Music

Anastacia – It’s A Man’s World

Category: Music Created on Saturday, 08 December 2012 12:45 Written by Pez

After far too many years in the wilderness, Anastacia is back with a new album. The last 7 years saw several label changes, new health concerns, and a revelation that she’s actually 5 years older than she originally lead us to believe (I knew those glasses were hiding something!) A failed comeback attempt was made in 2008, with the tragically overlooked ‘Heavy Rotation’ album (major producers, but minor promotion & poor single choices).

Now after signing another new deal, she seems to be testing the waters with a new covers album (as a prelude to a forthcoming album of originals due next year). Titled ‘It’s A Man’s World’, this new set is a collection of rock classics originally recorded by male vocalists.

While the tracks are perfectly suited to her gutsy vocal style, it’s hard not to giggle at the concept when you consider the gossip that swirled around “Manastacia” when she first hit the scene back in 2000.

Unlike many cover albums; here Anastacia stays completely true to the original arrangements & melodies. If anything, this makes it even more impressive that she’s still able to make each song her own without having to rework it in order to do so. The disc is produced in its entirety by Glenn Ballard – best known for co-writing & producing ball-tearers like Alanis Morrisette’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’ album, Michael Jackson’s ‘Man In The Mirror’ & Christina Aguilera’s ‘The Voice Within’. Anastacia & Ballard previously collaborated on one of her biggest hits, ‘Left Outside Alone’.

Aussie guitarist Orianthi & Dave Stewart of Eurythmics bring huge instrumentation & authenticity to the project. Highlights include Anastacia’s beautiful take on Kings Of Leon’s ‘Use Somebody’, Soundgarden’s ‘Black Hole Sun’ & ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis, along with stomping renditions of ‘You Give Love A Bad Name’, ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ & Foo Fighters ‘Best Of You’.

With the unmistakable timbre of her voice, Anastacia draws out the soulfulness that was seemingly buried deep within these songs, bringing it right to the surface. Aside from Cher, there are very few female vocalists that could tackle these classics with such authority.  

‘It’s A Man’s World’ track listing:
Ramble On (Led Zeppelin)
Best Of You (Foo Fighters)
Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns N’ Roses)
You Can’t Get Always Get What You Want (Rolling Stones)
One (U2)
Back In Black (AC/DC)
Dream On (Aerosmith)
Use Somebody (Kings Of Leon)
You Give Love A Bad Name (Bon Jovi)
Wonderwall (Oasis)
iTunes Bonus Track: Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden)

For fans who prefer a little more "boom boom" from this diva, she also has a club track out with our friend, the legendary DJ / Producer Tony Moran. Take a listen to ‘If I Was Your Boyfriend’.

‘It’s A Man’s World’ & ‘If I Was Your Boyfriend’ are both available on iTunes.