Track Listing

1. Dark Road
2. Love Is blind
3. Smithereens
4. Ghosts In My Machine
5. Womankind
6. Through The Glass Darkly
7. Lost
8. Coloured Bedspread
9. Sing
10. Big Sky
11. Fingernail Moon

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6782 in Music
• Released on: 2007-10-02
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

From Amazon.com
Menacing as they sound, the songs of mass destruction gathered on Annie Lennox's fifth solo disc don't manage to so much as nick the gorgeous instrument she's built her career on. Weaving artfully as ever around the contours of songs that suggest the worst--Lennox is world-wise and therefore maybe inevitably world-weary--she imparts gravity and grace in a voice as cloudless and surface-smooth as just-brewed mint tea; from the tentative beginnings of the mournful "Dark Road" to the gospel-bottomed gorgeousness of "Ghosts in My Machine," she's in full command of her considerable vocal powers. And it's possible she's never used them to such moving effect on a single record. Earlier Lennox or Eurythmics albums might have succumbed here and there to slight-seeming experiments in style, but Songs of Mass Destruction doesn't dilly-dally. All swerves, even playful ones (see "Love Is Blind" and "Coloured Bedspread," a synth-y song that wouldn't seem so out of place on a recent Madonna record), are on-message: "Womankind" busts wide open not only because it needs to (a voice this big can't be contained, it reminds us), but to demo empowerment, and the hopeful "Sing" signs off with a seconds-long African guest vocal. There's an upside to the destruction of cultural wellness that led Lennox to write this record, and it's artistic creation. Songs of Mass Destruction is a sterling, rock-solid, expert example. --Tammy La Gorce

Amazon.com
One of the most respected women in popular music, Annie Lennox’s career has spanned over 25 years and drawn numerous accolades and awards including Grammys®, Brits, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar® for her song “Into the West”, from Lord of the Rings. VH1 describes her as “the Greatest living White Soul Singer.” Ms. Lennox has consistently pushed boundaries and embraced excellence; her latest work, Songs of Mass Destruction is another example of her unforgettable vocal talents.

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Album Description
Multi million selling iconic artist Annie Lennox will release her fourth solo album. Songs Of Mass Destruction on October 2nd. 2007 through Artista Records. The album was recorded in Los Angeles with Veteran producer Glen Ballard. Songs Of Mass Destruction showcase an artist who is unafraid of pushing boundaries and challenging herself. Annie delivers thought provoking and intelligent lyrics matched with her distinctive pop sound. She says that this album is the closest she's been so far to that authentically raw emotional place.

Customer Reviews

A triumph of style AND substance
Nearly thirty years after releasing her first albums as a member of The Tourists, more than two decades after changing the face of pop music as half of the Eurythmics, and fifteen years after her debut solo album, Annie Lennox has managed to remain as relevant and creatively viable as ever - no small feat, considering her considerable accomplishments in the musical field. "Songs of mass destruction", her fourth studio solo album, is a triumph of style AND substance and is definitely one of her strongest.

Annie Lennox has been looking inside and out of herself, has taken a good look at how things have been going in her own life and in the world around her, and has come up with eleven songs that form a perfect chain of songs that are both reactive and introspective. From the opening chords of "Dark road" (the brilliant first single) right to the end of the beautiful closer ("Fingernail moon"), Annie delivers heartfelt songs of love, betrayal, feminism and injustice; and if the title hints at a decidedly political tone, leave it to Annie to deal with world concerns in a way that is both personal, defiant and compassionate.

Musically, the album is a logical continuation of what Annie has done ever since becoming a solo artist - but ironically, comparisons to Eurythmics' brilliant 1999 reunion album "Peace" would also be well-earned. The music is centered around keyboards, a lush production and THAT gorgeous voice (although a few of the songs feature more stripped-down arrangements). The melodies are instant and powerful, the music is a well-balanced mix of vintage pop and contemporary 00's soul, and Annie's voice has rarely sounded better, whether she's soaring with rage or soothing like a breeze. Highlights include the moving first single "Dark road", the infectious "Ghosts in my machine" and "Womankind", the achingly beautiful ballads "Fingernail moon", "Lost" and "Smithereens", the smouldering "Big sky" and "Looking through the glass darkly", as well as the gorgeously hypnotic "Coloured bedspread" - but really, every song is a keeper here. It is also important to point out "Sing", a collaborative between Annie and a cast of 23 female pop stars (Madonna, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Melissa Etheridge and so on) whose profits will go to funding AIDS relief for African women; not only is it a great gesture, it's also a rousing celebration of female empowerment.

Very Powerful Material
SOMD (Annie's 4th Solo Recording) is a very powerful album and definitely worth the wait. I've been a fan of Annie's singing since way back in the early 80s'. As all AL's songs have, SOMD strikes right where a song should, track-wise. Track 8 (Coloured Bedspreads) really stands out and caught my attention...and I truly believe it could/should be Annie's next single. The arrangements in this particular song are dramatic and edgy, which remind me very much of "How Long" from the Eurythmics CD "We too are one".

"Sing" is a beautiful, moving song with lots of layered vocals and a strong, meaningful story behind it. You can hear Madonna's voice in verse #2, which I thought was kinda neat. "Fingernail Moon" touched me and kind of cooled off the whole trip I'd been on while listening to the album for the first time. The lyrics to this song are sad yet beautiful, and I'm almost moved to the point of standing at my window to look out at the moon tonight. The songs I haven't mentioned all have a place in my heart and I don't regret buying the CD because Annie's music provides a safeness I don't normally feel when listening to other artists' music.

Over the years, Annie's styles have evolved and I simply adore all 4 solo albums. With Bare and SOMD, Annie uses more of her upper range, which is jsut as powerful, clear and edgy. Her voice still sends chills when I listen to SOMD, and her lyrics are chilling and clever. That's why the woman is a living legend. She makes being an music industry icon look so easy. SOMD has an edge which her previous albums lacked, and the album as a whole, continues where Bare left off. Obviously having Glen Ballard as an inspiring producer has helped.

Package-wise, here's what you'll find:
The cd comes in a jewel case with a 12-page booklet. The inside (traycard) has no artwork, so the cd is resting on a dark brown, almost black background. The booklet is fully illustrated, featuring full lyrics & song credits. The recent photos we've seen of Annie on the net are NOT in the booklet. But the 3 photos you'll find in the booklet are all based upon the artwork/style of the front cover. I think these photos are beautiful and showcase Annie as she's rarely been seen before. Dressed in a large tulle gown with gold lamé halter top, she's looking splendid and fierce. Annie is unlike any other artist in the current music industry, to the point where you can't tell her age. Only Annie can play around with such clever imagry and such.
Photography: Mike Owen
Design: Allan Martin

Emotionally charged, song after song, SOMD pumps out nothing but pure brilliance. Filled with pain and the power to overcome it all, Annie knows how to use her singing/songwriting gift to its fullest potential. Since 2003, she's only proven to us that she's gotten better with time. None of the material on SOMD is transparent or commercial. Everything hits home right where it should. Each song tells its story and has a strong purpose and place on the album. SOMD goes to all four corners of the music spectrum and back, allowing us a fair taste of Annie's fierceness and softer, velvet-smooth side.

Fierce is the exact word to describe Annie at this point in her career. Just by looking at the photo of her in the middle of the booklet, you'll see what I mean. Spread the word and buy this album for your family and friends. It's not a forgettable album and is certainly one of those gems which will quickly grow on you. SOMD definitely deserves more than 5 stars.

Songs of Incredible Quality
I am in love.

Last night, as I typed away at my memoir, I listened to the long awaited new album by Annie Lennox.

I have been a long time fan of her work. My first introduction to her was the Eurhythmics but I fell in lust with her when she started her solo career and I have been in love with her ever since.

Contrary to most people, I loved her last album Bare. I felt it was a gorgeous piece of musical art and it touched me, moved me and made me feel. What more could you ask for from music?

And then, silence. For four years there has been nothing from this Diva of music. Therefore, I was caught off guard when I was in HMV the other day and saw a new album by her: Songs of Mass Destruction.

I was floored! I couldn't be that out of touch with the music scene could I? How could I not know that she had a new album out? When did this happen? Why was I the last to know?

I had to get it. I couldn't afford it, but I got it anyway. I am so very glad I did.

It is a beautiful, moving album. Much lighter than the very introspective and private Bare, Songs of Mass Destruction is an incredibly medley of sound, emotion and feeling. As I typed away at my memoir, I found myself stopping, fingers still on the keyboard, the lyrics washing over me.

I have several favorites on the album: Dark Road, Fingernail Moon, Ghosts in My Machine, Sing. Really, I love the entire album. As always, though, there is one song that sticks out for me. One song that becomes an anthem for me of sorts.

That song is Smithereens.

I'm going through a particularly difficult time with a family member and this song, these words, just spoke to me.

How is it she seems to know exactly what to say? How is it she can see into my life? This is the true power of music, I think. The power to make you feel, the power to make you remember, the power to connect to something within you and within your life.

I know that I'll be listening to this album all weekend. Why not do the same? Do yourself a favor and pick up the album.

And just let yourself listen...