***shine***

[Bluebrock]

If the album Barry did with Dionne in 79 is any indication it could have been a great matchup. Quite a few of the songs on it would have been perfect for Diana.
I find ‘Heartbreaker’ a slightly stronger album overall then ‘Eaten Alive’. I remember reading that Dionne herself did not really care for it much. To me it is one of her best albums of the 80’s

Dionne was openly critical of some of the songs. She was dissing it at the time of release which totally pissed a very angry Barry. He vowed never to work with Dionne again.

[reese]

Dionne was openly critical of some of the songs. She was dissing it at the time of release which totally pissed a very angry Barry. He vowed never to work with Dionne again.

Around the time of HEARTBREAKER's release, Dionne did an interview with [[I believe) the LA Times that later ran in EBONY as well. I don't know if they caught Dionne on a bad day but she was negative towards the title track of HEARTBREAKER, talked about problems with SOLID GOLD, and her feelings about her replacement on the show, Marilyn McCoo.

[sansradio]

Around the time of HEARTBREAKER's release, Dionne did an interview with [[I believe) the LA Times that later ran in EBONY as well. I don't know if they caught Dionne on a bad day but she was negative towards the title track of HEARTBREAKER, talked about problems with SOLID GOLD, and her feelings about her replacement on the show, Marilyn McCoo.

I remember that article. Wasn't the subheading something to the effect of "I'm not sour grapes about 'Solid Gold'"?

[reese]

I remember that article. Wasn't the subheading something to the effect of "I'm not sour grapes about 'Solid Gold'"?

Not sure about the Times. In EBONY it was titled "Dionne Warwick Speaks Out For Strong Black Women."

[Bluebrock]

Around the time of HEARTBREAKER's release, Dionne did an interview with [[I believe) the LA Times that later ran in EBONY as well. I don't know if they caught Dionne on a bad day but she was negative towards the title track of HEARTBREAKER, talked about problems with SOLID GOLD, and her feelings about her replacement on the show, Marilyn McCoo.

She was very negative about the title track. She can be her own worst enemy and is very capable of shooting herself in the foot.

[PeaceNHarmony]

She was very negative about the title track. She can be her own worst enemy and is very capable of shooting herself in the foot.

And, like MANY superbly talented vocalists who do not write their own material, Dionne is not always aware of a great song when she hears it! It's difficult to believe, though, that anyone would not recognize what a great song 'Heartbreaker' was! And considering her lack of enthusiasm Dionne sure did a great vocal on the song.

[Bluebrock]

And, like MANY superbly talented vocalists who do not write their own material, Dionne is not always aware of a great song when she hears it! It's difficult to believe, though, that anyone would not recognize what a great song 'Heartbreaker' was! And considering her lack of enthusiasm Dionne sure did a great vocal on the song.

Totally agree with you on all counts.

[Ollie9]

Dionne was openly critical of some of the songs. She was dissing it at the time of release which totally pissed a very angry Barry. He vowed never to work with Dionne again.

It seems a rather peculiar thing to do to slate your own album at the time of its release. Personally I find a lot of Dionne’s 80’s output rather bland, so can’t help but wonder just what she disliked about ‘Heartbreaker’. I seem to remember she was none to happy about the Luther produced album either which is perhaps a little more understandable.
I would have loved for Diana to have done a full album with George Duke. He produced a brilliant album for Rachelle Ferrell which would have been perfect for Diana.

[Bluebrock]

It seems a rather peculiar thing to do to slate your own album at the time of its release. Personally I find a lot of Dionne’s 80’s output rather bland, so can’t help but wonder just what she disliked about ‘Heartbreaker’. I seem to remember she was none to happy about the Luther produced album either which is perhaps a little more understandable.
I would have loved for Diana to have done a full album with George Duke. He produced a brilliant album for Rachelle Ferrell which would have been perfect for Diana.

George Duke would have been the perfect producer for Dionne. It's a pity it never happened.
Personally speaking i love Dionne's Arista years. I thought her albums were remarkably consistent. I was disappointed with some of the tunes on the Luther produced album, particularly the uptempo tracks which Dionne sounded uncomfortable on, and indeed those are the ones that she publicly dissed. I love Dionne's voice, but i find some of her outbursts to be perculiar to say the least. Luther was said to be angry by her criticism, but they did kiss and make up, which is more than she did with Barry.
The other album i had problems with at the time of release was The Aquarela Do Brasil album, but it has grown on me somewhat over the years and now i find it to be quite refreshing and innovative. By no means her finest effort, but certainly a brave and creative effort.

[Ollie9]

George Duke would have been the perfect producer for Dionne. It's a pity it never happened.
Personally speaking i love Dionne's Arista years. I thought her albums were remarkably consistent. I was disappointed with some of the tunes on the Luther produced album, particularly the uptempo tracks which Dionne sounded uncomfortable on, and indeed those are the ones that she publicly dissed. I love Dionne's voice, but i find some of her outbursts to be perculiar to say the least. Luther was said to be angry by her criticism, but they did kiss and make up, which is more than she did with Barry.
The other album i had problems with at the time of release was The Aquarela Do Brasil album, but it has grown on me somewhat over the years and now i find it to be quite refreshing and innovative. By no means her finest effort, but certainly a brave and creative effort.

I have always thought the rather poignant ‘Yours’ from ‘HB’ deserved better then it got.
As regards Barry Gibb producing three music divas. Would you say that he saves his best for Barbra Streisand or that it’s just an extremely good matchup?.
I find that overall both ‘Guilty’ and ‘Guilty 2 are much stronger albums then either ‘Heartbreaker’ or Eaten Alive.

[Circa 1824]

I have always thought the rather poignant ‘Yours’ from ‘HB’ deserved better then it got.
As regards Barry Gibb producing three music divas. Would you say that he saves his best for Barbra Streisand or that it’s just an extremely good matchup?.
I find that overall both ‘Guilty’ and ‘Guilty 2 are much stronger albums then either ‘Heartbreaker’ or Eaten Alive.

i always liked the Heartbreaker album. Eaten Alive was pure garbage.

[Guy]

i always liked the Heartbreaker album. Eaten Alive was pure garbage.

I am glad you said it -- so I did not have to

[Bluebrock]

I have always thought the rather poignant ‘Yours’ from ‘HB’ deserved better then it got.
As regards Barry Gibb producing three music divas. Would you say that he saves his best for Barbra Streisand or that it’s just an extremely good matchup?.
I find that overall both ‘Guilty’ and ‘Guilty 2 are much stronger albums then either ‘Heartbreaker’ or Eaten Alive.

He also worked well with Samantha Sang and Celine Dion. Immortality is a lovely song.

[Ollie9]

He also worked well with Samantha Sang and Celine Dion. Immortality is a lovely song.

It is indeed. I just listened to Dionne singing ‘Guilty’ on Solid Gold and she does a great job with it.
My own personal favourite DW song has to be ‘Extravagant Gestures’ from the Friends album.

[Bluebrock]

It is indeed. I just listened to Dionne singing ‘Guilty’ on Solid Gold and she does a great job with it.
My own personal favourite DW song has to be ‘Extravagant Gestures’ from the Friends album.

It is a lovely song from a lovely album. She was at her vocal peak during the 80's.

[Guy]

Personally speaking i love Dionne's Arista years. I thought her albums were remarkably consistent. I was disappointed with some of the tunes on the Luther produced album, particularly the uptempo tracks which Dionne sounded uncomfortable on, and indeed those are the ones that she publicly dissed. I love Dionne's voice, but i find some of her outbursts to be perculiar to say the least. Luther was said to be angry by her criticism, but they did kiss and make up, which is more than she did with Barry.

Agreed. I have a whole playlist of Dionne's Arista years. To this day, I have no idea how she could dislike "Heartbreaker." It wasn't the greatest album ever but it was elegant and well-produced. I thought Barry Gibb took great care to present her well on that album. But you know how divas can be...

My favorite Arista album is "No Night So Long." Such beautiful vocals on that one - "We Had This Time" is a particular standout. Arista took great care of Dionne through the "Reservations For Two" LP.

[Bluebrock]

Agreed. I have a whole playlist of Dionne's Arista years. To this day, I have no idea how she could dislike "Heartbreaker." It wasn't the greatest album ever but it was elegant and well-produced. I thought Barry Gibb took great care to present her well on that album. But you know how divas can be...

My favorite Arista album is "No Night So Long." Such beautiful vocals on that one - "We Had This Time" is a particular standout. Arista took great care of Dionne through the "Reservations For Two" LP.

No night so long is also a personal favorite of mine. I love Somebody's Angel.it always sounded like a vintage B&D song to me.
I also love the underrated Friends in love album. In fact i love almost every one of those albums.

[Guy]

No night so long is also a personal favorite of mine. I love Somebody's Angel.it always sounded like a vintage B&D song to me.
I also love the underrated Friends in love album. In fact i love almost every one of those albums.

Yes! FIL was a great one too. I especially like her version of "Can't Hide Love."

[Bluebrock]

Yes! FIL was a great one too. I especially like her version of "Can't Hide Love."

Agreed. Her version of Can't hide love is the best one in my opinion.

[Ollie9]

I was disappointed with some of the tunes on the Luther produced album, particularly the uptempo tracks which Dionne sounded uncomfortable on, and indeed those are the ones that she publicly dissed. I love Dionne's voice, but i find some of her outbursts to be perculiar to say the least. Luther was said to be angry by her criticism, but they did kiss and make up, which is more than she did with Barry..

It would seem Dionne has no problem in publicly dissing her own music. To me it seems a rather foolish thing to do. I also remember seeing her at The Royal Festival Hall at the time she released ‘Friends Can Be Lovers’. She told the audience she was unhappy with the new single, FCBL and wished it had been something else.
Other then reveal her dissatisfaction with the Everything Is Everything’ album, has Diana ever done the same?.

[Bluebrock]

It would seem Dionne has no problem in publicly dissing her own music. To me it seems a rather foolish thing to do. I also remember seeing her at The Royal Festival Hall at the time she released ‘Friends Can Be Lovers’. She told the audience she was unhappy with the new single, FCBL and wished it had been something else.
Other then reveal her dissatisfaction with the Everything Is Everything’ album, has Diana ever done the same?.

Lisa Stansfield was totally pissed with Dionne for publicly slating her contribution to this generally excellent album. I think it was possibly because she knew her Arista contract was not being renewed once she had completed her Brazilian album. It is such unprofessional behaviour. Lisa is a lovely sweet girl who felt very honoured to work with one of her idols.
As regards Diana the only album i ever heard her diss aside from Everything is Everything was Workin' overtime, and that was on the set of the Wogan show on the BBC. There were several people present, but it was not meant to be a public dennouncement of the project. It was nothing more than a standard Diana tantrum of which i witnessed numerous.
I have to applaud her for her professionalism in promoting this album. She went about her business like the super trooper she is. I love the lady even in her darker moments. That is Ms Ross for you. What you see is what you get. Such a class act on and off stage.

[Ollie9]

Lisa Stansfield was totally pissed with Dionne for publicly slating her contribution to this generally excellent album. I think it was possibly because she knew her Arista contract was not being renewed once she had completed her Brazilian album. It is such unprofessional behaviour. Lisa is a lovely sweet girl who felt very honoured to work with one of her idols.
As regards Diana the only album i ever heard her diss aside from Everything is Everything was Workin' overtime, and that was on the set of the Wogan show on the BBC. There were several people present, but it was not meant to be a public dennouncement of the project. It was nothing more than a standard Diana tantrum of which i witnessed numerous.
I have to applaud her for her professionalism in promoting this album. She went about her business like the super trooper she is. I love the lady even in her darker moments. That is Ms Ross for you. What you see is what you get. Such a class act on and off stage.

I think Lisa had every right to feel angry. I remember Dionne sang ‘FCBL’ and then told the audience “this is what should have been released as a single”. . She then proceeded to sing “Age Of Miracles”. I always thought the duet with Whitney was the most commercial song from the album.
Glad to hear that of Diana. Its hard to imagine any artist introducing their own song with, ‘I don't really care for this much, but I’m going to have to sing it for you anyway’. . It doesn't exactly add to the enjoyment lol.

[reese]

I think Lisa had every right to feel angry. I remember Dionne sang ‘FCBL’ and then told the audience “this is what should have been released as a single”. . She then proceeded to sing “Age Of Miracles”. I always thought the duet with Whitney was the most commercial song from the album.
Glad to hear that of Diana. Its hard to imagine any artist introducing their own song with, ‘I don't really care for this much, but I’m going to have to sing it for you anyway’. . It doesn't exactly add to the enjoyment lol.

I had a similar experience with Dionne. I saw her in the summer of 1981 when HOT! LIVE AND OTHERWISE was her current album. She sang the first single release SOME CHANGES ARE FOR GOOD and then made a few comments. She didn't say that she disliked it necessarily but she did say that she disagreed with its choice as the single. She then said something like she was proven right when it performed poorly. Her choice was THERE'S A LONG ROAD AHEAD OF US, which she sang to a standing ovation. [[Note: when it was released as a single, it performed poorly as well.)