Crayons Reviews

• Donna Summer's Returned to Reign

  
  By A3PMEJAYKF3VUC on 2008-05-20
  I must say that I was surprised and not expecting this great album from Donna Summer. "Crayons" is not an attempt to recapture the sound and music she's perhaps best known as. This album is meant to stand against big artists of today and to capture the pop/hip-hop/r&b vibe that's popular today. Not only that but after being known as conquering disco, Donna Summer reaches ahead and goes for the club-crowd. Does it work? In all, yes. "Crayons" is fresh, exciting, has funny lyrics, introspective lyrics and outright unapologetic and fun.
  
  You'll like how upbeat the sound and tone of this album is. This is really a club record, testing out different styles (or perhaps crayons). The songs that work the best for me were the title track 'Crayons' that has a Caribbean/island sound and features Ziggy Marley. 'Stamp Your Feet' is a pop/inspirational song where Summers urges her audience to take a stand and to make their voices be heard. 'The Queen is Back' is by far the most fun, with Donna Summer obviously speaking of her return to the scene and not holding back on the 'diva' attitude we'd expect from her. The last track, 'Bring Down the Reign' features a choir of children and Donna Summer putting aside the club-vibe for something epic in sound and pulls off a quite moving song.
  
  What you may not like is the at times over-processed vocals that render her unrecognizable on some tracks. This is the only area of the album that bothers me because so many artists, including Cher, Mariah and Madonna (mentioned in other reviews) have gone this same route as if it's the only way to compete with others in the business. It took away from some songs when I wished we'd hear more of her voice which we know is great and strong enough not to be picked apart by a computer.
  
  In all, a great effort from Donna Summer. I'm sure it'll be one of the albums that'll break out this year to everyone's surprise. Give it a listen, you will not regret it nor will you be wasting any money on purchasing it.
  
  

• Donna's Best Since 1984

  
  By A65K79FMDHJRF on 2008-05-30
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R7U6F6XWA8ETY I am a recording artist/music journalist. Here's my video review of Donna Summer's new Crayons album. Crayons
  
  

• Summer's Queen

  
  By A37PV5GMP2ILJC on 2008-06-03
  For those of us who were alive and partying when Donna Summer was the queen of disco, this album marks a welcome return after an absence of nearly twenty years. (Actually seventeen, but who's counting?)
  
  Looking fit and fresh for her guest appearance on American Idol, where she sang the first single from this album "Stamp Your Feet", she proved that not even time can stop a Summer in full flow.
  
  "Last Dance", one of my favorite songs from the past, was featured in the Ashton Kutcher/Cameron Diaz movie "What Happens in Vegas", as further proof that some performers are destined never to fade away into the woodwork.
  
  Anyway, back to this album, my favorite song is the title track, featuring Ziggy Marley, providing a bouncy reggae vibe that's guaranteed to have you shaking a leg, even when you're sitting down.
  
  All twelve tracks were co-written by the Queen, and regardless of tempo, they're all winners. If I had to pick my top five, I'd choose the two I've mentioned before, plus "Sand on My Feet", which reminds me of "Breakfast at Tiffanys" by Deep Blue Something; the jazzy Latin "Driving Down Brazil" and the disco track "I'm a Fire".
  
  As she herself states proudly on track four, the Queen is back!
  
  
  
  Amanda Richards, June 2, 2008
  
  
  

• Donna's Colorful Comeback Rocks!

  
  By A18DON5KI1ERFX on 2008-05-20
  After 17 years since her last studio album, Donna has returned to the spotlight with her smash CD "Crayons". It's a mixed bag, Donna-Style. Her flawless, strong vocals are back once again. The Queen is back indeed! Having grown up in the mid 70's, I've always liked Donna's singing and her songs. Crayons is right up there with the best music of 2008.
  
  "I'm a Fire" is flaming and stands out among the tracks, with its mix of Disco and modern-day "light" club-sound. No wonder it's turned out to be Donna's first remix single! "Stamp Your Feet" is a perfect opener and totally rocks. I've both these CD singles here at home. Crayons is quite laid-back and not entirely dancy or club-floor sounding as I thought, which isn't bad. There's also a rock-edge mixed with Pop, Reggae and electronica. All these styles intertwined with Donna's full, in-your-face, throaty voice, makes this CD a true winner. Track 6 (Sand on My Feet) is so floating and rich with beautiful vocals and lyrics. I'd say it's an "Easy Listening" type of song and very summery through and through. You'll notice they put Donna's voice through the synthesizer quite a bit through the CD, but it works pretty darned well.
  
  Lots of thought, heart and soul went into this recording. Track 9 (Slide Over Backwards) is very entertaining with its country style and very amusing vocal style. Chorus line is fun and the whole song could've worked very well in Tina Turner's repertoire. I think this is Donna's most electic album to date, and definitely worth playing for family & friends.
  
  The CD is housed in a lovely black digi-pak with a fully illustrated booklet (16 pages). The digi-pak is a tri-fold layout. The interior middle section features the same closeup eye shot as on Donna's "I'm a Fire" cd single cover. Right flap holds the CD and the left flap holds the booklet. All photos of Donna are beautiful and she's looking ageless. the outside of the left flap features another photo of Donna.
  
  Crayons is a definite winner for your summer listening & beyond. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to discover a true legend. I'm glad Donna is back because there are too many commercially fake & obnoxious Divas out there, if they even deserve the title "Diva". Crayons is perfect for putting on your Ipod, for there isn't a song you won't like. So go and get yourself this CD and let Donna heat up your summer.
  
  

• A perfect SUMMER for the season and the year!

  
  By A31U2QT7SAL7K on 2008-06-16
  Even though we're at the halfway point of the year, 2008 may go down as "The Year of the Boomer," what with major releases from "seniors" like Madonna, Sergio Mendes, Al Green, Dolly Parton and septuagenarian Dame Shirley Bassey, all being well-received by critics and fans alike.
  
  To the fray we can now add Donna Summer with "Crayons," a welcome addition to the singer's discography of hits and an ear-friendly hodgepodge for those of us that have loved the singer since "Love to Love You Baby" hit the airwaves three decades ago.
  
  The new release, featuring twelve songs co-written by Summer and a variety of songwriters, allows the singer to poke fun at herself and celebrity ("The Queen is Back" and "Fame-the Game"), as well as hurl herself headlong into contemporary dance grooves with tunes like the tile cut and "Mr. Music." Summer gets a little nostalgic with the retro-disco sound on "I'm a Fire," waxes country with "Slide Over Backwards," and plays with a South American sound with "Drivin' Down Brazil."
  
  The slower, mid-tempo numbers are just as good. "Sand on My Feet," "Science of Love," "Be Myself Again," and "Bring Down the Reign" allow Summer to show her softer yet highly effective vocals, something that she occasionally did on such classics as her concept "Bad Girls" and "Once Upon a Time" albums from the 70's.
  
  Though some may call "Crayons" a comeback, I prefer to think of it as a "rebirth" to her minions of fans worldwide, as well as an "introduction" to the younger listeners that weren't fortunate to have experienced the "Queen of Disco" in her heyday.
  
  Either way, both audiophiles will be pleased with this FIVE-STAR recording.
  
  
• Big A*s Sound
  By A1IWWRZJOXOSYP on 2008-06-19
  Donna Summer's "Crayons" is an amazing return to form by this great singer. "Stamp Your Feet" is perched at #1 in my personal top ten. It's a great track that Donna co-wrote. I haven't seen a lyric sheet, but it sounds like she's singing "Make a big a*s sound!" That's my story & I'm sticking to it. ...Anyway that's what I'm singing as I drive along the road! The title track with Ziggy Marley bounces so joyfully that it's the perfect summer song. I may be wearing out the repeat button on the chorus, "Take a walk on the wild side, Don't be afraid, you could be mine." "The Queen Is Back" sounds like a musical biography referencing her hit "On the Radio," "She walks into the room & everybody knows, it's not a day too soon, she stands & strikes her pose." What a dynamic dramatic track! I also love "Drivin' Down Brazil" with its samba beat and Summer's expressive vocals. Other tracks like the 7-minute "I'm A Fire" and "Science of Love" are also excellent. This is a disc that is sure to be on my "best of 2008" list. Bravo!
  
  
• Summer is here at last!
  By A24N1BAS3CU27H on 2008-05-20
  After a long drought of some 17 years, Summer is finally here. If you think I'm referring to the weather, you'd be half correct (what is Summer without Donna?), but I'm actually referring to the long awaited release of Donna Summer's first studio album in some 17 years.
  
  "Crayons" finds Ms Summer at the peak of her creative and vocal abilities, and much like her classic albums "Four seasons of love", "Once upon a time", "I remember yesterday", "Bad girls", or "I'm a rainbow" there is a unifying theme running through the album; celebrating human diversity through diverse sounds.
  
  Signed to Burgundy records, her label wanted her to do an album of standards like her contemporaries Rod Stewart, Diana Ross or Natalie Cole had. Summer however, had other ideas. She played them a song she'd penned, inspired she says by James Blunt's "You're beautiful", and the covers idea was never brought up again.
  
  What we get is a beautiful kaleidescope of colours expressed in sound, with all the songs co-penned by Summer. Opening is the anthemic "Stamp your feet", an inspirational get-back-up-in-the-game message set to a dance/pop/hip hop sound. In a similar mould are the catchy but skeletal "Mr music" (with Timbaland-like synth strings and a reference to the ubiquitous iPod) and the tongue-in-cheek dig at her Queen of disco title "The queen is back" in which she name drops 2 of her big hits; "On the radio" and "Love to love you baby" (after a TV News segment-like intro). The last pair were co-written with Evan Bogart, son of her mentor at Casablanca records, the late Neil Bogart. Talk about coming full circle.
  
  Title track "Crayons" is an incredibly bouncy pop song with an island feel and additional vocals from Ziggy Marley who sounds so much like his father. I love the fun "Ay ay oh ohs".
  
  "Fame (the game)" is jaw-droppingly amazing, a dance/rock hybrid a la "Hot stuff" with a stomping beat which takes a look at the quest for, and pitfalls of fame with spoken verses (in an almost unrecognisable voice from Summer). This song sounds like it could have been lifted off "Bad girls" or "The wanderer".
  
  "Sand on my feet" is a tender acoustic ballad with Donna declaring undying love for her man and sounding very young. This song is a real grower, and reminds me a bit of "Big girls don't cry" by Fergie. Next is another awesome song, the salsa/jazz-tinged tinged "Drivin' down Brazil" (I love the ad libs, and the heavy bass line) inspired Summer says by a player type cool guy she spotted driving down a street called Brazil in Florida.
  
  "I'm a fire" is classic Summer, a latin-tinged dance song with a very European feel and a retro-yet-contemporary sound. This has already topped the Billboard dance charts, and is sure to please those hungry for her disco days. The version on the album is slightly different from the single version; additional verses, and additional fleeting harmonies.
  
  Next comes a song bound to shock listeners. Is that really Summer singing? "Slide over backwards" finds Summer adopting the persona of a character called Hattie Mae Blanche DuBois (her photo appears in the CD too, of course it is Summer in silhouette), singing in a raspy drawl very much like Macy Gray, and singing to an upbeat harmonica/steel guitar laden honky tonk blues sound that would fit Tina Turner very nicely (think "Nutbush city limits"). It sounds strange at first, but grows more and more as you play it.
  
  "Science of love" is a bouncy and edgy rock number which is incredibly catchy, with lyrics about trying (and failing) to resist a lover. Summer, after all, was the first recipient of the best female rock Grammy award, a feat overlooked by most. This song is very radio friendly.
  
  Next is the album's masterpiece, the autobiographical ballad "Be myself again", the song she played for her record execs. It is a stark haunting piano ballad (with eerie synth flourishes during the bridge and chorus) and lyrics touching on the persona she had to display during her hey day, which was far removed from whom she really was. The opening poignant lines "Let me introduce myself/I'm a woman that you never see" reminds me of the beginning of the Rolling Stone's "Sympathy for the devil". Summer says she wanted her vocals to shine unencumbered by effects and beats, and thus came up with one of the most beautiful and powerful songs in her repertoire.
  
  Closing cut (on most versions of the CD) is the powerful Gospel tinged "Bring down the reign" which starts off with the rumble of gunfire before haunting Eastern violins (played by Miri Ben-Ari; she also makes a fleeting appearance on "Stamp your feet") African chants (backing vocals by The Agape Children's Choir, a group composed of South African AIDS orphans) and percussion sweep in, with Summer singing a prayer for Darfur. This song is incredibly moving, and reminds me a bit of Wyclef's "Million voices" from the "Hotel Rwanda" soundtrack. A stunning performance, and a prayer I hope is answered, not only in Darfur, but everywhere there is hate, intolerance and killing.
  
  As I stated, this is the closing cut on most versions of the CD, but some versions have a bonus cut, a track I feel is vital to your Summer collection. "It's only love" is a trancey dance song with surging, pulsing and throbbing synths, and Summer cooing in a voice last heard on songs like "Could it be magic" or "Now I need you". At a little over 7 minutes, it is a masterpiece, remniscent of her electronic classic "I feel love" and deserves to be massive. "Dancing dancing" she intones in a robotic trance as she takes us to a "land of a thousand dances". Awesome!! Buy, beg or steal a copy with this song!
  
  The album comes in a nice digipak with lovely photos of Summer. Her famous effusive "thank you" notes are back, and her daughters get a very touching tribute.
  
  There you have it. Her "Bad girls" album got 5 grammy nominations in the Rock, R&B, Disco and Pop categories, and "Crayons" has the potential to cut across genres come Grammy time. I know I'm a big Donna Summer fan so I'm probably biased (lol!), but this is definitely my favourite album released this year, and up there with the best of Summer's career, and one of her most heartfelt and personal artistic statements.
  
  
• For all generations, The Queen is Back...
  By A3E9FOAXCGTDZ8 on 2008-05-20
  "Be Myself Again" and "The Queen is Back" make this cd a Five Star. Two masterpieces that should become instant classics. Very different from each other, the first, a beautiful and very profound ballad and the second a fun, hip-hop-dance tune that makes you want to get up and dance. They both have: The right words, the right music and magnificent vocals. PERFECT! The rest of the cd is a lot of fun with many different sounds....for all generations.
  
  
• Lots of fun! See the Tour if you can!
  By AW4MT9WP95TVD on 2008-06-24
  A solid comeback to the dancefloor for Summer who has waited way too long to record a new record. This one has some good stomping beats and high powered vocals (maybe tampered with a bit too much). Still, Summer is Summer and she's great at what she does. Why she sounds so much like Tina Turner on one of these tracks is confounding and strange, but otherwise good fun!
  
  Update 7/12/08 - Just saw Donna tonight in concert in Boston. Her voice is still AMAZING live. A great evening. The entire crowd was singing along and dancing all evening. A great shared experience. All the songs from the new album tranlslated very well to her live performance. See it if you can!
  
  
• Donna Summer Crayons Wonderful New Music
  By A32XJ65QH73SVQ on 2008-06-22
  Donna Summer Crayons starts with a hit n run (Stamp Your Feet) a wonderful song about not giving up. This is a feel good song with a punch. This is a sure fire hit, with all the beat you need to dance and stay inspired all day. The whole cd is very versitile from up tempo to a southern sound on (Slide Over Backwards) as only Tina Turner could sing untill now.Crayons is another favorite fun Reggae makes you wanna dance and celebrate life"s diversity of all people on our planet.This Mega hit features Ziggy Marley, love it love it love it and you will too.
  I"m a fire is like some of Donna Summers great past magical hits with a added 2000 latin sound. This song gets under your skin and wont let go WOW.The ballads on this cd are beautiful, such as (Be Myself Again,Bring Down The Reign). The songs Fame,Music and The Queen is Back rivals any new artist out there.Then there is Drivin Down Brazil, this refreshing song makes you wanna get in your converatble and go for a spin in the sun and fun.This cd will have you dancing,singing along and wanting to hear it again. You will enjoy this cd I do very much reccomend it Buy it. Dear Donna, we met several years ago in Los Angeles,you"ve done it again. You have a Mega hit cd, and yes The Queen is Back.
  Homero Vela
  
  
• The Queen Is Back
  By A4MBICSNR9ZP0 on 2008-06-25
  Declaring not only in song but on the promo sheets as well "THE QUEEN IS BACK" - Donna Summer returns and she ain't messin' with you. Crayons and its black and colored (and very much airbrushed cover photo) completely stands out and deserved to have reached #17 the week it came it out - her biggest in a long long time.
  
  Donna has a ton of collaborators on this very High NRG piece and it opens on a strong beat, practically throwing you onto the floor with "Stamp Your Feet", also highly infectious and pushy is the aforementioned "The Queen Is Back" with such clever lyrics as "so many years ago/ on the radio/ she loved to love you..." Gee who could she be talking about?
  
  Donna's voice is superb (as always) and each song is catchy as hell - my ultimate two favs are actually where she takes a break from the dance mode for a few moments - the title track is a duet with Ziggy Marley so it of course has a reggae-ish beat and the subject matter is of everyone getting along despite color lines which makes it all that more enjoyable to me. I love it.
  
  I also love her poppy ballad "The Sand On My Feet" which could totally be my wedding song and a hit on pop radio for sure. With Crayons I think Donna has made one of her best albums yet and I can't stop frickin' listening to it. So buy it!
  
  Best cuts: "Crayons", "Sand On My Feet", "The Queen Is Back", "Stamp Your Feet"
  
  
  
• The Queen is Dead
  By A2FJT6ELQA1MV0 on 2008-05-20
  "Crayons" - a non-classy name for a fuddled come-back attempt.
  
  I am a big Donna Summer fan but was deeply disappointed with the new CD.
  She attempts too many diverse styles and in the process sabotages any semblence of cohesion. Hearing Ms. Summer wail the blues, complete with harmonica and lyrics regaling the listener of "Hattie Mae", I cringe, hoping that this is a bad dream. Madonna, Kylie, Cher and many gifted others have shown that despite their age, they can produce quality pop for the new millennium - perhaps Ms. Summer should take a cue from them.
  
  
  
• Save your money
  By A2TER2HM1JX439 on 2008-05-20
  What a waste of good money. "Crayons" is dull and derivitive. The only good song on the album is "I'm a Fire", a hot dance-track that is exactly what I thought this album would be. If the rest was like this one, I would give it high marks. "Stamp Your Feet" sounds like a rejected song from the High School Musical soundtrack. I won't bore you with my reviews of the res of the songs. Sorry Donna, I expected more from you after 17 years.
  
  
• hmmm......
  By A1ZYP18C24WU89 on 2008-05-22
  Musically (I'm talking melody, voice leading and chord progression here, actual tonality and harmony) this is a repetative sounding effort - lots of minor chords and sparse progressions that leave one waiting for a hook or chorus that never appears. No anthems of Paul Jabara or Jimmy Webb calibre here - which may point more towards the state of modern pop music than Donna's abilities (this is the lady that gave us the exquisite "Dim All The Lights"). Nothing to turn up loud and sing along with in the car. These songs are more of a forgetable Janet Jackson-esque style. It seems the modern crowd depends on drugs to fill the dance floor, not hit tunes. Remember how the floor would fill (and still does) when the Village People's "YMCA" starts up? Few tracks use actual acoustic instruments - when she tours this summer, she'll need a synth bank and a drum machine, not an orchestra. Donna has the proven ability to inspire awe in a listener, all too rare these days and sorely needed. Joy, which is a Donna trademark, and the reason the lady is a star, should be in a major key, as any child taking piano knows that minor "sounds sad". Memorable cuts include "Sand On My Feet" and "The Queen Is Back", which itself should have opened the album and reminds the listener of Bette Midler's "I'm Beautiful (Damn It!)". All in all, a disappointment. This release makes "Cats Without Claws" and "Mistaken Identity" sound good. I wasn't hoping for a repeat of the past, but I was hoping for my Donna Summer "Fairytale High", which I've gone so long without and I'm still waiting for...
  
  
• hooray the queen is back
  By A2RNQW9LTLNDAV on 2008-06-08
  this cd totally blew me out of the water. refreshingly new and daring. more mature artists should venture out of their comfort zone. all the tracks can stand on their own. radio will be a hard nut to crack. the charts will give way and let her in. foreign markets will be a great indicator and i can tell they will buy in large numbers. let's hope it lives beyond the first few weeks of excitement in this disposable sampling era we live in. all hail the queen is back looking great and still sounding every bit the awe-inspiring musician and performer she is.
  
  
• Rev Up the Disco Ball...the Queen is Back
  By A1X18DHKAEFUUR on 2008-06-15
  So good to hear that voice again. And she still looks amazing. The cd is excellent. Strong material. Varied musical styles. I can't believe anyone could seriously rate this 1 star. This is a well-crafted cd with a full slate of good songs. Hopefully this will bring in new, younger fans as well as welcoming back the older ones.
  
  
• Donna Summer's back and she is SMOKIN'!
  By A3VBVY7EJ6JV1P on 2008-06-21
  I have never stopped being a fan of Donna Summer since the late 70's. She is back with a vengeance, the same great voice and up to date NEW songs! She produced a great collection to get herself back in the spotlight, which is where her beautiful and strong voice belongs! Never listened to Donna's music before?? Try this, you will be pleasantly surprised. She appeals to new and seasoned fans alike!
  
  
• The Queen Is Back
  By A2IMLVEQNPZCUS on 2008-06-25
  I am not totally sure this entire cd works for me, but when it does it does. I really enjoy "Stomp Your Feet", "Bring Down the Reign" and "The Queen Is Back". I also would love "I'm a Fire" done all in spanish, takes the rather blah lyrics into something more very sexy. No question Summer can still sing with the best of them, well done.
  
  
• I play this EVERY morning to get me out the door!
  By A2BZKMVWBQ2VLE on 2008-06-28
  This has been WELL worth the wait!
  
  It opens with "STAMP YOUR FEET" a crump type cheerleaderish chant that is catchy and will get you out of your chair within the first beat! This is already the top hit on the charts now, so that should tell you something!
  
  "MR. MUSIC" up to date beats, another crumpy hip hop song, catchy, and positively upbeat! Reminds me a little of " Mr. DJ" by Madonna. The bridge offers more cheerleader type chanting, as made popular by Gwen Stefani.
  
  "CRAYONS" Fun colorful metaphors in this 'we're all the same' message with reggae great ZIGGY MARLEY adding his irie flavoured vocals. This is by far the "happiest' make you smile song on the album. Fast paced and catchy hook. Reminds me of: 'I'm So Excited' by Pointer Sisters.
  
  "THE QUEEN IS BACK", she SURE is! And better than ever! This hard-hitting song-another great crump/hip hop dancers song! An obvious ode to her return with tongue in cheek references to her past hits: " So many years ago/ ON THE RADIO...She crept into your soul / AND LOVED TO LOVE YOU all" was very clever and reminded us how she has stayed in our hearts for over 3 decades! Another catchy chorus.
  
  "FAME (THE GAME)", a tell it like it is song about being a celebrity and a day-in-the-life of. Fast rapped background vocal (on maybe her vocoded voice) talking about everything from Botox to platinum credits cards. Catchy with a locomotive type driven beat.
  
  Slowing it down with "SAND ON MY FEET" ballad saying that all she needs is the sand and her lover. A sweet romantic break from dancing for 5 songs non-stop! You can almost imagine walking on the sand there with her!
  
  "DRIVING DOWN BRAZIL" offers a Samba/Batucada beat latin flavoured beat that just makes you want to sit on a sidestreet and drink Mojitos, and goes down equally smooth!
  
  "I'M A FIRE" Going a little more back to her DISCO roots on this one, I felt more back in highschool with this one!
  
  "SLIDE OVER BACKWARDS" not sure what happened here, in the last few songs we went from Brazil to Disco to the Bayou! Her voice is raspy and almost a little creepy! Twangy banjos and harmonica dominate this song. It took me a while to get used to this one, still trying to not skip it when I play the CD! Reminds me of Tina Turner's "Nutbush City Limits".
  
  "SCIENCE OF LOVE" Electronic voices open up the intro on this could be dance song, but I am not quite feeling it. She is having trouble getting away from her ex on this one, and blames it on science!
  
  "BE MYSELF AGAIN" another ballad, very sparse: piano and vocals. An introspective sermon about coming back to being yourself again. Beautiful lyrics and song.
  
  "BRING DOWN THE REIGN" another ballad, opens up with African type chanting. A message and cry out for help for DARFUR, AFRICA. Beautiful and very powerful. Let's do SOMETHING!
  
  OVERALL, this album offers something for everyone; young and old, black and white, dancers, singers, it is a VERY WELL ROUNDED album, I am very proud to say I own!
  
  SHOULD YOU BUY IT? Absolutely! I play it every morning when I get ready and I get ready so much faster because I am dancing to the fast beats! I actually got tired of taking it out of the CD player in the bathroom and then taking it with me in the car, that I made a copy for the car!!! So it basically goes with me EVERYWHERE!
  
  Whatever mood you are in..There is a song on the cd for it!
  
  WHO SHOULD BUY IT? Crumpers, hip hop dancers, teens, Summer fans, your mother, gays, straights, any race, anyone that wants to smile all day!
  
  
  
  
• The Queen is back.........
  By A90M1BL5M6CG6 on 2008-06-30
  The title of track four says it all. A remarkable return to form! There are floor-fillers with 'Stamp Your Feet', 'Crayons' and 'The Queen is Back' as well as two 5-star ballads in 'Sand On My Feet' and (possibly my favourite track) 'Be Myself Again', on which Donna's real, not electronically enhanced voice really comes through, with just a piano behind it! Treat yourself to this today.
  
  
  
• Crayons - THE Quintessential Comeback of 2008
  By A3AF5QLZ8H8W2C on 2008-05-20
  Step aside Madonna, Mariah, this album is just as good if not better than Janet's Discipline, the best album of this year alongside Crayons.
  
  
  After 17 years, she's back!!! I am listening to the album for the tenth time today. It leaked this morning, and it's a great thing it did!! The album is wonderful mix of dance, R&B, pop, with Latin, Jamaican and African touches, as well as a feel of gospel/church music.
  
  "Stamp Your Feet" starts the album, a great, positive, uplifting track that makes you move. "Mr. Music" shows that Summer is with current trends, still shaking it at 59, and that she has an iPod. The track featuring Ziggy Marley is called "Crayons" and is a hot beat with an island twist. Summer even tries on the accent but actually has success unlike Mariah Carey who attempted the same on her recent record "E=MC2".
  
  "Fame (The Game)" talks of the pros and cons of Hollywood life, with a cool vocal style. Highlights on the album would have to be "Sand On My Feet", a heartfelt love song, and the rock-tinged "Science Of Love". "Bring Down The Reign" has an interesting tribal chant inserted, which helps to finish off the album. It's a great song, keeping in line with the "Queen" theme of the album.
  
  Overall, the effort is an admirable one. Summer comes back after 17 years with contemporary production while remaining true to her roots. It's the disco queen modified for the present. And it works. Make sure to pick up your copy on May 20th in the States, and June 23rd in the UK.
  
  6/5
  
  
  
• my review
  By A3JQO4NM4S2M9T on 2008-05-30
  When I found out Donna was releasing a new album, I was beside myself; I don't know anyone personally that loves her talent more than I. I believe I have nearly every album she produced, or close to it.
  I received the cd May 20th, inserted it in my car cd and could not wait to hear the incredible voice once again.
  
  Alack alas, I was so disappointed..............hated every track.........Donna still has the incredible voice, but the selected songs suck,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I played the cd through three times,,,,,,,,,,still hated every track............ended up throwing it in the recycle bin..............still love Donna,,,,,,,,,,just hate this album...........
  RJK
  
  
• The surprise triumphant comeback of 2008
  By A36CNV51HY7TU1 on 2008-06-04
  When I heard that Donna Summer was releasing a new record in 2008, I expected it to be one of those "cover albums" that all these "legacy" artists were doing these days. If not, then I expected that it would be some sort of Celine-style adult contemporary ballad album. So, I didn't have much high hopes for this CD. However, when I received "Crayons", I was astonished to find that this was a brand new collection of modern, upbeat and relevant songs that have been produced by some of the most sought-after and hippest producers of today (Greg Kirstin, Toby Gad etc.), and the end results were absolutely devastating!!!
  
  At the age of 59, Ms. Summer delivers these 12 songs with such rare, fierce energy that will make most of today's younger diva-wannabes sound like they have been in an eternal narcotic coma. Her voice is better shape than ever, with much richer texture and depth than it did in the 70's. Musically speaking, Summer is on twin-turbo mode, delivering a refreshingly diverse style that is always in high spirit and energy. Pop, R&B, hip hop, rock, world music... you name it, it's there! To my surprise again, rather than sounding like a mish mash of clashing styles, strangely enough, this is an unbelievably cohesive collection of 12 superbly crafted songs. The secret lies within Summer's unmistakable vocals, which form the backbone and center piece of the music here, rather than the other way round. Ms. Summer handles the various styles with effortless ease, and her iconic vocals provide the consistent paint brush that magically blends all these contrasting styles together, painting a vivid soundscape of many different and yet harmonious colors.
  
  Further cohesion of the album is provided by the consistent themes of the lyrics. Ms. Summer co-wrote all 12 tracks here. In fact, this is probably one of her most personal record to date. Summer sings about her own journey to career success ("Fame", "Be Myself Again", "The Queen is Back"), with a good dose of humor thrown in - how many references to the "Queen" can you spot in this record!? She also declares her love for her husband of almost 30 years ("Sand On My Feet", "I'm A Fire"). Clearly, she is at a place in her life where she is finally at ease with her at times tormented past, to the point that she can now sing about it with decidedly positive attitude that is both convincing and refreshing.
  
  Highlights of the album include the current single, "Stamp Your Feet", that opens the record with an uplifting, anthemic statement; "Fame", a wonderfully chaotic and frantic rock/pop creation that is reminiscent of En Vogue's "Free Your Mind"; the Billboard #1 Dance Record "I'm A Fire"; the sensitive and very personal ballad "Be Myself Again"; and the socio-political epic of "Bring Down the Reign". In fact, it is extremely difficult and unfair to pick out specific songs from this extraordinarily strong collection.
  
  I think that the die-hard Summer disco fans may be disappointed here - no, this is not a repeat of the Morodor/Summer formula here. It is far from a disco record. For the disco fans who refuse to move on, they should find consolation by the fact that Summer has a tremendous back catalogue with Morodor. For the vast majority of the music lovers, "Crayons" is an important, historic milestone for a legendary artist who just refuses to be stereotyped and who refuses to just simply walk away from an increasingly hostile industry that favors young age and image over real talents.... and thank goodness for people like her. No doubt a whole new generation will finally be introduced to Ms. Summer, who will now be opening the doors for many other legacy artists who deserve a second listen.
  
  
• Addicting disc for those who aren't living in Donna's past...
  By A3VBVES8IYR5ZJ on 2008-06-11
  While the last 17 years have only given us lone single releases here and there (plenty enough to fill an album or two if compiled together), Many people have struggled with even those tracks, always expecting Donna to give us the next "MacArthur Park". Times have changed. Music has changed. Donna's vibe has consistently tapped into those new sounds through a smart selection of producers and remixers. Quite frankly, all the types of pop and dance music I listen to now are reflected in this CD. And all this talk of Donna's voice not being the same--personally, I find her voice has matured to a richer, more controlled timbre, and I welcome the diversity of vocal techniques she uses to make each performance sound different.
  
  A majority of these songs are so addicting I can't stop listening to them, and several are ripe for fantastic dance mixes. Stamp Your Feet sounds great in its original form and becomes a club `stomper' in the remixed forms on the CD single--same for I'm A Fire, although the best remix of that song has not been released commercially as of yet. Mr. Music has a great hip hop rhythm and a sort of `crunk' synth riff. Crayons is a bouncy electro pop track. The Queen Is back is a fantastic hard hip hop track with powerful diva vocals and backing vocals and a lyrical theme that long time fans can appreciate. Fame (The Game) is another club stomper with great synths, grinding guitar sample, and a harder electro vibe. Science of Love has an infectious chorus and more edgy soul/hip hop rhythms. Be Myself Again is Donna pulling off one of her stunning moody and atmospheric ballads. And for those smart enough to get their hands on the special edition release with the bonus track "It's Only Love", you get a 7 minute, disco infused electro house track.
  
  Other tracks include the smooth groovin' sand on my feet (very summery track), the offbeat "drivin' down brazil", the harmonica heavy, country and blues influenced jam "slide over backwards", and the chanting, tribal vibe of "bring down the reign."
  
  Bottom line--I cant' stop listening to the latest Donna Summer CD, and am thrilled to have a full length disc from her at last.
  
  
• This is one HOT album!
  By A1QFQ9SQZVGUK4 on 2008-06-16
  The Queen is indeed back...and better than ever! I friggin' love this album! Every song is tremendous. My absolute fave has to be 'Sand On My Feet' which is just plain beautifully sung. Donna's voice is stronger than ever (do not believe the haters) and she really rips loose on 'Fame (The Game)'. I cannot fathom why the 1-star reviews, it is just ridiculous. Donna wipes the floor with Mariah Carey!
  
  
• Back is beautiful
  By A1MFZR5WCTMDIB on 2008-06-18
  What a blast it was to hear on the radio an interview with, who turned out to be, Donna Summer. I wondered what was bringing her to the airwaves and then, she announced a new album and the track "Stamp your feet" flooded my car. Something struck a cord for me in that song. Maybe it was that her music faded for me over 17 years ago, at a time when AIDS hit, it was like the spirit of the disco era that she represented died along with thousands of men. This song "Stamp" was like a jolt of energy, an anthem declaring "we are survivors". And not just that but also: "we're better than ever." So, excited and energized, I pre-ordered "Crayons" on Amazon and waited by the mailbox. "Crayons was written as a collections of singles" Donna says and, indeed, I'm imagining each track could be a hit. Had I not heard her interview I might have thought her album a bit szichophrenic. But I've fully accepted each song as a different color, a different stroke of the artists brush, creating unique and wonderful listening pleasures. There are many reviews on the web today speaking well of this album: how suprising and refreshing that it's not a "cover" album of songs we already know, and so many other glowing perspectives. I will try and add to those other reviews and say that the album is amazing. Donnas voice is rich, full-bodied like a chocolatey cup of familiar cocoa. It's comfort food from the dance past, mixed with many suprises. What a treat! Ziggy Marley, adds to the mix another familiar flavor in a track that creates a new, yet knowing note. It's an instant classic album. It's a gift from an artist with such a colorful past, of both highs and lows, (who's isnt?) it's hard not to relate to the panorama of rich emotions portrayed. On a technical note, the production quality is unbelievable, worthy of turning up the dial, WAY up! Enjoy!
  
  
• I OWN THE IMPORTED DONNA SUMMER CD, BUT IN THE MEXICAN CD.....
  By A18EFC55V9QM1I on 2008-06-21
  HI ! IM A GREAT FAN OF DONNA SINCE 1975,I OWN ALL HER RECORDS AND CDS,I BOUGHT ON CD NOW 15 DAYS AGO CRAYONS AND I LOVE EVERY SONG,THE ENTIRE CD,BUT THE RECORD COMPANY ISSUED HERE IN MEXICO THE SAME CD BUT WITH AN EXTRA TRACK (13 ),SONG: (ITS ONLY LOVE),THAT SONG ITS GREAT!!! ,I REALLY DONT KNOW WHAT IS THE REASON THAT THEY DONT INCLUDE THAT ONE IN THE U.S.A CD,IF YOU CAN HEAR THAT SONG YOU PROBABLY LOVE IT.
  
  THANKS DONNA,I WAITED.... 17 YEARS, BUT IT WORTH IT !
  
  
• Amazing Donna Summer Crayons Album
  By A14KUUD1KYD56M on 2008-05-20
  It was worth the wait! Donna Summer delivers her masterpiece: Crayons. This album showcases her amazing singing and songwriting abilities. A true virtuoso who does not want to be typecast as "Disco Queen," Ms. Summer should really be called the "Queen of Music" for being able to breathe life into songs from different genres. From the anthemic "Stamp Your Feet," the dramatic "Being Myself Again," to the groovy "I'm A Fire," the album contains singles that are truly masterfully crafted, with Ms. Summer's fantastic vocals giving each single a unique character and soul. Buy it, and you won't regret it!
  
  
• She's On Fire
  By A2Y1QEGZFELAI9 on 2008-05-20
  Crayons stands out for three reasons. One is the effort Ms. Summer makes to put together a recording that fuses many types of styles and bring them to a popular audience. The second reason this recording stands out, is it actually works and the third is, it raises the stakes on her peers who have recently have been resorting to cover albums fit for the retirement homes of Florida. The last D.S. recording that managed to cover so many areas was Bad Girls which remains her masterpiece but Crayons definently comes close. There are some downers on the recording but thats to be expected. The only real misstep with this release is the absence of "Its Only Love" on general american release(The person who is responsible for that should be fired)I just hope it was'nt Donna herself. Circuit City is carrying the CD with that track.
  
  On a final note, some of the reviews hav'nt been good. We all know why. One reason coud be how offensive it is that any african american woman attempt anything other than R and B and how dare anyone proclaim at 59 "Im A Fire" and sound so sexy proclaiming it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  
• Caliente Summer
  By A2JET9WFK3ZRX1 on 2008-06-01
  I have been a Donna fan since I first heard her moan her way through "Love To Love You Baby". In the past I looked forward to the different musical influences that would be infused into her "disco" music especially the massive double vinyl "Bad Girls" release. Over the years she has recorded several full length releases after the disco craze with mixed reviews and popularity-think "Cats Without Claws" or "Mistaken Identity". While I loved most there were some that left me scratching my head and thinking "what happened"? One thing I couldn't deny whether I agreed with the direction of the music or not was "the voice". Some have it and some don't, it's that simple. Apparently that doesn't matter much anymore just listen to the slew of "singers" that have hits, it's all about the beats and or sample. One has to wonder would any of these songs be hits if it were not for the sample/hook borrowed from past massive hits. There are no samples on this release. That being said the voice is right on target as usual albiet there is some vocal manipulation on some of the tracks. The songs and lyrics range in style but all have a contemporary sound to them that can be matched head to head with anything out in the market today on pop radio. I love most of the songs and like the others. This CD as a whole is well worth the cost, she does look wonderful in the pictures (what that has to do with a singer I've yet to figure out). If you want a straight forward dance CD this is probably not for you. Look to Madonna's Confession release, Cher's last 2 releases or a dance artist that makes only that type of music. In other words save the money, buy the dance remix singles and you'll be very happy. If you want a CD of music that takes you through several moods/styles, hence the name "Crayons", won't bore you after a couple of listens and want stellar vocals this CD will give you your money's worth. There's everything from the raggae influenced Crayons to the disco loungy I'm A Fire to the arena anthemy Stamp Your Feet. Some ballads, some rock influened cuts you name it, it's on here.
  
  

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