Dark Hope

I love this CD...enough to use it as my motivational CD every morning as I'm treading upon the treadmill. And that's a huge compliment in my book. First of all, I'm a classically trained singer, I'm a soprano, and I'm picky. There's enough variety in the tempos for a good workout and enough depth and mystery in the music and lyrics to keep me interested -- over and over again. I didn't care for Renee's "Haunted Heart" jazz CD. Too precious, too classical, not earthy and gritty enough. "Dark Hope" is an entirely different story. You can tell she had some really good advice in the choice of songs and the keys in which they were sung. They sit in her voice in a way that feels organic and easy. Based on things I've heard her say in interviews in the past few years, I think this CD is part of a midlife reassessment, a search for meaning and answers, even a search for more of who she really is, outside of her image as one of the century's greatest sopranos. She's an inspiration to women who are working (and playing) at rediscovering themselves as they approach 50, and I admire her courage in following her heart with this project. The themes of the songs are heavy, sober, even dark, but there's light in the darkness, at least for me. It has to do with a willingness to be honest, to look at the realities of this life, call a spade a spade, find the strength to deal with the hard stuff and come out the other side a better person. Renee has done that in her own life, and she brings this pain and metamorphosis to every song in a way that speaks to the heart. I would not call this a crossover. They call the style "Indie" but she has a style that's all her own on this CD. The only hints of crossover I hear are impeccable intonation and the amazing attentiveness to the text (lyrics, as they say in pop music). The poetry in these songs is rich and deep, and she sings it the way she sings her song recitals, with an intelligence and sensitivity that tell you she has thought long and hard about what the words mean, at least to her. Each morning on my treadmill, I find something new in these songs. Yes, there is a sameness about the instrumentals, but it's not boring. Truthfully, I expected to hate this CD, but I love it and I'd recommend it to anyone who appreciates great "art songs" of any genre sung by an intelligent, creative, sincere, gifted songstress.

"Hallelujah" - May be the best pieces of music I have ever heard.While I have attended the occasional opera over my 5 decades, it is generally not my preferred entertainment. I do love classical music though. On one station I stream they played the "Hallelujah" track from this CD. I had not heard of Renée Fleming (yes I know shameful) before, but I was an instant fan. I ordered the CD within minutes.As a programmer I spend a lot time in front of a computer. During coding sessions I generally have headphones on listening to music. The last two days it has been this CD over and over. I am not tired of it yet. In fact it seems the more I listen the more I appreciate this marvelous talent and this music.There is not a bad track on the CD, but "Hallelujah" is by leagues my favorite. It is on a whole different plane than the others. I alternate between having goose bumps and tearing up when I listen to it. The iconic Leonard Cohen lyrics alone are worthy of the highest praise, then you add in Renée's voice. Words fail me.Another track that stands out is "Today". To me it has a Grace Slick, Jefferson Airplane feel to it. I felt transported back to the 60s. Another stand out is "Stepping Stone", a haunting song about uncontrollable longings and finding the fortitude to not be used. Other tracks that I found to be noteworthy are "In Your Eyes" and "Soul Meets Body".The songs are from varied sources and writers. They are universally excellently written. There are some wonderful turns of phrases in many of the songs that delight and run repeatedly through your mind.This CD should be on everyone's short list. It is the best I have heard in quite a while.After I ordered this CD, I ordered a CD of her arias for my mother who loves opera.P.S.We had a small dinner party recently. One of the guests was a major opera buff. Opera is one of those genres that I like...occasionally. I mentioned during dinner about this new CD I had by Renée Fleming that I was really enjoying. I mentioned that I especially liked the last song, Hallelujah. My opera buff friend began a conversation about opera sopranos. It reminded me a conversation with a sports buff about the relative merits of various running backs.Later in the evening as the party was breaking up I put on the CD and played the last track for them. Somewhere towards the middle of the song everyone stopped milling around and just sat listening to this wonderful piece of music. My opera buff friend left wanting a copy of the CD for himself.

First of all, realize that Renee is not singing in the soprano range, but rather as a low alto. She states this in the booklet with the CD. So, if you expect a soaring soprano, you will be disappointed. Renee has a good, but definitely not outstanding alto voice on these rock songs.She states that she didn't want to sing rock songs in a classical style, but rather go pure rock. This allows the advantages of rock music to be present, such as low bass synths, sweet synth strings, and a strong beat. It also allows her to use less desireable aspects of rock, such as excessive compression. So, her classical training in dynamic expression goes for nought, as it is compressed out.I have access to special software that can restore dynamics from compressed music, and after the CD is processed this way it becomes much better. There is more meaning and nuance to her interpretations, and her voice becomes more interesting to me. But the CD as bought is lacking in expressiveness due to the compression.So I give it 3 stars for its potential. It's not a bad CD, but it definitely doesn't show the true talent of Renee Fleming either.

Un gran disco, bien orquestado y entretenido de principio a fin. La selección de canciones y los arreglos son muy buenos, a pesar de no escuchar a Rene cantando Arias de ópera, el disco es sumamente disfrutable, sobre todo si tu estilo es “adulto contemporaneo” este álbum será de tu agrado. Recomendable en todos los sentidos. Además, el disco tiene un sonido excelente.

Renee Fleming really surprised me with her diversity. I love a broad spectrum of music. The choice of songs here may be more suited to the younger generation, much louder and rhythmic. One will never guess that she is a classical opera singer from this recording. She is completely at ease singing in a very different free style. The package is also less well done than a classical CD, with little written, and in a paper envelope.