Heavy Rotation (Anastacia Album) - Critical Reception

Critical Reception

On September 3, 2008, Anastacia hosted an album listening party at the Bureau Club in Soho, London. On September 9, 2008, Capital 95.8 posted a review of that listening party, saying that Heavy Rotation is one of her strongest and most varied albums to date. MSN reviewed the album at the listening party in London and felt that : "The album does sound a bit like a box-ticking exercise but the first half in particular is a reminder of what made Anastacia a big name in the first place - namely, that huge voice - and it's well worth a listen."

Overall Heavy Rotation received both positive as well as mixed and negative reviews. Allmusic critic Jon O'Brien gave the album four stars (out of five) stating that : "However, Heavy Rotation, her first studio album in nearly five years, tones down the guitars in favor of a more eclectic collection of songs that take in everything from glossy soul-funk to acoustic pop and even techno. But despite its occasional lapses into schmaltz and generic R&B, Heavy Rotation is still a charming and versatile record that has her unmistakable voice and personality stamped all over it." Maddy Costa from The Guardian gave the album a mixed review : " Otherwise, this album's notion of femininity is hardcore feminist: it's packed with I Will Survive-type anthems designed to get women dancing around handbags. They are exhausting to listen to, but so radiant with positivity it's hard to dislike them." Alex Fletcher from Digital Spy was less impressed with the album : "Whether those who bought Anastacia's first three albums will be charmed by her fourth remains to be seen For everyone else, however, Heavy Rotation will be too cringe-inducing to bear the repeated listens that its title promises." The Daily Mirror called Heavy Rotation : "A class act at the top of her game."

The Australian newspaper The Independent Weekly, was also impressed by the album giving it a favourable review : "Heavy Rotation is a triumphant return for an amazing artist who has travelled through pain to emerge stronger than ever before." BBC Music concluded about the album : "In summary: this is one happy Anastacia. Gone are the dark tracks of previous album Anastacia, replaced by soft ballads and upbeat disco stormers. Life on the sunny side is obviously doing her good, as is her partnership with Guy Chambers. Long may it continue – even, dare we say it, in heavy rotation".