Broken English

I got a nicotine buzz just listening to Marianne's vocals. Turns out the qualities of her voice were the bi-product of turbulent life circumstances, this album marking the artist's reemergence from a downward spiral, and marking a stark transition from her past musical persona. Kudos to her for pulling it together for this album (and beyond).

Man, this has the set up to be a good album, I like the instrumentation, and this feels like something I'd like, but that voice. I understand the back story and it's "unfortunate" (although it worked out for her so I suppose it isn't all bad) but the voice rivals Springsteen in annoying. It's comparable to if Nina Simone's voice was shakey and awkward rather than powerful and soulful. It just isn't enjoyable to listen to. I mean, it could be worse, none of the songs were bad per se, but they weren't good either. The best song was the final song, as her voice far more complicated the very harsh tone, but even that tacked on one or two minutes that really didn't feel the need to be there.

Surprisingly experimental and electronic, and quite raunchy.

What an amazingly intense album on survival. The songs are incredibly strong, her voice broken and you can feel power, pain and disillusionment throughout the album. And an absolutely haunting version of Working Class Hero to boot.

4,5*

Gave this a couple of listens but didn’t do much for me.

This is one that comes down to the vocals for me. I simply don't like her voice. I know that's supposed to be part of the story with what she went through and everything but it just doesn't work for me. I do like the arrangements and atmosphere though. My favorite track is probably her cover of "Working Class Hero" - she makes it so sinister. And I must say "Why'd You Do It" is an hell of a way to close an album. Wow. Gotta respect that honesty. God damn.

8 canciones. 37 minutos. Año 1979. Hay una canción interesante que precisamente es la más famosa de ella: The ballad of Lucy Jordan. Un disco normal a día de hoy.