Dido makes a name for herself

Lisa Arsenault

Though possibly best recognized for singing the chorus on Eminem's single Stan, as well as playing Stan's pregnant girlfriend in the video, Dido can hold her own on the music scene.
With her CD No Angel, singer/songwriter Dido offers listeners a beautifully distinct voice with amazing range. The music, mixed with lots of funky percussion beats and dub-effects, stands on the groovier side of pop.
Track three, Thank You, is one of the stronger tracks on the CD. It's also the song from which Eminem samples the opening verse to use as the chorus for Stan. Although the lyrics of the chorus leave something to be desired, the rest of the song demonstrates Dido's originality.
Though they are a far cry from the bubble-gum pop of Brittany Spears' "Oops I Did it Again," Dido's lyrics are by times a tad cheesy, taking away from her obvious talent. Track three, Don't Think of Me, starts with "So you're with her and not with me, I hope she's sweet and so pret-ty." I rest my case.
She does redeem herself lyrically in tracks like Here With me and Slide, "Even on a day like this when you're crawling on the floor, reaching for the phone to ring anyone who knows you anymore...don't slide."
Each song on the CD has its own twist. Isobel, co-written by Dido and her brother Rollo Armstrong, creates an almost mournful air with dark music and haunting lyrics. Listening to track 11, My Life, you can almost see Dido crooning from the top of a piano in a smokey blues bar.
The CD as a whole has its share of songs which are probably destined for, well, nothing. Though there are enough great tracks to make it a worthwhile buy.
No Angel is not likely to be found on the CD essentials list but a good rule of thumb is if you like Dido on Eminem's Stan, chances are you'll like the CD enough to dip into your entertainment fund for her.