Gillingham, Kent, UK (By Mikey) - Each week I preview an album which I think deserves a listen to and if it's worth to buy, I will cater for all tastes of music from R'n'B to Rock, Hip hop and Pop. At the end of the page, you will find all future album releases.
Dido - Life For Rent
Release Date: 30 September, 2003
Dido Armstrong was born in London (England) on Christmas day in 1971; she was christened Florian Cloud De Bounevialle Armstrong. Dido lived with her poet mother and publisher father in London. One day she looked up the story of her nickname. "I thought it was strange that I was called after a woman who killed herself in ancient literature. It's great for me now but there's no denying that I hated it. That was just another thing that made me stand out".
Her debut 'No Angel' is found in around 12 million homes around the world, and has touched the hearts of the multitude that have heard it. But it was never expected to be massive. There was no big marketing plan to kick it off, and initially it wasn't even released in her native UK. Then more ears tuned in after a certain track called "Stan". Now although Eminem cannot be accredited for the complete explosion of her popularity, there's no denying that the 6 lines of "Thank You" that Mr Mathers featured was an extraordinary catalyst on her springboard to success. However the fact that such a brief sample could invite millions to invest in her previously unknown album, spoke volumes of her attraction, and typifies her own amazing appeal.
But that was then.... fast forward to 2003; Dido is back with her eagerly awaited new album. Recorded at The Church, the London facility owned by Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, and once again produced by Dido and her brother Rollo (Faithless mainman and founder of dance imprint Cheeky Records), 'Life For Rent' happily picks right up where it's multi-platinum predecessor left off, offering eleven gentle, touching, but often barbed songs, built around piano, acoustic guitar and subtle shades of studio wizardry. The result is an album every bit as fresh and beguiling as its predecessor, but one characterised by a new-found confidence and musical maturity. 
Includes the single 'White Flag'. Just be aware though that there's nothing earth-shattering for the sophomore CD, just eleven and a half engaging songs crafted from her own experience. A remarkably uncomplicated and heartfelt album it is too, from someone who didn't feel the need to impress her peers first time around, and has gone with the same work ethic here.
Big Faithless brother Rollo has contributed to all the tracks, either in writing or production form, and full marks for a background that is restrained yet tight. The budget was available to virtually do anything they wanted, but instead the sibling team has kept it low key and resisted the temptation to make a much more full-blown affair. Yes the sonic tweaks are there, but all take a back seat to her voice - which remains the main event. Somewhere between pop and folk, with an openness that has never been so personal. The album kicks off with the first single, the incredible "White Flag", about a break-up of a long-term relationship - Dido's biggest single to date. It's a tough act to follow, as the second track; "Stoned" starts off with its dancey intro, before dido adds a mellow tone to it. A very pleasing easy beat behind the tale of a dying relationship. "Who Makes You Feel" is another highlight with some very intelligent sampling and production. Particularly effective by its simplicity.
The title track 'Life For Rent' offers the typical Dido formula, chilled out verses and catchy chorus, and is to be the next single. Despite the weird title, "Mary's In India" is another highlight. "Don't Leave Home", one of the strongest songs on the album, is full of hit single potential - my favourite and stand-out track on the album - with another powerful chorus from Dido that matches "White Flag". "Sand In My Shoes" starts off with a gorgeous intro, and moves into a mid-tempo track - on the return to normality after a holiday romance. So hearts and flowers yes, but more have the broken and wreath type respectively, which is a nice change from the balladry of the last few numbers.
"Do You Have A Little Time" is another trademark Dido song, with its catchy chorus, but compared to the rest of the album, it is a bit weak. "This Land Is Mine" raises the standard again, with its dreamy, mellow sounds. The song is followed by "See The Sun", referring to a death of a loved one, is a pleasant way to end the album... until the hidden track of course, which isn't a bad one either.
That such a successful global star can pour her feelings out over the strangely ordinary lost romance after a package holiday could easily sound out of touch. However her uniquely personal style, and down to earth simplicity enables her to get away with it. And with unassuming charm, rather than five star envy.
The surprise is that an album of such inherent simplicity should have so many invisible layers that unfold with each play. It has an engaging appeal, and will both enlighten and disappoint - depending on what preconceptions are there before you press play. Just don't expect the bite and attitude, or bells and whistles, as they aren't here. This is Dido after all. But it all adds up to one of the most singularly unaffected albums of the year. 'Life For Rent', has become the fastest selling album in six years. Just to summarise the album, this album does not disappoint, surely one of the best albums of the year, and a great addition to any record collection. Dido is one of the best British female singers, this country has ever had, go and buy the album. You be truly spellbound and traumatized by the sound of her voice.
10/10
Tracklisting
1 White Flag
2 Stoned
3 Life For Rent
4 Mary's In India
5 See You When You're 40
6 Don't Leave Home
7 Who Makes You Feel
8 Sand In My Shoes
9 Do You Have A Little Time?
10 This Land Is Mine
11 See The Sun
NEXT REVIEW: Blondie - The Curse of Blondie
Album Release Schedule
October 20
Basement Jaxx - Kish Kash
Chingy - Jackpot
Erasure - Hits! The Very Best Of
Myleene Klass - Moving On
Texas - Careful What You Wish For
The Strokes - Room On Fire
Suede - Singles
Various Artists - Greasemania
Various Artists - Smash Hits: Let's Party On!
October 27
The Beautiful South - Gaze
Hilary Duff - Metamorphosis
Sophie Ellis Bextor - Shoot From The Hip
REM - In Time: The Best Of REM 1988-2003
Sugababes - Three
Various Artists - Now Dance 2004
Various Artists - The Best Bands 2004
November 3
Bon Jovi - This Left Feels Right
Sheryl Crow - The Best Of
Liberty X - Being Somebody
Primal Scream - Dirty Hits
LeAnn Rimes - The Very Best Of
David Sneddon - Seven Years, Ten Weeks
Underworld - Anthology: 1992-2002
November 10
Atomic Kitten - Ladies' Night
Coldplay - Coldplay Live 2003
Mark Owen - In Your Own Time
Pet Shop Boys - Pop Art (1985-2003)
Pink - Try This
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Greatest Hits
Various Artists - Capital Gold Rock & Roll Legends
November 17
Michael Jackson - Ones
Ronan Keating - Turn It On
Kylie Minogue - Body Language
Cliff Richard - Cliff At Christmas
Britney Spears - In The Zone
Various Artists - Now That's What I Call Music! 56
November 24
Busted - A Present For Everyone
Nelly Furtado - Folklore
Lemar - Dedicated
