on jazz/pop ballad, "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" is delivered in a bossa nova style reminicent of Basia. "Take Me To The River" sounds a bit strained, again Diane's vocals are multi overdubbed. "Sure Thing" is a favorite, an optimistic intimate ballad featuring soft strings. This album is a little overproduced and was an attempt to market Diane as mainstream. The synths mark time but Diane's vocal delivery and the pop production of this album offer a study in an artist searching for a signature sound, which she explores futher in the follow up album "Timeless.""