Customer Reviews

Ladyland

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not many pop singers can actually make good music -- Imogen Heap, Regina Spektor to name a few. But Sierra Swan joins that very small ranking with her debut, "Ladyland," which mixes robust pop melodies with a world-weary, strong-minded attitude. No wilting violets here!

"Sitting on this broken glass/that I threw myself/tangled insecurities/where I like to dwell/dwelling my impurities/with one more glass of wine," goes the opener, "Copper Red." It's a swoony pop song that rapidly gains strength -- after the first minute, it's a complex, earthy song, with Swan announcing that "I'm in no hurry/to receive your adulation!"

The album takes a darker turn with "Don't Say," an ominous ballad that deals with an abusive relationship, with Swan finding the will to overcome the guy who "got me drunk/and laid me down." But don't expect the soul-searching to end there, because then it's a roller coaster of kiss-offs to ex-lovers, being a woman, and the regrets of a colourful life.

And this album doesn't commit to just one musical style. Though the album starts off as hearty pop, Swan also tries out bittersweet ballads, piano pop, rollicking synth-edged stuff, and swirling pop songs full of energetic violin melodies. It finishes off with an exquisite ode to a departed mother, laced with religious references and a hint of tears.

It's too bad that there isn't more pop like this -- no goopy sentimentality, no endless whining. There are lovers and love here, but Swan's songs don't give the impression of a lovestruck adolescent. Instead, she gives the feeling of a mature woman, who isn't going to sob and beg for a guy who isn't good enough, but can love someone who is.

"Ladyland" starts off with a sort of alt-rock track with a bit of a twang, and musically these are middling. But after two or three songs she breaks loose with all sorts of different styles, blending pianos, strings, bells, and maybe a few more elements. The melodies grow more sensual and multilayered, until it feels like you're being swamped in embroidered silk.

Swan's voice is probably the best aspect of the album. She has a very strong, flexible voice that sounds a bit like Imogen Heap's, and she knows how to use it. Growls, purrs, sneers, and straightforward singing all get used. Her songs have the mild clumsiness that a new writer has ("Now I'm scared straight/can I procreate?"), but there is considerable talent in other spots.

"Ladyland" has some awkward bits, but the spirited songs and solid melodies make it a good listen nevertheless. Definitely worth checking out.

Those of us familiar with the late 90's release by Dollshead -"Frozen Charlotte",cannot help but be a bit surprised by the style of music on "Ladyland". Dollshead's "Garbage(the band)-like" style was a welcome alternative to the mainstream bands of the time. That said, this release is good, but more mainstream in that regard. Ms. Swan shows a great range of style and abilities in her performances here.However, I find the music/songwriting to be only slightly above average. I miss Dollshead.

All I can say is that this young woman's voice goes right through me. I caught a sound bite on one of the local channels one evening, followed up on the album and don't regret a dime spent. Cuddo's to you Sierra. Extremely talented, excellent lyrics and depth. I've worn out my CD if that's possible.
Wonderful.....

So I was reading a magazine and I saw an ad for Sierra Swan, went to her website and was floored. She is a mix of Fiona Apple, Linda Perry and Pink. I have not stopped listening to this album. This is an amazing debut, I see nothing but great future releases for her.
This is the perfect cd for my summer. It is so different from anything you hear on the radio today.

I saw Sierra Swan live yesterday in Atlanta at the Red Light Cafe and was blown away by the powerful vocals of this amazing songstress!!! The band was amazing and the lyrics were very deep. I haven't heard a voice this awesome is a long time. Sierra Swan is truly talented. Tracks like Copper Red and Mother are rather impressive. The lyrics are genious!! This is a definite must-have cd. This band rocks!

This is an awesome album. I love every song. The production and song writing is outstanding. I can just imagine that Sierra Swan would be amazing live.

I bought this on a whim; heard a bit and took a chance. The cover attracted me. It is a good CD; well-crafted pop songs, some piano ballads, and most importantly, some edginess; both musically and lyrically. Sierra's breathy, affected (at times) vocal delivery may take a bit of getting used to; I guess it is a matter of taste. Miles above the usual pop drivel.

The Good
I know what you're thinking; what's a pop album doing at Rock Is Life? Bear with me; I'll answer that soon enough. Swan kicks off her album with the piano driven track "Copper Red." You can hear the emotional pain as she delivers her soulful vocals. "Don't Say" has a nice bounce to it that's set by the percussion. Despite the sorrowful verses, the chorus actually has an uplifting rhythm to it. The song sounds a lot like an old Beatles tune. The intro to "The Ladder" contains no drums and no effects, just voice over piano. Sierra puts here heart on the line as the ballad builds with passion.

You almost need a master's degree to figure out what Swan is talking about on the album's title track "Ladyland." Sierra proclaims, I'm in lovely ladyland / `cause the truth is I'm a man. More sultry and enduring vocals come courtesy of "Trouble is." "Just Tell Me" is Swan's simple request to be wanted and loved. A sentiment that I'm sure most people would echo. Sierra fondly recalls her mother on the appropriately titled ballad "Mother."

The Bad
Nothing notable

The Verdict
Sierra Swan packs her debut album full of soulful and sultry vocals that express her deepest and most cherished thoughts and emotions. Fiona Apple comes to mind when trying to describe her sound, but Swan is more relatable and less cryptic. To call Sierra a rock act is really stretching it, but really good music knows no boundaries.

Her voice, her lyrics, her composition of music. I love this CD and have introduced Sierra to my friends who all have had the same reactions, "Can I have a copy?"
Sierra where are you? I want to hear more.
I listen to all songs with out skipping a beat. All of her songs are contagious. Buy this album!

I bought this album because somebody said Sierra Swan was in the Fiona Apple class. I knew nothing about her, but was blown away by this album. Every song on it is great! I never get tired of this album, and can listen to it over and over. What a voice! What a talent! It's easily my most listened to album. My wife loves it as well, and she too hadn't heard of her before. We know her now!