Brooke Fraser - Albertine
Rating
RIYL
Colbie CaillatNorah Jones
A Fine Frenzy
Feist
Tracklist
1. Shadowfeet2. Deciphering Me
3. Love, Where is Your Fire
4. Love is Waiting
5. Albertine
6. C.S. Lewis Song
7. Epilogue
8. Faithful
9. Seeds
10. Hosea’s Wife
11. The Thief
12. Hymn
Users RatingCreate an account or log in to rate this album |
Your RatingCreate an account or log in to rate this album |
Pimpin’ ain’t easy? Try being a female singer/songwriter. The market is flooded with raven haired songstresses, trying to stand out from the other plucky balladeers soundtracking your morning latte. New Zealand native Brooke Fraser certainly seems to have done this in her homeland, scoring masses of commercial success and, amongst other accolades, seven #1 singles. But how will she stand out from the current crop of Feist-y (oh ho ho) females currently enjoying domination in America as she releases her sophomore effort Albertine state-side?
Originally released in 2006 in New Zealand, one thing is startling obvious from a cursory flick through the album’s accompanying booklet -- this is a collection of heartfelt and well-intentioned songs, with a powerful message behind them. Written after the singer’s trip to Rwanda, and a reaction to her experiences there, the title track centers around an orphaned girl's rather moving story, which spurred the writing of, and the emotional tone of, the rest of the album. A brief summary of Fraser’s observations and Albertine’s story itself wouldn’t capture them fully, so anyone interested is urged to visit her website for more information on a worthwhile cause.
Good intentions and raising awareness aside, the songs themselves are successful in that they do convey a certain weight and depth that it would seem Fraser was trying to achieve, and it is a largely enjoyable and relaxing listen with some truly poignant moments. But it is the type of album that just washes over you and leaves little impression. Opener “Shadowfeet” and the title track are probably the best indications of the album overall; breathy vocals over evocative keys or gently plucked strings. Closing track “Hymn” is the only track that really jumps out as noteworthy. Fraser’s vocals are strong and pleasant throughout, but on the album closer they have a particular fraught-edge to them which makes the track all the more beautiful. But the majority of tracks sound rather alike and Fraser rarely strays from her set formula. Really, though, for a casual listen of an evening, it is rather lovely. But I am hastened to add, I can think of at least five albums released this year alone by female singer/songwriters that sound very similar, and could be thrown on in Albertine’s place, with little difference in effect. Thus this album cannot really be lauded as anything other than a ‘nice’ album to see out the sunlight with.
--Alex Davies
Comments