Deborah Chan
Canadian singer-songwriter k.d. lang has a rich repertoire of songs that could serve as the perfect soundtrack for a wedding. Lang's distinctive style blends rock and country with a rock-influenced, edgy sound and androgynous appearance. With a powerful vocal range and a versatile musical style, Lang's songs can evoke a range of emotions, from unrequited desire to courtship and joy. Lang's music has received widespread critical acclaim, with multiple Juno and Grammy Awards recognising her talent. So, which of her songs might be the perfect fit for a wedding?
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What You'll Learn
'Constant Craving' from the album Ingénue
"Constant Craving" is a song by Canadian pop and country singer-songwriter k.d. lang, from her 1992 album "Ingénue". The song was a massive hit for lang, bringing her multi-million sales and critical acclaim. It is considered her most popular song and has been described as a compelling and romantic tune with a vocal brimming with yearning.
The song's lyrics were inspired by the Buddhist cycle of birth and death, or samsara, and were written from the perspective of desire and longing. Lang herself described the songwriting process, saying that the phrase "constant craving" came to her one day, and from there, the lyrics flowed. The music, on the other hand, was inspired by Joni Mitchell's "Black Crow", with lang wanting to create a song with similar flowing open chords.
The song's music video, directed by Mark Romanek, recreates the premiere of Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot" in Paris, 1953. The video, filmed in black and white, depicts lang singing backstage while the actors perform. The video's theme of desperation and waiting fit well with the themes of Beckett's play. The video won Best Female Video at the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards.
"Constant Craving" has been covered by several artists, including Abigail, who recorded it for her 1994 album "Feel Good", and Charlotte Martin, who included it on her album "Reproductions". The song has also been reworked by the Montreal-based electropunk band Lesbians on Ecstasy, who renamed it "Kündstant Krøving" for their 2004 album.
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'Miss Chatelaine' from the album Ingénue
"Miss Chatelaine" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter k.d. lang, released in 1992 as the second single from her second solo album, Ingénue. The song was co-written by lang and Ben Mink and was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The title of the song refers to the Canadian magazine Chatelaine, which named lang "Woman of the Year" in 1988.
The song is a salsa-inspired track with a Latin beat and accordion and string backing. The accompanying music video, directed by American photographer and director Rocky Schenck, depicts lang in an exaggeratedly feminine manner, surrounded by bright pastel colours and bubbles. Lang herself described the song as "a playful homage to Lawrence Welk".
"Miss Chatelaine" has been described by critics as "a standout cut from the album", with its "sidewalk-café accordion accents" and "dreamy" arrangement of acoustic guitars, accordions, violins, and other cool instruments. The song has also been characterised as "the only 'up' song on the lovelorn diary that is the Ingénue album".
Overall, "Miss Chatelaine" is a playful and upbeat song with a unique sound and an outstanding vocal performance by k.d. lang, making it a good choice for a wedding celebration.
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'Crying' duet with Roy Orbison
"Crying" is a song written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson for Orbison's third studio album of the same name in 1962. It was released in 1961 and became a number 2 hit in the US for Orbison. The song was covered in 1978 by Don McLean, whose version went to number 1 in the UK in 1980.
K.d. lang is a Canadian pop and country singer-songwriter and occasional actress. Lang has won Juno Awards and Grammy Awards for her musical performances. Her hits include the songs "Constant Craving" and "Miss Chatelaine". A mezzo-soprano, lang has contributed songs to movie soundtracks and has collaborated with musicians such as Roy Orbison, Tony Bennett, Elton John, and the Killers.
Lang's career received a huge boost when Roy Orbison chose her to record a duet of his standard, "Crying". This collaboration won them the Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals in 1989. The song was used in the Jon Cryer film Hiding Out, released in 1987.
> I was alright for a while
> I could smile for a while
> But I saw you last night
> You held my hand so tight
> As you stopped to say, "Hello"
> Oh, you wished me well
Due to the success of the song, lang received the Entertainer of the Year award from the Canadian Country Music Association. Lang would win the same award for the next three years, in addition to two Female Vocalist of the Year awards in 1988 and 1989.
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'Absolute Torch and Twang' album
"Absolute Torch and Twang" is the third album by k.d. lang, released in 1989. It is a mix of country-punk and romantic music, showcasing the exceptional range of lang's voice. Lang's powerful vocals, combined with flawless harmonies and thoughtful lyrics, make this album a favourite among her fans.
The album was produced by lang, Ben Mink, and Greg Penny, and all tracks were written by lang and Mink, except where noted. The songs feature a unique blend of country music with late-night, 40s jukebox sounds. This early work by lang is often referred to as "cowboy punk," showcasing her incredible talent and versatility as an artist.
One notable song from the album, "Luck in My Eyes," captivated listeners with its Patsy Cline-esque sound. The album also includes other well-loved songs such as "Big Boned Girl," which falls into the country-punk genre. Lang's voice is described as wailing and whispering, covering a wide range of emotions and styles.
"Absolute Torch and Twang" is an excellent showcase of k.d. lang's talent and a must-listen for fans of fringe music and country music alike. This album is a testament to lang's ability to blend various genres and create a unique and captivating sound. It is an essential addition to any music collection and a wonderful choice for a wedding, with its mix of upbeat and romantic tracks.
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'Turn Me Round' from the album Shadowland
"Turn Me Round" from the album Shadowland is a great choice for a wedding song. The album was produced by Owen Bradley, who also produced Patsy Cline's best-known works, and the song itself was performed by k.d. lang at the closing ceremonies of the XV Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta, in 1988. The lyrics of "Turn Me Round" tell a story of hearing a ruckus down the road and not having time to lose, creating a sense of urgency and excitement.
K.d. lang is a Canadian pop and country singer-songwriter and occasional actress with a powerful vocal range. Her lower register has a deep, husky quality, while her higher range resonates beautifully. She has won numerous awards for her musical performances, including Juno Awards and Grammy Awards. In addition to her musical talent, lang is also known for her activism in animal rights, LGBTQ rights, and Tibetan human rights.
The album Shadowland, from which "Turn Me Round" is taken, was released in 1988 and named Album of the Year by the Canadian Country Music Association. It marked a transition for lang, who had started out in country music but was moving towards adult-oriented pop with less country influence. The song showcases lang's vocal range and ability to emote with depth and strength.
"Turn Me Round" is a great choice for a wedding song, with its upbeat and exciting lyrics and lang's powerful vocal performance. The song has a special place in Canadian history, having been performed at the Winter Olympics, and showcases lang's talent as a singer-songwriter. It is a wonderful way to celebrate love and commitment while also paying tribute to lang's significant contributions to music and activism.
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Frequently asked questions
k.d. lang has a diverse repertoire that makes her a great artist to play at weddings. Here are some of her songs that are suitable for weddings:
- "Constant Craving"
- "Miss Chatelaine"
- "Big Big Love"
- "Hallelujah"
- "Skylark"
k.d. lang's music often explores unrequited desire, courtship, and love. Here are some romantic songs by the artist:
- "Miss Chatelaine"
- "Big Big Love"
- "Hallelujah"
While k.d. lang's style often skews towards the melancholy, she has also released upbeat songs. Here are some upbeat songs by the artist:
- "Big Big Love"
- "Jingle Bell Rock"
Slow dances are a wedding staple. Here are some songs by k.d. lang that are suitable for a slow dance:
- "Constant Craving"
- "Hallelujah"
- "Skylark"
The wedding ceremony is a special moment for the couple and their loved ones. Here are some songs by k.d. lang that could be played during the ceremony:
- "Constant Craving"
- "Miss Chatelaine"
- "Hallelujah"
