CD Review: ‘Dark Hope’ by Renee Fleming (& Giveaway Ends 8/4)

Dark Hope

Released:  June 8, 2010

ABOUT:

Renée Fleming’s new album ‘Dark Hope’, which the opera star describes as a “visit to a new, parallel universe,” will be released by Decca this spring. The album was recorded in close collaboration with producer David Kahne (Regina Spektor, The Strokes, The Bangles, Sublime, and countless others) in New York City, and features a diverse and adventurous track listing of songs.

Song List:

Endlessly (Muse)
No One’s Gonna Love You (Band of Horses)
Oxygen (Willy Mason)
Today (Jefferson Airplane)
Intervention (Arcade Fire)
With Twilight As My Guide (The Mars Volta)
Mad World (Tears for Fears)
In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel)
Stepping Stone (Duffy)
Soul Meets Body (Death Cab For Cutie)
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)

Fleming, the superstar soprano known as “the people’s diva,” says of ‘Dark Hope’: “I’ve always been inspired by artists who have shown musical and intellectual curiosity and the courage to take risks. Because everything about the voice interests me, I felt it would be fascinating to learn a completely different style of singing.”

Producer Kahne was a true collaborator during the recording process, driving most of the arrangements and coaching Fleming in this music. Also joining Fleming on the album are her two daughters and sister, who sing backup on several songs.

Fleming says that for the recording of this album, “Singing in a small, acoustic booth, with a microphone that’s very close, in this very intimate style, is the complete opposite of how I usually sing.”

There were similarities to how she prepares dramatically for an opera role, however. Fleming points out that for each track on ‘Dark Hope’ “we found an interpretation that enabled the point of view to sound authentic coming from me. Every song has a story, so this whole idea of enacting or playing a role is doubly true for this music.”

MY THOUGHTS:

I admit I never heard of Renee Fleming before, but then that is probably because she is originally an Opera singer, she even sang at President Obama’s presidential inauguration.  So I didn’t know what to expect from her singing, especially after reading her track listing.  I was curious especially to hear her version of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” as that is one of my favorite songs.  I will say her singing voice is deeper than I expected, but it is not a bad thing. I have read that this CD is “indie” but I am not sure how I would classify it.  I found I like listening to Renee Fleming when I am sitting at the computer or relaxing.  He voice is soothing in a deep and different way.  I think her singing popular songs is a good choice for this up and coming album because people already know the songs she is singing and like them.  I also think it is neat that her daughters are back up singers on some songs!

BUY IT: You can buy the “Dark Hope” CD by Renee Fleming wherever CDs are sold or find it on Amazonfor $12.99.  You can also preview the songs on Amazon!

GIVEAWAY:  (1) winner will receive the “Dark Hope” CD by Renee Fleming

WIN IT:  Check out the song list above and comment on what song you are most curious to listen to!

Extra Entries (Only valid after you answer Main Entry above and Please leave a comment for each):
~ Follow me via Google Friend Connect (top right on sidebar)
~ Subscribe to Mama’s Money Savers
~ Follow Me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (You can Tweet daily! – Or hit the TWEET Button at the top of the post!)
#GIVEAWAY:  Win the CD ‘ Dark Hope’ by Renee Fleming!  @mamasmoney (Ends 8/4) http://bit.ly/drmXBv
~ “Like” Mama’s Money Savers on Facebook
~ Blog about this contest or send an email to friends/family and CC:mamasmoneysavers@gmail.com
~ Post my blog button on your site
~ STUMBLE or any other social network this giveaway
~ Enter any of my other giveaways or tell me how you heard about this giveaway!

Please leave me a comment for EACH entry and your email address if it is not in your profile for each entry that you complete above so I can accurately pick a winner. This contest ends August 4, 2010. Thanks everyone and good luck! Also, if you just put a generic comment like “I want to Win” then I will have to disqualify you. This contest is only open to US residents and once per household please.

Mama’s Money Savers Disclosure: I was sent a digital download of the CD to review.  Please see my Disclosure Policy.