Pride Source ROTR Review

[OPENROAD]

http://www.pridesource.com/article.html?article=48133

Vanessa Carlton, 'Rabbits on the Run'

On Vanessa Carlton's fourth album, it's like she's walked a thousand miles - from that image of the pop balladeer she once was. The ballads are there on "Rabbits on the Run," but they take on a Tori-lite sound, with that same etherealness. Having come out as bisexual last year and signing to an indie label could be catalysts for the sense of freedom she thankfully employs on this project, made of 10 songs that are as intimate as she's ever been.

"Carousel" begins familiarly, and then drifts into a dreamy soundscape that sucks you in with its enchanting use of handclaps, orchestral airiness and Carlton's underrated voice. That's especially true on "Hear the Bells," where she hauntingly sings in her lower register - and sounds brilliantly moody doing so. "Fairweather Friend" builds like a Coldplay triumph; "Get Good" relies on guitar instead of piano to drive a hearty melody; and she takes a chance with "In the End," the closing piano ballad a la Sarah McLachlan's "Last Dance." Sonically, some of "Rabbits on the Run" is monotonous, and absolutely none of it sounds radio-made - though the jaunty "Tall Tales for Spring" or the almost-Taylor Swift "I Don't Want to Be a Bride" would probably have the broadest appeal. But this album's not meant for mainstream. And with music this good, so what? Grade: B

[reveng_desire]

Ew, I am so over this "herp a derp she's a bisexual!" crap.

[vcfan]

i wonder when they're gonna stop mentioning ATM

[Harmonium]

i wonder when they're gonna stop mentioning ATM

Haha, i think shes gonna have to live with ATM for the rest of her life.

[initially_yours]

But this album's not meant for mainstream. And with music this good, so what? Grade: B

EXACTLY.  Finally, a reviewer who understands that just because an album isn't commercially appealing and sells a zillion copies, doesn't mean it's a failure.

[OPENROAD]

i wonder when they're gonna stop mentioning ATM

I hope never, I understand why it can be annoying in that she is so much more, but commercially that was her huge single, that most of the public will know, when I tell people I love Vanessa, they go "who", as soon as they play ATM, they know it immediately.

Also ATM really is an incredible song, it is one of those songs that will never sound dated imo.

[[sobriquet]]

i wonder when they're gonna stop mentioning ATM

I hope never, I understand why it can be annoying in that she is so much more, but commercially that was her huge single, that most of the public will know, when I tell people I love Vanessa, they go "who", as soon as they play ATM, they know it immediately.

Also ATM really is an incredible song, it is one of those songs that will never sound dated imo.

I agree with this. It's a classic for the kids of 90's. And seriously, who could ever forget that riff?

And yes, she is evolving. But to me, she'll always be the ballerina who found freedom in piano.

[OPENROAD]

i wonder when they're gonna stop mentioning ATM

I hope never, I understand why it can be annoying in that she is so much more, but commercially that was her huge single, that most of the public will know, when I tell people I love Vanessa, they go "who", as soon as they play ATM, they know it immediately.

Also ATM really is an incredible song, it is one of those songs that will never sound dated imo.

I agree with this. It's a classic for the kids of 90's. And seriously, who could ever forget that riff?

And yes, she is evolving. But to me, she'll always be the ballerina who found freedom in piano.

Hey not just for the kids    I was 27 when it came out 

[sarab]

i wonder when they're gonna stop mentioning ATM

I hope never, I understand why it can be annoying in that she is so much more, but commercially that was her huge single, that most of the public will know, when I tell people I love Vanessa, they go "who", as soon as they play ATM, they know it immediately.

Also ATM really is an incredible song, it is one of those songs that will never sound dated imo.

I agree with this. It's a classic for the kids of 90's. And seriously, who could ever forget that riff?

And yes, she is evolving. But to me, she'll always be the ballerina who found freedom in piano.

that's very poetic.  I like that a lot.

[AlexanderLaska]

Ew, I am so over this "herp a derp she's a bisexual!" crap.

The website is called PRIDE source for a reason.

[Byoungforever]

But this album's not meant for mainstream. And with music this good, so what? Grade: B

EXACTLY.  Finally, a reviewer who understands that just because an album isn't commercially appealing and sells a zillion copies, doesn't mean it's a failure.

I just like that someone finally acknowledged the reality that this album is not commercial.... I think too many people are hoping and/or saying it is when it isn't.

[iluvvanessa]

I can't believe they compared her to Taylor Swift.
Outrageous.

[Fred_Saboya]

i really like this song-by-song kind of review. but they forgot the marching line haha.
yeah, wether we like it or not, a thousand miles IS the top of her career (maybe not for us, cuz we are nessaholics and we know much more than a thousand miles haha), and it is the song that made her name. but i agree it's kinda weird that every review starts almost the same.

[Martin.]

it's a good thing "ATM" is still getting mentioned. without it we'd have had no new music.

[fizzybubblespop]

I can't believe they compared her to Taylor Swift.
Outrageous.

Agreed.