"Courage" album - Official Topic

[Chantemoi]

 

 

It's far less generic than all her other English records. LTAL is almost all skips, the others certainly have some standout tracks, but then suffer from painful duds. This is the only one that's consistent quality songs all the way through.

 

Anyway, I'm starting to think there's some kind of rift between Celine / Celine's camp and the Junos. She hasn't shown up in 20 years. They have to keep nominating her because a lot of these categories are based on sales, in whole or in part, and in Canada she keep selling (so long as the concert-bundles continue to count, at least). Plus she's still not in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame - a glaring omission, as pretty much all her notable contemporaries have been inducted some time ago.

Oh, to be a fly on the wall in those meetings...

 

I find One Heart to be her most consistent English album, but this is a close second.

 

******

That’s strange about the Junos. I never knew it had been so long since she attended/performed. There’s got to be some beef, for sure.

 

Speaking of that, can anyone tell me about what’s up with her and Julie Snyder? I thought it had been alluded to that they had a falling out. Is that true?

[PuraVida]

Same thing. CARAS runs both and the HoF induction is the centerpiece if each year's Junos ceremony. It's basically a special Juno category.

 

Jann Arden was to be inducted last year, but with the ceremony cancelled due to COVID, she's getting honoured this year instead.

https://junoawards.c...c-hall-of-fame/

 

 

 

Well, these things are just marketing, after all, and she has shown little interest in that lately. But after a while it starts looking a little disrespectful to the organization. And unlike something like the AMAs or Billboards, this is more like the Grammys - it's run by an industry organization comprised of her peers (hence the plethora of categories beyond just top 40 pop). Plus CARAS is a non-profit heavily involved in music education and incubation of artists in need of support.

 

Edit: I take that back. Celine Dion has no peers!

 

I mean, have Shania or Alanis performed at these awards if/when they were nominated?

 

I know it's just a plane ride, but if Celine was in Vegas or on tour I doubt she would skip it unless she was informed in advance that she would win.

[PuraVida]

I find One Heart to be her most consistent English album, but this is a close second.

 

******

That's strange about the Junos. I never knew it had been so long since she attended/performed. There's got to be some beef, for sure.

 

Speaking of that, can anyone tell me about what's up with her and Julie Snyder? I thought it had been alluded to that they had a falling out. Is that true?

 

Not about Julie, but I want a Sonia Benezra and Celine reunion! What is Sonia up to?

[Alex_Incognito]

"Encore un soir" just came on the radio. This single was such a marking single in her career. Then came the MEH of the "Courage" album. I wish like hell she could make a sophisticated album in english as she does in French. This would be one sure-fire way for her to get the success she deserves in this section of her career.

[Xpresso]

Oh I don't think they're snubbing her. I think she's snubbing them. The Junos would love to have Celine back on the show and in the HoF. But the artist has to accept. I have read (though who knows if reliable sources) that she was invited but didn't take them up on it. Perhaps she feels it's not time yet. Perhaps she's waiting for the ceremony to come to Quebec and is making a point about it. Perhaps it's more than that.

I think they ARE snubbing Celine ever since she took sides with Bryan Adams while she accepted an award. Something about Canadian % content on his album or something like that (we talked about this before on some other thread). I think that didn't go well with the JUNO organization... Edited March 10, 2021 at 03:24 PM by Xpresso

[ryba]

"Encore un soir" just came on the radio. This single was such a marking single in her career. Then came the MEH of the "Courage" album. I wish like hell she could make a sophisticated album in english as she does in French. This would be one sure-fire way for her to get the success she deserves in this section of her career.

I agree. A quality album with a proper and effective marketing strategy and promo is necessary. What I sort of disliked about the Courage era is that the message behind the album got totally lost through her fasion extravaganza that came along with it. That thin and apparent wig made her look like someone else, and that strong tan made her look very old. Her weird clothing and behaviour (e.g. on Carpool karaoke) also distroyed it for me. It's like she wasn't herself and tried to appear to be cool and hip. Maybe it's a matter of taste, but I missed the sophisticated Celine that is wise and true to herself.

[ryba]

Also, I would really like to know what happened between her and Annie Horth, as well as Julie Snyder.

 

As far as I know, there were only speculations about her dispute with Annie Horth and Celine, but we never really heared about the real reasons, did we?

Edited March 10, 2021 at 05:15 PM by ryba

[guigafs15]

I agree. A quality album with a proper and effective marketing strategy and promo is necessary. What I sort of disliked about the Courage era is that the message behind the album got totally lost through her fasion extravaganza that came along with it. That thin and apparent wig made her look like someone else, and that strong tan made her look very old. Her weird clothing and behaviour (e.g. on Carpool karaoke) also distroyed it for me. It's like she wasn't herself and tried to appear to be cool and hip. Maybe it's a matter of taste, but I missed the sophisticated Celine that is wise and true to herself.

 

To be honest, I believe the "weird clothing and behavior" it's her true self. It's what she likes and what comes up every time she's not being controlled. So you probably like the fake Celine.

Edited March 10, 2021 at 05:44 PM by guigafs15

[guigafs15]

"Encore un soir" just came on the radio. This single was such a marking single in her career. Then came the MEH of the "Courage" album. I wish like hell she could make a sophisticated album in english as she does in French. This would be one sure-fire way for her to get the success she deserves in this section of her career.

 

"Encore Un Soir" it's a masterpiece. I was hoping "Courage" would be the same... Maybe the next one!

[ryba]

To be honest, I believe the "weird clothing and behavior" it's her true self. It's what she likes and what comes up every time she's not being controlled. So you probably like the fake Celine.

haha, maybe you're right It seems like under Rene she was appearing more sophisticated. Maybe this was the image that the've chosen for her.

[pat200]

"Encore Un Soir" it's a masterpiece. I was hoping "Courage" would be the same... Maybe the next one!

 

Don't keep your hopes high. if you didn't like courage, the next album will be the remaining tracks from courage haha

[ryba]

I have a feeling that the other Courage songs that remained unreleased are classy power ballads, and only the typical pop songs made it on to Courage

[smw]

To be honest, I believe the "weird clothing and behavior" it's her true self. It's what she likes and what comes up every time she's not being controlled. So you probably like the fake Celine.

 

I agree. I think in recent years we've seen the most unfiltered, liberated, fierce, & authentic Celine. (Prior to the pandemic.)

Edited March 10, 2021 at 06:37 PM by smw

[ryba]

She was already recording Courage at that time!

 

 

[québecflower]

To be honest, I believe the "weird clothing and behavior" it's her true self. It's what she likes and what comes up every time she's not being controlled. So you probably like the fake Celine.

could be...

[Alex_Incognito]

 

 

To be honest, I believe the "weird clothing and behavior" it's her true self. It's what she likes and what comes up every time she's not being controlled. So you probably like the fake Celine.

 

I’m afraid you’re probably right.

[PuraVida]

I love getting all of the Celine tracks we did, we all want as much as possible.

 

I think for the purposes of the album though, it could have been edited down by a few tracks to create a better overall album. I love Flying On My Own, but does it fit with the rest of the album? That said, all the criticisms we have just takes away from how it could be even better, the the fact remains (to me) that it is a great release at its base. IMO.

[actofcontrition]

I love getting all of the Celine tracks we did, we all want as much as possible.

 

I think for the purposes of the album though, it could have been edited down by a few tracks to create a better overall album. I love Flying On My Own, but does it fit with the rest of the album? That said, all the criticisms we have just takes away from how it could be even better, the the fact remains (to me) that it is a great release at its base. IMO.

 

Flying on my own doesnt fit the album. It should have been only a digital single like Recovering/Show must go on when she ended Vegas and thats it.

[Ajax]

Can’t believe people can denigrate Courage over Encore un soir. And as a French I’m quite sad to say that and I didn’t know it was possible but with Encore un soir she outdid herself by doing even worst material than her English one. While her French music was a bit sanctified I would say that for me, her worst material is now in French due to this specific album. The production is the worst I have ever listened from any artist. Musically it s a jock and vocally her worst job ever. Thank god we have A la plus haute branche which is a true gem and the nice track Encore un soir.

 

You may not like the Celine from Courage and I can understand that the bad promo/marketing around it made it sound worse but musically, artistically and production wise Courage is a masterpiece in comparison to Encore un soir. And it hurts to say that cause her French music was kind of untouchable and Courage is still just a good basic pop album.

Edited March 11, 2021 at 09:20 AM by Ajax

[garyhollander]

I find One Heart to be her most consistent English album, but this is a close second.

 

******

That's strange about the Junos. I never knew it had been so long since she attended/performed. There's got to be some beef, for sure.

 

Speaking of that, can anyone tell me about what's up with her and Julie Snyder? I thought it had been alluded to that they had a falling out. Is that true?

REally one heart for me the most uninteresting album of celine of all time i think that and miracle

[actofcontrition]

 

 

I find One Heart to be her most consistent English album, but this is a close second.

 

******

That’s strange about the Junos. I never knew it had been so long since she attended/performed. There’s got to be some beef, for sure.

 

Speaking of that, can anyone tell me about what’s up with her and Julie Snyder? I thought it had been alluded to that they had a falling out. Is that true?

 

I like one heart BUT the 3 songs from A new day has come kind of ruined it for me..

[CelinesDIVO5]

I agree. A quality album with a proper and effective marketing strategy and promo is necessary. What I sort of disliked about the Courage era is that the message behind the album got totally lost through her fasion extravaganza that came along with it. That thin and apparent wig made her look like someone else, and that strong tan made her look very old. Her weird clothing and behaviour (e.g. on Carpool karaoke) also distroyed it for me. It's like she wasn't herself and tried to appear to be cool and hip. Maybe it's a matter of taste, but I missed the sophisticated Celine that is wise and true to herself.

 

Maybe Celine was being her true self, and the Celine we have come to know was her brand and product that she had to put out there to sell records. Not that I would say that she isn’t a sincere, and genuinely nice person. But maybe she’s not that polished in her everyday life and nowadays she would rather just be a little more loose. I’m fine with that.

[CelinesDIVO5]

 

 

I like one heart BUT the 3 songs from A new day has come kind of ruined it for me..

 

I have a feeling that most of the songs on OH are from the ANDHC sessions.

[CelinesDIVO5]

Can’t believe people can denigrate Courage over Encore un soir. And as a French I’m quite sad to say that and I didn’t know it was possible but with Encore un soir she outdid herself by doing even worst material than her English one. While her French music was a bit sanctified I would say that for me, her worst material is now in French due to this specific album. The production is the worst I have ever listened from any artist. Musically it s a jock and vocally her worst job ever. Thank god we have A la plus haute branche which is a true gem and the nice track Encore un soir.

 

You may not like the Celine from Courage and I can understand that the bad promo/marketing around it made it sound worse but musically, artistically and production wise Courage is a masterpiece in comparison to Encore un soir. And it hurts to say that cause her French music was kind of untouchable and Courage is still just a good basic pop album.

 

I love the EUS album!

 

L’etoile

Ma faille

Tu sauras

Je nous veux

 

Love love love! I was actually hoping for a song in the vein of L’etoile for the Courage album.

Edited March 12, 2021 at 12:00 AM by CelinesDIVO5

[dyusha]

Can’t believe people can denigrate Courage over Encore un soir.

You may not like the Celine from Courage and I can understand that the bad promo/marketing around it made it sound worse but musically, artistically and production wise Courage is a masterpiece in comparison to Encore un soir.

 

Oh no doubt about that for sure 😁. Just think about it, "Le sourire que l'on ose, les larmes qu'on retient" sounds so trashy and dumb while on the other hand "This s*** is perfect, each second worth it" has such deep meaning, it rivals Tolstoy. Right?

 

LOL don't mind this old fart, I've just had a busy day and had to blow off some steam 😁

Edited March 12, 2021 at 12:51 AM by dyusha

[PuraVida]

I have a feeling that most of the songs on OH are from the ANDHC sessions.

 

Was there ever any reporting on this? I thought this was the case for at least a couple songs.

[PuraVida]

Maybe Celine was being her true self, and the Celine we have come to know was her brand and product that she had to put out there to sell records. Not that I would say that she isn't a sincere, and genuinely nice person. But maybe she's not that polished in her everyday life and nowadays she would rather just be a little more loose. I'm fine with that.

 

I think of the Celine we see in the Oprah special for A New Day show, and Celine behind the scenes for the A New Day DVD....she was always kooky and Quebecer.

 

I think maybe in the middle to late 90s she kind of toned down or restricted herself, not sure why--at least in her English appearances. But she had goofy moments in the 80s and early 90s---of course I cannot think of specifics right now

[guigafs15]

Can’t believe people can denigrate Courage over Encore un soir. And as a French I’m quite sad to say that and I didn’t know it was possible but with Encore un soir she outdid herself by doing even worst material than her English one. While her French music was a bit sanctified I would say that for me, her worst material is now in French due to this specific album. The production is the worst I have ever listened from any artist. Musically it s a jock and vocally her worst job ever. Thank god we have A la plus haute branche which is a true gem and the nice track Encore un soir.

 

You may not like the Celine from Courage and I can understand that the bad promo/marketing around it made it sound worse but musically, artistically and production wise Courage is a masterpiece in comparison to Encore un soir. And it hurts to say that cause her French music was kind of untouchable and Courage is still just a good basic pop album.

 

That's your opinion and it's fine for you to have it. But I see differently. EUS is coherente, hava a rich sound, orchestrated and, yet, modern. Is pop too but is beyond synthesizer, more organic. The lyrics are way more poetic and appropriate for Celine. She doesn't speak about love like a teen girl, but like a woman, and there's songs like "Ordinaire" and "À la plus haute branche", with a powerful and bold message. About Celine's voice, we all know it's not the same it used to be, voice ages too and that's fine. But in EUS she does exactly what I expect her to do, singing more in her natural tone, accepting her news limitations and finding new ways of sounding beautiful without excess.

 

And Courage, well... Basically the opposite. It's a mess of sounds, to heavy, there's no flow in the tracklist (a lot of fans in here, who love the album, said they rearrange the tracklist in order to hear the album better). Have some good lyrics (like Courage, Lying Down), but most of them are poor, derivative, same thing you hear in any other pop album. Too "teenager" themes for Celine, imo. Her voice is a big problem... too much effects on it, her diction is terrible, she goes for notes she can no longer hold and have to disguise with a lot of effects, distortion, closing vowels that should be open and a louder backing vocals (kinda stuff Mariah does these days but Celine certainly doesn't need to).

 

But, above it all, EUS is a Celine Dion’s album. I can't think of no one else for it. Courage is a generic pop album, could be anyone singing on it, it just happens to be Celine. That being said, both albums were highly praised by the specialized midia, so I guess it's just matter of taste.

[LukeD]

I love both Encore Un Soir and Courage. I agree there are issues in terms of production in the former and vocals in the latter, but overall I am pleased with both releases.

 

Songs that I frequently listen to from Courage:

 

1. Lying Down

2. Imperfections

3. Change My Mind

4. For The Lover That I Lost

5. I Will Be Stronger

6. Perfect Goodbye

7. Heart Of Glass

8. Boundaries

 

That is really good seeing how the album was released like 1 year and a half ago! P.S. I still have not lost hope that Play Me Like A Love Song will be released someday.

[dyusha]

P.S. I still have not lost hope that Play Me Like A Love Song will be released someday.

 

That would be AMAZING. And not entirely impossible. They did release There Comes A Time a year after it was dropped from TC

Edited March 12, 2021 at 12:15 PM by dyusha