Perfectly Clear [Enhanced]

Jewel | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 3, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Valory Music Co.
• ASIN: B00171MNLU
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,146 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The City Paper, Nashville, TN

Jewel's new country disc definitely looks backward rather than forward for its inspiration, with a pronounced acoustic background and the piercing, declarative sound of fiddles, steel and dobros rather than electric guitars forming the musical settings. Her songs explore themes ranging from empowerment ("Stronger Woman," "Perfectly Clear") and anger ("Anyone But You") to betrayal ("Till She Feels Like Cheating") and romantic fulfillment ("Everything Reminds Me of You," "Two Become One.")

The voice is clear and steady, and while she won't remind anyone of Loretta Lynn or Patsy Cline, these numbers are far more immersed in the qualities and sensibility of vintage country than the lexicon and tone of several contemporary hitmakers.

Product Description

It comes as no surprise that Jewel, an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, actress, poet, painter, philanthropist and daughter to an Alaskan cowboy singer-songwriter, finds herself in the embrace of country music for the release of her seventh career album, Perfectly Clear.

Nashville Connections

Jewel's personal odyssey, partly chronicled on one of the best selling debut albums of all time, the twelve-time platinum Pieces of You, comes full circle with her forthcoming country album, Perfectly Clear, the debut release on newly launched Nashville-based independent label The Valory Music Co.

Jewel is set apart her whole career for not only singing, but writing all her songs, and this album is no exception. "I've been writing country songs my whole career; some of the songs on this record date back to when I was 18 years old. I've been hanging on to them until now. They were meant for a record like this one."

The record's first single "Stronger Woman" is a powerful and positive message that resonates with women of any age. Perfectly Clear is produced by Jewel and John Rich of Big and Rich fame. "Jewel is probably one of the greatest American singer-songwriters we have. It is such an honor to work with anyone of that caliber of talent," Rich says. Jewel has spent a lot of time in Nashville over the last few years, and has naturally been drawn to and accepted by the Nashville music community. "If I were discovered today, there is no doubt that I would be signed as a country artist. Songs like "You Were Meant For Me" would have been a country hit today, and not a pop hit as it was in the 90s. The genres have changed more than I feel I have," says Jewel.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Country-folk for country folk, June 14, 2008

By 

Amanda Richards (Georgetown, Guyana) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Perfectly Clear (Audio CD)

Popular folk singer/songwriter Jewel tries something old for her new album, and comes up country fresh and honey sweet. The tracks are like Carrie Underwood channeling The Carpenters for a perfect blend of vintage country with pop and folk.

The lead single is "Stronger Woman", an anthem for women everywhere who are being taken for granted by the men in their lives. Her advice?

"I'm gonna love myself more than anyone else
Believe in me, even if someone can't see
A stronger woman in me"

She follows up with "I Do", which is a song about making a commitment to the person you love. I really like the clever lyrics, and chorus, "'Cause love is a game until it's played / And if it's lost, it can't ever be saved."

For some old-fashioned country violins and stuff, try "Love is a Garden" (a track with a little Shania Twain edge); "Anyone But You"; "Thump Thump" ; "'Til it Feels Like Cheating" (pure country); "Everything Reminds Me of You"; "Love By You (Cowboy Waltz)" (a bit of yodeling here) and "Perfectly Clear"

My son likes "Rosey and Mick", which has a chorus that reminds me of The Carpenters, and I also like "Two Become One" which is very familiar, but I can't recall the song it reminds me of right now. (Maybe "Islands in the Stream" by Kenny and Dolly, combined with "Love Doesn't Ask Why" by Celine Dion)

I prefer Jewel as a folk singer, but I appreciate her experimenting with a variety of styles. This is a very good country album by any standards.

Rated: 4.5 stars


Amanda Richards, June 14, 2008

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jewel Fits Country 'Perfectly', June 3, 2008

By 

Rudy Palma "The Writing Fiend" (NJ) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Perfectly Clear (Audio CD)

Anyone who has followed Jewel's career beyond the obvious hit singles knows that a country record has been in her cards for a while, and sixth studio album "Perfectly Clear" fits the bill. Whether it be quality album tracks like "Cleveland" from 2001's "This Way" or "Stephenville, TX" from 2006's "Goodbye Alice In Wonderland," each of her albums (save for 2003's misjudged "0304") has demonstrated her potential for the genre. Accusations that the Alaskan singer/songwriter is courting Middle America to sell more records cannot be disproved, but what matters is whether or not the results are worth repeated listens. They are.

Fans of Jewel's body of work not particularly privy to country music can relax and dig in - "Perfectly Clear" is a Jewel album first, a country CD second. The witty, romantic lyricism and catchy melodies typical of her earlier records are both here and stronger than ever. The only difference is typical country music instruments like violins and steel guitars take on an eminent presence. It is executed wonderfully, however; those waiting for the next rootin tootin' Gretchen Wilson record or even country purists should find the album thoroughly absorbing.

Not much has changed as far as Jewel's themes are concerned, and it tends to work for the genre. "Love Is a Garden" joins the ranks of "Break Me" or "Morning Song" with its sticky-as-Christmas-tree sappiness, but its melody is colorful and invigorating. The same goes for "Two Become One," a great improvement on a track from "0304," as well the album's formidable lead single, "Stronger Woman" which has met respectable success on country radio and even pierced the pop charts with its feel-good theme and strong, confident vocal delivery.

Follow-up single "I Do" has the ripest potential for large-scale success, not to mention considerable crossover appeal. With a splendid, chugging, instantly memorable melody and gorgeous lyrics, the song is quintessential Jewel.

"Because love is a game until it's played/And if it's lost, it can't ever be saved/We have heaven to gain and hell to lose/And the difference is up to me and you/So if you will, I will stop saying I won't/And start saying I do."

"Anyone But You" is a passionate, drink-yourself-into-oblivion lamentation of a ballad, making it the most clichedly country song of the record. Jewel pulls it off with her solemn, plaintive vocals extracting emotion out of every note. Meanwhile, "Rosey and Mick," a track that has spent years in her setlists, turns the similar theme of lovers' trysts into a sweeping, widescreen radio-friendly light country rocker with another instantly memorable hook.

"Thump Thump" and "Loved By You (Cowboy Waltz)" also sport memorable melodies that beckon the repeat button in addition to adventurous song structures that reveal different facets of Jewel's considerable talent. "Perfectly Clear," a stark, ingratiating ballad, concludes the album in top-notch fashion.

Jewel is going to retain her existing fanbase and successfully court new listeners if "Perfectly Clear" is given the attention it has coming to it. She should even win back former listeners if they know what's best for them. So she kicked up her heels and had a little fun in 2003. Get over it. These new songs are meaty and substantial with lyrical bite, lovely melodies and the sharpest vocal work of her career.

What more do you want?

26 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfectly Clear a Gem on First Listen, June 3, 2008

By 

Steve H "books911" (U.S.) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Perfectly Clear (Audio CD)

I have been a fan of Jewel, since just after her coffee house days, and I have seen her in concert over a dozen times. "Perfectly Clear," is a stunningly gorgeous demonstration of Jewel's unique, fascinating storytelling. Furthermore, the sound is fantastic. I care very little for country music, but this album is fantastic and quickly rose to one be one of my favorite Jewel albums ever despite having only listened fully one time. Typically I need a dozen listens before really understanding and enjoying the sound of an album. Not here, this album is great right off the first push of the play button, and the Jewel storytelling is always clear and there from the start to begin with.

The album is not entirely different from the 2001 album release "This Way." While every Jewel album is superb, I'd certainly take the step to say this is the best produced album since "This Way," as its not overly done, and Jewel's voice is allowed to carry the story.

The variety and quality of songs on here is fantastic. From older treasures, to new creations, they are found here. They will delight you, put you at peace, and entertain you.

My next album hope? This album was fully enjoyed. I still want, someday, the average CD or radio listener to hear the brilliance that is Jewel live. A Jewel live album, or live-style album would further complete her discography.