Customer Reviews

Holy Smokes

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

 

 

I'm not a big Roches fan, though I like some of their stuff a lot. However, I found this album to be rather boring. The track with the most interesting lyrics is "Eggshell," and those are kind of hokey.

Overall, the lyrics are better than the melodies, which, after one listening, did not inspire me to put the CD back on the turntable. I recommend Suzzy's second album, or better yet, "Zero Church," as a more worthwhile use of your money.

While The Roches as a trio have never succeeded in matching the quality of their 1979 record (The Roches, a classic), their vocal qualities and witty lyrics make most of their albums quite irresistable. This solo-album by the youngest of the sisters shares these qualities, although the lyrics are less sharp and you miss the beautiful harmonies on all except one song (Maggie sings on Rules). Having said that, it's quite an enjoyable album that's excellently produced. Roches-fans won't regret adding this one to their collection, though I hope this doesn't mark the end of them singing together.

A brillant singer/songwriter--a poet, like Alanis Morisette--with songs about love, children, religion, death. A truly original sound, funky folk rock--especially of course, the expected interesting Roches harmonies, but wonderful backup musicians. I've had this for about 5 years and still listen to it at least once a week.

This remarkable record-- one of the best of 1997-- proves two things no one would necessarily have expected: one, that Suzzy Roche is the most talented of the Roche sisters; and two, that this is the best record to have come out of any of the three, even better than the 1979 Robert Fripp-produced "The Roches," which had remained the high point for almost two decades. The subtle and mostly gentle musical accompaniment supports rather than overpowers the songs and allows their strengths to shine through. Melodic and "traditional," but in interesting ways, with thoughtful lyrics, these songs draw the listener in with inviting tunes and Suzzy's graceful singing. Then the lyrics begin to sink in, and one catches Suzzy's delightful blend of humor and psychological incision. The title song [which might just as well be called "The Way We Fall Apart"] is the highlight, employing humorous imagery to detail the failure of a relationship, from its throwaway beginning ["is it love or is it hate/ i'm a stand there fence/ you're a swinging gate/ if i was a shoe/ i would walk away"] to its final kindness, even in breakup ["the worst thing is how you are so beautiful and kind/ when i am leaving you behind."]