Music Review | Amber: Naked
Written by: Kage Alan


     Album Rating: A

In this day and age of music artists who release one seriously hyped album
and then are never heard from again or don't get a second release in the US
(our market tends to have its head shoved up its own ass more often than
not), releasing a second and third album is definitely testament to the
artist's talent and appeal.  Amber describes a great many things about her
life and career as blessed and she's right.  While her first two albums
delivered some solid dance floor hits, it was the artist herself who drew
people to her with her openness, honesty and love for what she does.  With
the release of "Naked", we find Amber out of her contract with the Bermans
and crafting an album entirely of her own making.

"Yes!" is the first cut on the disc and was also the first single released
from it.  With its radio and club friendly beat, "Yes!" scored her a solid
hit on the dance charts, but also took dance to a new level.  While its
lyrics were immediately chalked up as sexually charged, they were inspired by
James Joyce's "Ulysses" and actually more artistic than suggestive.  The same
can be said for the second track and current single, "The Need To Be Naked".  Instead of being about sex, it's actually about opening up to one's lover and baring one's soul.  It's also another fantastic dance track!

"Anyway (Men Are From Mars)" deals with her recent divorce and the
differences she saw between herself and her ex-husband while "You're Sent
From Heaven" changes the beat and pace and allows Amber an opportunity tostretch vocally.  "Dirty Thoughts" isn't what it first seems to be about at
all either.  We're not talking sexuality again here so much as dealing with
negativity and the track is both lyrically and vocally catchy, one of my
favorites on the album.  I don't know who "He" is about, though I do have a
guess or two, but it does add to the overall flavor and diversity of the
album.

"Sex Without Sex" is another one of those songs that will come across as a
diva-in-heat little number, but it once again follows the overall theme of
deeply connecting with someone we love.  If only more people embraced this
idea.  Things slow down a bit with "Love On You" and Amber croons about
taking the day off with her lover, leaving the phone off the hook and just
getting to know each other.  How often have we wanted to do the very same
thing?  How many of us take the time to do just that?  One of two big
surprises on the album for me is the next track, "If There Would Be No
Tomorrow".  It's thought provoking in its lyrics, features a great dance beat
and also has some powerful vocals.  This is sure to be an audience pleaser
during a live show.

Amber's mother adds to her daughter's album with the wonderfully upbeat
"Heavenly Proximity" while "Sex And The City" is an offering to the HBO show that has played one of her tunes at the end of the third season and allowed her to record another song for its soundtrack.  Karma works, people.  "Don't Say Goodbye" slows the pace down again, but rather than just fill up space, it allows Amber to show off the strength of her voice.  As if that wasn't
enough, the other big surprise (the biggest surprise, that is) on the album
is the final original track titled "The Smile of My Child", which she wrote
for her son.  If there was ever any doubt that Amber is more than a dance
artist, this will put those misgivings to rest.  It's a gorgeous song and the
features the best vocals on "Naked".  Rounding off the album are two mixes;
"Sexual (Li Da Di) (Afterlife Chillout Remix)" and "The Need To Be Naked
(Thunderpuss Mix)".

Amber wanted to do things her way this round and succeeds on every count. 
There are enough dance friendly tracks to satisfy the radio and clubs and
enough artistry in the lyrics and diversity in the other songs to satisfy the
singer herself.  We are really given a glimpse into her world, though we
might not figure it out right away.  Just like the artist, though, if you
take the time to look and listen, you'll learn and really enjoy what you
discover.  To find out more about the artist or see her tour schedule, visit
her website at www.amber-mcc.com.