Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Susan Boyle - "I Dreamed a Dream"

Susan Boyle's new CD takes away your breath and tugs at your heart. I believe that true art is an expression of oneself that moves another - that touches and passes on a feeling of the artist's experience. For her cover of 'Wild Horses' alone this would qualify. Her totally pure tone evokes Karen Carpenter with more grit and power. It is hard to believe that the world might have missed her entirely if not for a trend toward reality TV. Some cynics will find the orchestration overblown - and the non Christian may question the need for the religious tracks - but I think that misses the whole point. It is a defense against letting in the heartbreak and beauty that her singing offers. I also have to admire her for what I presume is her ability to maintain some artistic control and stick with the songs that reflect her and who she is. Bravo.