It would not be accurate to say that Dido 'burst' on to the music scene in late 2000 with her album "No Angel", because album had been on the market for two years already. However, thanks to hip-hop superstar Eminem sampling Dido's song "Thank You" on his own hit song "Stan", people began clamoring for the identity of that haunting voice in the background of "Stan". They discovered that that voice belonged to Dido and her album "No Angel" was readily available for purchase. That album introduced fans to such musical gems as "Here With Me", "Hunter", and the full version of "Thank You". Album sales soared and fans waited for the next production from Ms. Dido Armstrong.

It took a while, but Dido has returned with the first single of her new album "Life for Rent" called "White Flag". It should be noted that the themes that run through Dido's songs are love, self-introspection, and co-dependency bordering on obsession. The wonderful "White Flag" is lyrically similar to its cousin "Here With Me" in that is lamenting a lost love and pining for a return to that love. Musically, it has elements of both "Here With Me" and "Hunter". As with those songs, the musical arrangement for "White Flag" is lush and full, but defers to the true power of this music, Dido's haunting vocals. "White Flag" is a strong start to what can only be hoped to be another big hit album in "Life For Rent". Hopefully, there is still much, much more to come from this beautiful and talented woman.

Dido's first single off her new album is simply outstanding! She sticks with her winning formula of sweet vocals, subtle beats and touching lyrics and it's a success once again!

Although some may criticise Dido for being too "same same" one listen of "White Flag" will really make you appreciate her unique sound. Why would you ever want to go for a different sound when the current is so movingly fantastic? The thing with Dido is that you honestly believe what she is singing about. This, I believe, is the sign of a true artist!

Track two is a non album track, which is a real treat for the fans! "Paris" could easily have been included as a track on the album. The simple guitar ensures the focus remains on Dido's vocals and lyrics. Such a sad tale of love, Dido adds a real, believable emotion to a beautiful ballad to make it what it is.

The "Johnny Toobad remix" is an unfortunate addition which left me both appreciating the original version of "White Flag" and wondering why a ballad must be transformed into a remix. They are ballads for a reason! Don't let this put you off though as "Paris" is enough reason to purchase this one!

For the life of me I can't quite put my finger on exactly what it is that makes this artist so appealing. Her lyrics are sophisticated enough, especially on White Flag with an extended metaphor that tugs at your thoughts. Yet, it's the music and her voice that create the real mystery- and magic. The apparent simplicity of the sound, what others have described as "dull" and "boring," I find enchanting. Dido's fetching habit of biting her lyrics off in short spurts is uncommmon in today's hip-hop-influenced world of unending and prolonged phrasing, but it is refreshingly clean and sensual. There's a clarity to this uncluttered styling. Indeed, it is her innocent manner, unfettered by needless repetition or superfluous overproduction, that seems to provide the understandable musical statement. Underneath it all, however, is an indefinable pulse that is both inviting and intriguing.

"White Flag" is a great melodic single. Though it is very catchy is has shown "wearing qualities". Dido has very special way of singing - easily recognizeable. Her style at times might remind you of early Suzanne Vega. The second track "Paris" is a quiet moving song about a sad trip to Paris. What exactly went wrong the story does not tell; maybe that`s what makes the story even more moving.

The final track "The Johnny Toobad Mix" does not do anything for me - I find it pretty tiresome!

Here with us, after what seemed a far too long break. But not only doesn't she measure up to the strongest songs in 'No Angel', with the single 'White Flag / Paris' she in fact surpasses our expectations - well, certainly mine. The melody, the arrangement of strings vs. electronic, and *that* voice. She seems to have expanded her range. And the firmly rooted in reality poignancy of the lyrics is the good fish out of the murky waters of pop.
She proves herself unique, again. But we were all aware of that from the first time we ever listened to her out of this world harmonies, weren't we? Well, some of us were. I would like to believe all who will listen to this will be, as well.