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For kd lang, "Ingenue" represents that supreme moment in her illustrious recording career. All of her innate gifts as a true music artist - poetic lyric-writing , communicative ability to breathe life into any song, and above all, her glorious inimitable voice - are enshrined in this album. "Ingenue" is a flawless gem! Casual listeners who buy "Ingenue" solely for the reason that "Constant Craving" (kd's world-wide big hit) is in it, and then grumble that the rest of the CD does not measure up to this one song, are missing the point of the album BIG-TIME.

"Ingenue", like many of kd's other albums, should never be perceived as a Madonna-esque or Britney-esque album --- chockful of over-the-top boopy songs with calculated catchy hooks which ensnare your ears and attention very quickly before losing your interest just as quickly. No. It is far more subtle and rewarding than that... "Ingenue" is one of those works of music-art which seem "bland" and unprepossessing upon the first few listens, but which slowly and surely encroaches upon your inner world until that day comes when you fully recognize kd's genius in each and every song.

When that blessed day dawns on you, dear kd-initiate, you will cease to regard "Ingenue" as an album containing nine bland, uncatchy songs leading to "Constant Craving", you will come to regard it as a flawless ten-movement vocal symphony which expounds on the profoundity of Love in its varied manifestations. You will also discover that this beautiful musical expression is achieved with a peerless efficiency: there is not a single superfluous/extraneous note sung or play in the entire album, every silky note and nuance emanating from kd's lips has its own niche in "Ingenue's" entire musical structure. And the cumulative result of it all is an album which boasts a tight musical cogency, so unified that the ten songs flow irrevocably and smoothly into one another - like rivers merging into a great ocean of sonic splendour.

It is for this reason that I refuse to single out any particular track on Ingenue for special mention. That would be akin to ripping out a thread from a fine brocade tapestry. Learn to appreciate "Ingenue" in this manner; if this is beyond you, I'd say you should leave kd aside and return to the ephemeral musical world of the Britneys and what-have-yous.

In a nutshell, "Ingenue" is one of only two albums I recognize as flawless works of modern music-art, the other being Sade's "Love Deluxe" (coincidentally, also released in the same year as "Ingenue"). This piece de resistance from KD will endure forever in the hearts of all those who appreciate the craft of fine musicianship.


THE VOICE   June 13, 2000
 28 out of 29 found this review helpful

With k.d. lang, it is all about that voice - a spectacular alto belt with soul and tenderness and clarity and perfect pitch and tone - when she goes for those sustained notes, you are thrilled down to your toes. This album, featuring her songwriting skills (some are better than others; all are worth listening to over and over), showcases that voice in all its glory, matched beat for beat with luscious production values and interesting instrumentation. The album has a moody, depressive tone, yet is immensely enjoyable in its darkness. Appealing to all of us not enamored with k.d.'s more folksy/country/twangy efforts, this album is torchy, jazzy and pop-infused. The stunning Constant Craving truly infects you; it gets inside you with its perfect blend of melody, layered vocals and lyric. Cannot wait for the Invincible Summer album!


Mental medication   August 9, 2000
 17 out of 19 found this review helpful

The superb single "Constant craving" was catchy enough to propel this album to platinum status, but overall, "Ingenue" is not as pop-oriented as this song suggests and it's also less entertaining than K.D.'s country-esque '80s work. Musically, "Ingenue" (nominated for five Grammy Awards) doesn't overly vary from the singer/songwriter pack; it has a crystal-clear, dynamic sound and relies mostly on acoustic instruments plus a few nods to jazz and country (with steel guitars, yes!). Lyrically, K.D. is at her most open and honest, she's not scared of drawing the listener in by telling about love and loss. Songs like "Save me" have a melancholic but plesant edge, and there's no point in trying to resist the charming, romantic "Miss Chatelaine" or the memorable "Constant craving". It reminds me a bit of a band called Fairground Attraction, perhaps you know them. The album's heart, however, lies in its more intimate songs like "Wash me clean", "So it shall be", or "Outside myself", with sparse arrangements and even more soulful delivery. Personal favorites are "Save me", "Miss Chatelaine", and "Constant craving". "Ingenue" seems a bit too mannered and polished at times, but given the repeated listenings it demands, it will prove one of K.D.'s most satisfying efforts.


k.d. comes out torching   July 24, 2000
 13 out of 15 found this review helpful

I first became enamoured with k.d. lang while watching her in a scintilating duet with the late Roy Orbison. Soulful and torchy, "Ingenue", premiered in 1992. And as far as I'm concerned--that was the real k.d. lang's debut.

Sans the twang, we are treated to 10 tracks of well mixed emotional and sassy attitudes. Ms. Langs rich, textural voice makes it very clear; "So It Shall Be", "Wash Me Clean" and my favorite "Constant Cravings" -- she is a woman's woman. But one does not have to be gay to appreciate this chanteuse.

A superb CD under headphones for a very intimate audio experience, a must for complete collections.

Thank you for your interest & comments--CDS


A milestone in musical history.   July 16, 2000
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

This is one of the most significane vocal albums of our time. k.d. lang, who long languished in semi-stardom crooning country ballads for an underappreciative audience, finally cast off the past and embraced her chanteuse destiny. There isn't a single track here that isn't a masterpiece. lang is the only talent large enough to wear the mantle of the late Patsy Cline without falling. Lesser singers, which would include, well, everyone, cannot even hope to learn from lang. They just resign themselves, at least those who are wise, to the fact that this niche is filled, and move on.