Customer Reviews

Shades of Purple

5 star:		(148)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Anyone who listens to this cd should know that Marion and Marit did all the vocal arrangements, wrote or co-wrote all but two of the songs(Mirror, Mirror and Pretty Boy), and are credited for some of the percussion and guitars. They have released a cd much better than that of any of their teen counterparts like britney and mandy. A sog by song review 1. Don't Say You Love Me: One of the best of the bunch and the breakout single. It has a really positive message, telling guys not to go too fast and listening to the harmony towards the end is a treat. 2. The Day You Went Away: A pretty song, musing over the guy who just left and is a sweet song. Makes me feel kinda sad, as if I lost my boyfriend. The vocals sound a little less higher that those on don't say you love me. Easy to listen to. 3. Girl In Your Dreams: Another slow, pretty song. It talks about the guy she wants and says that even though she's not perfect, she loves him. 4. Mirror, Mirror: This song is a midtempo one where she is mad at herself after an argument. I really like this song because I feel like what the song says a lot. 5. Pretty Boy: This is one of my least favorite songs but I still like it. Maybe it's because the girl is obsessed with a guy and sings about it. The melody is really pretty though. The chorus sounds kinda familiar but I can't put a finger on it. 6. Give a Little Love: This song has a really cool beat and tells people to give up their acts and be real and mature. Another positive statement. Yea! 7. Everything You Do: this is more of an uptempo song talking about how great this relationship is. It's really cathcy and a lot of people can relate. Here the second verse sounds a little like an older person sang it that the rest of the album. 8. Don't Mess With My Love: One of my favorite song. A bit of advice rolled up into a song. If you have a crush on someone else's boyfriend, play this and think about what the other girl thinks. Save yourself form some trouble. 9. Dear Diary: It's real pretty, talking about a crush but it's not truly great or special or have a great message attached. 10.Do You Know What You Want: This is an uptempo song with a kinda sultry feel. The song slows down and becomes sweeter in parts, but it is a nice change from the slower songs. I love this one a lot. 11. Smiling Face: The girl obsesses over the guy with this great smile but knowing that she'll never find him. Every three seconds it seems you hear the words Smiling Face. It sounds weirdly familiar but it's real sweet. 12. Our Song: I love this song! It's really sad and defiant but pretty. For some reason I think the chorus sounds real familiar. 13. Why: It's about a really distant, hard to get guy and the melody reminds me of something mournful and sad. All in all, a well crafted cd from a group with a lot of talent. They do a lot more than sing and dance, which could mean they'll last a long time. That would be a real good thing. Peace and thank you M2M for this great cd.

With the onslaught of the America's quartet of pop princesses, this country seemed to overlook other artists who showed gentler, more vital vocals just as good as, if not better than Christina, Britney, Jessica, and Mandy. Don't get me wrong--I don't have a problem with any of them, but there's too much media exposure given them compared to other popsters like Hoku and the subject of this review, M2M.

M2M, consisting of the duo of Marion Raven and Marit Larsen (hence M[arion]2[singers]M[arit]) is one such case. They only made a splash with "Don't Say You Love Me", which first appeared on the first Pokemon movie soundtrack and "Mirror Mirror", which were eclipsed by other pop and R&B offerings of 2000. Their debut, Shades Of Purple consists of thirteen songs of bouncy pop and splendid ballads, most of which could have easily been singles. And yes, their voices are sweeter and warmer than either of the aforementioned four pop princesses. Shades Of Purple is the pop equivalent of some chocolate truffles and a nice cup of spicy chai that leaves you feeling rejuvenated.

"Don't Say You Love Me" should have gotten more exposure and airplay. It's one of those magical chirpy pop songs that just leaps out at you. I know it did for me.

"Girl In Your Dreams" is something that Wilson Phillips might have sung had they been in their teens. The use piano and guitars, as well as their sweet harmonies, is something that finds its way into their songs, including comparisons to a more pop version of Wilson Phillips. "Pretty Boy" is done in the same vein and its the sugary sweet chorus that really does it for me. Both songs are somewhat reminiscent of "Release Me" by WP. The French accordian is a sweet touch on "Pretty Boy".

The second single "Mirror Mirror", was the only song that somehow didn't gel with me. I mean, it was okay, but in comparison to the rest of the album, it should have been a B-side.

The most upbeat song on here is "Everything You Do," replete with strings from the Oslo Symphony Orchestra. The rhythm beats at the bridge reminds me of something Bananarama might have done before they went the Stock-Aitken-Waterman route.

The acoustic guitars in "Don't Mess With My Love" are a nice touch. The electric guitar is reminiscent of WP. Both make this mid-paced song into single material.

"Do You Know What You Want" starts off like a Britney song but the girls come through with the harmonic title chorus.

With "Our Song" they borrow the chorus of the Bee Gees' "Too Much Heaven" while still making the rest of the song a lush tender ballad. It starts off like an Ace Of Base ballad with a Phil Spector-ish wall of sound, then launches into the familiar "Nobody gets too much heaven no more".
The final song, "Why", is a melodic piano and guitar ballad that's a perfect album closer.

M2M works best when they sing in harmony, and this they do in abundance. For those ready to disrespect them, how's this for a fact? They have writing credits on most of the songs here. Not bad for a pair of girls fourteen or fifteen years old. The use of acoustic guitars is another aspect that differentiates M2M's pop from Britney and company.

Prior to them, the only notable pop act to come from Norway was a-ha. M2M has done their country proud with Shades Of Purple. Great job, girls! Hope to hear from you again.

Hi. I'm a guy, and I think M2M rules! The first time I listened to this CD I liked most of the songs but thought there were some weakpoints. After listening to it again though, I've decided I like all of the songs. I'll rate them all on a scale of 1-5 stars.

(1) Don't Day You Love Me: This is the song that most people know them by, a pretty popular song. Pretty good, but far from the best on the CD. 3 out of 5

(2) The Day You Went Away: This song is undoubtedly the best on the CD. It has a great sound to it and great lyrics. WOW. 5 out of 5

(3) Girl In Your Dreams: A song that Marion(The brunette) wrote when she was 13(I think). A nice slow song that is surprisingly catchy. A very good song. 4 out of 5

(4) Mirror Mirror: This was the song I heard that made me want the CD. A great sound to it and a good message. Still one of my favorites. 5 out of 5

(5) Pretty Boy: The only thing I dislike about this song is that singing the chorus would make me sound...not so straight... 4 out of 5

(6) Give A Little Love: I didn't like this the first time I heard it. But after listening to it a bit more, I changed my mind. Good song. 3 out of 5

(7) Everything You Do: I liked this song the first time I heard it. Not perfect, but still very good. 4 out of 5

(8) Don't Mess With My Love: I really like this one. It has a good message and a good sound. 4 out of 5

(9) Dear Diary: This was one of the weakpoints when I first heard it. Now I consider it a strong point. 4 out of 5

(10) Do You Know What You Want: It took me quite a while to warm up to this song. If I had to pick a weak point, this would be it. 2.5 out of 5

(11) Smiling Face: Another song that I didn't like at first, but now I love it. Although, I'm still not sure what it's about... 4 out of 5

(12) Our Song: Not totally sure what this one's about either, but it has an awesome sound. 4 out of 5

(13) Why: Didn't at first, but I love this song. A pretty song with a nice beat. 5 out of 5

Overall, this CD is awesome! And parents, you don't need to worry, this is as clean as they come.

Here are my ratings for all of the songs (1 to 5 scale):

Don't Say You Love Me - a fun song with edgy pop arrangements and has an assertive way of telling off a boyfriend that comes on too strong (5)

The Day You Went Away - the solemn R&B-tinged arrangements set the mood nicely (4)

Girl In Your Dreams - very insightful writing, with vocals that sound genuinely vulnerable (4.5)

Mirror Mirror - the little chant in the song is fun, but we've heard the mirror message a lot (3.5)

Pretty Boy - the arragements on this one remind me of the ones on "Sometimes" by Britney Spears, only prettier (4)

Give A Little Love - nice funky change of pace, but shallow (3)

Everything You Do - this one makes you feel really good! Somewhat disco-like (4.5)

Don't Mess With My Love - good edgy pop similar to Don't Say You Love Me (4)

Dear Diary - well, it's appropriate for girls their age and somewhat pretty (3)

Do You Know What You Want - relaxing song with an actual R&B-sounding groove (4)

Smiling Face - great hook throughout (4)

Our Song - a very pretty song that has good lyrics about how hard love is to obtain (4.5)

Why - this is the biggest surprise on the album, with its pretty piano, and it gets across the message while being direct. That's the mark of classic pop (5)

Total: 53/65

Overall, M2M are talented vocalists that are not overproduced and their youthful voices are fresh instead of annoying or tired. I personally enjoy them more than Britney Spears, Mandy Moore, Jessica Simpson, the "boy bands," and even Christina Aguilera.

"Shades of Purple" is an awesome CD, because unlike other CDs, I can listen to this one straight through without skipping any tracks, because all the songs are absolutely fantastic! Marion and Marit have incredible songwriting and singing talent. The songs are real and I love to listen to this CD over and over again!

Undoubtedly everyone has heard the Pokemon single 'Dont Say You Love Me'. If you couldn't get enough of this song then you will love 'Shades of Purple'.

The album is full of 'soft pop' tracks which will have you singing away to in no time. The melodic pop-tunes are catchy and clever. The teen duo from Norway have succeeded in producing one of the finest pop albums of the year...so far.

1. Don't Say You Love Me - Not what you would expect on the soundtrack to a child's animated movie, but this song is brilliant. 5/5

2. The Day You Went Away - Fantastic, mid-tempo song. The lyrics are nice, and the song is just beautiful. By far the best on the album. 5/5

3. Girl In Your Dreams - A slower song, and takes a little while to warm up, but the bridge and chorus are beautiful. 4/5

4. Mirror Mirror - Interesting beginning, and lyrics that we can all relate to at times. The tune is catchy and I believe this will do well as follow-up single to 'Dont Say You Love Me'. 4.5/5

5. Pretty Boy - A slow and 'pretty' track. Nice song, but is lacking something. 3/5

6. Give A Little Love - The vocals on this track sound a little weak at times, but this is a song that will grow on you the more you hear the catchy chorus. 3.5/5

7. Everything You Do - An upbeat, sing-a-long to track. It's got a typical pop sound to it, but a great track. 4.5/5

8. Don't Mess With My Love - The beginning reminds me of something you'd hear out of Ally McBeal. Nice mid-up tempo track. 4/5

9. Dear Diary - One of the weaker songs on the album. It's nice, but doesn't really build up to anything special. 2.5/5

10. Do You Know What You Want - Something slightly different. It's a little boring, the chorus has a Hanson sound to it. 2/5

11. Smiling Face - Quite a decent mid-tempo song. After a couple not so good tunes, this one picks the album up. 3.5/5

12. Our Song - Again, you can't resist but like the chorus. Even the weaker songs of M2M, all have great choruses, and will have you singing away to. This is another of those tracks. 3.5/5

13. Why - A slower song that builds it's way up, but doesn't quite reach what you'd hope for. Overall an above average track. 3.5/5

14. The Feeling Is Gone (Bonus Track) - I'm not sure why this wasn't a track on all versions of'Shades of Purple'. It's a more upbeat track, and would have suited this pop album more than perhaps a few of the other songs. It's a great song. 4/5

Overall, this album is a fantastic pop album, and if you liked 'Dont Say You Love Me' this is a very safe choice. You will without a doubt love most if not all tracks. It's the perfect album to listen to when you just want to relax and chill out.

This album spells 'talent'. Marion and Marit who make up M2M are credited for most of the song-writing, vocal arrangements and even percussion and guitar on some tracks. These two young girls will go a long way, and 'Shades of Purple' is just the beginning.

This album is great! I wanted this CD for only a couple songs but ended up loving all of them. To me this CD has meaning. The words are awesome. The lyrics really shot out at me. its a great cd. the songs are great, the beats good. These two girls play their own instuments.They are also song-writers. I love it! I would definatly recomend it.

Norway had surely produced a dynamic and energetic group with talents in both playing instruments and writing songs. Marit and Marion have well displayed their skills in "Shades of Purple". Their songs simply reflects a typical lady in her teen years. From their first hit "Don't say you love me" as featured in the Pokemon soundtrack. The lyrics of that song is simple but it definitely shouts out a well said message. With their talents, M2M will be on everyone's CD collection. The Melodramatic "Mirror Mirror" and the intimate "Smiling Face" are my personal pick. If anyone who would like to listen to real pop and some sad and joyful stories, M2M is the best choice because of the songs not only reflects a growing teen, but also the problems that come along their way. The Whole CD is like Meja with a bit of danceable beats. It is worth the money. Simply the best CD out now.

I bought this CD on a friend's reccomendation, having never heard anything by M2M before. I was pleasantly surprised. The two singers, Marit and Marion, are very talented and have nice voices; they aren't just another rip-off on the other teen singers. My favorite song was track 2, The Day You Went Away. My other favorites were 1 (Don't Say You Love Me), 6 (Give A Little Love), and 12 (Our Song, which had really nice vocals).

Hi I first heard M2M in 1999 and i was like 9 years old then so i didnt really know about them then.Im 14 now and I absoutely love this cd.I love their voices. Their lyrics are brillant. Their really pretty too! If you like this cd you'll like TATU.
They remind me of eachother LOL.M2M is truely brillant but too band they split. I love "The Day You Went Away". Its my favorite.