Customer Reviews

Happy

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Well, it took a little longer, but the more I listened, the more I fell into the spell of Jann Arden. As background, Living Under June is, simply, one of the most enjoyable discs in my collection of several hundred for several reasons, among them, variety and quality of each song. That CD struck me as a stunning achievement from a little-known artist. Where June seemed to leap out of the stereo and one listen told me it was unforgettable, Happy took me several listens. But the dynamic lyrics are there, the melodies, fine musicianship and crisp, deep production are there, and although there isn't as much external energy conveyed throughout the disc, the quiet rage that she feels in several of her songs shines through upon close listening. This woman has so much to say and says it in a way few others, of either gender, can. Yes, this is a fine CD and I CANNOT wait for the next one. Perhaps, someday, the foolish people who program radio stations in this country will present her in a format that will enable her to attract the masses she deserves. Until then, she'll be our secret.

Jann Arden released this album in 1997 in Canada. It might not have been as widely accepted as her breakthrough 1994 album LIVING UNDER JUNE but HAPPY? is still an album worth talking about. Sometimes I listen and I wonder if she has been inside my head, as she projects so many feelings and emotions I have had before. By far my favorite cut here is "Wishing That", a song I can deeply relate to, about the longing to have someone to love you, and the depths of which you would go to acheive that. "The Sound Of" is another great song, the album's first single, about one night stands. "Hangin' By A Thread" is another incredibly personal song for me here, she just delivers it so heartbreakingly. Same goes for "Weeds" and "To Sir With Love". Many find her music depressing, I think of it as real and just no holds barred. She sings from the depths of her soul and does not hold back. Other highlights include "Leave Me Now", "Saved", and more. If you liked any of her other albums, this is definately a safe bet.

Having only heard Jann Arden's "Insensitive", I had no previous background on which to rate her newest album in comparison to the others. So I rated it in comparison to every other CD I have ever listened to and came to the conclusion that IT IS THE BEST. The lyrics are wonderful, the music is beautiful and captures the essence of the lyrics and the CD is perfect for any ocassion. Whether she is writing about a broken heart ("Wishing That"), failed dreams ("Hanging By A Thread"), friendship and hope ("Shooting Horses" and "Ode To A Friend") she does it with amazing style and honesty. Her lyrics are the most beautiful I have ever heard and really get right down to the heart of the song: "No I will not lay down/I will not live my life like a ghost in this town/I am not lonely swear to God I'm just alone" and one of my other favorites: "I said I was falling and you said not to fall on you." This is by far the best album I have ever heard and I would recomment it to anybody with an interest in music or poetry.

I was never a big fan of women musicians, but Jann Arden has changed that. After hearing the song Insensitive from the movie Bed of Roses, I was extremely impressed with her sound. Then I started dating a girl who had the Living Under June CD, and got hook. That was over a year ago, we are still dating and I like Jann Arden more and more. I bought Happy for my girlfriend for Valentine's Day, and we were both thoroughly impressed. There is not a bad song on this CD, which is one reason I am always listening to this CD. If you liked Living Under June, you will not be disappointed with Happy?.

I fell in love with Jann Arden when I heard her single "Insensative" for the first time. I bought "Living Under June" just for that song, and became addicted by her music. When I saw "Happy?" I had to have it, even though I hadn't heard a single song.

Her rendition of "To Sir With Love" is moving, soulful. "Weeds" is probably my favorite on the album, because it's like she's been inside my head at some point and ripped the words out without me realizing it.

The thing I like about Jann Arden in general is that her music feels like me...like the music I would write and sing and play if I had the talent to do so...Its incredible!

I just adore Jann Arden. I see her every time she comes into town. A very funy lady who sounds great live! Happy is the perfect album. She makes you think about life, cry about it and even appreicate it. The song "Holy Moses" takes a look at human deception with the haughting beat, while "Ode to a friend" makes you want to hug your best buddy! "Wishing That" makes you think back to your first crush There is also an added track "To sir With Love" that is not listed on the jacket.

Out of all her albums including the new Blood Red Cherry another work of art, this is my favorite. Buy it! Trust me you will love it! I

I was mesmerized the first time I heard Jann Arden's CD " Happy?" I haven't stopped listening to it since I bought the CD almost 2 years ago. It is definately one of my three all-time favorite CDs. Everytime I listen to it I find another facet of her songwriting and music I hadn't heard before. Her lyrics are poignant, heartfelt, and, yes, even pathetic. But, gees, why not? She's singing things some of only think! I recently lost both my parents and I've found the first cut on the CD, "The Sound Of", to express exactly how I feel everytime I visit their now empty home. Her voice is so profoundly beautiful to my ears. I hope she continues her incredible journey in this universe: a talented and beautiful singer/songwriter.

Jann Arden should be an international sensation and likely one day will be. She is an extraordinary song writer with powerful insight and unflinching honesty. She is a magnificent singer with a gorgeous voice full of warmth, intimacy and expression. She is a riveting stage performer and a true beauty. This is an album you play over and over and over and discover something new in it with each listening. The arrangements also are emotion-grabbing--in fact the overall production is polished to a point few artists today are willing to work toward yet there's never a feeling of anything being overdone or reached for or artificial. Jann can change your life. Don't miss this spectacular album!

If music has the ability to transport your heart and soul then Happy? will serve that purpose. It is rare that an album will take you from the first song to the last without having you reach for the skip button on the CD player. This album will keep you listening all the way through as you are taken on Arden's emotional rollercoaster.

Jann Arden is a very talented singer/songwriter. Most of the songs on this album are of sad subjects, lost love and broken hearts. But underlying them is the promise of hope and brighter days to come. Some of the songs may take a few listens to get familiar with them, but isn't that usually the way with music that has a depth to it! "Saved" is an inspirational song, and "Ode to a friend" is a wonderful song, a perfect tribute to one's best friend. This is the perfect album to kick back and relax with. The 16 page booklet contains the lyrics and some photos of Jann. She really does have a beautiful expressive voice...you can feel the pain, the sorrow and the hope.