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Jewel - Goodbye Alice in Wonderland
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Music CD CoverArtist: Jewel Brand: MLB Edition: Music CD Audio: English (Original Language) CD Release Date: 2006-05-02 Music Label: Atlantic Soundtracks: - Again and Again
- Long Slow Slide
- Goodbye Alice in Wonderland
- Good Day
- Satellite
- Only One Too
- Words Get In the Way
- Drive To You
- Last Dance Rodeo
- Fragile Heart
- Stephenville, TX
- Where You Are
- 1000 Miles Away
Free Music Notes for Goodbye Alice in WonderlandFree Music Review: Raw Elegance Hit: 5 Stars
Jewel's incredible club versions of "Only One Too" forced me to reexamine this album in its entirety. "Goodbye Alice in Wonderland" has always been a stunner; a luscious mix of sounds from start to finish, presenting the chronicles of Jewel's life, whether good or bad. More than half a year after its release, the album has lost none of its appeal, and continues to be a personal favorite of mine, despite my massive collection of music.
It's not just the individual songs that impress. The general flow and presentation of the album is flawless. Jewel swings gracefully from sugary ballads to rock-tinged anthems and foot-tapping tunes sprinkled with country twang. Every element of Jewel's past albums is present. But more than ever, Jewel returns to her roots as a blunt and brilliant storyteller. She said it herself: this album is by far her most personal. And she reveals her deepest thoughts to the listener with gusto and enthusiasm.
Again and Again:
This is perhaps Jewel's most commercially appealing ballad. Her past successes, though beautiful, never had quite the catchiness this tune gives off. There is no hint of rasp or edge here: Jewel sings through the song in her classic, sweet, and alluring tone. The acoustic guitar sparkles in repeated arpeggios. Everything about this song is kind, warm and inviting: it's a very optimistic song. 5/5
Long Slow Slide:
Once again, the acoustic guitar serenades the listener during the introduction of the second track. The lyrical structure of this song reminds me of "Who Will Save Your Soul". Only Jewel can get away with rhyming words that normally would sound horrible if sung by anyone else. She has a knack for sounding natural in her songs, as if she is making everything up as she goes. This song is no exception. Musically, it sounds very much like the opening track. However, the lyrics create an entirely new mysterious and darker disposition. 5/5
Goodbye Alice in Wonderland:
The title track, it's the most heartfelt and detailed story of Jewel's life. It's lengthy, but doesn't lack for intensity and spirit. Gradually swelling from sweet to powerful, Jewel displays her vocal talents beautifully here. Reflecting on lost loves, dwelling in the uncertainty of becoming a celebrity, and finding the path back to her heart; rest assured that Jewel knows who she is, where she's been and how it's affected her. There are some gorgeous string arrangements to be heard here as well. 5/5
Good Day:
More like a poem than a song, I found myself repeating this immediately after my first listen. It's cute, but not overly fluffy. It's mysterious, but still optimistic. Classy, sensitive, and charming, Jewel opens up her wants and desires. "Say I'm like the desert, just way hotter." Many of the lyrics are pure brilliance and entirely `Jewel.' Yet another dynamic tune with both soft and loud sections, it's unpredictable and lovely. 5/5
Satellite:
Something about this song reminds me of Jewel's "0304" album. There are rich synth chords sprinkled here and there and it's a bit more structured than some of the other tunes. Still, Jewel's lyrics are as original and alive as ever. The song represents Jewel's observations of Hollywood and Los Angeles, where many newcomers hope to find success utilizing their new tanned skin, sun-bleached hair and toned surfer bodies. Jewel perfectly captures the spirit of California with this tune. The last minute or so of this song is fantastic. 5/5
Only One Too:
Opening with a rougher edge and heavier guitars, I was taken aback and began to wonder how this would play out. But as Jewel's voice snuck in with its soothing and sensual tone, the entire song was smoothed. Putting her foot down, Jewel expresses her weariness regarding a relationship in which she's expected to remain faithful while he considers it a casual affair. She confidently stands her ground with lyrics like "yes you're good, but not so good I can't see." A perfect rock/pop anthem for bold women, I highly recommend the remix single of this song as well. 5/5
Words Get In The Way:
This is one of those songs that oozes sweetness and charm. Catchy and alluring, there's nothing too difficult about this: it doesn't often happen, but Jewel avoids deep and thought provoking territory, lyrically. The ironic thing is while Jewel confesses at the end of each chorus, "the words get in the way," she successfully communicates her thoughts and wants with her lover throughout the verses with classic lines like, "tell your boss you're dead; lets just stay in bed." It's a little more generic than some of the other songs, but is well done nonetheless. 4/5
Drive To You:
The verses of this song are, in my opinion, not to be missed. The chorus is great too, but something about the lyrics in the verses is enchanting. The bridge, in which Jewel pleads she "can't stop, won't stop," has a massive crescendo. The now-familiar formula of rich acoustic guitars, shuffling beats, and dynamic vocals feels extremely comfortable here. Jewel's longing and desire are obvious. There's nothing in particular that makes this song wonderful. As a whole though, it real stands out. 5/5
Last Dance Rodeo:
Lyrics, lyrics, lyrics. If I could choose one song off the entire album with the best lyrics, it would be this one. The words are so colorful and vibrant and creative, but very real. Musically, it sounds like something you could listen to while riding a walking horse through the open prairie. It's got a lazy beat. During the bridge, a jazzy trumpet makes a brief appearance. Longer than most of the other tunes, it's something you'll want to listen to during those quiet times in the bath or on the back porch. 5/5
Fragile Heart:
An updated version of "0304's" charming jazz and electronic song, this new take has a bit more impact and punch, especially during the bridge in which the song modulates briefly into a higher key. It's a lot like "Drive To You" in style. In some ways, I enjoy this new version more than the original, though a bit of the sweetness has disappeared and the whistling that could be heard in the bridge is no longer present. Still, this stands on its own as a great song. 5/5
Stephenville, TX:
Far more country than anything else on the album, this song shows off Jewel's twang. There's even a harmonica in the second verse and a piano can occasionally be heard playing trills. Jewel reminisces about the journey of her life, how much she has changed, and the realities of what will never change. She also mentions her boyfriend, and that he is the reason she's currently in Stephenville. Some songs envelope one emotion, but Jewel tells an entire story here. 4/5
Where You Are:
This song is both melodic and angelic, and Jewel sings with a smoother and softer tone which perfectly compliments the dreamy musical arrangement. She's given the opportunity to sing many long vowels and to open up her voice here. The beat in this song consists of hand drums and soft pats on bongos. Many guitars are layered to produce an inviting and earthy feel. Still, one gets the feeling of flying or floating in the open sea while listening to this. It's just a very nice song. 5/5
1000 Miles Away:
Stripped bare of most studio equipment, Jewel serenades the listener with her raw vocals, guitar, a quiet piano and the occasional wispy chord. This is the song that will reassure everyone that Jewel can still perform like no other, giving listeners goosebumps simply by plucking a few strings and singing along poetically. This has "Pieces of You" all over it. And if I'm not mistaken, Jewel has been performing this song for years in front of live audiences. Those who have never heard it live are blessed to have it here. It's the best song on the album, by far. It could make you cry. It's that good. 6/5
Jewel never ceases to tug at the heartstrings of the listener. She does it with class and elegance on this record. She's still unsure. She's still spunky, opinionated and serious. She's just a little older, and perhaps a little wiser. Every album the woman has made prior to this has brought her to this point. And though they've all been excellent, this one stands out as one of her absolute best.
Goodbye Alice in Wonderland PosterJewel is about to deliver her most personal and autobiographical record so far-Goodbye Alice in Wonderland. Not content to relegate herself to a traditional music arena, or to be typecast, Jewel has established herself as a culturally significant and relevant brand. Author, songwriter, actress, poet-there are no limits to how Jewel can and will deliver her message. The underlining truth that ties it all together is the integrity of that message. The word "confessional" is frequently applied to folk of all stripes, including folk-rock and folk-pop, which is where Jewel comes in. Even within the bounds of folk, however, her music is more nakedly confessional than most. (Too nakedly, some have carped.) Along with a coterie of Nashville pros, she began her latest musical journey by laying down another introspective song cycle in the vein of 1995's Pieces of You. Dissatisfied with the results, the Texas-based artist scrapped that effort and re-recorded with Rob Cavallo (Green Day). This lends her sixth album the expected rock edge, but Jewel hasn't changed her spots. If anything, she sounds more like, well, Jewel than she did on dance-oriented departure 0304. She?s still pop star ("Fragile Heart"), sensitive folkie ("Long Slow Slide"), and scrappy country gal ("Stephenville, TX"). Her Joni Mitchell-esque soprano soars as high as ever, with more of a sardonic Dylan chaser than before. What's changed is that maturity has granted Jewel, now in her early 30s, greater perspective--"Growing up is not an absence of dreaming," she states in the title track--and a sense of humor missing from her more earnest early work. On "Satellite," for instance, written when she was 18, but revamped since, she notes that "the Pope," "rock and roll," "Valium," even "Miss Cleo" can't fix her broken heart. In her statement about the album, Jewel claims that, after years of ups and downs, she's "not broken, just more myself." --Kathleen C. Fennessy
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