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I first encountered Dido at the office. Her melodic and ethereal voice
drifted down to me from the ceiling speakers, and she was thanking me for giving her the
best day of her life. I’ve heard her song “Thank You” about a thousand times since;
every time I have to put down my pen or mouse to listen.
Curiosity drove
me to seek out this voice to see what else it might offer. My search resulted in a CD
called No Angel, released in 1999 and a 12-million seller. I became an instant
fan.
Dido’s new CD is Life for Rent, and in some ways it surpasses
her first effort. She does more with less — her lyrics and delivery have a new
maturity. Her anthem-like single “White Flag” now occupies the space in my office
speakers. “Stoned” begins in a quirky fashion that reminds me of Peter Gabriel or late
Genesis, but soon finds its own groove. The title piece, “Life for Rent,” features
acoustic guitars and softly sung lyrics. “Mary’s in India” is a slow tune that ends with
a nice lyrical twist.
“See You When You’re 40” has an insistent snare drum
beat and speaks of leaving that creep for good. “Don’t Leave Home” is a bit like “Here
with Me” from the first album, and it’s where the lyrics pack the biggest
punch:
“and I arrived when you were weak
I’ll make you weaker, like
a child
Now all your love you give to me…I will be your safety, don’t leave
home.”
“Who Makes You Feel” is the collection’s weirdest song with odd
sampling and guitar effects, but it’s growing on me. The brisk and lively “Sand in my
Shoes” is easily the best song — it has the radio sing-along potential and feel of “Soak
up the Sun” by Sheryl Crow. “Do You Have a Little Time” begins dirgelike, methodical,
but like most of Dido’s slower tunes, has hidden qualities that emerge with multiple
listenings. “See the Sun” is about helping a friend after a breakup and may be the most
impressive musically, building a wall of gorgeous sound as it progresses.
“This Land is Mine” is my second favorite. With its folksy, acoustic
vibe you might think the singer is channeling Woody Guthrie — “this land is mine, but
I’ll let you rule”—but the “land” is actually Dido herself (or possibly her apartment).
So find this CD and settle in; Dido’s ready to let you in. This land is
hers, but she’ll let you rule.
