Dido: No Angel

Song number 6 breaks away from the relationship torment and anguish of the first five songs. Thank You, undoubtedly the best song in the whole album, is pain and simple, a “feel-good” love song. It’s beautiful and meaningful in every way. Her lover is the epitome of everything good and loving. She starts off the day with everything going wrong: “…got bills to pay, my head just feels in pain, I missed the bus…” Suddenly, with just a call from him, this dismal day of hers has turned into the best day of her life. Sappy, yes but oh so beautiful.

It seems like there are two parts of the album. The first part touches on relationship topics, including the formula-based “happy love” and “tortured love.” The second is that of self-discovery focusing on struggles and pride within oneself. Pain and depression linger in the songs Honestly OK and Slide. “I’m so lonely I don’t even want to be with myself anymore” she laments in Honestly OK.

The song lyrics in her album are beautiful, but simple. Her lyrics have been compared to another songtress who bitched a thing or two about relationships, Alanis Morissette. They both sang about relationships gone wrong, but the comparison stops there. Not taking anything away from Dido, but Alanis’ lyrics were deeper and more complex. Dido’s lyrics are predictable, almost elementary. Still, she expresses torment better than anyone can, with her mellowed out angst.

What’s untouchable is her lovely, wispy voice. With every whisper and tune, her voice provides a calming effect perfect for a night at home. Her soft, laid-back brand of vocals has been compared to the likes of Sarah McLachlan, Sinead O’Connor, and Portis-head.

This album blends percussion beats and electronic vibes with a dab of Celtic waves and classical undertones. Add this eclectic mixture with Dido’s exquisitely radiant voice, and you’ve got No Angel.

No Angel is currently the #8 album in the country.

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