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Chantal Kreviazuk - Ghost Stories Review


by Morley Seaver

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I've always liked Chantal Kreviazuk but in small doses. I've liked her singles and a few other songs but never really warmed to a whole record. Until now. This is easily the best record of her career, in my opinion. I liked it right off the bat and have quickly grown to love it.

There is more of a modern sound, mostly due to the arrangements rather than the actual songs. Perhaps this is helped by the production of hubbie Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace). Strangely, I cannot really say what makes this record different from her previous work, production notwithstanding. So I guess the difference is the quality of the songs themselves. I would put � of the record in the excellent category with even the lesser songs being just victims of the stronger ones. Vocally, Chantal sounds as engaging as ever.

The bass line of "Ghosts of You" keeps everything in check while kicking off the record in a strong way. "Spoke in Tongues" has a delightful vocal that sucks you in right from the first few notes. Then it gets to the amazing chorus that brings the song to new heights.

The first six tracks are very good and pleasant enough but it's once we hit cut six that things step out of the regular songs and into the interesting stuff. "Waiting for the Sun" will stick in your ears for a long time with its almost gospel feel. "Blame Yourself" is one of the stand-out tracks of the set. This somber mood-altering piece paints a gloomy picture filmed in black and white. It almost has an "Eleanor Rigby" feel.

My favourite cut is "Grow Up So Fast", another melancholy track that has an achingly beautiful vocal. It's followed by "Wonderful" a terrifically bouncy cut that still retains the musical wallop of the previous song. "Asylum" is simply gorgeous as is "Wendy House". "Time" is tremendous and should be utterly magnificent in a live setting. "I Do Believe" ends off the record really strongly. The cut has more of a rock feel that really suits Chantal and the vocal arrangements are great.

I can honestly say that cuts 6 through 13 are fantastic and would be the best cuts on any of her other records. The fact they're packaged with the first six songs, all strong ones on their own, makes for a really special record. This should undoubtedly be the one to thrust Chantal into the big leagues around the globe.


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Chantal Kreviazuk - Ghost Stories
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