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Tef Johs
Fan
Norway
496 Posts |
 Posted - 31 Aug 2003 : 16:18:58
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In front of the new releases coming up very soon (only 7 days remaining for the single release), let me express a few words on each of the 11 different original songs from the "Playing My Game" period of Lene Marlin (also called "Lene Marlin - Stage 1" :) ) Any comments to this are most welcome:
Sitting Down Here
The second single released in Norway, after Unforgivable Sinner, fall of 1998. This song did much for Lene. The major newspaper VG in Norway wrote "Marlin swings her Magic Wand" about this song, and it was this track which made Lene great in the UK, by reaching No. 5 on the single charts. It gave her several awards for hit of the year and reached No 1 in both the airplay and sales charts in her native country. A simple, guitar-based song, with a very repeating chorus which just won't let you off the hook. If a song ever has been "played to pieces", this must be the one.
Playing My Game
The beautiful title track that Lene wrote while recording her original album. This one is also her favourite track from the album, and it is perhaps one of the major songs that really showed her true qualities as a genuine song writer. A haunting chorus and fantastic lyrics make this a classic title track, and perhaps, artistically, the status as the strongest song on the entire album.
Unforgivable Sinner
The song that was first recorded and released on single, along with being the main song in a Norwegian movie, which helped made it known at the outset. Early fall of 1998, and Lene didn't yet know what was about to hit her like a sledgehammer. At an amazing rate, this track raced to the top of every hit music chart available, and stayed there glued to the top for weeks on end. A pop song masterpiece that should have been included in any text book describing the "art of pop craftmanship and quality songwriting". A true winner and one of Lene's great cornerstones.
Flown Away
At the first glance this seemed to be somewhat of an anonymous pop ballad, at least having the ungrateful task of following the three strong songs before it on the album. However, this is where Lene taught us that we never should judge her songs by their original appearance. The fact of the matter is that Flown Away is another haunting, melancholic ballad of extraordinary proportions, growing so high that it really never stopped doing so. The demo version from 1997 with the piano and second voice in the later parts emphasizes how great this song really is. One of her most beautiful songs, without doubt.
The Way We Are
What is to be said of a song like this one? I'm not sure whether "masterpiece" or "unbelievable" is more fitting. The playful, haunting guitar chords, Lene's strong voice and a fantastic lyrics make this song one of the greatest that she has ever conceived. The live version from the Sound Republic (Sept. 1999) and the corresponding studio version of the acoustic version only underscores the beauty and the brilliance of this song. I'm still not certain whether this song or the title track holds the position of "most outstanding achievement" on a single album.
So I See
A change of pace, as rock-based guitars open this song and brings you into Lene's world of intense vocal work once again. A very strong song indeed, and if a 4th single was ever to be released from the original album, I'm sure this would have been the one. In the intense and beautiful chorus, Lene shows how her voice is capable of lifting and sustaining life to a song almost on its own. Another classic song from an album now being lifted to heights most other artists can only dream of.
Maybe I'll Go
Originally released as a "B-side" on Unforgivable Sinner single, Fall of 1998, this extraordinarily beautiful pop ballad makes you want to either sing along at the haunting lyrics, or start crying due to its sheer beauty. Many thought this song actually outshined its A-side counterpart, which should tell you more than another 1000 words could. Another brilliant track occupying her original album, and helps you understand why it sold close to 2 million copies across the globe.
Where I'm Headed
The 3rd single released from the album, reaching high spots in charts in many countries, but especially in Italy, where it reached No 1. Another swift pop song showing extraordinary (I'm using that word a lot, don't I?) qualities. Just listen to how Lene sings the overwhelming lyrics, for most people even trying to put music to this kind of lyrics would have been an impossible task, not to mention singing it as effortless as she does (meaning she's relaxed sounding even when there's a lot of words in a very short time interval). A catchy chorus and beautiful pace make this song another winner on the album.
One Year Ago
Lene takes things back down to earth with this beautiful mid-tempo pop song. The lyrics are as haunting as ever, and the chorus is equally so; another great song which grows on you forever. The live version from The Sound Republic recordings contributes to underscore the brilliance of this song, and the guitar slide solos between the verses are nothing short of classic pop craftmanship, emphasizing the longing theme of the lyrics.
A Place Nearby
The closing song on the original release. Many have this song as their favourite because of the truly melancholic, almost sad, lyrics and haunting melody lines. Lene's sore voice tells the story of a heaven nearby so beautifully, and the song grows on you like any other on this album. A fantastic closing to an album made out of sheer brilliance and natural talent.
I Know
Let's not forget this little gem of a song. With only Lene and a acoustic guitar playing, this is another mind-sticker. Her voice and the lyrics passes through most defence systems in your soul and reaches deep down. What a majestic song this is. It was only available on one of the Sitting Down Here single versions, as well as on the Japanese version of the album. An unmissable Lene Marlin classic, easily on par with the other 10. To me, it belongs to Playing My Game as much as any other song from this time period.
Yes, I'm not a politician, I'm not a royalty, I have not come back to rule the country. I'm just going to make some music. - Lene Marlin, August 2003. |
Edited by - Tef Johs on 31 Aug 2003 16:29:24 |
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Lene's first batch - song by song
