Album Results
Album Reviews
Jewel came dangerously close to drowning in her own solemnity and good intentions with her second album, so it comes as a great relief that This Way, her third effort, finds her lightening up and sharpening her focus, creating an album that never feels as somber or polished as Spirit. In fact, it's her first genuine step forward, since it finds her enhancing the latent folk and country influences in her music, attempting to add grit to her songs and performances, while retaining the pop sense of Pieces of You's studiocraft that made Spirit a more sonically satisfying record than her debut. Consequently, this is probably the best record she has cut to date, even if she still is very quick to indulge in silly, naïve lyrics (it's not just her save-the-world sentiments -- who on god's green earth has pictures of Randy Newman strewn across the floor?). Nevertheless, Jewel sounds looser, more comfortable than she ever has, and the music matches her attitude. The same problems may still remain, but her strengths have been enhanced and, at its best, This Way offers some fine, sweet adult alternative folk-pop -- maybe it has some dull stretches, and maybe she still takes herself a bit too seriously, but it's a classy adult pop record all the same. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Track Listing
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Don't Believe In Love Dido |
| After almost 5 years, Dido is back...and was it worth the wait? The single sounds like it could have come off the last album, with a great chorus and sumptuous strings carrying the melody and packing an emotional punch in the process. Apparently this and most of "Safe Trip Home" was written about her recent breakup. Well, it worked for Winehouse with 'Back to Black', so why not? However, lyrics aside, it's actually a good little pop song and it's surprising how little radio play it has had, resulting in a relatively low chart placing. Maybe people are waiting for the album (now out), which she has worked on with the likes of Brian Eno & Jon Brion (Keane), as her sales are remarkably high due to her loyal fan case. The first two shifted over 24 millions copies worldwide between them. After a brief listen, it seems that Dido has released the strongest song first, as she did with 'White Flag' from her last effort. However, this is not of that magnitude unfortunately and the album feels a bit low key and 'samey'. But, as with all great albums, only time will tell and this lead single more than merits the wait: the haunting vocals and polished production will at least push the extremely talented Dido back into the public's consciousness, where she belongs! | |
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