In retrospect, it's amazing this album wasn't more of a Stateside success than it was; "If I Were You" and "You're OK" are the sort of irresistible pop/rock workouts you'd expect VH1 to cling to (imagine a subdued Sheryl Crow), and the tender ballad "Maybe" sounds like something Fleetwood Mac might have aspired to after "Rumours." Similarly retro and commercial-friendly is the organ-laced 60's feel behind "Sexuality," and the Beatles-heavy vibe found on "Get Some" provides one of lang's most joyous-sounding vocals and overall finest moments. "Acquiesce" is a bit of an oddity, with some moody "ooh"s and the repeating of the title attempting to pass as hooks, but the track isn't an unpleasant listen, and the tender, Motels-like ballad "This" and the sultry, slow-burn funk of "I Want it All" more than make up for any quibbles it may inspire.

Throughout the record lang's frequent producer Ben Mink keeps that glorious voice awash in crisp drum rhythms, tasteful instrumental flourishes and lush self-harmonies; this album is so polished you almost expect to see your own reflection in it. But what's especially striking here is the minimalist effect at work; most of the tunes have one verse and bridge, one chorus, a short solo, and another chorus leading to somewhat abrupt finishes that make you want to instantly start each track over again. Suddenly the Chinese-takeout theme of the packaging makes sense; like the old joke about eating Chinese and being hungry an hour later, you may well find that one -or two, or three- spins of this slick pop record simply isn't enough. "All You Can Eat," indeed.
This was the first CD from k.d. lang that I bought. I became a fan of hers after I was musically seduced by "Miss Chatelaine," off the "Ingénue" CD, at the place where I was working at the time (see my review of Ingénue). I actually wanted to get the CD single for "Miss Chatelaine" first, I was surfing the Net while waiting for the single to arrive in the mail and heard the beginning of "Sexuality" on one of the k.d. sites I found. That was enough to make me want more. So, I bought the A.Y.C.E. CD. I haven't regretted that decision one bit since. Although the whole CD is great, there are stand-out songs in the bunch:

"If I Were You" starts things off nicely. Check out the harp solo, played by k.d. herself! The aformentioned "Sexuality" is about as seductive as "Miss Chatelaine," IMHO. "You're OK" and "Maybe" both showcase the vulnerable side of Miss lang, and are both very well-done. "Infinite And Unforseen" is simply beautiful, the perfect song to cuddle up with the one you love by. "I Want It All" is one of (if not THE) most sultry songs on the CD; if fairly drips with sex.

Overall, this CD doesn't really stand up as well as Ingénue does, but it is still very nice to listen to. However, I'd still recommend buying Ingénue for a first taste of k.d. lang.

All You Can Eat
"All You Can Eat" is one of the two KD lang albums I own (the other one being "Ingénue") and I happen to consider it a masterpiece of simplicity and sensuality. KD's strength lies in her voice, which, like those of Karen Carpenter or Tracy Thorn (of Everything but The Girl), is crystal-clear, perfectly-pitched and void of any self-indulgence. The arrangements, most of which are R&B-inclined, swift seamlessly throughout the record as tales of love, sexuality and flirtation are delivered with mesmerizing sincerity. "If I were You", "Sexuality", "Maybe", "World Of Love" are all highlights, on a disc containing no filler and no nonsense. If you still don't have this record and find yourself doubting ever getting it because some reviewers chose to put it down and compare it to "Ingénue", do yourself a favor... stop reading and start listening. A truly enchating album for a candle-lit evening, alone or with someone. My favorite KD Lang album.
Well, I have tried many times in the past to be enthusiastic about this CD because I absolutely love all the other KD albums. However, too many times I have relegated this CD to the back drawer in favor of the other KD albums. It simply fails to hold and sustain my attention as Ingenue, Drag or Invincible Summer do. The reason is obvious... Lyrics-wise, All You Can Eat is strong but it simply lacks the musical chops to do itself justice. Tempo-wise, all the songs are practically indistinguishable from one another and the whole album sounds like an interminable, monotonous B-grade symphony. This album is proof that innovative lyrics can only work their magic on the listener ONLY when the music is on par too!!!

I rarely listen to this CD nowadays (the only occasion would be April Fool's Day :). Thank goodness KD has those other superior albums to her credit. If this CD is the only work posterity will remember KD by, her memory would sink faster than a prune-pit in a spittoon.