Customer Reviews

Break It Up [Explicit]

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

 

 

I fell in love with Jemina after hearing her scream "Wildcat" with her previous band, Be your own pet. While I am upset about them breaking up, her debut album lets fans see within her, not just the girl onstage going wild. A lot of these songs listeners can tell were very personal, written by her and John, another member of Be your own pet. All of the songs are pretty catchy, but I understand that some people aren't the biggest fans of her distinguishable voice. I'm definitely a fan though. This was produced by Thurston Moore of Sonic youth and being a huge fan of his, I can see the influence throughout the tracks. It's also a treat hearing Iggy pop on "I hate people" Great debut!

If you liked the rough sound of BYOP, Break it Up really isn't for you. Jemina's voice kind of sounds like Hilary Duff trying to be punk rock. And it just sounds annoying instead of hardcore or tough, which seems to be what she was aiming for.
Even Iggy's guest appearance on "I Hate People" doesn't redeem the album much, since he's just singing along to the melody in the background.
The reason I gave the album three stars is because some of the melodies are actually nifty. Two of my favorites are "Undesirable" and "Retrograde." I'm hoping, if she releases another album, her next CD will have more harmonies and less whining.

After a few listens, I just can't see how anyone over the age of 15 could really take this record seriously. I really don't understand what Mr. Sonic Youth sees in this - unless he's thinking Ms. Pearl can be the next maturity-step for fans who grew too old for Miley Cyrus, but are not quite ready for Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The lyrics are probably the worst element regarding this album. The lyrics are all so contrived and juvenile - trying to be edgy, seductive and sardonic but they emerge into a short spectrum that ranges from either silly to outright funny-ridiculous. Her faux-attitude still feels very contrived and 'plastic'. She's 22 now, but still writing material of that of a 16-year old. Which is fine if that's the age-group she's going for; however, I don't think it is. The music is fine, but nothing special. It's stuff you've heard one-hundred-thousand times over and over. Overall, I think it's just a waste. Although I think Ms. Pearl does have something to offer us, just not this time around.

While of course the record resembles Be Your Own Pet a lot...and I mean A LOT, in some ways it is difefrent and improved. There is no longer the desperation that was so evident in the aggression in their records. Now, and especially on the ifrst song there is a more poppy approach a la Ramones, if you could call them pop really. She sings sligthly more and mroe in tune. There is a background of buzzing guitars that is more melodic than previously but it lacks some of her previous band's bite at the same time. She also has Iggy Pop on oen of the lesser songs and Thurston Morre collaborates as does dave Sitek. So there is an alternative all-star cast to help her out and you can feel it: as I wrote there is at the same time improvement bu t also a slight loss in personality. She is on the right way though.

So I've had this record for a couple days now and just got to see the first date of the tour to support it last night. The record is electrifying and immediately catchy. Every song already felt familiar at the show from just a few listens.
The record is fantastic and there isn't a dull moment. The record is full of attitude and loaded with hooks. Jemina's swagger has actually grown since BYOP and her confidence and attitude shine bright on this record. John Eatherly co-wrote the whole album with her and he played mostly every instrument, except for the guest appearance work from Thurston Moore and a couple other folks. Iggy Pop also shows up to do backing vocals with Jemina on "I Hate People."
I'm really loving this record and am currently thrilled that BYOP broke up, but BYOP fans should love this and Jemina's energy and stage presence haven't diminished one bit. But the songs here are much stronger and this record should really hook a lot of people.
Check out the first few tracks here and you'll be hooked, too.

I loved BYOP and was disappointed when they broke up---but listening to just the snippets of tracks on here makes me think of something I'd hear coming from a 13 y.o girl's room as she looks over what her mom bought her at hot topic. Bring back BYOP