Amanda Ghost - Ghost Stories (2000)

Here is an album I was drawn to for three very common reasons in my world - a cool artist name, a cool cover, and a wicked dance track. I'm a sucker for a good song. And in this case it was "Filthy Mind". The song ruled the dance charts, and London-born Amanda followed it up with another dance hit, "Idol". I bought the album as a US import, as I just HAD to have it. Once I listened to it I was a bit put off at first, however. The songs were nowhere near as danceable and propulsive as the remixed versions. But with a few listens they and the album grew on me, with the help of Amanda's unique voice and great songwriting and the production's electronic flourishes. It's best described as techno-pop-rock. It was far from the mainstream, however, and the album got little attention on the pop charts. She did release a third single to garner attention, "Glory Girl", but it didn't fare as well as the others and thus didn't improve album sales. She did not disappear, however. In fact, she thrived - as a songwriter. Aside from some work with friend Boy George, she co-wrote three huge hits over the last few years - James Blunt's "You're Beautiful", Beyonce & Shakira's "Beautiful Liar", and Jordin Sparks' "Tattoo" (also, Sonique covered the haunting song "Empty" on her debut album). And she continues to write and record. She independently released an EP called Blood On The Line in 2006, and appears to be getting ready to reemerge, as her official website is 'under construction'.

Video for Filthy Mind

Video for Idol

Video for Glory Girl

Download Ghost Stories

1		Filthy Mind
2		Idol
3		Glory Girl
4		The Wrong Man
5		Cellophane
6		Blind Man
7		Silver Lining
8		Empty
9		A Child Believes
10		Numb