Too often with pop music, especially with dance-oriented music, slick production techniques supersede the expectation of an artist possessing actual singing ability. Clever hooks and beats compensate for any vocal deficiencies, rendering the artist all but incidental to the overall creation. Such was certainly the case in the age of disco, yet Donna Summer stood out specifically because, in addition to delivering some of the ‘70s’ most exquisitely sophisticated and sensual songs, she could sing the hell out of them.
On her first album of new material in seventeen years, Crayons, Summer is invigorated and sensational, demonstrating to all aspiring divas and dynamos that nothing takes the place of genuine talent.
In ways that embrace her classic sound while exploring diverse and contemporary sonic textures, Summer thrives here with songs simmering with discothèque thrust and body-rocking bravado. Throbbing, swirling beats surge through irresistible joints like “Fame (The Game)” and “Mr. Music” while tracks like “Science Of Love” and “Stamp Your Feet” boast more straightforward (though no less danceable) rhythms. Elements of world music accentuate songs such as the Latin-tinged “Drivin’ Down Brazil” and the reggae-fortified title track, the latter a sizzling collaboration with Ziggy Marley.
Ever the eminent and seasoned songstress, Summer employs her voice with just the right amount of sensuality and might. When a song calls for subtlety, as on the joyful love ballad, “Sand On My Feet,” she sings in delicate, almost girlish tones. When the mood and tempo intensify, as on the seven-minute jam, “I’m A Fire,” she throws down like nobody’s business.
Donna Summer’s most obvious allusion to her ‘70s zenith comes on “The Queen Is Back,” in which she name checks “On The Radio” and “Love To Love You Baby” almost to suggest that she can do now what she did back when…and then some.
In listening to Crayons, it’s clear that the lady does indeed live up to her legend and still can sing, with consummate and authentic skill, until the last dance.
Article comments
1 - Vincent
Great review and after falling in love with the album all week, I totally agree with those comments. Only wish something was said about "Bring Down the Reign". It either gets a bad rap or none at all and I think it's a strong way of ending the album. Also, it's worth looking into the non-US import or the Circuit City edition to find "It's Only Love", a similar song to "I'm A Fire", only with a slinky vocal approach (and a more free form song structure).
2 - Russ
This review is right on. Too often critics try to box Summer in as only a dance/disco artist. Crayons not only proves that she is still the Queen of the dance floor but so much more.
3 - Jimmie
Donna Summer: Queen Of Music!
4 - sean paul mahoney
I agree with what everybody has said here. It's unfortunate that the label "disco" equates a non-artist in some peoples eyes. The fact is disco had some amazing producers, complex musical arrangements and great vocalists like Donna Summer. Summer to often gets dismissed and hopefully the naysayers will give Crayons a chance to see what an amazing artist she truly is.
5 - Mario
I bought EVERY Donna Summer album / single / 12" that I could get my hands on back in the 70s...Yes, I'm old...Donna was one-of-a-kind! Her work after the 70s will NEVER compare to her early work when she was at the height of her career! Give me Donna's "Love Trilogy" album or her "Love To Love You Baby" album any old day vs. her new "Crayons" album..."Crayons" is an album with that common Hip-Hop 2008 R&B sound that is so overplayed these days.
6 - Tony
Ummmm,.. the 70's are over.. as are the 80's and 90's... It is only natural that Donna Summer's music should evolve.. maybe its time some of her fans did too?
7 - Rex
"Ummmm,.. the 70's are over.. as are the 80's and 90's... It is only natural that Donna Summer's music should evolve.. maybe its time some of her fans did too?" I love this comment! I've been a fan of Donna's since the 70's. (I'm old too!) and I for one am tired of reading other old time fans complaining that she is not singing disco like in the old days. I'm just glad that a new generation is discovering her as I also got really tired of hearing young people respond with "Donna-who?" when I would mention who my all time favorite singer is. I have to admit though to a guilty pleasure in that of all her new songs, "Slide Over Backwards" is the one song that I play over and over again...and that's not disco for sure!
8 - Alan (Belgium)
This album has just come out in Belgium; indeed no equivalent delicious exquisite heavy disco song as the Love to love you baby till last Dance period but nevertheless real good songs corresponding to the years 2000 and I must admit that some of them are already sticked in my head : I absolutely remain a fan and she proves admirably that she is back, The Queen is really back !
9 - Rob
I have to say that I'm very disappointed in Crayons. Half of the songs you can't tell if it is Donna signing, someone else or some elctronic magic going on.
I'm glad I didn't wait 17 years and just happened to hear about this new recording. Donna needs to stick to the occasional one hit dance number for the party circuit and the guest appearances on Idol.
This really pains me to say this as I have been a Donna fan since the 70's - through the good and the bad... and Crayons is not at the top of my list nor would I reommend it.
10 - jimm
donna summer beautiful woman
11 - john
Underrated cd. Wonderful woman. Sand On My Feet really gets me.
12 - Jason Wright
Crayons has a few, noteworthy songs but its all over the place and for that reason, its a bunch of singles, not a CD, to me. When people say, the old days, they also mean sung with passion. Again there's I'm on Fire and Stamp your feet and even Driving Down Brazil, however, too many songs on this CD are pale, in comparison to other songs recorded by the diva. The concert, sung well, had some nice moments still lacked something - many lyrics on the new cd, mr. music comes to mind, is tacky, 15yr. old nothing of interest bubble gum sounding. CD, like concert, was all over the place. Who directed it?
13 - Tony M
Music is supposed to take you someplace, all-over-theplace, anyplace. Its transcendent powers are not to be dismissed or squandered on rote, same-sounding-for-the-sake-of-sales repetition. Donna Summer has been a rainbow long before and since Geffen temporarily dimmed the lights. All of us who expect artists to take us places, including over the rainbow, are glad that she continues to color our world, this time with Crayons.