The new k.d. lang album, All You Can Eat, is one of the highlights of her 8 album, 12 year career. This effort proves she has learned much from her previous endeavors and also proves that Ms. Lang's personal struggle to avoid being categorized - as a country performer, or a militant left winger with no hook in her music - is once again successful. Lang's brave, new venture retains her mellow, melodic quality while taking chances on uncharted musical arrangements. There is more "pop" influence on this album as can be seen from the more playful cuts ("If I Were You" "Get Some") but enough seductive, sensual tracks ("Acquiese This", "Maybe") to prevent this from being a pop album.
Lang let loose with her lyrics with a more carefree, easy feeling and a more immediate impact, and co-producers Mark Ramaer and Ben Mink helped complete this task. Also, the return of veterans like Mink on guitar, Teddy Borowiecki (keyboards), Graham Boyle (percussion), drummer Randall Stoll and David Pitch (bass) made it easier for Lang to focus on the lyrics once she had the music set.
Dance funk pervades the album as if Lang is strolling along wearing a wry smile just to remind you of her intentions. All in all, this is something best listened to at night - soothing and fun are two adjectives which immediately come to mind. The entire album is actually summed by the artist herself in the final track "I Want it All"; she does and she just may have it. As hard as anyone tries, labelling k.d. is not possible. Just when she is nailed down to a certain genre (even the genre of not pertaining to one) she changes and comes back even stronger. All You Can Eat is proof that she is a versatile and talented performer capable of producing a strong album, no matter which way her musical heart strays.
