Annie Lennox, Songs Of Mass Destruction Review

Overall Rating

Rich sound, Annie's voice still soars as on Sweet Dreams from an earlier album Interesting mix of musical styles including sections of "rap" music.

None that I can think of. This album is great.

Has it been a dark road that has carried Annie Lennox all the way from the new wave pop of the 80s Rhythmics's to a stellar solo career? Well there may have been some somber moments and dark corners but Songs of Mass Destruction (SOMD) in spite of its somewhat depressing and prophetic title, offers a lot of variety, the whole encapsulated in Lennox's beautiful, soaring voice. Many commentators rightly state that this is the best instrument in the piece. SOMD opens with the single, Dark Road, which amply demonstrates Annie's range. It is dark but at the same time rich in tonal quality and provides the listener with an indication of the quality still to come. If you love Annie's voice, you will love Dark Road and also Through the glass darkly. Next comes Love is Blind a joyous piece of pop that Annie belts out and which also includes a very enjoyable rap. Then, getting a little deeper into the tangled and powerful emotions that surround a breakup comes the slow burner "Smithereens." At first listen it seems like a less interesting track but then, with repeated listens, begins to grow on the listener. It is now a favourite. Ghosts in my machine kicks the tempo back up again and has an infectious chorus that the listener wants to sing along to, addresses imperfect humanity, which is a general theme of the album overall and leads to Womankind which flies the feminist banner high. Once again this song offers a slice of rap and is something that you will want to or can't help singing along to, whether man or woman! Through the glass darkly is a soaring ballad that underlines the pain of emotional despair and fully showcases Annie's wonderful voice. Many have said that the album is worth its price for this track alone. Lost is also powerfully sung and has become one of my favourites on the disc. I love the layered vocals and the high notes that Annie reaches. Interestingly it also featured in the soundtrack of the film, "In the valley of Ellah". Sing is OK and resembles a choral chant but with African accents. An announcement at its start states that the song has been created to support a charity trying to prevent Mother-Child transmission of AIDS/HIV, a worthwhile cause to support. Annie's voice outshines and out powers the chorus of "equals." Big Sky is a big interesting ballad and Fingernail Moon rounds the set off in a reflective frame of mind having a very relaxing feel to it and adventuresome lyrics. Annie has done a good job in Songs Of Mass Destruction and I am definitely looking forward to her next.