ANNIE UNADORNED

Diva Annie Lennox goes Bare

by Andrea Rodricks

A
nnie Lennox is one of the most dynamic, theatrical pop singers around, and solo efforts from the pop music icon have always been successful. However, after recording Medusa, a collection of cover tunes that created the hit “No More I Love You’s,” Lennox took a break from her career. Now, with the release of Bare, her first collection of original songs since her solo debut album Diva, her talents are more apparent than ever before. The 11 tracks show that she has reached a new level of maturity both as a vocalist and as a songwriter. Yes, the songs are indeed about negative emotions, but they are simply terrific. She has a way of articulating the emotions we all feel and speaking directly to our hearts.

Bare was recorded in London and features songs written by Lennox. From the album’s striking cover to the emotive lyrics, fans will find it to be an uplifting and ultimately superb collection. This singer has always expressed herself with confidence and a unique sense of style, as seen in her varied musical abilities and attractive androgynous look. Lennox once said, “I don’t dress for fashion, I dress

for fun.” On the cover of her new album, she is caked in makeup, naked, and covered in sand.

To promote her new album, the Annie Lennox “Solo” tour opened in North America and then moved on to Europe. Her onstage presence is electric and powerful. The concert in Houston at Jones Hall in April was absolutely fabulous. With one of the finest voices of our time, Annie belted out old favorites to a fare-thee-well. Whether she was singing a soulful number or crooning a slow ballad, she had a captive audience.

Lennox is a versatile singer and a brilliant performer and songwriter. Her new material has veered away from the early Eurythmics and the technopop-’80s sound to a more emotionally grounded soulful, sophisticated sound all her own.

Lennox, no stranger to musical success, dares to be great in any number of stylistic settings, but her soaring vocals are her defining talent. The Scottish diva’s latest release will be in stores on June 10. Bare is truly her best yet.

More info: www.j-records.com or www.annie-lennox.com or www.alennox.net/annie.html.

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