k.d. lang - Invincible Summer

k.d. lang may still go lowercase, but Invincible Summer is Love-struck with a capital L. Following in the footsteps of the multiplatinum Ingénue and the underappreciated All You Can Eat, the singer's first album of original material since 1995 displays her hyperromantic side. Inventive production by Damian Le Gassick places lang's rich vocals in settings that meld electric and acoustic guitar lines, harpsichords, string arpeggios, and various aural bachelorette-pad accoutrements. The record's overwhelmingly smitten tone sweeps the listener along, making even silly sentiments like "In this crazy world full of lemons / Baby, you're lemonade" sound just right. The vividness of emotion on display here, along with the smart retro-modern sound, make this one you'll listen to long past September. --Rickey Wright Amazon.com

DVD-Audio remarks - Invincible Summer

You're probably already somewhat or very familiar with the material on this album if you're looking at the DVD-A page of this title so I won't go into detail about the music - it's great stuff indeed.

What I will tell you, however, is that this DVD-A (like several of the first titles put to DVD-A) is flawed in that there is NO Advanced Stereo layer to enjoy even though it's labeled so on the back insert. If you own a DVD-A player, it will only play in MLP 5.1 which is fine (it's hopefully why you're a fan of the DVD-A/SACD format in the first place), but for those with high end 2-channel systems who were hoping to score an improved stereo playback of this album, look elsewhere.

As for those who are looking to enjoy this disc on a standard DVD player, you will be limited to only Dolby Digital 5.1 which can not and hold a candle to the MLP 5.1 playback of DVD-Audio - the upgrade is not as complex and expensive as you might think, folks, and the listening experience is like night and day. Enjoy the music.
September 27, 2008

And What Is Wrong With A Romantic Wallow?

Sometimes, absolutely nothing. Especially when it is done in k.d. Lang's yearning, contented and unironic vocals and with impeccable, sometimes near-jazzy arrangements. This is not a CD for the ages, never destined for a Top 200 Ever list, but for summer listening as thunderstorms cool the city or when newly or still after years head over heels in love, it will do very, very well. August 11, 2008

Beautiful, moving CD, especially the opening track

KD Lang has one of those to-die-for voices. Not one of those show-off, glitzy "show biz" kind of voices like the Whitney Houston-wannabes on "American Idol." Lang's voice is technically superb but so do a lot of people -- it's her HEART that elevates her singing. She's got a big one, it always seems to be pounding with passion or ache, and she wears it on her sleeve. (Which I mean in a good way, not as a put-down!)

To me, the #1 reason to buy this particular CD is the opening track, "Consequences of Falling." From the moment I first heard this song, it drew me in. The song expresses the aching longing of love that might or might not be unrequited -- there's the passion, and the hope, but also the fear. The lyrics are economical and paint a deep picture so well. The melody takes some haunting twists. The instrumental arrangement fits the song like the glove - it's moody but also has a groovy bass line that keeps things moving. And, oh yes, there's Lang herself -- her vocal interpretation of the lyrics, the phrasing, the expression of a range of emotions.

The rest of the CD is also quite fine, and coheres well as an album. That it doesn't quite reach the same heights as "Consequences of Falling" is no shame. Very few songs I've ever heard in my life reach that height. August 10, 2008

My happy place

Her music brings me to tears (sometimes of happiness and othertimes with strong emotion). When I need to retreat or find a calm and quiet place I listen to this album. Her other CD's are magic too...but this one is sublime. July 11, 2008

Basking In The Glow

It was probably six or seven years ago when I picked this album off the shelf. A shot in the dark, I purchased it solely based on the golden cover art (which had caught my eye), and I wasn't sure what to expect. I was no stranger to K.D. Lang: I was a big fan of "Constant Craving" back in the day, and I'd heard her perform live on television shows before. But I'd never actually bought any of her material.

Being that this was my first K.D. Lang purchase, I suppose I'm a bit biased. Even after becoming entranced with her masterpiece "Ingenue" more recently, I frequently come back to this, "Invincible Summer". Far less acoustic, country and folk, "Summer" sounds more like a hip pop 60's record and oozes bubbly sensuality while maintaining an innocent and unsure demeanor. Lang finds herself searching for answers in many songs and when she finds them, she revels in the rich warmth of love. Simply put, this album is entirely bright: You won't find one sour, sad song.

The lovely opener "The Consequences of Falling" is one of Lang's finest desperate compositions filled with synthetic twinkles, a soft drum loop and sensitive strings. A bit jazzy and perfect for lounging, the song continually showcases Lang's vocals beautifully. The most popular tune, "Summerfling", screams happy-go-lucky beach party attitude, and never seems to slow down. Lang sings of summer love with real honesty and weakness: That `high' we always feel in a fresh love is certainly obvious. Another peppy number, "It's Happening With You", includes catchy guitars, hopping drumbeats and lyrics that would normally be considered juvenile ("in this crazy world full of lemons, baby, you're lemonade"). Somehow, surrounded by all the crazy, enthusiastic instrumentations, it fits beautifully.

There are several extremely mellow tracks, such as "Love's Great Ocean" and "Suddenly", both perfect for lazy afternoons and late-night baths. "Curiosity" begins with a bang as Lang's clear vocals chime in: The piece is altogether sparkly and intense with references to strong attraction. "Extraordinary Thing" opens with an inviting electronic keyboard arpeggio and is filled quickly by guitars and Lang's beautiful and expressive voice. Perhaps the most passionate and sensual piece is "When We Collide", a ballad filled with vividly suggestive lyrics that paint a picture of deep affection. Still, the closer "Only Love" is one of my personal favorites as it closes the album with class and an inspiring message, asking the listener to look to love for guidance and understanding. It is the only song on the album in which Lang sites love directly as the driving force of the world, though every song here suggests it.

With plenty of live orchestrations including full string sections, brass and lots of acoustic and electric guitars, "Invincible Summer" is rich with lush melodies and expressive musical statements carefully sprinkled with subtle keyboards and electronic effects. Some might say it pales in comparison to her other works. It's simply another stylistic approach from a brilliant artist. Lang represents summer beautifully: It's golden, happy, lazy and filled with lots of daydreaming. Revel in it, while you can. February 1, 2008

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