Vanessa Carlton - Harmonium
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Free Music Notes for Harmonium
Free Music Review: Beautifully Done Vanessa!
Hit: 5 Stars
If you liked her first album, prepare to be amazed by her 2nd. Not only is is more mature, but it introduces you to new melodies and strength in Vanessa's piano playing. Her sound is dramatically stronger, and her emotion is what give each and every one of these songs such beauty. White Houses is a wonderful tune that almost makes you think of Vanessa as a one of a kind. Other tracks like Private Radio, define more as rock than pop. She almost gives off an Avril Lavigne/Ashlee Simpson vibe. Being that she produced the album with Stephan Jenkins, whom happens to be from a punk band, I think you'll be suprised at how well the whole album turned out. It has been described as somewhat as a goth album, which MAY explain her mentioning unicorns, vampires, and ghosts. And what's wrong with that anyway? At least she's proven herself in music by writing her own songs, producing, and not being such a big head over the fact she is famous. That doesn't even matter to her. She's a wonderful artist, whom hasn't had trouble using her imagination. I'd rather listen to something someone actually sat down and took the time to write, rather than listen to some else's music, such as Hilary Duff, whom doesn't attempt to even write a song, except maybe "Haters" which shows how immature she is over her Lindsay Lohan feud. Seems more like a five year old to me. So, in all sum, Vanessa's album is a masterpiece and inspires you with optimism. Her piano playing is outstanding and just think she has been playing since she was 3! That shows brillance right there. Papa is a track that shines too. Though shorter, it has words such as "you're a genuine wannabe..." Great music.Free Music Review: First-Time Vanessa Carlton Fan, Loved Every Bit of It!
Hit: 5 Stars
I cannot write about a previous album and express my disappointment as a fan in how she's somehow changed. All I can do is judge this album, as it's the first stuff by her that I've listened to. It's somewhat unfair to judge an artist's current flair by her previous work, but I understand that it's common for many to do that.
So, from what I've listened to and experienced of Ms. Carlton, here's my perspective. This young woman has a remarkable voice. I listen to her album all of the time, almost every week. The songs are addictive to listen to and lift my spirits when I am down and comfort me when I am feeling depressed and lonely.
One of my favorite songs is "Who's to Say?", which deals with having a young and enduring love while dealing with prejudice in family and society. Anyone whose been in a interracial or same-sex relationship will resonate with those lyrics and those who haven't will certainly feel some sympathy in hearing lyrics that have a bit of universality in theme.
Another song I like is "White Houses", which is a popular hit of hers. It deals with her losing her virginity and teen innocence in a white picket fence suburb. The song softly portrays the development a maturing lady, while taking into mind all the sensitivities of modest listeners while subtly shocking them with irony.
This album is well put together. I cannot compare it against anything but its own merit. I enjoyed every track, and I cannot say that for many artists that I've listened to. Carlton is definitely talented and I look forward to buying more of her music. I hope she continues to produce further works.
Free Music Review: I'm a big fan of hers!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
First I just want to say, please please don't stop making albums Vanessa, 'cause I just kept having this feeling that she's one of those people who just stops at producing albums while her fans (like me) waits and finally give up hope ( I mean, look at Evanescence, are they EVER gonna produce their second album???). After hearing Be Not Nobody, (and I have to say that I do listen to music for its quality, not because my friends like it or if the singer is good-looking, and I picked up Be Not Nobody entirely on a whim, I haven't even heard A Thousand Miles on the radio because I don't listen to the radio) I was very surprised at his girl's talent. Many people compare her to Alicia Keys, saying that she's living in Alicia's shadows, and I couldn't disagree more. I like her song MUCH better than Alicia Keys (and can I just say Alicia's second album-UGH!) and it has totally captured my heart with its well-blend of music and poetry. And I couldn't be more happy with her sophmore album. It shows she grew up, and changed her style a bit, and made it kind of darker in a lighter way (I know that doesn't make sense but it's true). Like Vanessa's first album, her good songs are not necessarily her cover songs. Although I loved White Houses, but I loved Afterglow, Half A Day Before Winter, C'est La Vie, Papa and Wreckage more (sometimes equally). Vanessa Carlton has serious talent, I heard she's gonna have a third album out and I just can't wait!!!! If you like something different, poetic and enjoys adult alternative, you should serious get this album now if you haven't already!!!
Free Music Review: Always unique
Hit: 5 Stars
One thing most reviews fail to mention is how unusual Vanessa's followup album (to "Be Not Nobody") remains on all levels. Like it or not, one thing you can't accuse Ms. Carlton of is the sameness that permeates nearly every other young female singer on today's music scene.
Try this -- listen to the excerpted examples available on this site and tell me you can't instantly tell one from another. Now try this with any other of the "name" girl singers out there. Maybe I'm just a very old man (true) but nowadays I can't tell one Britney from another. But Vanessa remains unique.
There are songs on this album that have the hook necessary to play on the radio, but despite what other reviewers here have said nothing on this album is boring. This material is a lot more challenging than her first album, and I suspect it will get better and better on repeat listenings.
"Be Not Nobody" (which I liked) suffered most from a heavy teenage angst that seems to have almost completely disappeared here -- even on the most gloomy of songs ("Annie") she finds something of import to care about. The listener will likewise be rewarded.
Anyone who is a fan of good music owes it to themselves to pick up this album -- you're bound to find at least one or two songs you'll like, and (more importantly) you'll be encouraging one of the freshest voices on today's charts. Singer/songwriters are so very rare these days that a triple threat like Vanessa, who is also an accomplished instrumentalist, needs to be supported by all.
Free Music Review: Harmonium
Hit: 5 Stars
After Vanessa's first album, "Be Not Nobody", I didn't think she could do much better. I was proven wrong. I got the Album on the first day it came out and i was amazed. It's impossible to tell you what my favorite song was because they were all so awsome. As soon as i could, i sat down at my piano and started to figure out several of the songs. "White houses", is a fresh piece written in c full of awsome chords and so much stuff going on it was amazing. "Who's to say" was one of the ones i was working out, with 4 basic chords throughout the whole thing, its amazing how much Vanessa elaborated. "Annie", had piano much like "Wanted" of her first album, but more complicated and laced with her classical style. "San Fransisco" has awesome piano as well, and a catchy melody. "Afterglow", if i had to chose, would be my favorite. The piano is so catchy and the harmonies so rich that it has almost a tangible quality to it. "Private Radio" just makes me want to dance! "Half a week before the winter" is so mysterious and shows a little more of vanessa's darker side, and still of corse awesome piano. "'Cest la Vie" just makes you move to the awesome progressions, with its hint of Jazz. "Papa" has awesome piano and a super catchy chorus. "She floats" has a delicate and moving quality with a legato flow to it. "Wreakage", the bonus track, is also a taste of her darker side, fresh and mysterious, it makes me think of mist for some reason... Well, in my opinion, "Harmonium" was a perfect follow up album to "Be Not Nobody", and its a must have to your collection.