Others say...

"Not as good as first album"
Although I still enjoyed this album, its not nearly as polished as her first album. She still sings as well or better than anyone, the lyrics are weak. One song, "Hit the Ground" will wring tears out of you until you analyze the weak lyrics. Like Johhny Mercer once criticized: "I could eat alphabet soup and S--t better lyrics." Its hard to pin down this album as to catagory. All cuts are down tempo, but is it Blues? Pop? jazz-rock? Not really any of them to be exact. Her singing is great, but I don't think it is as relavent as her other album. Musicians backing Lizz are excellent.

"Caliber of Joni Mitchell, Diana Krall"
I listen to lots of music, am mostly a jazz fan, and rarely write these reviews. But I figure it's my duty as a music lover to tell you about Ms. Wright. They don't come along this good very often. Lovely haunting voice, intelligent interpretations, fine arrangements. The real thing. I was compelled to play it again and again and it doesn't take long to get her. You get it right away.

"a rare star ascending"
Upon hearing Lizz Wright on the tribure album to Ella Fitzgerald, I was struck by the warmth of her voice and purchased "Dreaming Wide Awake." At first listening I enjoyed that same feeling of soulfulness and warmth, a comforting but very individual sound, the antithesis of the unchanging monotone of Norah Jones, with whom Lizz has been compared.
Upon successive listenings, I realized how deeply Lizz goes into her material, and with such extraordinary taste. The background vocals by Torrie Reagan and spellbindingly beautiful. I predict Wright will increase in stature if only there is a place to play her music. She is a star in the making, slow, lovely, mesmerizing.

"An album to be savored."
Have you ever bitten into a piece of high-quality chocolate and wondered "What WAS all that other stuff I had before? Now THIS is CHOCOLATE."

Lizz Wright. WONDERFUL voice. Unlike a lot of young R&B and Jazz singers, she doesn't let "over-ornamentation" tyrannize the beauty of the song. She *conveys* the song...beautifully, subtly, truthfully. This is the kind of singer a songwriter wants to find. This is the real thing. This IS CHOCOLATE.

Dreaming Wide Awake starts with a version of "A Taste of Honey" - in 4/4 time. Lizz's voice is subtle but so, so rich. I've heard "A Taste of Honey" all my life. But now, I've HEARD it. I never realized what a beautiful story it is.

And so it goes with each track in this collection. Each song, old or new, a revelation. Each a bite, something new and fresh. An album to be savored.

Yum.

"Dreaming Wide Awake"
I haven't heard singing like this in a long time!!! WOW, this young lady can really sing!! Her voice is deep and sultry and SOULFUL !!! "Hit The Ground" is my favorite and I play it over and over and over.....my, my, my !!!! I love this cd and know I will enjoy her others!!!! Sit back and relax...she will soothe your soul with this one and her other CDs. This is wonderful!!!

Babs T.