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Who Is Anastacia?
Anastacia Lyn Newkirk[or Newton], is an American Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Clothes Designer and Breast Cancer Survivor. Born in Illinois, Chicago, (September 17th, 1973), she lived there for part of her childhood, until eventually growing in her teens up in New York City. After being spotted as a dancer on MTV, she entered The Cut (similar to Uk's X-Factor, although here they had to write there own songs), Anastacia sadly did not win and finished second, although immediately after loosing out, EVERY record company was trying to sign her on, until later that day she received a personal phone call from Michael Jackson himself, who persuaded her to sign onto one of his partner record-companies, Epic. Anastacia has to date sold over 20 Million Records Worldwide, and has established herself as the Biggest and Fastest Selling European Female Singer of the 21st Century, a title to which she still holds today. Anastacia is noted for her distinctive voice and that famous 'growl', she even has nicknames such as, "A white woman's Tina Turner" and "The little one with the BIG voice".


Not That Kind
Cutesy Pop-teenage domination has so far interfered with the music's industry for some time, leaving a nasty bubblegum-Pink stench on our radios. From Britney's "Oh Baby, Baby"'s to Christina's "Oh Oh Oh"'s, it seems that it will take a long time till something OR someone, new will rise from the cracks in the Worldwide Charts. Gone are the days where to sell a decent record is required to have a decent voice, but never fear, a loud cackle has been surrounding those cracked woodwork's for some time now. With the vocal force of 10 large orchestra's (and a couple of Big Brass Bands), the Writing Ability of William Shakespeare himself (pushing it maybe?), oh, and steal abs to DIE for, have you guessed which new artist I'm raving about yet? No?.

If you havn't, then why has your head been stuck in the sand for the past month or so. Anastacia, even just the exotic name is enough to get you submerged into her funky warp. 'Im Outta Love' is the dance anthem that's been pumping on everyone's lips for the past month, and she even has a solid album to follow it up with. 'Not That Kind', Anastacia's debut, and what a great debut it is. A sophisticated blend of 1970's American Blues modernised for the 21st Century, with a beat of catchy rhythms and soulful lyrics. Her voice never fails to impress either. Her husky, gravely tone, surprisingly matches up well to this dated album. Although it does have it flaws, bum notes such as the song 'Wishing Well', which thankfully was not written by the lady herself, is nothing more then a lifeless filler, which fails to spark whilst she sings about wanting everyone to be "free in the wishing well". That cast aside though, the album is full if loud, pumping tunes, of which many could be singles.

The first stand out is the beautiful 'Who's Gonna Stop The Rain?', as Anastacia sings about how the world is coming crashing down, yet we choose to ignore and brush it aside, yet one day it will come back to haunt us. The moving lyrics dance with her toned down voice, a voice on this track which shows Anastacia's softer vocal abilities. Secondly is the gritty and raunchy 'Love Is Alive', a European smash which could cause a steam on Worldwide Radio's, with those opening roaring "Love Is Alive Love Is Alive Yeah". However once you are sucked into the anthem-drumming spirit of the album, things feel washed down with lukewarm songs and Whitney Housten attempted ballads. Lukewarm numero une. 'Cowboys And Kisses'. We saw it coming, a drawn back sounding album could never be complete with it's gone of cheese that would be the Western-Cowboy song, and donning a cowboy hat for the video, this "love song" fails to impress. Secondly, the power blasted 'I Ask Of You', which, sadly, is also another love song, and yes, it's a breakup. Whilst pushing her set of sirens to the un-broken limits, no boundaries are raised here. But ignoring the fact that half of the ballads, love songs, break up songs, songs, are fillers, a sexy sweet 'Black Roses' rises from the distance. Piano operated, beautiful vocal operated, she commands the RAF with this song. Thankfully, it holds a lighter mood, a feeling of eating mash under a grotty electrical candle lit dinner, with only the song to remind you of the luxury you're missing out on.

So we've established the fact that she has a magnificent voice. We've gathered that 75% of the material was written by her, however 60% of that drags on about bad relationships and how her love life is fukked up, but that's ok, as this albums main focus is the strong production, delivered by a powerhouse of a voice. Anastacia is certainly, here to stay. **** [4 Stars Out Of 5]


Freak Of Nature
A french mans rotton cheese. An Italian woman's hairy armpit. A Spanish boys smelly feet. A Greek girls unshaven beard. That's right, European Music is at it's dirtiest and grubbiest era yet. One person who's kept shaven and clean, Anastacia that is, has so far kept herself as an outcast to the nasty side of Europe, even though her last album hinted with European Orientated Pop.

'Freak Of Nature', album number two from the feisty American diva, and just hearing the albums title you know something has clicked. Yes, those sleeping clockworks in your brain have awoken, and are dazzling because you've just heard 'Paid My Dues' on the radio. Currently causing a tempest (no, not a storm, an actual tempest!) over Europe, it's obvious to the naked eye that Anastacia will be just as lucky this time round. Opening the album is the albums title track, and it's already screaming for a single release. Ok, so maybe for the first time you hear it it sounds like she's flew to Mars, picked up some species, brought it back and chucked it into a recording studio and told it to sing, but after a few listens, you fall for it, hook, line and sinker. She moves swiftly down into a more sassy approach, backed up by a few RnB beats and base, it's addictive lyrics and chorus, "I'm a Freak Of Nature, You Betta Beware, Danger/I'm ur midnight angel", until going into a funky little breakdown. Her vocals have tuned in a little bit to, sounding more settled and controlled, (lessons maybe?), and then ending the song, you realise that this is no ordinary album.

It holds crazy tracks and hidden gems, take 'Dontcha Wanna' for an example. It oozes sex and orgasmic rays. 'Why'd You Lie To Me?', it packs a punch with a sprinkle of strong spice. The two tracks mentioned are a clear example of what the album is made up from. No, she hasn't turned into a slag, she's just brought a LOT of attitude into this album. And unlike the last album, there's no lukewarm fillers or dreary ballads here. No. This time, everything was written (co-written) by Anastacia herself, written with deep thought and expressive hidden messages. 'Secrets' carries the intro with a couple of loud drum beats and screaming children, (it really isn't what you think), but a song that points into the direction of child abusive. Floating on the track is that beautiful voice of hers, that when she isn't bellowing out the words, a warm natural tone shines through and picks up the track. Whilst talking about amazing lyrics and beautiful voice tones, 'How Come The World Wont Stop' deserves a special mention. Written about how she's lost something, yet that the world is still moving, carrying out on it's daily plans, this Autumn ballad is gentle, although still has the BIG package at the end.

Anastacia's gone soft? Gentle? Clean voice? Ha, no. Picking up from when she left of from the dance side of her last album, is the sunny L.A. inspired 'One Day In Your Life'. The sunny and jammy hit has a clean cut production, written with the same guy who helped created 'Im Outta Love', it does indeed sound like I'm Outta Love p.2, but better. She's still moaning about her awful love life, like she did on the last track, but still wanting to be set freed, she's a bit more cheery about it, which is always a plus, because when Anastacia is happy, here we're all happy. The girl must of been through hundreds of messy relationships, as we all heard on her debut, but it seems she still has plenty to dish out her anger on the bitter-sweet 'Overdue Goodbye'. Without sounding to atmospheric, this acoustic and mtv unplugged styleee blends with Anastacia's beautiful voice as she drones on about her life, which really doesn't sound to boring when it covered by amazing vocals and lyric writing like this, "If love is a season, you are my winter, you was just the ice, on my finger". Everything sounds so great, but she's still hitting out on them over the top power ballads, and yes, Freak Of Nature is holding one little fake-gem. 'You'll Never Be Alone', written about Anastacia's god daughter, is no better then a poor mans Mariah Carey. She's bellows out notes to love-sick lines like "Hold on, we can make it through the fight", bluegh. We're surprised that she has yet to throw up on stage whilst singing this. A classic example of what NOT do to is situated right on the tip of the album, 'I Dreamed You'. The chest voice has gone, the head voice is in. A pure vocal show is displayed and splashed through out the track, from verse to chorus, to chorus to bridge, where the chest actually comes back into place with a pack of gospel singers, all belt and harmonise with Anastacia alongside the beautiful piano notes.

So the round of. Is 'Freak Of Nature' better then 'Not That Kind'?. Well, partly, yes. Her vocals are controlled, her lyric writing has improved (although just like the last album, she still bangs on about ex-boyfriends) and the production is stronger to. Well done to Anastacia, who topped of a brilliant album with an even better one. ****1/2 [4 and A Half stars out of 5].


Anastacia
An electronical fuse with the hard guitar elements of rock, the husky, gravely yet soulfulness of one of the best voices of the 21st Century, and not forgetting Miss. Good ole' Pop, what do you get? No, no idea at all? Well, we'll do the explaining.

One year ago, superstar Anastacia announced to the world that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Bad times. However, a long, hard, but successful treatment, good times, she revealed that she had already written two songs during the illness, erm.. better times maybe? And diving right into one of the songs is one situated quite near the end, 'Where Do I Belong?'. This isn't no spooky castle down in York haunt, this is haunting of the worlds darkest streets, England, but not, England, if you follow. The strong power ballad flaunts sad, sorrowing lyrics whilst screaming terror through it's verses and choruses. The twisted distress of the pain throughout her cancer treatment explodes on this track through her cold but damn emotional voice. Secondly, breast cancer song number two, is the oh-so-predictable over the top "SAVE ME" power, power, power??, ballad, 'Heavy On My Heart'. In this one, she is more open about feeling and not being able to make it alone, sets the tears pouring in the rain at the cinema scene. Where as 'Where Do I Belong' expresses an agonizing pain through start to finish, 'Heavy On My Heart' expresses nothing but belting, violins and soppy tunes, however the poetic lyrics are beautiful.

So with them two out of the way, we can finally dig further and deeper into the album. Kicking it off with the stadium-rock guitar "riff" is 'Seasons Change', an opening anthem in it's own right which would kick of a storm if released as a single. Maybe you thought that during cancer she'd loose her awesome vocal ability?, this song just proves that she still not only has it, but it has improved. With the trademark yells at the end, she's hitting higher, louder, bigger, longer notes this time round. Sounds amazing? It does hold a downside, an unattractive over-production, which is also showed in 'Rearview'. Follows the same type of 'Seasons Change' pattern, big lyrics, big chorus', big beats, big base, big everything, but less is always more, and more is always.. more, over the top. Never to worry though, it's slick-produced tongue in the cheek songs such as 'Pretty Little Dum Dum' that make up for the over-produced fact. Weaving into the song you're sucked in by Anastacia's dreamy "Ba Ba, Ba Ba Ba"'s thinking that this'll be one of the pretty pink Kylie numbers, when more strong guitar riffs and edgy vocals hit at you, with the sniding chorus and intoxicated lyrics.

Guitar riffs, rock, edgy, loud, big, bang, sounds to scary for you? Has the Pop that was promised disapeared? No. Slowly creeping back to her old routes she diva's it up with 'Sexy Single', which is what the song really is about. Being single, and sexxxy. Growling her way through the track, this gay-number is an anthem to all woman (and men?) out there, although for this album it'll never get pass the albums plastic case. It's weak, and shows that not even Anastacia is perfect. It forces Pop and Funk through the speakers, but the end result is strained and sluggish. Not to worry, because when it's right, she gets it right. 'Sick And Tired' flashes Euro Pop, Indian rhythms and Hebrew lyrics, sounds influenced by European and the middle eat, this experimental track works and is radio friendly, as she calmly and steadily rants about a friend who was never good to her.

Coming to a close, a few tracks that are screaming for a mention is the hard hitting, and getting political, 'I Do' which features vocals from Sonny of P.O.D. It's another round up of the stadium-anthem tour-stylee persona of 'Seasons Change'. She questions the world, war, whilst delivering the vocal performance of her life. Another holler goes out to the new single, 'Left Outside Alone'. On first hear, you hear the essence of Amy Lee, but then the track kicks off and boasts what this album is all about,

A beautiful book of poems that highlights distress and pain, whilst contrasting the beauty of life, which is shown on the track 'Welcome To My Truth', but then throughout the heartbreak she finds peace within herself, but still being able to disturb the calmness with her new direction of genre and sound. Anastacia has just delivered, so far, the best album of her life. ***** [5 Stars Out Of 5]

Pieces Of A Dream

Anastacia by s.Oliver

Breast Cancer

Future Plans...

Something from AllMusic.

 

 

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Not That Kind (2000)

4 Stars (8 out of 10)

 

Review by William Ruhlmann

As revealed in the multiple pictures in the CD package and in the video featured as part of the disc's multi-media content, Anastacia is, in appearance, yet another teen dream with cascades of blonde hair and an exposed navel (though perhaps her ever-present, and ever-changing, spectacles are supposed to signal a higher intellectual content). But her musical models aren't Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera, they are Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and Martha Wash. Anastacia possesses a big, expressive alto voice that her many co-writers and producers (primarily Rik Wake [Celine Dion, Mariah Carey] and the team of ex-Color Me Badd member Sam Watters and Louis Biancaniello, though Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers, authors of 'N Sync's "God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You," have two tracks) use in updated R&B, dance, and funk tracks. "I'm Outta Love," which just missed topping the dance charts, is an aggressive dancefloor item, and its follow-up, the title song, is in a funk style reminiscent of Aretha Franklin's '80s work. "I Ask of You" is one of those slow, deliberate big ballads that recalls "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" as well as that song's singer, Jennifer Holliday. And so it goes. The only real misstep on the album is the inevitable Diane Warren adult contemporary romantic ballad, "Late Last Night," which forces the singer to rein in her voice, though even then she doesn't really negotiate its lyrical complexity. Despite her toothsome appearance, Anastacia may be too old school to break through in the U.S., though this album has been a commercial success overseas. (The American version has been altered from the foreign one, with a couple of tracks added and dropped.) But Macy Gray demonstrated that a broad audience may respond to an older style if the singer herself is distinguished enough. Anastacia doesn't have the kind of unique timbre that Gray does -- in fact, the minute she opens her mouth she starts reminding you of other singers, especially Aretha Franklin -- but she is clearly a big talent, and that should count for something.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Freak Of Nature (2001)

4 Stars (8 out of 10)

 

Review by Jose F. Promis

Anastacia's sophomore outing, Freak of Nature, continues with the late-'80s bombastic funk/soul/pop revival ushered in by her debut, Not That Kind, but this time there's a few more ballads in the mix. Anastacia also leans more toward straightforward rock on this outing, while still maintaining the irresistible dance grooves that made her debut an international success. The album kicks off to a rocking start with the title track, which boasts a sinuous guitar solo reminiscent of "American Woman" and then leads into the soulful, bombastic rocker "Paid My Dues," a massive European hit. Other shining moments include the dramatic "One Day in Your Life," which follows the same formula as her previous hit, "I'm Outta Love," but better, with more soaring, epic vocals, and sounds like a rock version of a forgotten disco classic. The feel-good soul-funk vibe of "Don't Stop (Doin' It)" is a massive hit waiting to happen, and perfect for a breezy summer afternoon. When Anastacia slows down the tempo for the ballads (some organic and acoustic, some bordering on power ballads), she succeeds by utilizing her strong vocal chops without venturing into vocal histrionics. Reminiscent of Taylor Dayne at times, Anastacia successfully avoids the sophomore slump by delivering an album full of raw emotion, power, and musicality which manages to improve upon its predecessor. As a final note, the Destiny's Child-sounding "Why'd You Lie to Me" and the sassy "Don'tcha Wanna" both appear on the American version of Not That Kind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Anastacia (2004)

4.5 Stars (9 out of 10)

 

Review by Matthew Chisling

Following two majorly successful albums as a dance queen all over the world, the alto pop diva extraordinaire Anastacia released her third album, a self-titled one, to huge reception practically all over the globe. Interestingly enough, the only location where the album was never released was in the United States, where the American singer's flame never burst into wildfire. It's a real shame, though; Anastacia was a transition album for a multi-dimensional artist as she shifted from disco flavor into passionate power pop, and this haunting presentation would've been her ticket for gold in the States. Written, recorded, and produced while Anastacia was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer only helped the dazzling singer to create a more personal, painful piece of work that suits her unique voice perfectly. Packed with pop numbers that overlay into rock and soul, Anastacia envelops the listener into a painstaking reality that horrified the singer -- that this might be the end of her career, and her life, and she wasn't going to go down without a fight. Stronger tracks on the album include "Left Outside Alone," a global smash that was the number one single of 2004 in many European countries, on which Anastacia berates the listener with cries of frustration in pop/rock at its finest, and "Heavy on My Heart," a shimmering ballad flushed by pain, love, and bombastic sounds that collide like tidal waves in what can only be described as a magical four minutes. The hits don't stop there, as Anastacia is packed with not only personal musical anecdotes (every track on the album was either written or co-written by Anastacia), but radio-friendly, grit-influenced dark pop hits like "I Do," "Seasons Change," and "Time." Plus, she seams R&B into her mix of melodies on tracks like "Pretty Little Dum Dum" and "Sick & Tired." Overall, Anastacia is truly an artist's record, where listeners get a bird's eye view into the minds of a covertly dark Anastacia whose musical imagination is finally allowed to blossomed due to the catalytic effect of a terrible tragedy that overcame her. Luckily for us, she is 100 percent cured of her disease; now it's time to take this new hauntingly gorgeous Anastacia and give her some credit like she truly deserves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Pieces Of A Dream

3.5 Stars (7 out of 10)

 

Review by Sharon Mawer

Anastacia, the sassy lady with one of the biggest voices in pop, had released three albums since 2000, and with the most recent self-titled CD being her most successful (and only number one to date), the time was right to sum up her career so far with a greatest-hits package called Pieces of a Dream, released for the 2005 Christmas market. The selection of tracks was hardly a difficult job, as the first 12 songs were the hit singles in strict chronological order, from the debut hit that announced her arrival on the pop scene, "I'm Outta Love," through to her most recent hit, "Heavy on My Heart." In fact, the symmetry of these first 12 tracks was complete, as there were four from each of the albums to date, Not That Kind, Freak of Nature, and Anastacia. Having never relied on chart positions of the singles to sell albums -- in fact, none of the releases from album number two reached the Top Ten -- it made sense to stick to such a rigid formula, for no matter how many singles were actually sold, the airplay of each was almost guaranteed, and as either an introduction to Anastacia for people who had not bought an album to date, or as a summing up of the most famous tracks, it was an ideal formula. That's not to say she didn't sell singles, because "I'm Outta Love," "Left Outside Alone," and "Sick and Tired" all hit the Top Ten, and "Not That Kind" and "One Day in Your Life" were not far outside. So that accounted for 47 minutes of music, and then four new tracks were added for another 16 minutes -- and if that weren't enough, a 12-minute "Club Megamix" completed the album, over 75 minutes in total stretching the limits of a single CD. The four new tracks included two duets: "Everything Burns," a ballad with Ben Moody from Evanescence, and "I Belong to You," another ballad with Eros Ramazzotti. The title track, "Pieces of a Dream," was more midtempo but suffered from a lack of a discernible melody, and the final track, "In Your Eyes," lacked the trademark Anastacia power. The megamix featured excerpts from "Left Outside Alone," "Paid My Dues," "Not That Kind," "One Day in Your Life," and "I'm Outta Love," all with a dance beat prominent. The album did not perform as well as anticipated, giving rise to the comments that it was too early in her career for a hits collection and choosing the best tracks from previous albums was not such a good idea after all. After her health scare, however, this hardly seemed to matter -- Anastacia was still with us and looking absolutely gorgeous on the cover, like a supine Celine Dion in black lingerie.

Thanks J. The Celine Dion bit in the last sentence does it for me :lol: