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Rating: I remember that in 1993, at the top of the album charts in England, there were two lovely ladies: one was Björk with the colossal "Debut" (3rd place) and the other was Louise Gabrielle Bobb (find your way 1st place). Without attempting to compare the two figures in any way, as they are very different in style and musical territory, I admit that I have followed the careers of both with the same interest and growing admiration. However, since the writings about Björk here, rightly, abound, I'd like to spend a few words on this artist with a rather reserved character who nonetheless has managed to deliver some beautiful songs in her own small way. Songs that I believe will leave a mark on the landscape of European pop music.
When Gabrielle released "Rise," it was already the year 1999, with two albums behind her and a handful of good chart singles like "Dreams", "I Wish", "Forget about the World", "Give Me a Little More Time", and a stunning version of "Walk on By" by Bacharach. Certainly, the big bang hadn't happened yet, but for those with a bit of foresight, it wasn't difficult to sense that the girl had personality and an uncommon ability to write good songs. The third album, while not meant to be a fabled litmus test, marked a turning point and defined the sound of a girl who still struggled to blend carefree pop and a certain high-quality soul of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship. With the help of co-writers/producers who are now very famous, such as Jonathan Shorten/Richard Stannard (Joss Stone/Artful Dodgers), Gabrielle fielded a team of truly cohesive tracks with at least five highlights.
The initial "Sunshine", I confess, is a song that even today, being the sentimental person I am, can still move me. The following "Rise" uses an (authorized) sample of Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", giving Gabrielle success even across the ocean. A commercially impactful piece, although I don't consider it the best among the eleven. Alternating mid- and uptempo rhythms ("When a Woman" above all), the album reaches its highest points in the delicate ballads "Should I Stay" and especially "Over You", astounding the listener with the excellent fusion between words (never random) and harmony.
In conclusion: more than two million copies sold, with dignity and without any arrogance. Gabrielle continues even today to write in the same way, spreading important gems of elegant pop here and there ("Out of Reach" in the Bridget Jones soundtrack and the beautiful "Play to Win" from 2004) and remaining an example of style, elegance, and consistency.
I still hold her in great affection.
p.s. The rating would actually be a 3.5, but I’m not lowering it precisely because of other hits not mentioned (hey, 10 singles in the top ten.. not peanuts!)
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 Sunshine (04:10)
Made a wish, I can dream
I can be what I want to be
Not afraid to live life
And fulfil my fantasies
I learnt a lot of tricks to help me live my life
You helped me find my paradise
When you came, you were like
Sunshine through my window
That's what you are
My shining star
Sunshine
Making me feel
I'm on top of the world
Telling me I'll go far
Reaching out, for new heights
You inspired me to try
Felt the magic inside
And I felt that I could fly
I'm looking at the world in an optimistic light
You made me appreciate my life
'Cos when you came you were like
Sunshine through my window
That's what you are
My shining star
Sunshine
Making me feel like
I'm on top of the world
Telling me I'll go far
You are the calm
I am the storm
You are the breeze that carries me on
When I set adrift
You anchor me
You're there for me
Sunshine (oh yeah)
That's what you are
My shining star
Sunshine
Making me feel I'm on top of the world
Telling me that I'll go far
Sunshine through my window
That's what you are
My shining star
(Sunshine)
Making me feel I'm on top of the world
Telling me that I'll go far
Sunshine through my window
That's what you are
My shining star
Sunshine
Making me feel I'm on top of the world
Telling me that I'll go far
Sunshine
My star, my star..
02 Rise (03:39)
I know that it's over
but I can't believe we're through
they say that time's a healer
and I'm better without you
it's gonna take time I know
but I'll get over you
look at my life
look at my heart
I have seen them fall apart
now I'm ready to rise again
just look at my hopes
look at my dreams
I'm building bridges from these scenes
now I'm ready to rise again
caught up in my thinking
(yeah)
like a prisoner in my mind
you pose so many questions
that the truth was hard to find
I better think twice I know
that I'll get over you
look at my life
look at my heart
I have seen them fall apart
now I'm ready to rise again
just look at my hopes
look at my dreams
I'm building bridges from these scenes
now I'm ready to rise again
much time has passed between us
do you still think of me at all?
my world of broken promises
now you won't catch me when I fall
look at my life
look at my heart
I have seen them fall apart
now I'm ready to rise again
just look at my hopes
look at my dreams
I'm building bridges from these scenes
now I'm ready to rise again
Yes I'm gonna rise
gonna make it alright
I'm gonna be
who I wanna be
yeah baby, yeah, yeah
I'm gonna make it alright
I'm gonna make it alright
03 When a Woman (03:11)
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, de�
Early in the morning
My friends already calling
Ready for a party
They're just getting started
Wouldn't miss it for a moment
My heart's already stolen
Heard he's gonna be there
To miss it wouldn't be fair
No, no, no, no, no, no
When a woman wants her man
She'll catch him any way she can
I'm telling you I got a masterplan
I'm gonna get you boy
Make you my man
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, de
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, de
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, de
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, de
Driving down the highway
Roberta, Donnie Hathaway, yeah yeah
Playing on the airwaves
As we're making our way
We pull up to a red light
Check the mirror for the last time (for the last time)
I know I'm looking just fine and I feel all right
'Cos I know I'm gonna party tonight, yeah, baby
When a woman wants her man �
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, de
Walking through the party
With all my girls behind me, yeah, yeah
Suddenly I saw him
My heart it started jumping (and jumping and jumping and jumping)
Then he led me to the dancefloor
Then he held me closely (so closely, baby)
Then he whispered softly (ooh)
Will you be my one and only
My only girl
When a woman wants her man �
When a woman wants her man �
06 Should I Stay (03:59)
Here I am,
Waiting for a sign,
I never seem to know,
If you want me in your life,
Where do I stand,
I just don't know,
I never feel I know you,
Cos you blow hot and you blow cold,
It seems I've grown attached,
Though we're not the perfect match,
I just can't explain,
Should I stay, should I go,
Could I ever really stand to let go,
Can you not find the right words to say,
That maybe I'm getting in your way,
I feel your warmth,
Got me wanting more,
You've left the door half open,
I'm in two minds to explore,
But then again,
Am I being honest,
Being truthful to myself,
Can I see my life without you,
Could I be with someone else,
It seems I've grown attached,
Though we're not the perfect match,
I just can't explain,
Oh no,
Should I stay, should I go,
Could I ever really stand to let you go,
Can you not find the right words to say,
That maybe I'm getting in your way,
Should I stay, should I go,
I really think it's time that you should let me know,
Can you not find the right words to say,
That maybe I'm getting in your way
It seems I've grown attached,
Though we're not the perfect match,
I just can't explain,
Oh no,
Should I stay, should I go,
Could I ever really stand to let you go,
Can you not find the right words to say,
That maybe I'm getting in your way,
Should I stay, should I go,
I really think it's time that you should let me know,
Can you not find the right words to say,
That maybe I'm getting in your way
Should I stay, should I go,
Could I ever stand to let you go,
Can you not find the right words to say,
That maybe I'm getting in your way,
Should I stay, should I go,
I think it's time you let me know,
Can you not find the right words to say,
That maybe I'm getting in your way
(fades)
09 If You Love Me (03:56)
how can I love you when you're not around
you want it all and then you let me down
you made me promises, you know you never keep
how can I ever show you loyalty
why is it that you always make a fuss
can it be that you don't care about us
how can I love you when I, don't know where to start
how can I love you when you break my heart
chourse:
if you love me let me know, if you dont want me tell me so
'cause i, won't be waiting for you, don't wanna waste my time,
just let me know so I can live my life
i've always given you the best of me
were you so blind that you couldn't see
all the things that, you have put me through
you knew that I would never do to you, no
I think of all the days and nights we share, nights we share
and start to wonder if you ever really cared
how can I love you when I, don't know where I stand,
just let me know so I can make my plans
(chorus)
if you love me let me know, if you don't want me tell me so
'cause this, can't be love when you're hurting me this much,
if this is love I don't wanna know
why do you keep messing with my heart and mind (i really need to know),
something that you seem to do most of the time (messing with my mind)
can't you tell how much all this is hurting me, or are you just so blind to see
the tears that fill my eyes, oh baby
(chorus)
live my life, if you love me, let me know
If you don't want me, tell me so, 'cause this can't be love,
when you're hurting me this much
if this is love I don't wanna know x3
11 Gonna Get Better (04:04)
we do what we do
to try and get us through
our darkest days
a time in life that's not so bright
and there will be days when we cry
and we don't know why
you've gotta fight it
those days will pass you by
(chorus: it's gonna get better
everybody knows there's brighter days
it's gonna get better
live your life, and take it day by day)
be positive in mind or you'll
fall before you even try
sometimes it takes a helping hand
(a helping hand is what you need)
to show you that life goes on
there's a brand new dawn
when you're feeling down
there's always a reason
to hold on
tell yourself
(chorus: it's gonna get better
everybody knows there's brighter days
it's gonna get better
live your life and take it day by day)
you gotta live your life
cause life is for the living
and you don't know
if you'll get the chance again
you gotta find a way to hold on maybe
faith will help you carry on
just fight it
take it in your stride
it's gonna be alright
(chorus: it's gonna get better
everybody knows there's brighter days
it's gonna get better
live your life and take it day by day)
it's gonna get better, pick yourself up and start again
and maybe when you find yourself alone
you'll have the time
to gather all your thoughts
and when you find
you're not so strong
you'll have the strength
to carry on
and even when you find yourself in doubt
you'll never lose sight
of what your life's about
and when you find you're losing faith
you'll get the strength to help you
tell yourself it's gonna get better
just tell yourself that
it is gonna get better
just tell yourself
it's gonna get better
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