Customer Reviews

Only With Laughter Can You Win

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was flipping through books in a bookstore when the song "You and Me" started to play -- it made me stop what I was reading and walk directly to the music section to find out what was playing. Her voice and lyrics were so raw and tender - I was totally blown away. I bought the CD and found it to be one of those rare CD's you can play from start to finish and every song is consistent in mood -- and it just flows...

I read a few of the reviews on this CD which totally surprised me - and actually compelled me to write a good review for this artist. I found it bizarre that people would be so incredibly offended by a woman singing about her faith. What a pity these people can't respect a woman who writes her own lyrics and stays true to who she is and what she believes in -- and doesn't sell out and sing songs that are 100% commercial crap. Bottom line: This is GORGEOUS CD and I'm thrilled to have found it!

I think you misinterpreted the meaning of that lyric in "Tell Me How." The actual lyric is - "How am I to define what faith is to a child/when the only explanation lies within/how am I to tell them if they never follow Christ/that heaven doesn't hold a place for them?" And, given it's context in the rest of the song (which seems to be all about grappling with various weighty, personal questions) and the final line of the song ("Oh how? Oh how? Tell me how when I'm no better than them"), the sentiment here seems to be exactly the opposite of what you've walked away with. In other words, Rosie is questioning how she could be expected to hold such an untenable opinion when each individual's interpretation of "faith" isn't hers to define. It seems to me that she's actually going a bit out on a limb here, bravely questioning the beliefs held by the religion she herself subscribes to. The lyrics are included in the album art - take a second to read them and see if this interpretation doesn't fit a little better than anything else.

And, that's indicative of the subjects she addresses on Only with Laughter Can You Win. Whereas her first record, When We Were Small took a look at the people and memories of her childhood, the new record takes a fairly unflinching look at her present. None of the soul-searching on the record seems to be an effort to shove anything down anyone's throat, but rather an attempt to try to examine/make sense of her feelings, experiences, and yeah, her faith.

It's a sweetly affecting and reflective record, hopefully you'll give it (and her) another chance.

Rosie's new record, like her last, is a collage of thoughts from her personal life. This one seems to take it a step further, though. She sings about everything from her family and friends to her beliefs and her fears. Sometimes music that is so intensly personal to the songwriter can alienate most other listeners. This record feels exactly the opposite. It is so warm and inviting that you feel like you are Rosie's best friend after listening to it. The songs are written in such a humble way that the personal content in the lyrics only accentuates the mood of the record. If you've listened to Rosie's last record 'When We Were Small,' you know what I'm talking about. This record has the same affect, but it goes further by asking some tough questions about being a musician, and just being human. Some of the subject matter is weighty, but never in a way that compromises that beauty or integrity of the record. I would go as far as to say that the new record is better than the last BECAUSE it is more personal.

Rosanne's delicate voice is in multiples with layered vocals on the opening track "Let Myself Fall". That starting track immediately sets a different tone and feel from her first album, and you know you're in for something different.

Roseanne's voice comes off as genuine because she is.. a genuine artist, from a genuine artistic family. She truly has her vocal cords on a string, and can control every nuance of it. She defines notes on the softest whisper, and yet can pull out the pipes on command.

I recommend this album if you enjoy exploring well written and performed folk music, with one of the most beautiful voices on the market today.

Rosie is an amazingly beautiful person. I interviewed her last night, and I am in love. Who wouldn't be? The woman writes songs like she lives: open and honest. You want to hug her because sweet people like her deserve it. I think the person who said meet her first had a good point. Not only is she touring with Damien Jurado, giving you two great performances; but she is a genuinely warm individual. I think the songs will take on a new meaning for you after that. Plus, you might get to see Sheila and her band...they do one song: "Eye of the Tiger"...oh, yeah...

This CD is absolutely beautiful. I only bought it because I heard one of the songs was played in the background of Alias, but it was definitely worth it. The music is relaxing, and she has a beautiful voice.

Rosie's voice ranges from the old-timey (think Carter sisters) to the modern singer/songwriter (think Shawn Colvin, Aimee Mann, Rosanne Cash). Not only are the lyrics sweet & sad, they can do something that many songwriters yearn for, they can touch you. This album of songs will break your heart, but there is also a beautiful spiritual element to it. Rosie does stand-up comedy too, which is a real departure, but is just another facet to this incredible person. Catch her in concert if she comes to your town! Her witchy-poo socks are the best.

I find it very sad that an artist is free to express herself in her songs except when it comes to how she feels about God. I was under the impression that being open minded meant being tolerant of other people's views, but apparently from some of the reviews it really just means being intolerant of Christian views. There's nothing wrong with making statements about the world through songs, and it's silly to say the lyrics are simple-minded (which wasn't said directly, but it's implied) just because they don't reflect your own "introspective" thoughts.
Rosie did a fine job on this album.

I stumbled on this artist while playing around in iTunes and purchased the CD from Amazon. Rosie has a sound very similar to Sarah McGlaughlin, very soothing. Highly recommended

I have been a die-hard fan for Sarah McLachlan since the being..until...Laws of Illusion after waiting many years for her to bring out another album. So I stumbled upon Rosie Thomas and while this is the only CD I own at this time, it brought me back to the days of Sarah before her songs got "foofy".

These songs are wonderful!!! I respect artists that write their own songs. The first listen through I was amazed, the second and the third and so on...I am hooked!