Leona Naess

Leona Naess | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 16, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Geffen Records
• ASIN: B0000C52ET
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,924 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Leona Naess’ third album takes a turn away from the radio-ready veneer of 2001’s I Tried to Rock You But You Only Roll in favor of the more austere arrangements of producer/multi-instrumentalist Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Rufus Wainwright). Less immediately ear-grabbing than the previous disc, this self-titled record nonetheless sinks in deeply after a mere handful of plays. Naess’s songs are closely observed and occasionally diary-like: in "Star Signs," she recounts her reading a former lover’s horoscopes, while "Dues to Pay" draws parallels between career and romantic hard knocks. Whether aiming for Tom Petty-style folk-rock or surrounded by a small group of string players, Naess’s voice remains a truly affecting instrument, wistful and full-voiced at once. Hurt or not, you know, she’ll get by. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's time for YOU to discover Leona Naess, November 2, 2003

By 

Aaron Blight (Westminster, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Leona Naess (Audio CD)

This self-titled album is the third release from Leona Naess and represents another wondrous work from a lady who is, in my opinion, the most promising relatively unknown female recording artist in music today. If you liked Leona's first two albums, there's NO QUESTION you'll like her third. If you've never heard Leona's music, then it's time you did.

As evidenced by the eleven captivating songs on this new album, Leona Naess has the potential to be a superstar. This young lady is an enormously talented musician: she writes fantastic songs with infectious melodies and moving lyrics; she projects a beautifully rich alto voice; and she plays her own guitar. Leona Naess is an authentic singer-songwriter, not one of today's manufactured artists created and mass marketed by a major record company.

It seems such a short time ago that I discovered Leona Naess when buying her debut album, Comatised. I was so impressed with her debut that I had to get her sophomore album, I Tried to Rock You But You Only Roll.

As much as I enjoy those previous releases, Leona's third album is her best overall work to date. Compared to her last album, this disc contains less emphasis on production and effects, allowing the listener to hear and recognize the depth and scope of Leona's pure musical talent. All the tunes on this album are infectious, ranging from frolicking and rhythmic to slow and introspective. Leona's voice is constantly charismatic. Nobody sings a soft, plaintive melody better than she does. Despite her youth, Leona continues to show the confidence and poise of a seasoned vocalist.

Lyrically, Leona again emphasizes her favorite topic: love, with all its attendant simplicities and complexities. She's so sincere, however, that you don't tire of hearing her analyze the ups and downs of her relationships. Indeed, these seem to spur Leona's musical creativity, providing ample messages to which we all can relate.

I've become a huge fan of Leona Naess, and I highly recommend her self-titled third album. YOU WILL LOVE IT. I would also recommend either of her preceding albums, both of which are most rewarding for the listener.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the risk..., December 18, 2003

By 

Jennifer Boyd-morin "choirgirl_21" (Laurel, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Leona Naess (Audio CD)

I recently heard Calling on a local radio station and liked what I heard. I was hesitant to buy the album only because it's hard to know what you'll get based on one song, but I was encourged by some of the reviews I read. I only received the CD yesterday, but it's been playing nonstop since then.

Frankly, I've gotten out of the chick music scene. While Tori remains my all-time favorite musician, these days I'll take Black Rebel Motorcycle Club over Sarah McLachlin or Evanessence over Suzanne Vega. But every once in a while, I found some "chick" music that still moves me. Most recently, it was Miranda Lee Richards and now it's Leona Naess.

I don't know that I can add to the other reviewers descriptions of Leona's voice or musical style. I'll just say that if you've heard any of the songs off of this album and are still skeptical, take the risk and buy the CD. It is definitely worth it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Talk of Fancy Cars and Wounded Love Scars, September 16, 2003

By 

Sean M Ward (New Milford, CT United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Leona Naess (Audio CD)

Leona's debut album was quite promising, showcasing a sensitive songwriter with a knack for delicate ballads (with a few rockers thrown in). Her second album "I Tried to Rock You, But You Only Roll" was a vast improvement, with a more electronic and upbeat approach.
Leona returns with her most heartbreaking and revealing album. She keeps the instrumentation rather simple, yet keeps the biting wit that many songs on her second album had. Leona's talent shines through on each of these 11 tracks, and her focus improves vastly with each album.
The sound is crystal clear, allowing the words and music to be natural and golden. She even puts a little growl into certain words in "Star Signs"
My favorite songs are "Don't Use My Broken Heart" and "Yes, It's Called Desire" Leona makes you feel rivers flow within, and packs your mind with her wordplay and double meanings. Buy immediately!!