Dark Road - Single

Not only does Annie Lennox dig deep inside for this song, but it represents a completely new collaborative effort with her working with Glen Ballad (think Alanis Morrissette's Jagged Little Pill and Michael Jackson's Gospel tunes, Man in the Mirror and Keep the Faith). Both Lennox and Ballad are geniuses in their own right, made clear with the opening song to Songs of Mass Destruction, Annie's newest CD. The song demonstrates Annie's soul searching, yet innate ability to control her emotions vocally. Her voice soars like a bird, but she is not like today’s singers that feel the need to show every bit of their range in every single song. No, she has control of her voice. She knows when to use its full power to her advantage. She explains that Dark Road came to her from drives to and from Glen Ballad’s studio in Los Angeles while watching people on the Sunset Strip during stops. She felt she was seeing the true 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams,' for the first time, in that most people on the street were either destitute or were waiters looking for a chance at fame. She notes that the homeless and the desperation that we all feel lying in quest of our dreams display the humanity and connection of all humans as one. She feels that all humans share the same experiences. Annie is rarely clear with her lyrics. One can clearly see she knows her listener and wants to challenge their thinking. Her best songs create sounds and ideas that one cannot easily put into words. Every listener hears his or her own story in Annie’s songs. Perhaps, they hold different meanings to each listener, but none is more or less worthy than the other in their depth. I highly recommend Dark Road as a starting point in the long journey through Annie's solo catalog (I will not even get started on her career with the Eurhythmics or her one-offs, like her Oscar Winning song “Into the West” from Lord of the Rings). However, once you have heard Songs of Mass Destruction, do be sure to go back to the beginning, listening to Diva, her first solo and perhaps Annie's most commercially and critically successful of albums. Then there is Medusa, easily dismissed by many, but always the same person will mention their ‘favorite song’ from the disc. In Medusa, Annie remakes her favorite and most meaningful songs from her past, a non-expected turn from Ms. Lennox. After all, at this time she was seen as an amazing writer and composer of beautiful songs. Medusa did not earn the critical success it deserved, but it is still exciting to hear how she reinterprets songs from her past. One can feel the emotion they instilled in her to this day. Finally, following Medusa, be sure to experience Bare, the disc where she is most involved in the entire production; even the artwork. It seems somewhat sad, and stark to see how Annie represents herself in her photography. Yet, Annie Lennox is truly one of a kind in addition to a modern genius and one with which we are truly blessed to share our planet. She will forever remain one of the truest of artists, who can truly sing, has the ability to control and use her voice to her advantage, making one cry, dance, think, forget their problems and both remember and question their place in the world, all in one song or an album. You need not look far to find her fans. They are everywhere. Dark Road is certainly not the end for Annie, but perhaps a pleasant bump in the road where once again, she shines brightly and again inspires us to think and imagine a better, more honest, bolder, greater, more genuine and giving planet to share.

Months after its release, I find I am going back to re-listen to this track, enjoying it all over again, and unable to get her voice out of my head. The song itself itself is subtle, beautiful, melodic, but the calling card here is Lennox's pipes. She turns in a performance that surpasses any of her previous work - at age 52. May she continue to age this well.

The most underrated performer of the modern era, Annie Lennox has just proven that she is just that good...beautiful voice, great single, amazing album. Perfection at its finest.

With "A Dark Road", Annie Lennox presents symbolism mixed with her signature emotional appeals to one's senses. Ms. Lennox's voice in this song draws the listener to a dramatic place where one must evaluate his or her priorities. "A Dark Road" is lyrically genius and sung flawlessly.

My 1st listen was the video. As always she stuns me with her voice. It is powerful, yet delicate, sophisticated, but raw and emotional. The lyrics are thought provoking. Instantly classic.

I can't believe that voice.

WOW !!! just another exsample of Annie's unbridled talent. see the video, thats all that needs to be said. Mike

Annie is a musical genius and almost every thing she does is a cause for celbration. Dark Road is a gorgeous and exciting intro to her new cd. I am counting the days until the full disc is available. We need more artists like this in the world. It would be a much better place.

Annie is like a fine wine, she just keeps getting better and better. She is graceful and haunting while all along delicate and raw. I can't wait for the album. I know there are plenty of dance remixes in the can for various singles off the album. And their are supposed to be quite a few duets, including one with Madonna. So I'm really anticipating the release of this album. LOVE YOU ANNIE!!!!

Is there anything else to say? The voice is flawless and keeps getting better!