Customer Reviews

Some People Have Real Problems

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Those who know Sia Furler from her outstanding work with Zero 7 - or even her previous solo album "Colour the Small One" - may be a bit surprised by the approach she takes here. Lacking the electronic sheen of her previous work, this latest release is more straight-up pop-soul, but it mostly works very well. The lead-off track "Little Black Sandals" should be a radio hit (if radio had any intelligent life) and throughout, Sia's distinctive vocals come through loud and clear. It's hard to believe she's still so young, since it seems like she's been around for a while. But up to now she's been kind of a figure in the background, with one of those voices that makes you grab the track listings on a CD and search desperately for the singer's name. With this record, she steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight. I hope it brings her the attention she deserves.

This is the first album I purchased by Sia, and I have to say that I'm loving "Some People Have Real Problems". Sia's voice is mellow, but it also has an intoxicating quality to it. I like pretty much all the songs on here, but the ones that really stand out to me are "Lentil", "Day Too Soon", and "Academia". My absolute favorites from this record are "Soon We'll Be Found" which conveys a situation of a couple that's having problems and fighting perfectly, "Lullaby" which is simple, yet so haunting, and "I Go To Sleep", which I think is becoming one of my favorite songs, because the way she sings it is really captivating, and you can almost feel the loneliness, as she sings about missing someone she loves. I'm going to get Sia's other albums now, since I'm enjoying this one a lot.

Once again, Sia has created a beautiful, thoughtful, personal album. The tracks are all quite unique as is her style. Her voice seems to be maturing with time and age into an ever improving artist. I Go to Sleep is one of my favorite tracks as well as Little Black Sandals...It's great to hear a voice like hers amidst all of the pre-packaged, overly manufactured crap that the recording industry tries to shove down our throats these days.

I saw Sia on "later with Jools Holland" from the UK and was stunned. She just mesmerised me with her voice and stage presence. Id never heard of her. Coldplay were on the same show and they looked to be equally blown away.

Jools said she was Australian which stunned me more because i follow the music scene closely (or so i thought) here in Australia and hadnt heard of her. She certainly isnt what i would call big here in Australia.

BUT that must surely be about to change. This woman is amazing.

The song "soon will be found" got me hook line and sinker.

Get into her music now and watch her take the world by storm.

Another Australian is about to take it to the world !!!!

Just sensational !!

I love love loved Colour the Small One but am disappointed to hear that this album lacks the musical and instrumental depth that "colour" offers. The because of this, the songs tend to sound similar across the board, rather than offering the interest and variation that could've come with more instruments. Sounds straight out of the studio. I give 3 stars for her beautiful voice, but that's it.

Reviews on Amazon for this album tend to neglect the obvious comparison that Sia should evoke - Leslie Feist. If at all you liked "1234" or Feist's full length album "The Reminder", you will love this album. It is definitely an acquired taste, but if you were hooked by that "Six Feet Under" track, then theres a lot here to love.

On my Ipod, it seems as though these songs need to breathe on a big system instead. Sia's breathy voice is suited for both jazz-oriented, as well as regular pop songs (both genres are present on this record). Though not a huge follower of her work, I had indeed heard "Color the Small One" a few years ago, and this album is definitely more listenable than that one.

The only thing I didn't quite get was the samey-sounding tracks towards the end of the album. It reminded me of 2007's albums by A Fine Frenzy, Sara Bareilles and even Vanessa Carlton - all of whom had some good songs on their CD, but not much variety. If not for this, I would award this album a good four stars.

I stumbled upon Zero 7 and discovered Sia, a group member, shortly afterwards. I have never felt music on this level before. I love many genres of music but hands down this is the best cd I have ever heard. If you into Duffy, Adele, Regina Spektor, Amy Winehouse etc.. I recommend Sia! She is by far my favorite!

Sia's unusual voice first grabbed my attention on Zero 7's "Simple Things". After seeing her perform at the Bat Bar on DirctTV's channel 101, I bought this album. I love it, but she may not be for everyone. She is quirky and weird and it does come through on songs like Acedemia, Playground, and Buttons. If you're not sure, go to YouTube and check out her videos. She does some very nice work on Morning Becomes Eclectic (KCRW)You get a clean recording of her superb voice control and her exceptional band. And you can hear songs in their entirety. As a matter of fact I think the version of "I Go to Sleep" on the KCRW album "Sounds Eclectic-The Covers Project" is better than the one on this album - not quite so slow. She is on the mainstream radar now since her recent performance on Dave Letterman. Watch that one too. She is so genuinely happy and thrilled David Letterman loved her performance that she jumps up and down like a little kid. In the end, it's her exceptional voice that stays with you.

My first review. Let me be quick and to the point. I saw Sia on Late Night with Conan (I'd put the link but NBC removed it from youtube.... lame)and don't think I've ever heard of anything quite like her. She also has a cute personality. Anyways I looked her up and bought this album and love it. I went to her website and she was playing in Salt Lake City in 2 weeks so my wife and I went and thought she was great. I can not believe what an amazing voice she has in person... no mixing just an awesome voice. I can't wait for her to come back after her next album.

I bought this CD on a whim, based entirely on the cover art, and I had never heard of Sia or her music. I am very pleased to have discovered her. The vocals are beautiful and the lyrics are profound and haunting. It was worth the money I paid, and I would say it's a safe bet for anyone who loves poetic lyrics and a mellow attitude in their music.