Customer Reviews

10 Cent Wings

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Building on the promise that she created with The Story, Jonatha Brooke continues to dangle on the edge of stardom. "Ten Cent Wings" was the album that convinced me that Jonatha was a huge talent, and everytime her tour brings her to my city, I make sure to get tickets.

Jonatha may not be well known yet, but her following is growing. In Boston and Philadelphia she attracts quite a crowd to her show, and as word spreads, she seems to pick up more fans. As of now, most of America is probably more familiar with her jingle word for major tire companies ('Serious freedom...goodyear, goodyear') but all it will take is a spot on the Lilith Fair to give her the exposure she needs to break out. (I was a big fan of Sarah McLachlan back in 1992, and look where SHE got!) Some of her songs have actually made it onto the soundtracks of shows like Ally McBeal and Party of Five, so somebody somewhere recognizes this talent.

Jonatha has expanded her style of song on this album a bit. The "singles" on her new album feature more guitars, such as in "Crumbs" which is one of the songs you'll be singing along to in no time. "Secrets and Lies" opens the album, and is powerful and moving, allowing Jonatha to show off her full and layered vocal range. The album also includes songs like "Annie" and "10 Cent Wings" which are more in the style of her work with Jennifer Kimball from The Story, yet they show off how much she has matured as an artist and songwriter.

I highly recommend this album. I think its easily the best album released in 1997. If you're sick of the packaged artists like Alanis Morisette, or your kids are driving you nuts listening to Britney Spears, you might want to go back to the days when Joni Mitchell ruled the airwaves. Jonatha successfully combines folk with rock n' roll, and deserves the title of best female songwriter today. Shawn Colvin and Sarah McLachlan fans will approve. Don't let this little gem escape you...it promises to be one of the best finds ever.

Do you know who Jonatha Brooke is? Maybe you've heard her previous work with The Story? Or maybe you recognize her voice from that catchy 'Serious Freedom' jingle in the Goodyear commerical? Maybe you've heard her song "Landmine" on Ally McBeal? Maybe you've heard of her...maybe you haven't, but certainly you soon will.

I could recommend any of her 3 previous albums, but 10 cent wings has to be her finest work to date. She certainly is one of the most promising singer/songwriters who has yet to break into the mainstream, and I guarantee that it won't be long before Sarah MacLachlan signs her up for the Lilith Fair.

I bought this album in December of 1997 and it hasn't been taken out of the CD player yet. I couldn't get the song "Crumbs" out of my head for a week, and now I'm hooked on everything from the current single "Secrets and Lies" to the beautiful title song. With a unique voice, a helluva talent for songwriting and the ability to do the acoustic as well as the electric guitar thing, I don't see how Jonatha Brooke can manage to stay hidden much longer.

"10 Cent Wings" was WXPN 88.5 FM (Univ. of Penn's famed college alternative music station) number 5 album of the year. That puts Jonatha Brooke in the same company as Bob Dylan and Sarah MacLachlan...where she belongs.

I've noticed that a lot of people write reviews that are very flowery and verbose. All I have to say is...this is one of the best CD's I own. If the song "Because I Told You So" doesn't make you cry, then you are made of wood my friend. Her other CD's are just as good except for Grace in Gravity which was a tiny bit wandering and boring. But what we need in this world is a few more Jonathas and a few less Celines.

Dammit, but Jonatha is the coolest ever! Her voice is so intense, her tunes perfect, and everything just AWESOME! It takes a few listenings to get into the CD, but it's beyond worth it. BUT IT!

Jonatha Brooke is one of my favorite musicians, and while it would be difficult to pick her "best" album (they're all worthy of repeated listenings), I'd say "10-Cent Wings" is definitely her most accessible. She seems to be headed for a larger, more mainstream audience. Luckily, she hasn't abandoned her witty lyrics or intricate musical arrangements for the sake of record sales. For many, this will be a good introduction to Jonatha's considerable talents. I would encourage those who enjoy this album to collect 'em all. These are albums you'll want to savor for a long time.

Musicians like this don't come around very often...which is ironic considering the current crop of angst ridden female singer songwriters. "10c Wings" is one of the freshest albums of the past few years, and the madness of 'Last Innocent Year' hints at the genius of Maria McKee's last release. A 5-star album that deserves a massive audience.

OK, how do you say this without sounding like a glorified groupie? This CD ranks in my Top 10 List of all time. If you like The Beatles, Peter Gabriel, Sean Colvin...one-click this right now! The music and lyrics are haunting and truthful, and the production and arrangements by Alain Mallet make repeated listenings incredible journeys of new discovery. Thank you Jonatha and Alain for restoring my faith in music's ability to transport and transcend.

I've had this album for a while. Got it due to M. Bandyke's year-end "Best Of" list from '98. (Bandyke has the best show on the planet on the npr station from wayne stae univ. in Detroit). Anyway, on a recent return trip from Chicago, I put this on, drivin' down the road at 3:00am. Well, now I'm in love - completely infatuated, filled with longing. Willing to travel hundreds of miles to a concert. Although it's not clear yet if it's jonatha herself, or alain mallet's arrangements/production. Very reminiscent of daniel lanois, and, fascinatingly, george martin(!).A great symbiosis at the least. Romantics beware! You know not your peril. Buy this one and get into the swoon.

Jonatha Brooke is extremely talented and a rare hidden gem out there in the large music world. Her voice is unique and her music is a mixture of pop and modern folk-type like Sarah and Suzanne Vega or Paula Cole. Along with Nicole Nordeman, K's Choice and Sarah, this makes up my favorite genre: Female lead, melodic, pop-folk with gifted songwriting.

This is one of my all-time favorite albums. Period. It was given to me as a gift over 7 years ago and I have been giving it away in turn ever since. It is still as fresh to my ears today as it was when I first heard it and that alone is the testament to its artistic excellence. I am certain that these are among those extremely rare works that will never get old for me. I love all of Jonatha's work as she is truly an artist's artist in my opinion - but her efforts here are just masterful. Her ability to express herself with words, melodies, arrangements, and just plain emotional honesty truly set her apart on this album especially. I was prompted to write this review after reading another that disparaged 'Crumbs' as a poor arrangement. This song initially defined Jonatha to me - as the first time I heard it - I was completely blown away. Her approach was so new and fresh in trying to express her theme here that it just came across as tremendously powerful and affecting. 'Blood from a Stone' about her relationship with her mother is equally powerful. To me, the whole album is fabulous - but I guess this goes to show you that unfortunately, Jonatha is not for everyone. She is not trying to duplicate what has already been done - but instead, trying to leave her mark on the world and speak to people in a voice that hasn't been heard before - as all true artists do. I guess not everyone can appreciate that approach. If you are interested in hearing a distinct voice that has the power to affect you again and again every time you hear it, listen to this album - you can check it out on her website first for free if you want. Then listen to the rest of her work and treat yourself to a body of music that will last you a lifetime.