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Music > Albums > Gabrielle - Play to Win (2004) Retail CD
added on May 9, 2007, at 13:48 by elejoe

Gabrielle's output has never been prolific but it's always been understood that when she does release something, it'll be a gem. Sadly there is nothing on Play to Win that could compete with songs such as "Give Me a Little More Time" or "Dreams". Less soulful than the usual fare, this album brings Gabrielle's ability as a songwriter to the fore and exposes her talent for personal, introspective lyrics. However, the thoughtful (if not always catchy) songs are bogged down with typically bland and thoughtless arrangements. Acoustic guitar, piano and slide guitar plod along though the first few songs, hovering on the fine line between pleasant easy-listening and apathetic tedium. That is not to say it's all bad--on "Sometimes" a catchy chorus starts to emerge as it does on the title track and gives the proceedings a gentle lift. A standout is "Latchkey Kid", which sounds heavily influenced by Tracy Chapman but is more akin to the Gabrielle of old. "War of Two Minds" is more soulful than folksy and begins well with Gabrielle using a greater range in her voice, yet it loses its charm when the band kicks in. Play to Win is good in the sense that it's new material from one of the UK's most successful female performers but it's unlikely to be considered one of Gabrielle's finer moments. --David Trueman

front 937 x 924 px

back 1798 x 1392 px

cd 959 x 972 px