Alice Smith - For Lovers Dreamers & Me
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CD Details
Artist: Alice SmithEdition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2007-10-30
Music Label: Epic
Soundtracks:
- Dream
- Woodstock
- Gary Song
- New Religion
- Do I
- Fake Is The New Real
- Desert Song
- Know That I...
- Secrets
- Love Endeavor
Music reviews of For Lovers Dreamers & Me
Music Review: A very promising debut album and artist.
Rating: 4 Stars
Walking down the aisles of the music store earlier this year, I stopped and stared at this very album. The cover intrigued me. I love art that has cartoonish elements, and as ashamed as I am to admit this, I really do judge albums by their cover sometimes. I was about ready to buy it, but a little voice inside me told me to wait until I at least heard some samples from Alice Smith. Unfortunately, her name slipped my mind until one day I saw her listed in Entertainment Weekly as a new artist to look out for. It was around that time that For Lovers, Dreamers, & Me was going to be released by major label, Epic Records. I pre-ordered it and when it finally arrived in my mailbox, I ripped the box open and immediately started listening to it.
Alice Smith's voice is unique, fresh, sultry, deep, expressive, and simply beautiful. Her voice is matched with a very unique style, not easily classified in any specific genre. (Some call her a black Fiona Apple, whose music I actually like a lot. I can see some similarities, but I think Alice is different in many ways. Alice herself says some of her music reminds her of the Muppets. Um... alright.) Smith conveys emotion through her songs with amazing artistry and skill. She also has a four-octave range, which is quite impressive. She puts this talent to use on quite a few of the tracks, including "Dream," which recently got her a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Alternative Performance.
"Dream," the opening track, is simply breath-taking. I could not get past this track for over than a week because it's just that amazing. (And no, I'm not exaggerating.) Beginning with a staggering plunk of the piano and Alice's passionate vocals, the song tells a story of a newly infatuated woman, wanting to be everything that he sees in his dreams. At the breakdown, horns blast and background vocals flutter. Then comes the best part, where with each sentence, her voice soars higher on the musical scales her wail becomes increasingly desperate.
"Woodstock" had the same effect on me. So basically, I did not get further than track two until two weeks after getting the CD. I don't know what it is, but there's something about this song that just hooked me and never let me go. The playful and silly track explores the chaos and spontaneity of city-life, and it has an undeniably catchy hook. This is a song that where I can actually hear a little of the Muppets comparison. I can just see Kermit and the gang dancing around to the groove, especially during the funny bridge, where Alice wah-wahs and bumbles her lips to imitate "all the crazy fishes" singing.
Opening with a rim shot, swaggering bass, and confident vocals, "Gary's Song" is quite a pleaser. The verses find Alice confidently making her way down the streets with many interested guys looking at her. The pop/rock refrain departs from the sound of the rest of the track. Smith is considering taking some of the offers, but is a bit hesitant in fear of long-term relationships. "If we start to fall... will it stop or keep goin'?" The bridge is a dramatic one, laced with violins and powerful vocals; this pattern seems to show in many of Ms. Smith's songs. They have an almost show tune-like quality in the way sections of the song are dramatically different, and the song builds up and climbs to a gusty climax. Then, the number quickly softens into a quiet end. (This might be too dramatic, over-the-top or annoying for some, but I actually like it.)
"New Religion" is apparently her new single, although I have not heard it on the radio, unfortunately. (I've kinda boycotted the radio by now, anyways.) The lyrics focus on the narrator searching for something real in these changing times of the world today. It's a nice rock record, heavy on the guitar. I spot maybe even a tiny bit of country. I think this song would do great if it was played on certain formats and the target audience was reached. Hopefully a video will be shot or something to get her name out there.
"Do I" is probably my third favorite track off this album. The introspective lyrics and vocals drag over a slow-burning groove. This is one of those songs that would provide the perfect soundtrack for one of those rainy days when you are stuck inside, left only to reflect and come face-to-face with yourself and the issues that plague you. (Am I the only one who has those days?! Haha.) In the bridge, sounding quite close to tears, Smith whispers, "I don't want to have to think about the ways that I'm so bad... do I?"
On the ingeniously titled "Fake is the New Real," Alice dishes out her tongue-in-cheek commentary on pop culture and the "phony times" we're living in today over sparse guitar arrangements. Frustrated, she has to ask..."tell me what's the deal?" The bridge serves as a short section of relief from the harsh criticisms, with a light-hearted ditty that reminds me of a TV show theme or a jingle. Maybe she's poking fun at them and their emptiness?
The "Desert Song" begins with a barren piano and some static to give it that "classic" feel. Her vocals on the verses sound like ones coming from the back porch of an old country store, minus the harmonica. The song tells a tale of a woman who has written a Dear John letter and is leaving the relationship behind to start anew. The desert and the "heat" serve as metaphors of the love she has to leave behind. On the chorus, she lets it all out, with wailing that no longer belongs on the back porch, but now a huge concert arena. The song ends with a soft violin, trumpet, and a soft whisper.
Unfortunately, the next two tracks disrupt the near-perfection of the rest of the album. "Know That I..." is a love ballad, plain and simple. It's a bit repetitive, some of the lyrics aren't that great, and the overall sound is too pop/rock radio, at least for my ears. "Secrets" is a bit bland to me, also. The somewhat bluesy down-tempo pretty much shares the same flaws with the previous track. These songs just fall flat when compared to the other songs which have highs, lows, and in betweens. These two tracks are just one-dimension in comparison.
"Love Endeavor" is a good--albeit odd--way to end the album. It has a Latin dance flare to it. Smith delivers a vocal performance oozing temptation and sexiness. The album ends with some nice harmonies.
The bottom line: Alice Smith is a promising new artist. Her rich, deep voice and musical style are all her own. For Lovers, Dreamers, & Me is a great showcase of her capabilities. While not flawless, (the two aforementioned tracks, the album is too short; less than 40 minutes and only 10 tracks) this is a great debut album that I highly recommend if you're looking for something fresh and new. I look forward to seeing what her future has is store.
Key tracks: Dream, Woodstock, Do I, Fake is the New Real.
Description of For Lovers Dreamers & Me
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