Customer Reviews

Bible Belt

5 star:		(96)
4 star:		(58)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Diane Birch is reminiscent of Norah Jones and Ella Fitzgerald in a way that works without trying too hard. Diane doesn't sound like a 'wanna-be', she sounds like a pro!

Fire Escape has a pace that is perfect for a thoughtful stroll in the park. It evokes memories in a rare way - with a sweet pain.

Don't Wait Up has a nice, bluesy feel. Good all-around balance to the song.

Magic View has the best commercial appeal with an easy-to-remember, yet musically interesting number that is hauntingly beautiful.

This is not all to say that there aren't issues with the album. Some of the songs really feel dated and don't hold the attention of the listener. Sometimes, she pushes her upper register a bit, not crossing the break well [between throat and head voices] and other times, she crosses the break without a problem and sounds almost bird-like.

Overall, it is a great album and if it gets enough air-play, it should do well.

I listen to a lot of music, but, it is rare for me to find someone who is truly a rare bird.

Diane Birch is that fresh new voice whose debut album "Bible Belt" just came out this month.

Diane is in her mid-twenties, but she truly sounds like an old soul.

As I listened to her cd, so many of my favorite women singers came to mind: The Indigo Girls, The Dixie Chicks, Aretha Franklin, Joss Stone, KT Tunstall, Adele, Laura Nyro, Ricki Lee Jones, even Janis Joplin and Billie Holiday.

I truly questioned how someone could remind me of all these stellar women and yet be completely her own person, yet that is the paradox and the joy of Diane Birch.

Diane's music has an eclectic feel and seems to encompass all sides of her personality and musical loves. Her life has covered a lot of ground thus far as well. She was born in Michigan, but spent her childhood traveling between Zimbabwe, South Africa and Australia before her family settled in Oregon.

Her father was a preacher, and, in some ways, Diane rebelled against the constraints that this placed on her. And, yet, what's fascinating is that after all that rebellion, a lot of her early influences are part of her music now as she is inspired by church hymns and sings about angels, heaven and forgiveness.

Now, imagine taking blues, classic rock, du wop, and combining them with jazz and gospel and you'll have a hint of what Diane's music is about.

She's also a brilliant piano player.

The cd opens with one of my favorites, "Fire Escape". It's a soulful sultry song about love and loss.

Diane's music is the type that slowly saunters in wearing an unlikely hat. It beckons to you, seduces you, slowly charms you and soon you find yourself dancing in a familiar dream.

Her music speaks of heartbreak, of finding oneself, of life's experiences - but even through the tears, it soars. Her music does not drag, but instead finds wings, upbeat grooves to carry it. Another favorite, "Rise Up" is inspiring.

I have gotten so tired of people trying to be trendy, of musical fads that come and go, of formulaic overproduced pop. And, for me, Diane Birch is the antidote.

She writes all of her own songs and is a gifted musician in the true sense of the word. She is fresh and new, yet her music hearkens back to the 60's and 70's. In short, her music is timeless, which to me, is the very best thing to be.

I can't really give it enough stars, but, I can say, give it a listen.
I really think you'll love it.

Another favorite of mine is "Rewind", about how you wish you could just
go back and press start again, but, you know you can't.

"Valentino" has rhythms which, for me, are reminiscent of "Iko Iko",
a popular New Orleans folk tune, covered by the Dixie Cups.
Honestly, there is not a song on this cd I don't like.

"Bible Belt" was recorded in NYC and New Orleans with the same producers who collaborated on Joss Stone's first albums. Diane is working with the best and it shows.

Diane Birch's voice is heartfelt, full of soul, and completely fearless -
powerful, yet nuanced.

Her music is that of a true artist who needs to create to fulfill their
vision and their passion.

Sometimes you have to "sing the blues" - and sometimes the blues just have to sing, dance, and soar beyond the sky.

This is the magic of Diane Birch.

This album brought me back to my childhood; born in 1974, I remember my mother playing the music of Carole King and Carly Simon. I agree wholeheartedley with other reviewers who compared Diane Birch to these two artists. Bible Belt is sultry and sweet. It makes you want to kick back with a cup of coffee, sitting out on your front porch...watching the world go by.

I highly recommend this artist and album for fans of these more contemporary artists: Corinne Bailey Rae, Dido, Sarah McLachlan, and Sheryl Crow.

Diane Birch's Bible Belt CD reminded me of a cross between Norah Jones and Amy Winehouse. Several songs sounded like they had a gospel influence and there was a good variety of upbeat and relaxing music. I didn't know what to expect from this new artist but I look forward to hearing what she comes up with in the future. I also really appreciate singer-songwriters because their music usually suit their own voice perfectly, as is the case with this collection. I have enjoyed this album and would recommend it to friends.

I'd actually seen this being advertised on another site but it looked interesting enough I decided to mosey over to Amazon to check it out. I liked the previews so I bought the mp3 album on a whim. I am SO glad I did. I was just blown away by Diane's voice. It does remind me a little of Norah Jones but brassier and snappier. It really reminded me a lot more of oldies songs my Mom listen to when I was young, but with a modern take. I was so impressed I bought a CD and sent it to my Mom too!

My personal favorite is "Fools", it always makes me want to get up and dance. "So why should I, lay it on the line.." just sounds so sassy and I can just see some girl singing this at a guy she's so over.

"Valentino" just makes me smile every time, great morning song to toss in the car CD player on the way to work.

If an album should be judged on how many songs make you want to sing along Bible Belt gets a 13/13.

In all honesty, I had never heard of Diane Birch until listening to this CD. I wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. As I listened to Fire Escape, the first song on the CD, I was reminded a bit of Carly Simon's No Secrets album from 1972. Ms. Birch is hard to categorize. Her music is a bit pop, blues, jazz all mixed together with a touch of country funk thrown in.

Her music is obviously written from the heart, and her voice has a clear lilt that is quite enjoyable. The first time I played the CD, I was mostly interested in hearing this new artist. By the time I played it the second time, I was singing along and really enjoying the diverse mix of songs. My favorite song is Don't Wait Up. I think Diane Birch has a long future ahead of her, she is unique and very talented.

Diane Birch's music reminds me of the 70's (which is my favorite music era), with a folksy, bluesy, and sometimes gospel feel that brings to mind such artists as Carol King, Carly Simon, and Nora Jones, but with a unique sound all her own. This CD full of fun, uplifting, and relaxing music that I enjoyed very much.

When I opened this album I was not sure what to expect. I can honestly say I am a huge fan now! I love the soulful music and her voice. All of the songs are catchy and I find myself singing them throughout the day...without the music even on! LOL It is easy listening and very peaceful music. A wonderful way to start, I hope there are many more CD's to come!

Comparisons to Norah Jones are appropriate, but I'd say a more accurate description would be "Norah Jones meets Carole King." If you like this style, you will love it. A couple of songs seem a tad self-indulgent, but it definitely is different from what you've probably heard for hours at a time on radio already.

Lately I rarely hear new artists that really excite me anymore. And I almost never write reviews. But I was in the car driving home today, listening to the NPR show Mountain Stage on WFUV ( Great radio station in NYC area by the way - 90.7 FM) and Diane came on. As soon she started playing I was immediately wowed. The first thing I did when I got home was turn on my computer and order this album. What a debut!! I heard traces of the great singer/songwriters like Laura Nyro and Carol King. There is very little REAL music out there these days. Diane is real thing!! If she is this good, this young...watch out!!!!