Customer Reviews

Real Life

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

 

 

I took a chance on Marie Wilson's REAL LIFE after reading an Internet review of the Australian version of the album. I wasn't disappointed. The songs on the album are rich, strong, rocking. They burn brightly, passionately, convincingly. They bring to mind other "tough"-minded femme-rockers like Beth Hart (another excellent disc, too!), Trish Murphy, Amy Rigby and Mary Lou Lord. There's no boo-hoo-hoo, heart-on-sleeve pathos at work here: just sure-minded songs that GO somewhere and DO something. Absolutely one of the best discs I've heard, EVER!

I was excited to hear the US version of Real Life and I wasn't disappointed by the new addition "Free" which is also on the soundtrack for the new Susan Sarandon and Natalie Porter movie, "Anywhere But Here". The other new addition to the CD is the song, "Even When I'm Sleeping" which was originally released by Sydney based group 'Leonardo's Bride'. Although the original was great, Marie also does the song justice. I was disappointed that the song "Impossible" was left off the US version as it is one of my favourite songs on the albumn and I wonder why it didn't make this CD?

Overall, Marie shines in her debut CD release as a signed artist. I hope she makes it back to the US in the near future. I am originally from Melbourne and I have missed hearing her perform.

When I reviewed "Next Time" earlier this year I also mentioned "Real Life", the album. Now I have heard both the Aussie version and the US version, including the two new songs "Free" and "Even When I'm Sleeping". I can now confirm this young lady's status as a world class star. There is not one note out of place and the emotive lyrics crave your indulgence time and time again. On this album every track is a hit and if you haven't bought it yet, do yourself a big favour, rush out and get a copy. If you are into Sarah McClachlan, Melissa Etheridge, Indigo Girls, you will really dig this powerful Australian performer. While you are at it, try and catch one of her live performances in the "Hard Rock Cafe Tour" with Beth Hart, right across America till November 19, you'll be glad you did.

This CD was a surprise delight for me. This CD is three-quarters blastin' rock and roll. It starts off with "Next Time," a rock anthem. Wilson's hot guitar, shown burning on the cover of the US release, and heavy drum mix rock on "Won't Keep A Good Girl Down." The title tune is one of my very favorites. The truncated lines work well as abrupt short bursts which give the impression of barriers which the expansive chorus then overcomes. It's a brilliant track. "Making It Up as I Go Along" has a great interplay between lyric and instrumentation. It starts with a sinister stinging guitar and then opens up as Marie sings, "Don't want to be scared." "Free" really made me think that the best way to describe Wilson is, "If Bruce Springsteen were a woman, he'd sound like this." The song rides on a great guitar riff like the boss from Asbury Park. Wilson is from Australia, but the music sounds like it could've been from New Jersey as she belts that she wants to be "free to find my way." Another great independence anthem follows, "On My Own." Marie slows the pace a bit for one of the most empassioned vocals on "Rescue Me" as she sings "Can't you see I'm falling?" "Even When I'm Sleeping" starts with a guitar strum. The cello makes it sound like a renegade track from "Sgt. Peppers." "Ordinary Girl" is boppy pop rock. "Take Me As I Am" is a plaintive midtempo number about watching one's innocence go. I found the closing track "Runaway" totally addictive. The viola adds a stately wistful quality as Marie sings "Will you run away with me? You and me until the end of time." This is a strong CD from a very talented lady.

The cd REAL LIFE is amazing! Marie Wilson has a voice that you can't help but love. She is extremely talented on guitar and vocals, and deserves more credit that what she is receiving. As Marie Wilson puts it, you can't keep a good girl down. Buy this cd! You won't regret it.

Marie Wilson is the current representative of a long line of great Australian rockers...no frills, straight up, love 'em or leave 'em...it's all about Real Life. Though I would like to hear more dynamics on the cd (the fault, I think, of too much electronics, not the artist), there's plenty here to sink your ears into, and the promise (God willing and the execs don't panic) of much more excellence to come!