Belinda Carlisle Album: “Voila [Bonus Tracks]”

Belinda Carlisle takes an ooh la la stance on affairs of the heart with this highly-anticipated release. Heavenly and hook-laden in the 80's, Belinda sheds her polished Regan-era image for French street cred and the result is an eclectic array of songs dealing with such timeless themes heartache, lust, and of course, love.

Sharpening her teeth on the French language, Belinda places an erratic spin on such themes by feeding off a number of musical genres for this release including folk, dance, and electronic indie numbers. "Bonnie Et Clyde" sounds fitting for an obscure French spy movie, while "Ma Jeunesse Fout Le Camp" aches with Belinda's pitch-perfect wail in the background, fitting for a French-Middle Eastern fusion. Entering campy territory with "Contact", listeners will quickly note a Belinda left uncovered in the past: a woman on the verge of taking a risk.

I must say that Belinda makes a definitive comeback with her new album, Voila. I was a little skeptical at first, about how this album may be (since it's sung entirely in french). I must say I was simply blown away when listening to, Voila. Belinda's voice sounds better than ever, and her french is simply hypnotic. I'm so excited for her and recommend this album to any Belinda Carlisle/Go-Go's fan.

As so many have already mentioned, I too was disappointed when I heard that this new CD was sung entirely in French. It wasn't until I sampled some tracks on Belinda's myspace page that I began to grasp the scope of this project. I was fortunate enough to get the CD four days before it was released and was able to MEET Belinda at her CD signing in New York City...a day I will never forget!

I have been listening to this CD everyday since and cannot get over how truly amazing it is. Never before has Belinda's voice sounded so rich and so full of emmotion. She didn't just record an album; she created an experience. You can do nothing but surrender yourself to the journey Belinda takes you on with this collection. From the haunting Bonnie Et Clyde to the--blow the roof off the joint--Jezebel, Belinda delivers sheer perfection at every turn that will surprise even her most loyal of fans. Avec Le Temps is without a doubt the greatest vocal accomplishment of her career. The heart wrenching performance cuts straight to the soul. Her vocals so incredibly brilliant there is simply no language barrier.

This album will serve as Belinda Carlisle's greatest legacy...an artist taking a risky chance and succeeding beyond anyone's wildest imagination.

I am sitting at work RIGHT NOW, with my ipod earphones discretely on, listening to Jezebel and La Vie En Rose...over..and over...and over...and over...and over....it is all I can do not to stand up and start singing or dancing to this great music. Belinda has outdone herself; she has never sounded better vocally, and the arrangements are spectacular. As another reviewer said, I didn't think I would like this that much either; but I LOVE IT.

I just wish this would get more promotion than it has; I truly think it could be a decent selling release with the right push. Anyhow, it's made me happy!

I've always adored Belinda Carlisle and have been quite disappointed that she hasn't released an album (sans the Go-Gos) since "A Woman and a Man" over 10 years ago. She definitely has matured and does a fantastic job with this album that's totally in French (plus a 4-single CD in English). If you'd like to hear what Madeleine Peyroux (

) would sound like with a beat of an upbeat tempo, this may be the CD for you. It's great for listening as music in the background or for driving in the car when you want a little pick-me-up. Congrats, Belinda!