Anastacia

Anastacia's fourth full-length endeavour finds her delving into the mainstream sounds that have worked so well for Madonna, Kylie, Girls Aloud and the Sugababes. However, the sound is still pure Anastacia.

"I Can Feel You", the first single from the album, resonates with a 70's funk sound, and (of course) her soaring "I'm Outta Love" style vocals. A great song with great dancefloor potential.

"The Way I See It" pays homage to both Amy Winehouse and 60's Motown. Definitely has "single" written all over it.

"Absolutely Positively" is a nice little pop song with a definite 70's Stevie Wonder feel.

"Defeated" is an anthem of survival that resonates with a Mary J. Blige sound.

"In Summer" is just a happy little pop song about the joys of being in love. See if you don't smile listening to this one. Go on -- you know you want to.

"Heavy Rotation" is a great dance song. Very Justin Timberlake.

"Same Song" again, sounds very much like any great Amy Winehouse song.

"I Call It Love" is another pop gem, and one of the only songs on the album that sounds like the "old" Anastacia.

"All Fall Down" is another light, fluffy pop toe-tapper.

"Never Gonna Love Again" is a powerful ballad that reminds me of Celine Dion.

"You'll Be Fine" is in my opinion, the most beautiful song Anastacia has ever done. Though many probably won't agree with me, I think it's the best song on the album, and a perfect closer (unless you buy the 12-track version).

Because this album is a venture into new territory for her, and because it's not a territory that hasn't already been covered by countless other artists, I doubt this album will catapult her back into super-stardom. However, it has several tracks that will almost certainly become successful singles; while no song here resounds with the power of "I'm Outta Love" or "One Day In Your Life", the album is definitely her most consistent, and probably the only one without a bad track.

Definitely a five-star effort.

On her fourth album, Anastacia has taken advantage of the appetite for Winehouse-style jazzy yowling and worked a musical arrangement that suits her alleycat tone.
The brassy-voiced US singer recently fessed up to turning 40, considered ancient in pop years.
Some sinuous Stevie Wonder-style funk hints at what Anastacia could do if she stopped trying to compete with the kids.
Emphasising pop production over soulful substance, she compromises her talent for mainstream radio accessibility.
Collaborators and producers on the album include such music heavyweights as Ne-Yo, Lester Mendez, JR Rotem, Guy Chambers and Rodney Jerkins.
She sounds like a whole different (and bearable) performer on the sultry "Same Song", but stops short of delivering an entire album of "Back To Black" 1960s soul pastiches.
"Absolutely positive" mines the slick soul sound of later decades; "Defeated" is a Christina Aguilera-style survivor song, which is knowing in its use of clichés.
Songs like "The Way I See It" contain a deliberately retro vibe that's reminiscent of both Amy Winehouse (vocally) and Mark Ronson (courtesy of its trumpet background). It's inferior to both and feels like a jumping on the bandwagon type of track.
"I called the album "Heavy Rotation" because it's a phrase that originated with DJs", Anastacia explains. "Also, for me, the meaning is that life can be heavy, but it all turns around and goes into something else. It seemed to be the perfect title for where I'm at in my life".
"Heavy Rotation" is, like the artist, simply powerful, sexy, funky and cool.
And sometimes, a little over the top.
As she sings in closing track "Beautiful Messed Up World", 'Life's like music, don't wanna turn it down. Gotta live it loud and love the groove that keeps spinnin' around', this is an album you won't want to turn down or switch off.
On the title track, she resorts to the bog-standard come-hither dance pop sound in which Madonna and Kylie have taken refuge, before rounding off like an unhinged Enya on "Never Gonna Love Again".
Pure mainstream.
Pop,pop, pop.

It is hard to comprehend that this talented artist is being overlooked in her home country. She is a top selling artist around the world. I prefer to buy her music over that from Britney,Fergie, Madonna or Gwen. If you like Taylor Dayne, you will also enjoy Anastacia. This would be a great addition to any music library.

Anastacia's fourth full-length endeavour finds her delving into the mainstream sounds that have worked so well for Madonna, Kylie, Girls Aloud and the Sugababes. However, the sound is still pure Anastacia.

"I Can Feel You", the first single from the album, resonates with a 70's funk sound, and (of course) her soaring "I'm Outta Love" style vocals. A great song with great dancefloor potential.

"The Way I See It" pays homage to both Amy Winehouse and 60's Motown. Definitely has "single" written all over it.

"Absolutely Positively" is a nice little pop song with a definite 70's Stevie Wonder feel.

"Defeated" is an anthem of survival that resonates with a Mary J. Blige sound.

"In Summer" is just a happy little pop song about the joys of being in love. See if you don't smile listening to this one. Go on -- you know you want to.

"Heavy Rotation" is a great dance song. Very Justin Timberlake.

"Same Song" again, sounds very much like any great Amy Winehouse song.

"I Call It Love" is another pop gem, and one of the only songs on the album that sounds like the "old" Anastacia.

"All Fall Down" is another light, fluffy pop toe-tapper.

"Never Gonna Love Again" is a powerful ballad that reminds me of Celine Dion.

"You'll Be Fine" is in my opinion, the most beautiful song Anastacia has ever done. Though many probably won't agree with me, I think it's the best song on the album, and a perfect closer (unless you buy the 12-track version).

Because this album is a venture into new territory for her, and because it's not a territory that hasn't already been covered by countless other artists, I doubt this album will catapult her back into super-stardom. However, it has several tracks that will almost certainly become successful singles; while no song here resounds with the power of "I'm Outta Love" or "One Day In Your Life", the album is definitely her most consistent, and probably the only one without a bad track.

Definitely a five-star effort.

On her fourth album, Anastacia has taken advantage of the appetite for Winehouse-style jazzy yowling and worked a musical arrangement that suits her alleycat tone.
The brassy-voiced US singer recently fessed up to turning 40, considered ancient in pop years.
Some sinuous Stevie Wonder-style funk hints at what Anastacia could do if she stopped trying to compete with the kids.
Emphasising pop production over soulful substance, she compromises her talent for mainstream radio accessibility.
Collaborators and producers on the album include such music heavyweights as Ne-Yo, Lester Mendez, JR Rotem, Guy Chambers and Rodney Jerkins.
She sounds like a whole different (and bearable) performer on the sultry "Same Song", but stops short of delivering an entire album of "Back To Black" 1960s soul pastiches.
"Absolutely positive" mines the slick soul sound of later decades; "Defeated" is a Christina Aguilera-style survivor song, which is knowing in its use of clichés.
Songs like "The Way I See It" contain a deliberately retro vibe that's reminiscent of both Amy Winehouse (vocally) and Mark Ronson (courtesy of its trumpet background). It's inferior to both and feels like a jumping on the bandwagon type of track.
"I called the album "Heavy Rotation" because it's a phrase that originated with DJs", Anastacia explains. "Also, for me, the meaning is that life can be heavy, but it all turns around and goes into something else. It seemed to be the perfect title for where I'm at in my life".
"Heavy Rotation" is, like the artist, simply powerful, sexy, funky and cool.
And sometimes, a little over the top.
As she sings in closing track "Beautiful Messed Up World", 'Life's like music, don't wanna turn it down. Gotta live it loud and love the groove that keeps spinnin' around', this is an album you won't want to turn down or switch off.
On the title track, she resorts to the bog-standard come-hither dance pop sound in which Madonna and Kylie have taken refuge, before rounding off like an unhinged Enya on "Never Gonna Love Again".
Pure mainstream.
Pop,pop, pop.

It is hard to comprehend that this talented artist is being overlooked in her home country. She is a top selling artist around the world. I prefer to buy her music over that from Britney,Fergie, Madonna or Gwen. If you like Taylor Dayne, you will also enjoy Anastacia. This would be a great addition to any music library.

I discovered Anastacia on you tube and fell in love with her music. I love the CD, especially the track "I belong to you" and "everything burns". There isn't a song on the CD that I don't like. Why she is not more popular in the US is beyond me.

Great to have a compilation from Anastacia, 17 songs on one cd, Ain't life grand ! She has a beautiful and POWERFUL voice, the best in my opinion. I too, am amazed that she is so under played here in the US. But this is precisely why I buy music... rip to the mp3 player and listen to what I want to hear, not some garbage the 'industry' is trying to sell.
Gone are the days of flipping thru radio stations to hear the same old tripe. My money goes to talent, Anastacia is oozing Talent from her pores!

FABULOUS FABULOUS FABULOUS!! This CD has all the songs I love from miss Anastacia. She is so fantastic and deserves more recognition in the US. SPROCK ON ANA!!
any USA Anastacia fans please contact me at Anastacia.The_Voice@yahoo.com

Anastacia, although overlooked in the U.S., is a force to reckon with worldwide on the charts. Her songs have spawned hits worldwide with her rock driven radio friendly dance and pop selections.

Pieces of a Dream is a hits compilation that encompesses her first 3 albums of material. The album delivers early chart topping hits like "I'm Outta Love" and "One Day In Your Life" her two biggest chart hits to date. "Left Outside Alone" is a fusion of contemporary rock and dnace while "Sick and Tired" explores the end of a long-term relationship.

Even with all this, Anastacia is at her best with her new material including the beautiful title track to the album "Pieces of a Dream". The song explores a past relationship and the dreams that it was built upon.

Overall a strong release by an overlooked artist in the West.

No skipping tracks on this one. What a great collection--What a voice!
Anastacia is like Mary J. Blige's white sister. A lil less funk but smoother soul. MMMM MMMMMM....... AND she writes her own music.
I echo the comments of others saying its a shame she isn't more highly regarded in the United States. Too many others with FAR less talent lower America's expectations and dumb down the music (I'm looking at you Fergie).

Thank you so much for getting this amazing CD to me i Cannot get it anywhere in south africa at the moment!

I had this CD earlier and lost it. The best way to get it again was purchasing it at Amazon. Very easy and effective, from home.

I first saw this amazing woman on vh1's divas series in vegas.I'm glad it didn't stay in vegas baby!I went out and bought her cd the next day!The first track really caught my attention.Freak of nature....yes,I was blown away by the title of the track.Anastacia demonstrated from the beginning that she has a different style of her own.Sure,she can sound like some of the great singers before her,but if you listen carefully,you'll hear Anastacia not Arethea,Donna or Diana.I believe,though,she has established herself quite well all on her own.You guys ever wonder what Europe knows that we don't!!!One day in your life has a seventy's sound,yet still has a touch of today's music.Don't cha wanna,is one of my favorites.Sure it sounds like a song written to shag to,but I'm sure you could dance to it also.Don't stop (doin' it) is very up beat and danceable.The rest of the cd is incredible to say the least.You will get your money's worth out of this artist!!!I still can't believe she has not been given the recognition she so strongly deserves.I saw her interview with babawah wahwah(sorry,couldn't help it!),her strength and determination showed as clearly as her music comes across on her cds.What America is missing out on not listening to this amazing and talented woman who is NO freak of nature!

If you don't know who Anatacia is, you are missing a great voice in music today.

Fast delivery and perfect conditions. Happy with my new album of Anastacia. Thanks!

Don't be fooled, this does not even come close to other musical works of disney such as beauty and the beast. I can't believe people actually rated that they like this! It must be because they must never heard the original music recording of the animated movie. The songs here are cheap imitations of good songs in a good score. The score is just all around bland. True the lyrics aren't clever but that might have been overlooked if it had at least a good score behind them but no....

P.S. Tarzan sounds like a woman

The hype about this musical coming out was so big. i was in new york at the time and it was crazy. When i left, it came out. i heard the recording and liked only 3 songs. and i mean only 3 songs. i am such a lover of disney shows and its a shame that i only liked 3 songs. i've listened to this cd about 10 times just trying to get myself to like it better but it bothers me more than it entertains me. The 3 best songs are "Two World" - Great Opening for the show.
"You'll be in my Heart" - It was very sweet and touching and i could see it being performed before my eyes despite the fact of other peoples views that this version was horrible. Give it a chance.
"Different" - Very Fun
Besides these 3 songs. This cd is not worth 10 dollars. Try listening to the LITTLE MERMAID OR LION KING. AMAZING

Tarzan lacks the sparkle and polish of Disney's The Lion King, when it strays from the animated film. But this cd has its good points. The music that does recall the film is absolutely inspired. This is another one of those cds your munchkins can listen to as you run your errands. Mom and dad won't mind either because the songs are that feel-good. If you're tired of your hard core gangster rap, and your country crooning, buy this little gem which is guaranteed to brighten your day and make you feel oh-so positive about life. I recommend this CD for everyone who's stuck in a rut or ho-humming it along, and wants to try something different. Guess what? It works like a charm. I've got people who normally would be embarrassed to be caught dead with a Disney cd, handing me back my copy at work, thanking me. I should be charging these people. But seeing the smile this item puts on their faces is compensation enough. A must-have palliative, but musical enthusiasts might find it so-so.

Excellent cast with some of the best vocals ever. The scenic design was mind-blowing and one of the best i've ever seen in my 5 years watching and doing theatre. Kudos to Bob Crowley for coming up his amazing work. The book though, was kinda loose and could have done with a tighter script + stronger villian/s. That notwithstanding, i love the catchy music and beautiful lyrics. Tarzan's good mix of fast tunes and soft ballads, while not typically Broadway, hooks from the first beat.

This music is awesome. I love the show. And I love the music.
If you see the Brodway show than you have to buy this music cd.
Great music.
Also it arrived in time.

Where have all the divas gone? I bought this album on the recommendation of Amazon customers (thanks, everyone), since I'm always looking for good music. Especially since this is a female vocalist, it caught my eye.

Anastacia rocks! She can belt like the divas of old (the 20th Century). She has attitude, and sings songs that you can really listen to and relate to. I gave a lower rating because I feel like it came across as just a touch commercial. But maybe that will help her to extend into the mainstream. I'm looking forward to hearing more from this singer.

Anastacia is one hot diva! With a soulful, distinct voice, she is a powerhouse who has enjoyed amazing success overseas with limited success in the US, mostly due to having released very little to the North American market. This CD is not available at stores in the US - it was only released across the pond. But, it's a buy well worth it!

Fast delivery and perfect conditions. Happy with my new album of Anastacia. Thanks!

Anastacia's first album from 2000, kind of a forgotten gem. It sold well in Europe just like her upcoming 2 albums but in America it was never promoted and neither was her other albums, which is a shame, afterall she's from New York and naturally USA would be the first country for her to sell albums in, no?. Anastaica is defenitely not the average singer. She's Pretty, She got a great charachter, and an absolutely incredibly soulful voice and on top of that she always records great songs. Why she wasn't launched in US is beyond me. Her debut album is more soulful then her other albums, but it perfetly suits her voice and stands just as strong as the others. "I'm Outta Love" the uptempo soul hit-single is good proof on that, but also the title track "Not That Kind" that feautures gospel choirs, and ditto with the semi-ballad "Cowboys and Kisses" that isn't country music per se. "Why Did You Lie To Me" that doesn't appear on some copies is more pop-rock and was also a hit in Europe and one of her best singles. "I Ask For You" a great ballad that shows her other sides and the Diane Warrren penned "Late Last Night" is adult contemporary romance, "Made For Lovin You" sound alot like "Outta Love", uptempo soul with edgy funk bass, melancholy "Black Roses" is a good semi-ballad that groves on you. Other then that there is plenty of soul/ballads/pop and rock on this album and in the end it's an excellent album that imediatly proves her potential and diversity. Even though it only yielded four singles, there could have been more cause the album is rich of gems, I think however that the other 2 albums are slightly better, but this also stands strong. Never to late to discover her. Recommended

I thought this cd was going to be a secret gem, but I could barely listen to the whole thing. Not worth the $.

I'm a huge fan of Anastacia's and this is the best CD she's dropped to date. If you're looking for a distinct vocal sound from an edgy, pop diva, this CD's well worth the price.

While this is her third (or fourth; depends on what to count) album and her previous two had some very memorable singles, this release is better in that it is the most rocking of the three. The first two had too much "Britney Spears" feel to them; this one has significantly less of those candy pop queen aspirations, and good riddance! From the very first track, Seasons Change, the album rocks with several very good tunes; lots of hooks! Then it comes to a terrific power ballad Heavy On My Heart. Pretty Little Dum Dum is lyrically pretty standard for today's grrrrrl rock but it is still very catchy (although going a bit funny with its feminine anger). Hopefully, there will be another album like this soon, and then a Best Of compilation... how about that?

Another terrific CD that hits right on. Sometimes when I listen to new music it takes awhile for songs to "grow" on me, but not this CD--every single song had the beat, the words, right on target! I hope she never gets discouraged by lack of recognition in the U.S. because it would be so sad to lose this talent.

A friend lent me Anastacia's first CD years ago and I was amazed by her voice. On a recent trip to Europe, I found this album in one of the music stores and since then have become a true Anastacia fan. This is definitely her best album to date, and one of the greatest rock albums put out in a long time. There isn't one track that I skip on this cd! It is a wonder how an artist as talented as Anastacia is so overlooked in the U.S.

I found this new CD to be quite a reversal of her previous 2 cd's. Not the pumping dance beat I'd come to expect from her (and prefer) but it's got more heart, and I love "Welcome to my Truth", "Sick and Tired", and "Left Outside Alone". Those 3 alone make paying $23.00 for an import well worth it.

I love both CD's that are included with this item--- the "album" version cd is awesome-- a great compilation of all of the previous albums all in one place-
the Dance Mix CD is great for the office and the car-- will really get you dancing and energized--
BTW the book is beautiful-- my STR8 guy friends love to come and look at for the nice pic of her back in her nightey-WHOO HOOOOO

All the Anastasia you'll ever need. The best white funky singer in the biz-the way she keeps tearing into a phrase with endless invention and tough humor is like the Mensa version of Shakira. But her evolution toward turgid ballads is worrisome. Where is the woman who stopped the all-female Elvis tribute in it's tracks?

OK, i got this CD by mistake, and when i started to play it i was like, is this sandra st. victor from the family stand! I had to look at the CD cover again. Her music is tight, and she can SANG! Great CD, Blue eye soul from a new artist. Pick up the CD, you will be surpised!

If you even like Anastacia, you really should add this 2 disc CD to your collection. The first CD is classic and the 2nd has those wonderful remixes that are great for putting in your MP3 player and going for a great brisk walk or just playing outloud at home to dance your butt off.

Enjoy!!

I got a chance to buy this album after saving up some money for it. I thought I was getting a CD set in a typical case, but Sony decided to make it in the size of a book, and put the CD's in the sleeves of the book, which I don't like about the CD set. The 1st CD has some of her best CD's, and I believe they were put in the order of song's release. I'm Outta Love gave Anastacia her big break. Not That Kind is ok, but not my overall favorite though. Cowboys & Kisses sounds a bit country, which had this song been released in the United States, it might have been lucky to get promoted on AC stations, as Pop stations wouldn't have touched this song. As for the Freak of Nature Album, Paid my Dues being a song about Anastacia finally making it big in the music business. I usually don't hear songs about that. One Day in Your Life is the European version, where it sounds a bit computerized, plus the song fades out as she sings toward the end, where the American version had a few extra seconds of instrumental music at the end. I prefer the American version better. Why'd You Lie to Me reminds me of someone that cheated on me, and can relate to the song. You'll Never Be Alone is one of my favorite love songs.
From the Anastacia album, this album has Left Outside Alone, which is my overall favorite song from her. It has a rock sound to it. I only wished Sony did a better job trying to promote this song in the United States, but they didn't do a good job at it. Sick & Tired & Heavy on My Heart, being emotional songs, talking about her struggle with Breast Cancer, and overcoming it. As for the New Songs, I like the duet she did with Ben Moody, and the song also appears on the Fantastic Four Soundtrack. I Belong to You would be a good song in my book, if Eros Rammonazzi (Don't believe the name is spelled right) sang his part in English, instead of Italian. Now if this album had been released in the United States, that song would either have been sung with someone else in place of Eros, or removed completely. The Club Megamix should have been left off of disc 1, as it didn't sound right at all. It was mish-mashed songs, which I don't like. The 2nd disc has the remixes, which is where I want to hear the remixes.
As for Dance remixes, I heard the I'm Outta Love [Hex Hector Radio Edit] at a South Bend Indiana nightclub in 2000, which exposed me to Anastacia's music. Left Outside Alone [M*A*S*H Radio Mix] sounds a bit bland, but the Jason Nevins Global Club Edit of the same song fits the lyrics & beat better. Sick and Tired [Jason Nevins Funkrock Remix Edit] in my opinion shouldn't even been remixed. To me, it doesn't sound right speeded up. One Day in Your Life [Hex Hector/Mac Quayle Club Mix] is a bit too long for my listening preference. The Almighty Mix version of the same song fits my style better. Love Is a Crime [Thunderpuss Club Mix] & Cotto's Doin' the Crime Mix are both good remixes, and couldn't stop listening to them. I only wished the original was included on disc 1. Sick and Tired [Jason Nevins Funkrock Remix Edit] & Jason Nevins Electrochill Remix Edit are also good remixes, though I believe the Jason Nevins Electrochill Remix Edit is the better version. Lastly I like Boom [Thunderpuss Tribe-A-Pella Mix], which sounds close enough to the original. The song from FIFA, which makes me wanna dance, whether to the original, or the remix.
If it weren't for the book case & the album leaving off Boom & Love is a Crime from disc 1, I'd give the album 5 stars.

The soundtrack arrived within about a week. (I never opt for faster delivery.) It was exactly what I wanted and, as far as I can tell, plays flawlessly.

This music is so faithfully performed by the very talented ensemble that it brings back the 1920's vividly. Each song reflects a specific style of the music popular at the time. After listening to this CD I had to see the movie (which was also terrific) and then I had to buy the sheet music. Usually I simply enjoy a CD and move on. This one reached me.

The cd is very good. There are only songs, no speaking parts really, even ones that precede certain songs. There are a couple of songs that are not in the movie or that were inspired by the movie. The first time you listen to it if you haven't read the fine print it kind of throws you for a loop. I highly recommend it for all who love the movie!

I truly loved the music with the movie is excellent. I was very impressed of the singing of the movie stars.

Rob Marshall and company got it exactly right in transferring Chicago to the screen. Though I was not a Renee Zellweiger fan, she changed my opinion with her total tartiness here (and she was terrific in Cold Mountain), she dances competently, and sings the role wonderfully. Katherine Zeta Jones was perfect as Velma Kelly. The rest of the cast are marvelous too....Queen Latifah coudn't have been better cast. Though I have never been conviced of Richard Gere's acting ability, he pulls off the role of Billy Flynn admirably, even his singing and dancing work effectively. They brilliantly wrote a screenplay to encompass most of the stage show, where songs were cut, they needed to be. A well deserved Oscar winner for effectively bringing a musical back to the screen!!