Customer Reviews

It's Good Eve

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Years before "Ally McBeal" and mainstream success came calling, Vonda Shepard was releasing solid pop material that her label, Reprise Records, was in no hurry to promote. Evidence of their error is found in the fact that "Searchin My Soul," from her "Radical Light" album, became a huge hit and the "Ally" theme song, while "Baby Don't You Break My Heart Slow," originally from her self-titled debut, was another smash when it was re-recorded as a duet with the Indigo Girls' Emily Sailers for the second volume of the "Ally McBeal" soundtrack. Reprise execs must be kicking themselves by now.

But if this isn't enough to convince you that Vonda Shepard is more than the McBeal mouthpiece that belts out classic pop tunes for the benefit of Ally's plotlines, look no further than the understated masterpiece that is 1996's "It's Good, Eve." Recorded and released right before production on "Ally" was underway, this record is largely responsible for Vonda getting the television gig, and it's no wonder in the least. Leaving behind the slicker stabs at commercial success that she attempted on Reprise, Vonda produced some of the most lovely and organic acoustic pop you've heard since the heyday of Carole King, Carly Simon, and Joni Mitchell.

Vonda starts off with two compositions that draw the listener in slowly but surely with both haunting melody and personal, confessional lyrics...when Vonda sings "never worry about what I did wrong/and that I'll never be what my daddy wanted me to be/and I'll never see what my mama's dreams were" on "Maryland," it's evident that finding her own path hasn't been easy for Shepard, but the artistic payoff apparently made the struggle worthwhile. This notion is driven home on "A Lucky Life," a stunning piece that celebrates living for your art. Things picks up a bit on "Grain of Sand," which boasts a brush-kit rhythm section that moves like a gently-insistent locomotion. The song's juxtaposition of acoustic guitar pop and a Middle-Eastern inspired vocal riff laid over a sitar lick make for an immediately striking effect that is easily the album's best moment.

Elsewhere on the record Shepard makes an argument for the old theory of less being more: on "Like a Hemisphere" the drums don't come in until after the second chorus, and the simple arrangement of piano, guitar, and multiple vocals from Vonda have the fullness and elegance of a symphony. And of course mature and insightful lyrics like "why can't we see in outselves/all the beauty we see in everybody else?" make it all the more obvious that Vonda is a significant talent. Other strong ballads are "Long Term Boyfriend" and "Every Now and Then," confessional relationship pieces that manage to skirt the realm of Joni Mitchell without borrowing from any particular item in the legend's cache.

This isn't to say that Vonda's work is without drive and energy, however: "Naivete" is a forceful uptempo rocker that makes a strong case for your own personal reality being better than the one everyone makes you think you should inhabit, while the bridge in "This Steady Train" takes a quaint pop ballad and turns it on its ear with a 6/8 time signature change and a psychedelic guitar lick. The only moment less than stellar is "Mischief & Control," an exploration of the multiple personalities and identities within everyone. The lyrical concept is good enough, but the Middle-Eastern vocal riff from "Grain of Sand" is duplicated here and the songs are even in the same key, so "Mischief" comes off as a carbon-copy afterthought. Easygoing, 70's-reminiscent pop like "The Wildest Times of the World" more than pick up the slack, however.

Throughout the record Vonda's vocals are another noteworthy achievement, as if the maturity in the writing coaxed her to uncover new nuances and layers to her voice that her earlier work didn't inspire. Throw in the fact that she impressively produced the album with Michael Landau and you have every shred of evidence you will ever need to prove that Shepard is one of the most important artists of our times, never without a striking musical platform for her mature lyrical thoughts. Sure, after years of toiling away unappreciated, she more than deserves her recent television success, and it does one good to hear her on the radio and see her sell out venues across the country. But one listen to "It's Good, Eve" will show you that while, for a lot of people, "Ally McBeal" is where Vonda Shepard begins, it is just as certainly not where she ends.

I find this CD to be particularly beautiful with its insightful lyrics, unique yet catchy arrangements, and one powerful voice to serve it up. I reccommend this to anyone who loves music that makes you feel something, music that moves you to tears or crack a smile. This isn't an Ally McBeal soundtrack, so those who aren't fans of the show can enjoy Vonda's wonderful talent as well. She stands out on her own as a dynamic musician and songwriter...this CD has a permanent home next to the stereo, if it's not playing at the time!

If you aren't sure which CD of Vonda's to first pick up, try It's Good Eve. It's a collection of slower songs that really shows how talented she is. Her individual follow up, By 7:30 is a great one too- less acoustical and much faster, probably more mainstream, but this CD is my favorite and the one I listen to the most.

I find her work to be almost haunting. There is something not being said behind the arrangement and the great voice. I truly hope that Vonda continues her work and joins the legends ...Carly Simon, Carole King, Joni Mitchell...where she can certainly take her own place as she grows as musician.

These are only a few words to describe the true greatness of this CD. I must admit that I discovered Vonda Shepard after seeing and falling in love with the Fox TV show, "Ally McBeal". I was sort of skeptical about whether or not I'd enjoy this CD since I knew this wasn't going to be the Vonda we all knew who sang cover songs like "Hooked On A Feeling" or "Tell Him". However once I bought this album, I couldn't take it out of my CD player. I identified with all of the songs even though I was only 13. Each song either drew back a memory, brought back a certain emotion, or just plain brought me to tears. When she sings the line "I'll never be what my daddy wanted me to be or I'll never see what my mama's dreams were, but I will sing" and "I wanna fly down the highway to my home away from home" on the song "Maryland", I felt my heart fall to the floor. She is brave, honest, and beautiful on this phenominal record. I'd say she should be in the same ballpark as Joni Mitchell or Jackson Browne since they all have one thing in common...pure emotional honesty. In this day and age of Britney Spears and N'Sync, truly great, classic music is hard to come by. No matter what age you are, you will be abosolutely enamored of this collection of songs. It's gotten me through a lot of tough times so do yourself a favor... buy this CD now. Trust me! You won't regret it and if you do regret, you don't have much of a life, soul, or a heart.

The Ally McBeal television series has brought Vonda Shepard the audience and recognition she has long deserved. But It's Good, Eve far outshines the Songs from Ally McBeal soundtrack. Vonda's incredible voice and well arranged songs make this a highly enjoyable album. Track 8, Every Now & Then, is truly captivating.

You do not have to be a fan of the television series to reconize the talent of this performer and to appreciate the beauty of her voice and songs on this album.

I have loved Vonda's voice ever since I heard her on that Dan Hill song, "Can't We Try?" This album grows on you, like most of her work--before you know it, you can't take it out of the CD player! If you don't get a tear in your eye or a lump in your throat when you hear, "Every Now and Then", there's something dreadfully wrong with you! I can't wait to hear more from Miss Vonda!!!

I love this CD and it made me fall in love with Vonda Shepard, long before her Ally McBeal fame. Her voice is stunning and the arrangements on this CD are beautiful. I am glad she is getting some recognition and hope that she returns to her own songwriting so beautifully displayed on this album.

I bought this CD coz I was impressed with Vonda's performance in Ally McBeal. Her voice's beautiful and she's talented in both songwriting and production. I often leave it on repeat mode in my player!

I found out about her when watching the Ally McBeal show. I knew she was special after just one look. I sought out any CD by her (this was when the show first aired), bought this, then got hooked. It's excellent. She's got genuine talent. One of my favorite CD's.