Customer Reviews

Intuition/Standing Still

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Don't let closed-minded pigeon-holers make you think Jewel is either selling out or trying to compete with all-gloss dance divas like Shakira or X-tina. Ms. Kilcher is, with gusto, melding her insightful lyrics and killer hooks with some hip-hop grooves for a catchy-as-hell batch of fun songs, led off by this repeat-listening-worthy advance single -- and the fact that "Intuition" IS an actual commercial single is telling, and refreshing. Jewel has gotten bashed for being too earnest, too introspective, too "pretentious", and she'll get bashed for this, too. But here's the truth: "Intuition" is a sexy, sultry, "summer" dance track with a memorable melody, and something dance tracks aren't known for -- lyrics that mean something. Oh, but wait, Jewel has written those all along. So open your minds and ears and burn your pre-conceived musical prejudices as you sing or dance along: it's great to hear this real-deal artist just having fun. To quote Nick Lowe, "Intuition" is Pure Pop for Now People, and there ain't nothin' wrong with that.

Regardless of what you hear about Jewel being called a 'sellout', the fact of the matter is that her new single, 'Intuition' is a great, upbeat track. It's fresh and fun to dance to. Although I prefer her old sound and look more, Jewel still sings about her thoughts on society. The lyrics didn't change. They are just now accompanied by a dance beat. I am really looking forward to her new album.

"In Jewel I trust." This was what I said to myself again and again after her Spirit CD had come out and news was out that Jewel was going to make a country/rock album next. My heart sank. I was afraid that the observant folkie I loved was going to sell out. Well, the next album, 'This Way' came out and I loved it. It was her best album yet.

Then news came out that a dance/hiphop-y album was on the plate next. My heart sank again. But then I remembered "in Jewel I trust" and how she's never managed to disappoint me. She's one of those rare artists that can venture into different arenas of music yet still stay true to her artistry. I usually cringe when I think of artists straying too far from their roots because the outcome isn't always great, but Jewel's new sound is fresh.

The sound may be different, but the lyrics are still Jewel, the keen, observant, introverted woman who wrote Who Will Save Your Soul. The sound is surprisingly good with a really good dance beat, and her vocals are vibrant. This song, Intuition, is very upbeat, which is a welcome change. Sure, the music may be a more mainstream, but the lyrics definitely are still there. What's funny is this song makes fun of the idea of "selling out" (if you listen to the lyrics "you've got something that you're wanting to sell? Sell yourself. Just cash in.") and she's getting accused of selling out.

Well, longtime fans know she has a very facetious and joking sense of humor. This is her way of making fun of herself, as she put it in an interview, "there's definitely irony in that I'm in a business where I'm selling my ideas." So, in a way, I guess this is her song mocking the pedistal she's been put on. That's what's great about this song, aside from it being hip, fresh, and just plain fun- that keen, facetious humor poking at every hypocrite is still there, and in this song, she's poking fun at herself.

Ok so I know I completely bashed Jewel's new single in my previous review, but I guess this song just takes a while getting used to.It's still no masterpiece, but it's a well-written piece of pop with a driving beat and electrifying chorus.I wasn't some big fan of Jewel back when she was still an artist, so it's not that big of a deal for me that she went from artist to pop tart.Anyways, it's not like she'll ever write another song that even compares to Foolish Games (and I mean the album acoustic version, not the poppy single version of it).Anyway, it's a fun song, nothing more.But I have to say, it really grew on me.

At first when I heard this I was a little put off. She's very unique her sound and her style. I am mixed on this one I do like the beat and the the way she uses her voice. I do like change as well, but I feel she could have gone a bit different than this. Then there are two singers that come to mind about changing styles a lot, Kylie Minogue and Nikka Costa. Again it was a bit surprising, but a nice change. I think Jewel has gone a little to overboard, but I am sure her style and music will change again. The only think that annoys me is when I turn on the TV and there's "Intuition" in a razor commercial. That is irritating. The song is pretty cool though I am getting used to it the more I listen.

Okay, okay, enough with the conspicuous bashing of Jewel. It's unnecessary and laugh-out-funny. Here we have Christina Aguilara claiming to be all "grown up" now by exposing everything in a vulgar fashion, as seen on her well-put "Dirty" video, but when Jewel decides to uphold the standard of dance music by experimenting and having FUN, she's criticized for trying to be the next Britney Spears? A lot of people seemed to really enjoy the song "Intuition" until they realized it was by Jewel and I think it's sad how everyone's claiming her as a "sell-out". What does that word mean anyway? I don't know about you but my taste in music is ever-changing so, if I were a musician, my sound and style would be altering constantly - or rather, expanding. Sometimes an artist chooses to step in a different direction, also depending heavily on the mood of their current lifestyle (family, love, ect.), and it either works or it doesn't. In this case I have mixed emotions (I've never been a huge fan of Jewel's work to begin with) but I give her props for shedding some uninhibited light on her usual seriousness and basking in the glow of her happiness. She's still writing clever, poetic lyrics, so why can't the lady be smart and sexy at the same time? She may be lost to her old conservative ways but so what! At least she's dressing in a tasteful manner and, in my opinion, the transaction to dance has been pretty successful.

If your able to embrace the change than good for you! But if not, well, let her be and move on with your life.

I've not had the chance to hear the song on the radio as I generally hate Top 40. I rely more on word of mouth and websites to decide what I want to listen to, and I've managed to find some pretty good stuff. Since I have been a fan of Jewel for years (all the way from "pieces of You"), I decided to hit her website and listen to her new song(s) and watch the videos. Now, I'd heard that she was going more urban/folk, so I had to wonder...

Well, I wasn't disappointed! "Intuition" is a great song. The lyrics are typical Jewel. This isn't a Britney or X-Tina song at all, despite revirews which say such things. This is pure Jewel. Deep, introspective lyrics. And she's added a new groove to boot!

I think a lot of people want their artists to stay in a certain comfort zone forever. That's not the hallmark of a good artist; rather, it shows that the artist isn't capable of growth. Artists who cannot, or will not, grow bore me to death. Jewel took a chance here. She moved away from her comfort zone and tried something new, and it works. It's a great song, and the other songs I have heard from the album are just as good.

Tori Amos took this chance a few years back with "From the Choir Girl Hotel". She heard a few of her songs remixed, went a bit techno, and it worked. Sarah McLachlan released 2 albums with techno/dance songs..."Remixed" and "Rareties, B-Sides...". These were great albums from artists who took a chance, and Jewel is doing the same thing. I give her a lot of credit for taking a chance. If the fickle fan-base doesn't want to buy her albums anymore, so be it. At least she won't look back years from now and say that she never took the chance to expand her music. Good for her!

Before "Intuition", she always released wonderful music. But when I heard "Intuition", I was blown away! I never knew Jewel had that energy and sexuality in her. Not to mention, her new musical direction continues her growth as an artist. This is one of those songs that you must krank up when you're listening to it in the car. It will give you a more-in-depth perspective. I can't wait to get her CD "0304" so I can see what more she has to offer, besides "Intuition". When I do, I'll write a review.

If you like INTUITION and don't plan on buying 0304, you absolutely have to get this single! It is great as it features the uncut version of INTUITION and an excellent stripped-down acoustic live take of STANDING STILL that sounds far more fresh than the album version taken off her 2001 album THIS WAY. The price is sure good. Also check out the remixes maxi-single of INTUITION featuring remixes by Gabriel & Dresden, Toddy Terry, and many more.

I thought Jewel fans would be smart enough to get it! It's brilliant. Watch the video! How could you even think Jewel would ever sellout? you people have sold her out by thinking this way, shame on you all.