Laura Ann Branigan (July 3, 1952 - August 26, 2004) was an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Her signature song, the platinum-certified 1982 single "Gloria", stayed on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for 36 weeks, then a record for a female artist, peaking at No. 2. It also reached number one in Australia and Canada. In 1984, she reached number one in Canada and Germany with the U.S. No. 4 hit "Self Control". She also had success in the United Kingdom with both "Gloria" and "Self Control" making the Top 10 in the UK Singles Chart. Seeing her greatest level of success in the 1980s, Branigan's other singles included the Top 10 hit "Solitaire" (1983), the U.S. AC chart number one "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" (1983), the Australian No. 2 hit "Ti amo" (1984), her return to the top 40 "The Power of Love" (1987), the top hit 15 dance "Shattered Glass." Her most successful album was 1984's platinum-selling Self Control. She also contributed songs to motion picture and television soundtracks, including the Grammy and Academy Award-winning Flashdance soundtrack (1983), and the Ghostbusters soundtrack (1984). In 1985, she won the Tokyo Music Festival with the song "The Lucky One". Her chart success began to wane as the decade closed and after her last two albums Laura Branigan (1990) and Over My Heart (1993) garnered little attention, she generally retired from public life for the rest of the 1990s. She began returning to performing in the early 2000s, most notably appearing as Janis Joplin in the off-Broadway musical Love, Janis. As she was recording new music and preparing a comeback to the music industry, she died at her home in August 2004 from a previously undiagnosed cerebral aneurysm.
ALBUM REVIEW BY ALLMUSIC: Laura Branigan's third album capitalized on the Euro-dance-pop and affecting ballads that made her an international star while allowing her to grow as a vocalist. Her collections, always uneven in terms of material, benefit mostly from her stellar voice, and this is no exception."The Lucky One" and "Heart" start slow and build to a crescendo, perfectly showcasing her range without being obvious. The title track, about finding sex in the seamy side of town, sparked a bit of a controversy, but ended up being her second biggest hit. The song itself works, but Branigan was never a sex bomb, so the fact that she pulls it off is indicative of her power as a performer. "Ti Amo" is the album's theatrical ballad, which works well with breathy, dramatic vocals. She even pulls off a graceful cover of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" that is clear and simple, while "Breaking Out" and "Take Me" are perfect examples of synthesizer-driven '80s dance ditties. The only slow moments come with "Silent Partners" and "With Every Beat of My Heart," and that's not because they're ballads. The production bogs them down, and the lyrics are so pedestrian, you won't find yourself moved by them. A must have for fans, though.
A MUST HAVE FOR ALL FANS OF 80'S MUSIC!! DISCARD YOUR SELF-CONTROL AND BUY THIS!! AWESOME 80'S!!!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
A) Products Information
The CDs and other items listed are from my own private collection. They are all well loved and cared for. These CDs/Items are all either in Excellent, Like New or New conditions, unless stated otherwise. I try to describe the items as accurate as possible. My own pictures attached for your references.
B) Payment METHODS
Due to the recent changes in policies, PayPal is now not supported in eBay. Therefore, only the following payment methods can be accepted at the moment until further notice.
1. Bank Deposit – My bank details will be provided via eBay messaging upon confirmation of purchase or after commitment to buy by buyers.
2. Cash On Delivery – COD can only be transacted at Villa Orkid Condominium, Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.
C) Shipping
1. Domestic shipping is via Pos Malaysia “Flexiprepaid”
2. Combined shipping for multiple purchases provided.
D) International Shipping
I am willing to ship internationally. However, please drop me a line before buying so that I can provide an exact shipping cost. Kindly take note that, Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price and shipping charges. These charges are solely the buyer's responsibility.
E) Services & Communications
Please feel free to contact me if you need more information or further inquiries. I am committed to provide the best services and will give my utmost to communicate with eBayers. In return, a sincere Positive Rating will be deeply and greatly appreciated in due time.
Happy Browsing and Buying!
CHEERS !!!
|