Shawn Colvin - These Four Walls
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Free Music Notes for These Four Walls
Free Music Review: Shawn Has Come Back With Great Strength and Passion
Hit: 5 Stars
I have received a few disappointments this year with new albums from certain singers/ bands, and was worried Shawn would add right to that list. But after a few of her past albums that I felt were just amazing and incredibly powerful, becoming a big fan as a result, I knew there was no way I could avoid getting These Four Walls.
This album is what I call a grower, but a keeper. When I first went through this album I picked up a few songs I thought were promising, but at least half the album I found questionable as to whether I would ever grow into them. Yet there is something about Shawn Colvin that keeps you listening. Be it her cool, alluring voice or her intelligent and completely straightforward lyrics with the very beautiful and ever present guitar- she somehow keeps you listening. And after a few more listens I found myself picking up more songs I found very likeable. It's not hard to get into this album at all, just a little patience, and prior knowledge of Shawn's past works and you will find yourself growing surely in love with These Four Walls.
But as said this is not, I think, an album someone new to Shawn should try out. Instead I would recommend A Few Small Repairs, an album I feel if not her best, is one of her best album out there and also the most accessible.
The best gems on this album are These Four Walls, Tuff Kid, Cinnamon Road, The Bird, I'm Gone, So Good To See You, and Words. All excellent songs. The only song I do not really like is Let It Slide, because of the overall bland sound of the song and also the male vocals in it. The male takes over too much of the song I feel and its bothersome to me.
Other than that, the rest of the album has grown on me and well. Shawn Colvin is still her true self, and has given us some good music for this year. Shawn may be older, but she still has the same strength and passion she had from the beginning. And that is very refreshing.
4.5/5
Free Music Review: Another wonderful gift from one of our purest talents
Hit: 5 Stars
At times rueful, angry, sad and hopeful, Shawn Colvin's new release paints a musical landscape of deep introspection and timeless beauty. Her words penetrate the active listener, a verse, chorus or phrase may touch one of us more than another depending on what life has dealt us (or we've dealt ourselves!), but be assured that there is something here for all of us. John Leventhal (whom I saw a few weeks back onstage with his beautiful and talented wife and musical partner, Rosanne Cash), is, and always has been, a perfect match for Shawn's musical voice. Together, and surrounded by a typically great list of musicians, they have created another masterwork. Free Music Review: Ain't it cool-
Hit: 5 Stars
I absolutely loved "A Few Small Repairs" and was not sure Shawn would ever be able to top it. Well, she does. I agree that less production is more-- she doesn't need it. In fact, she should do a completely solo album w/voice & guitar and maybe have a few tracks with another guitar & bass thrown in. Her rendition of Westerberg's "Even Here We Are" is perfect-- and *almost* makes up for "Every Little Thing He Does is Magic..." I think John Lennon would have liked this one. Seriously.
Free Music Review: Best Shawn Colvin Album Ever!
Hit: 5 Stars
I read on one of these things that this was not an "accessible" album or some such rot. Baloney. This is a GREAT album. Period.
No, it's not Gwen Stefani or Christina Aggurilaashhaha.
Colvin's songs are AMAZING and real EZ to understand.
I wouldn't normally write a review, but I just finished listening to this album for the first time and am feeling deeply moved by the beauty, grace and bare nakedness of what this woman is brave enough to put out.
An excellent buy, a fun and moving listen. Try it, you'll like it.
Free Music Review: Life in 4/4 Time
Hit: 4 Stars
I've stated in other reviews that Colvin can be hard for a casual listen. 'These Four Walls' is no exception. I'm having a hard time finding it to be an accessible disk - but I said the same thing of 'Whole New You' and in time I found that to be her best and most consistent disk.
If you're looking for up-tempo songs here, you may as well keep looking. Most of the disk comprises of songs in 4/4 time - only a few trying to break that mold ("Tough Kid", "The Bird"). The title track is a little more buoyant and is not as weighty as the rest of the disk. It makes perfect sense that it is the lead song and what has been released to garner interest in the record.
There are some extremely strong tracks here: "Tough Kid", "Summer Dress" and "Venetian Blue" (possibly the best song on the disk). On first listen, I was disappointed w/"Cinnamon Road", but it is growing to be a stand-out cut also. Colvin does a good job w/the Bee Gee's "Words" too.
John Leventhal's production takes no risks here. He doesn't stray too much from what he has done w/Colvin over the last 20 yrs. The vocals are strong, the playing is solid.
Accessible and good are two different things. 'These Four Walls' is a good disk. But don't be looking for it on radio or any outlet that would generate strong sales.