Review:

on 2009-08-15 Archelon Said:

Certainly, this is an unexpected gem of an album. Written at the tender age of 18, the depth and maturity of the songwriting is indisputable already, and the music seems to be all things at once - dark, heavy, slow, beautiful.

I would think it takes a lot of courage in this day and age to rear away from the caste of pop 'princesses' her age - an old head on young shoulders, Apple is neither bland nor sugary. Her sultry side emerges in track 5, 'Slow Like Honey', while the vibe gets grimier and more grunge with 'Sleep To Dream' - this girl really can do everything. Her trademark alto voice and masterful piano skills serve to add yet another level to the mood.

There are further enjoyable surprises throughout, such as the gorgeous classical influences of 'Never Is A Promise' and the dark, jazzy 'Criminal'. The lyrics of songs like 'Sullen Girl' and 'Shadowboxer' are deep and haunting, but she manages to come across as genuine, not pretentious.

There are some small issues with recording quality, but they don't take away fro the music at all. Nor do they break the total trance you will be in during this album. It its a textbook example of how an artist can and should transpose emotion.
Rating: 9/10