jimmy74747
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Post by jimmy74747 on Aug 3, 2005 8:35:42 GMT -5
I picked this up yesterday and gave it a couple listens. Its a good album, but nothing memorable. I would rank it behind "Breathe" & "Faith", but above "Cry" and "It Matters To Me".
"Sunshine & Summertime" is the best song on the album. Its too bad the album didn't come out a couple months earlier, so this could be released in the summer. Others I like are "Mississippi Girl", "Fireflies" & "I Want You".
"Like We Never Loved At All" has great lyrics, but I think would sound much better with a more powerful vocalist, like Martina or even Sara Evans. Its good, but not because of Faith. "Paris" is in the same boat. Someone like Celine Dion should sing the song. It doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the album.
"Dearly Beloved" & "We've Got Nothing But Love To Prove" are horrible.
Overall, its still pretty good, as I'd give it a B or B-. I think I was just expecting more.
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George Tropicana
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Post by George Tropicana on Aug 3, 2005 10:20:15 GMT -5
If u buy the album at K-Mart, you get a free poster.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2005 12:21:20 GMT -5
The HITS prediction is out for Faith's debut week. Believe it or not, HITS is only predicting sales in the "300K area." That is a direct quote from THIS article. ONE-DAY SALES: RETAIL’S ACT OF FAITH WB Country Diva Has a Virtual Lock on #1, as She Heads Toward a Solid but Not Spectacular First-Week Tally
August 3, 2005A day into the new-release week, this much is clear: Faith Hill, the reigning queen of country music (although Shania fans might take issue with that statement), will rule next week’s charts with her brand-new Warner Bros. album Fireflies, which is en route to the 300k area code. While that is a more than respectable number, it doesn’t approach the 422k first week Hill registered on her previous LP, which streeted on 10/15/02. Nonetheless, it gives retail another welcome midsummer kick in the pants, not to mention hit-hungry WMG, which hasn’t had a bona fide blockbuster since Green Day last fall. No other debut is likely to get much more than halfway to 100k, with Razor & Tie’s Kidz Bop Kids 8 leading the field in the early going as the latest volume of the series canters toward 50k-55k. Just behind is Def Jam/IDJ’s trickily named Teairra Marie at a projected 45k-50k, while Epic’s Natasha Bedingfield is looking 30k-35k-ish. Thus, holdovers will comprise the bulk of the Top 10, with evergreens Mariah Carey (Island/IDJ) and Coldplay (Capitol) holding steady, even as Interscope’s Black Eyed Peas and Virgin’s Gorillaz continue to gain strength. Capitol’s Now 19 will continue to be a factor as well in its third week. Weekly business is up 1.9% (or 195k units) over last week, but down 9.7% (or 1.1 million) versus the same week last year, when Ashlee Simpson debuted at #1 on 398k units. Total sales for the week were 10.3 million, and for the year to date, 323.9 million. The latter figure is 22.7 million units less than last year at this time, which comes out to a deficit of 7.9%. Hey, don’t shoot the messenger. (8/3a) SOURCE
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Jonsolo
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Post by Jonsolo on Aug 3, 2005 12:34:29 GMT -5
So that means Steelo's 350K prediction is looking the strongest right now.
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Post by kyhomeg on Aug 3, 2005 13:26:06 GMT -5
That's great it would be the second highest of her career, and I think the number will go higher, she is on the Today show Friday and the View. Faith has to get past the CRY experience so IMO them are great numbers and I think she is going to be a steady seller in th elong run, and that counts more.
Just think that is higher numbers in the first week than these superstars last albums.
Toby Keith George Strait Alan Jackson Keith Urban.
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drock89
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Post by drock89 on Aug 3, 2005 14:48:26 GMT -5
But less than Gretchen's debut opening. I am going to give Faith more credit. I think HITS is way off and I am still thinking this will pull around 400k. She was on Jay last night, and as kyhomeg pointed out, the Today show gig is a huge promo spot for her. However, this also shows that females are on the resurge, when, again as kyhomeg mentioned, it beats album openings by Toby (especially) and George, even though the King usually doesn't open with huge numbers. Alan's album was released in the winter so that's not fair. And when Keith's album came out, I wouldn't exactly call him a superstar. The album has only sold just close to 2 million at my last look, and at the time, he was only on the verge. Overall I think Faith and her camp should be very happy with anything over 300k, after the disappointment of sales and radio play for Cry. But I wouldn't expect this album to get anywhere near to 'Breathe' when all is said and done. Maybe a 3-4m certification but nothing above 5m. Even with the single choices I think WB will only push this album for 2 years, and we will see new Faith in 2007.
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Post by kyhomeg on Aug 3, 2005 15:54:31 GMT -5
Gretchen first album sold just a tad over 200,000 in its first week. That is awesome for a first album and more than Faith, Tim, Shania, Alan, George, Toby, Kenny and many others sold in their debut album. The jury is still out on her second album, isn't it?
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Post by kyhomeg on Aug 3, 2005 15:58:00 GMT -5
Actually Keith's album is not even at the 1.5 million mark as of this week. Toby's album in its 10 or 11th week still has not sold 1 million copies. As for Alan his album came out in a better time period than August and still hasn't sold 1 million as of last week. So Faith is doing great when you compare her to Toby's 283,000 opening week.
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spyofdaeast
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Post by spyofdaeast on Aug 3, 2005 18:14:43 GMT -5
See the thing is it's 2005. Her last album was in 2002. Sales are down from then. The only high number openers this year and rap/hip hop people, and I guess that Now 19 thing. I just hope this album has longevity. at least she's guaranteed a #1
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Post by kyhomeg on Aug 3, 2005 18:57:08 GMT -5
I also think the HITS predictions are on the low side. This is based on 1st day sales. I think there may be alot of people that weren't ready to jump on it the first day maybe because of CRY. I think as the week goes on more people will take notice, will see it in the store, remember this is a big time for people to be visiting their local Wal Mart, school supplies and clothes for the kids.
With the Today show, the View and Leno last night that will get people realizing her album is out there. I know ion the last 24 hours she has been the #1 selling album on Barnes and Noble and #1 and #2 best selling on Amazon and is the #1 album on Itunes. So I really think them numbers are going to be higher just on thr fact that many that are going to buy it, wasn't in a hurry to get it that first day.
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musicbuff78
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Post by musicbuff78 on Aug 3, 2005 21:25:46 GMT -5
Ya, but I've seen alot of no name cd's in the top 10 on Amazon so I don't really think that's an indication. I've seen their predictions be just about on the dot. I know this doesn't mean much at all and I'm not saying I'm always right by any means, but alot of the times when I predict I come rather close. If I'm way off, I will accept that.
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drock89
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Post by drock89 on Aug 3, 2005 21:37:17 GMT -5
Not sure that HITS detects online retailers..can some one clarify?
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Post by WakeUpOlder on Aug 3, 2005 23:26:39 GMT -5
I think i'm one of the few that think "We've Got Nothing But Love To Prove" is one of the stand-out tracks on the album. The chorus is a little....cliche (A'Ok in the USA), but I think the verses and the overall sound of the song is awesome.
"If You Ask" and "Fireflies" are my two favorite songs on the album. If It weren't for finding Lori McKenna's songs, I don't think this album would be nearly as good as it is.
I like "Like We Never Loved At All", but I wish they wouldn't release it next. It's understandable why they are doing it though...considering it's already being pegged as the smash hit of the fall.
"Sunshine and Summertime", "Dearly Beloved", "I Ain't Gonna Take it", "Fireflies", "If You Ask", and "The Lucky One" could all easily be smash hits for Faith. I even think radio would latch onto "We've Got Nothing But Love To Prove"
"You Stay With Me" and "I Want You" are two songs that I absolutely hated at first...but they are both growing on me. They are still at the bottom of my list of favorites though.
"Wish For You" and "Paris" are absolutely horrible. I can't even stand to listen to them. They aren't even good enough to be filler material. I'd go as far to say that the album would be better off without them.
Overall, it's a solid album. Like I said, Lori McKenna's songs completely saved this album. My biggest gripe is that I wish Faith would have recorded a few more fun upbeat songs and left some of the ballad trash (above mentioned) off the album
I would probably give this album a "B"
BTW - Female vocalist award between Faith and Gretchen will be the closest race at this year's CMA awards. Right now, I have no idea who has the edge. I guess we'lll have to wait and see how Gretchen's single/album does compared to Faith's
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KMCB
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Post by KMCB on Aug 4, 2005 14:02:53 GMT -5
"Wish For You" and "Paris" are absolutely horrible. I can't even stand to listen to them. They aren't even good enough to be filler material. I'd go as far to say that the album would be better off without them. ... BTW - Female vocalist award between Faith and Gretchen will be the closest race at this year's CMA awards. Right now, I have no idea who has the edge. I guess we'lll have to wait and see how Gretchen's single/album does compared to Faith's I just bought my CD today, and on careful listen, I have to disagree considerably with your opinion on 'Wish for You' and 'Paris.' They might be bad 'country' songs, perhaps they don't 'fit' on the album, but they are both steller, beautiful performances. In fact, 'Paris' might be one of my new favorite songs ever. The sentiment, the poetry, and the delivery of it are just lovely. I also think that the Female Vocalist category will be a battle, but Sara Evans should not be counted out. She is having the greatest run of her career right now, and she is less 'controversial' than Faith or Gretchen (most people either love or hate them, but I'm hard pressed to see a bad review or a detractor of Sara's). All in all, I think Faith did a great job on the Fireflies project. She included a several amazing songwriters (Lori McKenna has to be one happy woman right now), a diversity of styles, and, I noticed, some interesting backup singers. I love that Kelly Willis is on two of her songs. I also think this CD works so well, especially after Cry, because it features Faith's voice... not a bunch of production. I think for the first time, we can hear how diverse Faith's voice is. That said, another listen to "I Want You" has me thinking that this might be an even sexier song than "Breathe" ! My suggestions for singles: Like We Never Loved at All (sounds like that's inevitable) I Want You Stealing Kisses Fireflies ... maybe Dearly Beloved I also think she could do an amazing video release for either 'Wish for You' or 'Paris,' something released in late fall. Will be interesting to see the path this one takes.
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austin
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Post by austin on Aug 4, 2005 16:40:32 GMT -5
The album is OK.
Way too slow for my tastes. I am one who really does NOT like the Lori McKenna songs. 'Fireflies' is OK but the other two are horrible.
I think the 'A Ok In The USA' chorus is repetitive, but I think it could be a big single for Faith.
If they don't release 'Dearly Beloved' next (after LWNLAA) they are crazy. No other song has definite hit potential I don't think.
'Sunshine and Summertime' is one of the worst songs on the disc, although fun. The worst, however, is 'Paris', followed by 'Wish For You' and 'I Want You'.
I really only listen to tracks 3 and 12.
Was expecting more. I give it a C...because I am generous.
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Post by kyhomeg on Aug 4, 2005 16:44:43 GMT -5
Well we defintley have different taste, IMO the Lori McKenna songs are the best, she is a amazing songwriter and hopefully more country artist will look at her catalog.
Wish For You is awesome and stellar IMO and so is Paris.
The only song I don't like is A Ok in USA because of the chorus but the rest I give a A+.
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Post by kyhomeg on Aug 4, 2005 17:27:26 GMT -5
If You Ask by Lori McKenna
There's no way to describe everything I feel listening to this song. One of my very favorites. The emotion in Faith's voice is... amazing, for lack of a better word. That powerful last line and the ending... wow. I don't live that life but I know people who do and I don't think Faith could have captured it any better or truer.
I should be amazed at this song but I'm not, This song is a classic. Haunting... Soulful... beautiful ballad which tells a powerful story about relationships and their complexity Teriffic job to everyone involved with this song especially the songwriter. It is the type of song they need to do more of in country music.
IF YOU HAVE EVER LOVED SOMEONE ADDICTED TO ANYTHING DESTRUCTIVE TO THEMSELVES.....IT HITS TO THE CORE.
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Bigchief
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Post by Bigchief on Aug 4, 2005 19:52:39 GMT -5
I think the McKenna songs are pretty boring with "Stealing Kisses" being the most intersting of the three.
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jimmy74747
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Post by jimmy74747 on Aug 4, 2005 20:40:31 GMT -5
I think the McKenna songs are pretty boring with "Stealing Kisses" being the most intersting of the three. "Stealing Kisses" & "Fireflies" are very good. "If You Ask" is average at best
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Post by firedancer on Aug 4, 2005 22:10:11 GMT -5
I think i'm one of the few that think "We've Got Nothing But Love To Prove" is one of the stand-out tracks on the album. The chorus is a little....cliche (A'Ok in the USA), but I think the verses and the overall sound of the song is awesome. I agree with you here. You know, Faith changed some of the lyrics to this song to make it more positive. This was yet another song that she didn't understand before she recorded it and she didn't get the irony of the song. To me, that's why the repetitive chorus works so well. I think there are a lot of people who still don't understand what Darrell Scott is actually saying in this song. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think it's a killer tune.
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drock89
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Post by drock89 on Aug 4, 2005 22:51:00 GMT -5
Can you explain it? I got my idea but I would love to hear yours!
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KMCB
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Post by KMCB on Aug 4, 2005 23:06:50 GMT -5
I think i'm one of the few that think "We've Got Nothing But Love To Prove" is one of the stand-out tracks on the album. The chorus is a little....cliche (A'Ok in the USA), but I think the verses and the overall sound of the song is awesome. I agree with you here. You know, Faith changed some of the lyrics to this song to make it more positive. This was yet another song that she didn't understand before she recorded it and she didn't get the irony of the song. To me, that's why the repetitive chorus works so well. I think there are a lot of people who still don't understand what Darrell Scott is actually saying in this song. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think it's a killer tune. I would like to see what the original lyrics were. I definitely thought her explanation of why she wanted to record the song (on the Highway 16 interview) didn't really fit the song. And, I'll bite... what else do you believe has she recorded but not understood? Just curious...
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Zazie
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Post by Zazie on Aug 4, 2005 23:10:38 GMT -5
Is there a link to the lyrics of the Darrell Scott song? You've gotten me curious -- I have 3 of Darrell's albums and I consider him the best songwriter now working, so I'd enjoy reading his contribution to Faith's album.
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Jim King
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Post by Jim King on Aug 4, 2005 23:34:06 GMT -5
And, I'll bite... what else do you believe has she recorded but not understood? Just curious... She already said in the cut by cut that she didn't understand "Paris." ~ Jim
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Jim King
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Post by Jim King on Aug 4, 2005 23:45:41 GMT -5
I think i'm one of the few that think "We've Got Nothing But Love To Prove" is one of the stand-out tracks on the album. The chorus is a little....cliche (A'Ok in the USA), but I think the verses and the overall sound of the song is awesome. I agree with you here. You know, Faith changed some of the lyrics to this song to make it more positive. This was yet another song that she didn't understand before she recorded it and she didn't get the irony of the song. To me, that's why the repetitive chorus works so well. I think there are a lot of people who still don't understand what Darrell Scott is actually saying in this song. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think it's a killer tune. I'm trying to like it, but so far, no go for A-OK. The bridge is so bizarre, a bit of embarrassing confusion to my ear. ~ Jim Edited for spelling...I couldn't make it through 2 sentences without a typo.
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musicbuff78
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Post by musicbuff78 on Aug 5, 2005 0:40:21 GMT -5
And, I'll bite... what else do you believe has she recorded but not understood? Just curious... She already said in the cut by cut that she didn't understand "Paris." ~ Jim Which I don't understand. Singers record songs they understand, have lived, or know someone who has lived them to show emotion. How could someone convey emotion through a song they don't understand?
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Jim King
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Post by Jim King on Aug 5, 2005 1:17:24 GMT -5
She already said in the cut by cut that she didn't understand "Paris." ~ Jim Which I don't understand. Singers record songs they understand, have lived, or know someone who has lived them to show emotion. How could someone convey emotion through a song they don't understand? In Faith's defense, I think there's plenty of substance in the lyric and mood of that song to build the emotion, and I think she delivers it. "Paris" is a bluesy torch song, and it's easy to channel Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, or any number of films featuring blues singers in speakeasy bars singing with only piano accompanyment by dimly lit candles with thick cigarette smoke in the air. Paris is the city of lights and lovers after all, and desperate love is what the song is all about. I'm only confused by some of the references in the song, and I think that's what Faith was talking about in the cut by cut. I can't figure out if I should imagine a Fellini film, a WWII epic, or try to imagine Troy Verges in the Louvre as a tourist. ~ Jim, insomnia mavin tonight
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someguy
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Post by someguy on Aug 5, 2005 2:35:37 GMT -5
After listening to this album a few times, I think Faith has a lot of potential single choices. If it were up to me, assuming she goes 5 deep, I'd do it like this:
1. Mississippi Girl (already the hit first single) 2. Like We Never Loved At All (pretty much confirmed) 3. Stealing Kisses 4. Sunshine & Summertime (going for adds March/April just in time for summer) 5. Dearly Beloved
If she wanted to release a sixth, I'd put "I Want You" in between "Sunshine & Summertime" and "Dearly Beloved". I think DB should close the album, because it if it underperfroms, it wouldn't hurt any following singles' chances of becoming a hit.
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austin
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Post by austin on Aug 5, 2005 14:33:21 GMT -5
I think her voice sounds good on the album, but I just can't get into the disc. It is just very slow and very bland to me.
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George Tropicana
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Post by George Tropicana on Aug 5, 2005 21:04:43 GMT -5
The music review in PEOPLE magazine is really weird. They mention about "Like We Never Loved At All" and the next line states that Tim is nowhere to be found on the entire disc... Was the critic not listening?
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