Nolita Fairytale - I think it's probably the most accesible song on the album, as its simple and has a catchy melody enhanced by modern production. Not my favourite song on the album, and I usually skip it because I've listened to it so many times. Lyrics are too specific (ie "Stevie knows and I thank her so") which ultimately means that the ambiguity and other interpretations of the song are lost, making it kind of shallow lyrically. 7/10
Hands On Me - Love the 2-3.... and the "alright" at the beginning of the song. At first I thought the song was a bit overproduced, but now I've come to appreciate the diversity between the songs on this album and those on Harmonium. The violin in the second verse could (and in my opinion should) explore its range more as opposed to just playing the same note over and over again. The chorus at the last chorus also make the song sound a bit cheesy. I prefer the live version... 8/10
Spring Street - One of my favourite songs on the album. At first the "nah nah nah nah" annoyed me, but now I realise the importance of it in making both the song catchy to people, but as well as enhancing the whole idea she intrinsically explores through the lyrics. I read the song as being about the cycle of motherhood, and how it continues. Verse 1 daughter is let by mother into the world on their own, Verse 2 daughter meets someones and settles down, Verse 3 the daughter is now saying goodbye to her
own daughter....I think the "nah nah nah nah" is kind of about the way in which the same things happen over and over again....if that makes sense? Anyway, I really like the verses of this song. The simple and acoustic sound contrasts from the thicker texture of the chorus. 9/10
My Best - Never release this as a single! It's way too boring in my opinion...whilst the thought and sentiment might be nice, the result is boring, the structure is confusing (which are the verses/choruses??) and the melody sounds like something a three-year old could have made up. I dont mind the "its like you never left" descending ideas (im guessing this is the chorus?) but they are too short to make a lasting impact on a listener. I always skip this song. 6/10
Come Undone - Organ reverb at the beginning is too long. Once would have been enough, no need to repeat the same instrument playing solo for that long unless it changes significantally. I like the piano intro, and the acoustic Michelle Branch feel this song takes. "there are people in this lifetime, we should never meet" - I really like this lyric, and the darker and honest tone the music takes during that part of the song. I like the clapping at the piano outro, it kind of brings it back down to a very raw and intimate level. I love listening to the final piano melodies. 8.5/10
The One - I LOVE the harmonising at the beginning of the song, however the tone the rest of the song follows doesn't fit in with the beginning. I was expecting some kind of mystical and dark song, but it ends up a corny love song. I don't mind Stevie's vocals now, and think that this is probably the best song for her to duet with on the album, but maybe if she sung on "spring street" it would be better as that has the whole mother/daughter old/youth theme running through it....anyone agree? 7/10
Heroes and Thieves - the whole "folk" instrument thing happening makes the song sound like a travelling circus with a gypsy vibe running through it. I prefer the vocals on this song as they are stronger than the live, however some of the instruments ruin it and make the song sound way too upbeat when it's suppose to be extremely emotional and raw. at least thats what i fell in love with the live version for. 7/10
This Time - Linda Perry = death. No wonder Vanessa only put one of her songs on the album. The lyrics are cliche, the piano accompaniment and melody are both repetitive and are based around only a few notes of the simple 1-4-5 chord progression probably employed by Linda Perry. It sounds like a standard pop song, piano intro, verse, chorus, verse 2, middle 8, chorus, outro.....vanessa is so much better than a song like this. The slow tempo of the song makes the song drag on too much, and I find this is another song I skip. Live version = better. 7/10
Fools Like Me - My favourite song on the album. I love the thick sound of the intro which then dies off in the verse, gradually building up agian to the chorus. I love "sand in my shoes" and "ink on a page" pre-chorus parts, they make the song that little bit better. The lyrics in this song are one of the few that feel as if they are coming straight from Vanessa's heart as opposed to Irv Gotti's wallet...If you try and ignore the slight overproduction on the song during the middle 8 you can tell vanessa had heaps of emotion in the "and its BREAKING" part of the song. Too bad its lost in an attempt to appeal to todays music tastes. Still, a great song. My favourite on the album. 9.5/10
Home - the vocals are a little bit overproduced in this song, however during the verses you can hear the emotion in her voice. I like in this song how it starts simple, and gradually the piano/vocals become more expressive and complex. The feel Vanessa creates at the beginning is tepidatious/uncertain and by the end of the song as she realises "I've always known with you I am home" her vocals are a lot more definite...she's made up her mind. I like how the song flows like that, gradually increasing. Followed by an awesome piano outro. Tied for second favourite song on the album. Still, I have a soft spot for the live vesrsion. 9/10
More Than This - I can't express how great this song is. Starts simple, and then builds up a little, then goes back to being simple, then builds up...its just constantly having the listener waiting for the climax of the song and then BAM there comes the "lets live in the glory". The lyrics are poetic and outsanding ["times may be so easily mine"]. I think this is a great ending to a soundtrack....very orchestral, borderline cheesy at parts, but overall a great song. 9/10
Overall I'm impressed with the album. I havn't been able to put it down over the past few days, and everyday I find something new in each song. That's what was missing with Harmonium, as it was very thin texture-wise (often just piano/v). I think V has grown as an artist, and once she has a commercial success I think she will go back to writing the more intimate stuff we are use to and IMO she is more comftorble with. Nevertheless she still feels very comftorble with this album
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