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Vanessa Carlton => Vanessa Songs / Lyrics / Sheet Music => Topic started by: ryan9315 on January 06, 2011, 07:13:10 pm

Title: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: ryan9315 on January 06, 2011, 07:13:10 pm
I'm not sure if there is already a topic like this because I don't post here too often. Please direct me to one if there is!

I think it's fairy obvious that Vanessa is incredibly underrated by the music world today. That's different though amongst her fans though. I thought it would be fun and cool to share each others opinions on which Vanessa songs don't get enough credit.

I don't really know how this is going to work since I don't talk to many other Vanessa fans so my opinions of what is underrated or not may be off, but oh well.

I think This Time is really underrated. I've lurked these forums for a few months and I don't see too much talk about it. Even on Tumblr, I don't think I've seen it posted once.

It's a really great song and I think more people should listen to it (big Vanessa fans or not) because it's something everyone can relate too. Plus, it's a bit vague as to what type of relationship is being referred to. For me, I can see it both as a relationship with a significant other or just a friend, and I think that's what I like about it.

I'd say Spring Street too, but I can see why people don't like that one that much.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: sarab on January 07, 2011, 04:07:39 am
I think a lot of songs from the demo tape are underrated, like last fall and little mary.  On the official boards (old website) there was some talk about this time, but have not seen it too much on here.  I think it's widely liked though!  There is an entire thread on spring street, I'm sure there is one on This time.  I too don't spend enough time looking through all the threads...it can be hard as a late joiner to look and read through YEARS of posts.  Lately a lot of talk is mostly about Rabbits on the Run and the five new songs we've all been hooked on!
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: [sobriquet] on January 07, 2011, 06:41:15 am
I agree. This Time is a great song. It's just one of those rare songs that carry you away.

Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: Martin. on January 07, 2011, 08:54:57 am
I hate her vocals on "This Time". I like her performance of it at the Living Room (I think?) in 2005 better.

Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: ryan9315 on January 07, 2011, 11:40:45 am
I hate her vocals on "This Time". I like her performance of it at the Living Room (I think?) in 2005 better.



I could see why. She really pushes her voice on the choruses. It's like a whole chorus of that part in Fools Like Me where she says "breakin".
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: OPENROAD on January 07, 2011, 03:38:42 pm
Wow, such a hard question, are we talking underrated by the general public/media or by her fans?

If its the former, then honestly all of her songs including A Thousand Miles which really was one of the best pop songs of the 00's but I never hear it on radio in Ireland/UK.

If its by her fans then I think Home, its such a beautiful song with beautiful meaning, fantastic melody and great outro.

But then again you have Unsung, Sway, Paradise etc etc etc .... far too hard to pin it down to one  :)
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: WhiteRabbit on January 07, 2011, 05:37:23 pm
oh gosh, theres so many! i agree with the ones already suggested on here and i also think that Red Ditty is underrated. i really enjoy that song for its simplicity.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: OPENROAD on January 07, 2011, 05:40:21 pm
Another one I forgot to mention was Superhero, I'm really loving that one at the moment, should have been on Be Not Nobody, oh and Dark Carnival.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: WhiteRabbit on January 07, 2011, 05:41:35 pm
Another one I forgot to mention was Superhero, I'm really loving that one at the moment, should have been on Be Not Nobody, oh and Dark Carnival.
i had an obsession with Dark Carnival for a while... its pretty much over now, i still love the song though!
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: OPENROAD on January 07, 2011, 05:50:51 pm
Another one I forgot to mention was Superhero, I'm really loving that one at the moment, should have been on Be Not Nobody, oh and Dark Carnival.
i had an obsession with Dark Carnival for a while... its pretty much over now, i still love the song though!

I only discovered the song about a month go ;D but really love it, both the studio version and live version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO1im7Agsic
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: sarab on January 07, 2011, 07:20:50 pm
oh gosh, theres so many! i agree with the ones already suggested on here and i also think that Red Ditty is underrated. i really enjoy that song for its simplicity.


oooooo I love red ditty!  giggle at the end is priceless
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: ryan9315 on January 07, 2011, 10:15:10 pm
Wow, such a hard question, are we talking underrated by the general public/media or by her fans?

If its the former, then honestly all of her songs including A Thousand Miles which really was one of the best pop songs of the 00's but I never hear it on radio in Ireland/UK.

If its by her fans then I think Home, its such a beautiful song with beautiful meaning, fantastic melody and great outro.

But then again you have Unsung, Sway, Paradise etc etc etc .... far too hard to pin it down to one  :)

Either/or, but probably more so her fans. She's underrated as a whole by the media.

I agree on Paradise. Love that short instrumental part before the bridge.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: WhiteRabbit on January 08, 2011, 11:35:49 am
Another one I forgot to mention was Superhero, I'm really loving that one at the moment, should have been on Be Not Nobody, oh and Dark Carnival.
i had an obsession with Dark Carnival for a while... its pretty much over now, i still love the song though!

I only discovered the song about a month go ;D but really love it, both the studio version and live version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO1im7Agsic
her facials, she looks like she's actually mad hahaha. so cute, thanks for posting that link! its more sped u than the studio but i like it :)
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: joey on January 16, 2011, 11:28:32 am
Easy.

Hands down it has to be Meggie Sue. I could listen to that song all friggin day and not even get bored. It's so brilliant. I call it the prelude to 'She Floats' ;)
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: sarab on January 16, 2011, 04:11:24 pm
Easy.

Hands down it has to be Meggie Sue. I could listen to that song all friggin day and not even get bored. It's so brilliant. I call it the prelude to 'She Floats' ;)

yeah!  Agreed.  I think the demo tape as a whole and her as a whole go unappreciated by the general public.  they don't know what they are missing.  They'd rather listen to selfish rappers and watch girls shake their assess.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: OPENROAD on January 16, 2011, 04:28:37 pm
Just listening to Rinse at the moment, really think its a very powerful song, and like all her songs, a great melody. Also Sway is another song from that album that is very underrated.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: mysticalmists on January 16, 2011, 07:32:41 pm
I adore "Superhero" - I'm glad that it got to the unreleased CD stage, so we have a clear sound copy of it..and "Faces" - seriously, that song gives me goosebumps, even though it's just a demo tape...
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: Rekky on January 17, 2011, 08:30:30 am
I recently discovered Superhero and I love it. The same thing with All is well. More than underrated I think that they are like tresaures, is great to see that the unreleased songs are beautiful and powerful just like the ones in the albums but the fact that they are unknown for a lot of people make them more special. I feel like I am discovering her once again.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: sarab on January 17, 2011, 10:06:48 pm
Rekky, I agree.  I only recently heard the demo tape (thanks to this site and the essential downloads thread).  I couldn't believe all the greats on there.  They are like little treasures and I feel privllaged to have heard them when others have been deprived (though I like it that way most of the time).  She could have a whole album with those songs.  They do seem more simple and less complex even verbally, but still awesome and full of meaning and depth.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: [sobriquet] on January 18, 2011, 12:56:48 am
Rekky, I agree.  I only recently heard the demo tape (thanks to this site and the essential downloads thread).  I couldn't believe all the greats on there.  They are like little treasures and I feel privllaged to have heard them when others have been deprived (though I like it that way most of the time).  She could have a whole album with those songs.  They do seem more simple and less complex even verbally, but still awesome and full of meaning and depth.


I agree. I think the demo tape is also thematic - about a girl's journey towards womanhood. If V would do a remake of these songs, I think it would sound so differently beautiful.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: sarab on January 18, 2011, 02:11:10 am
Rekky, I agree.  I only recently heard the demo tape (thanks to this site and the essential downloads thread).  I couldn't believe all the greats on there.  They are like little treasures and I feel privllaged to have heard them when others have been deprived (though I like it that way most of the time).  She could have a whole album with those songs.  They do seem more simple and less complex even verbally, but still awesome and full of meaning and depth.


I agree. I think the demo tape is also thematic - about a girl's journey towards womanhood. If V would do a remake of these songs, I think it would sound so differently beautiful.

Oh yes! I never thought of it that way.  Very perceptive.  I would love for her to revisit these songs..maybe tweak them, though they don't NEED tweaking...maybe develop them more, is what I mean to say.  It would be great to hear cleaner, studio versions.  Though I'm sure in other ways she wants to leave them as they are because they speak of a different time in her life and to go back to them would ruin (for lack of a better term) what they mean and the context they are in.  She is all about moving forward, not looking back so to revamp them would soil their authenticity. (So basically I'm contradicting myself. haha, I do that a lot.  I want the best of both worlds!)
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: [sobriquet] on January 18, 2011, 03:25:25 am
Rekky, I agree.  I only recently heard the demo tape (thanks to this site and the essential downloads thread).  I couldn't believe all the greats on there.  They are like little treasures and I feel privllaged to have heard them when others have been deprived (though I like it that way most of the time).  She could have a whole album with those songs.  They do seem more simple and less complex even verbally, but still awesome and full of meaning and depth.


I agree. I think the demo tape is also thematic - about a girl's journey towards womanhood. If V would do a remake of these songs, I think it would sound so differently beautiful.

Oh yes! I never thought of it that way.  Very perceptive.  I would love for her to revisit these songs..maybe tweak them, though they don't NEED tweaking...maybe develop them more, is what I mean to say.  It would be great to hear cleaner, studio versions.  Though I'm sure in other ways she wants to leave them as they are because they speak of a different time in her life and to go back to them would ruin (for lack of a better term) what they mean and the context they are in.  She is all about moving forward, not looking back so to revamp them would soil their authenticity. (So basically I'm contradicting myself. haha, I do that a lot.  I want the best of both worlds!)

I agree with the moving forward idea. She always says that each song is like a chapter of a book. And I guess in reading a book, you move forward.

But if she would release a compilation of remakes of those, I'd imagine her calling the album Full Circle or something on the lines.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: ryan9315 on January 18, 2011, 09:52:58 pm
What if I said "M.A.K.E.L.O.V.E.T.O.M.E."? Just kidding!
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: WhiteRabbit on January 19, 2011, 04:51:43 pm
What if I said "M.A.K.E.L.O.V.E.T.O.M.E."? Just kidding!
LOL!!
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: sarab on January 20, 2011, 03:16:07 am
What if I said "M.A.K.E.L.O.V.E.T.O.M.E."? Just kidding!

Oh, I would have to agree.   :P
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: OPENROAD on January 23, 2011, 06:19:49 pm
Just listening to Fools Like Me at the moment, really love it.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: OPENROAD on January 24, 2011, 09:06:50 pm
One song I don't see mentioned too much is Pretty Baby. Really love the demo version and live versions. I know the lyrics are quite innocent but thats part of its charm and she was quite young when she wrote it.

Definitely one of my favorite melodies, beautiful.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: sarab on January 24, 2011, 10:21:02 pm
One song I don't see mentioned too much is Pretty Baby. Really love the demo version and live versions. I know the lyrics are quite innocent but thats part of its charm and she was quite young when she wrote it.

Definitely one of my favorite melodies, beautiful.

oh, I don't think Pretty Baby is innocent at all!  To me, it's  not a love song, it's an obsession song.  I have written about this elsewhere so I won't go in to it here.  I'm not a fan of the "radio version" it was fine the way it was!
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: OPENROAD on January 24, 2011, 11:12:43 pm
One song I don't see mentioned too much is Pretty Baby. Really love the demo version and live versions. I know the lyrics are quite innocent but thats part of its charm and she was quite young when she wrote it.

Definitely one of my favorite melodies, beautiful.

oh, I don't think Pretty Baby is innocent at all!  To me, it's  not a love song, it's an obsession song.  I have written about this elsewhere so I won't go in to it here.  I'm not a fan of the "radio version" it was fine the way it was!

hey good point, suppose the lyrics can certainly be interpreted that way, I mentioned this in my introduction, but that song was so written about me and this girl I knew coincidently around the time the song was released.

The production on Be Not Nobody album was very good but I agree with you regarding the radio version/UK album version, was so happy to find the demo version in a rare online music shop. I must do a search on the site for your post on it, would be interested to read your interpretation of it.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: sarab on January 24, 2011, 11:43:25 pm
One song I don't see mentioned too much is Pretty Baby. Really love the demo version and live versions. I know the lyrics are quite innocent but thats part of its charm and she was quite young when she wrote it.

Definitely one of my favorite melodies, beautiful.

oh, I don't think Pretty Baby is innocent at all!  To me, it's  not a love song, it's an obsession song.  I have written about this elsewhere so I won't go in to it here.  I'm not a fan of the "radio version" it was fine the way it was!

hey good point, suppose the lyrics can certainly be interpreted that way, I mentioned this in my introduction, but that song was so written about me and this girl I knew coincidently around the time the song was released.

The production on Be Not Nobody album was very good but I agree with you regarding the radio version/UK album version, was so happy to find the demo version in a rare online music shop. I must do a search on the site for your post on it, would be interested to read your interpretation of it.

I do recall that.  I don't recall WHERE I posted my thing, but I will look as well and let you know if I find it!  The song can certainly be taken both ways. However, when she did a show in Rochester, NY 2002 she said something to the effect of everyone thinking it's a love song, but it's not (and I remember thinking, I KNEW THAT!)  Then the video shows her tying up the guy..
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: sarab on January 24, 2011, 11:49:26 pm
One song I don't see mentioned too much is Pretty Baby. Really love the demo version and live versions. I know the lyrics are quite innocent but thats part of its charm and she was quite young when she wrote it.

Definitely one of my favorite melodies, beautiful.

oh, I don't think Pretty Baby is innocent at all!  To me, it's  not a love song, it's an obsession song.  I have written about this elsewhere so I won't go in to it here.  I'm not a fan of the "radio version" it was fine the way it was!

hey good point, suppose the lyrics can certainly be interpreted that way, I mentioned this in my introduction, but that song was so written about me and this girl I knew coincidently around the time the song was released.

The production on Be Not Nobody album was very good but I agree with you regarding the radio version/UK album version, was so happy to find the demo version in a rare online music shop. I must do a search on the site for your post on it, would be interested to read your interpretation of it.

I do recall that.  I don't recall WHERE I posted my thing, but I will look as well and let you know if I find it!  The song can certainly be taken both ways. However, when she did a show in Rochester, NY 2002 she said something to the effect of everyone thinking it's a love song, but it's not (and I remember thinking, I KNEW THAT!)  Then the video shows her tying up the guy..

well I thought I did but the only thing I could find is in "meanings and notions behind the songs" under lyrics/sheet music section but I only mention it briefly..hmm
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: OPENROAD on January 25, 2011, 12:04:10 am
One song I don't see mentioned too much is Pretty Baby. Really love the demo version and live versions. I know the lyrics are quite innocent but thats part of its charm and she was quite young when she wrote it.

Definitely one of my favorite melodies, beautiful.

oh, I don't think Pretty Baby is innocent at all!  To me, it's  not a love song, it's an obsession song.  I have written about this elsewhere so I won't go in to it here.  I'm not a fan of the "radio version" it was fine the way it was!

hey good point, suppose the lyrics can certainly be interpreted that way, I mentioned this in my introduction, but that song was so written about me and this girl I knew coincidently around the time the song was released.

The production on Be Not Nobody album was very good but I agree with you regarding the radio version/UK album version, was so happy to find the demo version in a rare online music shop. I must do a search on the site for your post on it, would be interested to read your interpretation of it.

I do recall that.  I don't recall WHERE I posted my thing, but I will look as well and let you know if I find it!  The song can certainly be taken both ways. However, when she did a show in Rochester, NY 2002 she said something to the effect of everyone thinking it's a love song, but it's not (and I remember thinking, I KNEW THAT!)  Then the video shows her tying up the guy..

well I thought I did but the only thing I could find is in "meanings and notions behind the songs" under lyrics/sheet music section but I only mention it briefly..hmm

Just found your post on it.

I always saw it as loving someone but them not feeling the same way, so taking that a step further can definitely see the obsession interpretation.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: ryan9315 on January 25, 2011, 05:50:06 pm
I know it's a bit early, but with the mastering of the album, I just can't help think about what songs will be considered underrated and overrated on the album. Don't even know why I am thinking about it because it's too early! Guess I'm just anticipating it too much.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: Rabbits_on_the_run on January 28, 2011, 10:14:12 am
Well let's say it's WAY too early, we don't even know which songs made the cut.

About V's most underrated songs, I think all her songs (well except ATM) are underrated. But let's talk about the last record. I believe "Spring Street" would have been an amazing (I don't know if succesful) but AMAZING single, it's beautiful, and is catchy since the first listen. You can call it repetitive, but most songs on the radio are.
On the other hand, I think that Unsung is pretty overrated...  never loved that one very much.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: OPENROAD on January 28, 2011, 04:12:51 pm
She Floats has a beautiful haunting melody, love the concept behind the song also.

As far as melodies go, nobody can beat Vanessa, one of the things I really love about her music.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: AG. on January 29, 2011, 01:35:40 am
I believe "Spring Street" would have been an amazing (I don't know if succesful) but AMAZING single, it's beautiful, and is catchy since the first listen. You can call it repetitive, but most songs on the radio are.

I adore Spring Street, i always imagined a really beautiful illustrated single cover, similar to Hands on Me. I just think the lyrics are so incredible poignant.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: Rabbits_on_the_run on January 29, 2011, 02:42:46 am
And i've been playing the music video in my head since i heard it for the first time back in 2007.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: mixedanthony on March 04, 2011, 10:55:28 am
More Than This has so much meaning and I adore the song so much. That song is definitely underrated. H&T as a whole was just underrated.
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: mysticalmists on March 04, 2011, 08:49:18 pm
More Than This has so much meaning and I adore the song so much. That song is definitely underrated. H&T as a whole was just underrated.

I agree!! I think most of you will disagree with my taste, but H&T is my fave of her albums <3 "More Than This" and "Home" are so epic!
Title: Re: V's Most Underrated Songs
Post by: WhiteRabbit on March 04, 2011, 09:52:02 pm
More Than This has so much meaning and I adore the song so much. That song is definitely underrated. H&T as a whole was just underrated.

I agree!! I think most of you will disagree with my taste, but H&T is my fave of her albums <3 "More Than This" and "Home" are so epic!
Not at all. I totally agree. H&T is my favorite of her albums too. The songs are just so great, More Than This, Hands On Me and Home are like my absolute favorites :)