Paula Abdul - Spellbound

Abdulesque Perfection : 1991 Revisited

"Spellbound", Paula Abdul's second album, could also be her best CD. It came at a time in my life when I was growing up (I was 14 at the time), and was looking for an album that could become the 'soundtrack of my life'. A year earlier, I had found that in Janet Jacksons' "Rhythm Nation 1814" (which is still an R&B Masterpiece all these years later), but I remember listening to "Rush Rush" work its way to the No. 1 spot on the Singles Chart and thinking - wow, what a song. The way the violins kick in after the second verse still gets me every time.

This album was my constant companion for about a year, and there was a good reason for it. Listening to it now, its surprising that Paula's music hasn't aged like I thought it would. If anything, some of her songs sound more cutting edge than others. For example, "A Promise of a New Day" (incidentally a No. 1 single for Abdul) is way too memorable even in this day and age. Similarly, the cheesy "Vibeology" is excellent in the way it merges funk and soul into one killer track.

But its on the ballads that this album finds life. "Rush Rush" apart, this also contained "Blowin' Kisses in the Wind" with a ballet inspired video that I'll never forget. This track just WORKS - its more of a mini-symphony of sorts, with an excellent string section and general melody. Amazing. The same can be said of the underrated "To You", a perfect slice of '90s pop if there ever was one. Even on the so-called 'weaker' tracks (such as the tepid "Will you Marry Me?"), the album has a certain freshness and tenderness that still affects you when you listen to it today.

Paula Abdul might never have been a great vocalist, but the woman knew how to make an interesting album. This is one example of an un-boring album - nothing here is uninteresting or unlistenable. In fact, I would call this an essential album. Its a pity that the US version missed adding on a bonus track called "Goodnight My Love" - if you do decide to get this, I'd suggest rummaging around in used CD stores for this version of the CD. That track is really quite great.

Get this, and also check out Paula's underrated album from 1996 "Head Over Heels". Its a minor classic of sorts, and a pity that not many people even know about its' existence. Give Paula's music a chance - she's really quite something! February 20, 2008

It's ok

This is my second purchase of this album used, lmao. I had it before, but my music style has changed. It has it's moments. I love "Spellbound" and "Rock House" as dumb as those songs are they have some tight house beats!

If you can find it used and cheap buy it! I know I did, lmao @ "Vibeology" what a song.

February 2, 2007

Sophmore Album is Another Success

Paula Abdul became one of the most popular artists in 1988 when she recorded her debut album "Forever your Girl" that eventually would sell over 17 Million copies, 3 years later in 1991 she was still popular, and that wasn't strange since she had been on the charts constantly since. This album isn't as full of dance-pop as her debut though. Here she'll even try a few ballads and shows other sides of herself then choreographic uptempo songs. She had clearly matured and wanted to deliver something more personal (She even co-wrote songs this time) which we can see on slower songs like "Will You Marry Me" and "Blowing Kisses on the Wind", both hits but most of all the big hit "Rush Rush" a ballad that reached #1. The song had an very special video directed by George Lucas! and feauturing Keanu Reeves portaying her boyfriend. Midtempo "Promise of a New Day" also reached number 1 and "Vibeology" a classic uptempo became a decent hit aswell, most other songs of this album that weren't singles are biuncy uptempo's kind of like on her debut. Eventhough this album is 15 years old, it doesn't sound dated at all, many of the songs would still sound fresh today. "Spellbound" eventually sold 8 million copies, which isn't bad, but unfortunately she wouldn't have any more hits afterwards and her third and last album "Head Over Heels" didn't sell good at all. Possibly cause she tried to emancipate herself from the youthful dance-pop girl she was in the beginning of her career. However, another good album from a good artist that sadly doesn't record albums anymore. January 6, 2007

A great album marred by silly political song

Paula Abdul made some great albums and superb videos and this is as good as any--though one likes her first best. The only minor quibble is the second track political song. One's patience for artists telling one how to think is slight and, since the song is an attack on George Bush SR, it is terribly dated and incomprehensible out of historical context. Just shut up and sing please. Leave the thinking to the people who don't have mansions and limos and have to work for a living.
Still. Excellent album and highly recommended. Strange cover though with Paula dressed up like a crow...................... November 12, 2006

I'm still Spellbound after all these years!

Back before the new millenium, before the music industry started to go downhill, before wanna-be's like Britney came along, there was REAL talent!

Artists like Mariah, Whitney, Celine, Janet, Gloria and Paula are REAL talents and they will always be far superior to people like Britney!

Paula actually SINGS! She has a VOICE! I have loved Paula since her Forever Your Girl album and this is another favorite and must have for teen pop and people who are fans of Paula! Forget the wanna-be's like Britney Spears, Paula is unique, has an amazing voice and all her songs are fun to dance and sing along to!

ALL of Paula's songs on here are 5 star quality!

This album has so many different types of music, it's just incredible! From the ballads like Rush Rush and Blowing Kisses In The Wind to dance numbers like The Promise Of A New Day and Vibeology to a country style like Alright Tonight to a weird and cool sounding song like Spellbound to a more rock sounding song like Rock House! All 11 tracks are so awesome and unique to this day and any fan of teen pop should pick up this Paula album!

Trust me, it's REAL talent!

And like the song Vibeology goes, "Go Paula, Go Paula, Go, Go, Go Paula!" You go girl, you show the music world what real talent is! June 11, 2006

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