Customer Reviews

Songs From the Attic

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This is a CD that grows on you, and with every listen you feel a little more comfortable with it. This young singer/songwriter sounds like she has an old soul, and you can easily see why she has been compared with Carly Simon and Carole King.

The song that stood out from the beginning was her cover of the Aerosmith 1973 hit "Dream On". Brooke interprets the piano power ballad in her own way, and by the time she gets to the chorus you're right there singing along with her. Another extremely good cover is her version of Coldplay's "Yellow", the second single from their album "Parachutes".

Of the other songs, my favorite is "Keep Running", but others to try are "Free", "The Way Things Used to Be", "Change" and "Come to my Rescue".

I've listened to some of the early works of the other American Idol Season 7 finalists, and I think this album is the best of the lot. Here's hoping that Brooke White can use her strong fifth place finish to re-launch the career she started with this rather decent album.



Amanda Richards, June 21, 2008

Brooke White has the potential to bypass the hurdle that has tripped up virtually every American Idol contestant who isn't named Chris, Kelly or Carrie. From now on, it doesn't matter whether she gets knocked out 20th or makes it to first. She can capitalize on the millions of fans she's earning every week by delivering this blockbuster of an album - hopefully available again the MOMENT she leaves the show. This album would have sounded great on FM radio in the 70's, nestled up against Fleetwood Mac. It sounds fresh today, a perfect iPod bridge between Foo Fighters' "Long Road to Ruin" and Sara Bareilles's "Love Song." The ballads are beautiful, personal, universal - 100% free of sap ("Like I Do" is breathtaking). The rockers truly rock. I've seen her several times in concert and Brooke knows how to command a band while rocking the keyboard. The covers (Coldplay and Aerosmith) are unnecessary, considering the strength of the songwriting and the perfect mix. Still, she knows how to own a song - Yellow actually improves on the original while Dream On deftly avoids how bad it could have been (in concert, she wisely passes the belter of a closing note to her back-up singer). As the season progresses, I hope she keeps it real and stays true to her voice. The "good girl" schtick and the billowy clothes that scream K-Mart circa 1987 have got to go. She doesn't need a gimmick. She has the voice. She has the album. She has songs READY for radio. All she needs is the exposure and a record label that isn't afraid to make money.

There is a raw honesty to Brooke's voice that I find so refreshing. The lyrics are not incredible, but Brooke's raspy yet soothing tone, and unrelenting passion are able to transform each song into something magical. I keep having to remind myself that this album was created prior to Brooke's appearance on American Idol. She definitely has a unique quality that sets her apart from the average singer-songwriter. Even the simple piano melodies carry something so special and powerful. There is nothing dramatic about each songs - Brooke does not have an incredible range - but she reminds us that music does not depend on the best voice - but on the emotions behind each note. The one drawback I have to this album is that it is a bit too overproduced - I would have loved it if they had allowed for a more raw, acoustic sound to come through. Nonetheless this is quite an impressive album. She remains true to her own style, and creates such a definitive sound for herself - She is Brooke White. There is no doubt that there are great things in store for her.

"Songs From The Attic" may be a debut album for Brooke White, an independent album with a small budget but it is a very good first effort!

The songs on this album show that Brooke has a natural talent. She can write. She has a voice that is unique and sincere.

With more money and more exposure, one can only anticipate better things! I cannot wait for Brooke to release her next cd. I will be standing in line to purchase her next one too.

I can tell the CD was produced low budget but I feel that only adds to the eccentric like ability of this endeavor. I enjoy listening to the CD and I love the earnestness in her voice. Her sound is sincere and it seems to me she truly loves what she is doing. The songs are creative and her talent goes far beyond singing. I enjoy her ability to play and write music also and feel she talented beyond her years.

For an independent album with a limited budget, these recordings are polished, refined, interesting, varied, nuanced, intimate, eminently enjoyable. Excellent work from Brooke White, who was only age ~20 when she started the album. Each track has its own merits, though of particular note is the emotional "Change", the uptempo "Free", the bluesy "Come to My Rescue", and the grand cover "Yellow". I fully enjoyed the entire album. After a hard day, sit back in your listening chair with a cold drink, put up your feet, and ease into the refined songs and performances. I hope for more great things from Brooke in the future.

I bought this CD and it is now one of my favorites! Everything you love about Brooke - her honesty, emotion, and unique voice are found in this CD. If you want over-the-top shouted pop vocals and childish lyrics look somewhere else. If you enjoy the depth and texture that Brooke brings to music you will like "Songs from the Attic". Even though this was a independent release (no $$) the charm is still there. Brooke is a gifted songwriter and musician with an orginal and fresh style, I can't wait for her next album.

I am so happy to finally have a piece of music that is breaking every mold in pop music today. Not the belt out in your face see how many runs I can do in 2 seconds music that is common, but a really clear, mellow sounding treat that will surprise anyone who isn't familiar with Brooke's stylish approach. From the moment I saw her on Idol I knew she was an original. While everyone else was trying to be Whitney, Celine or Mariah, Brooke White stayed true to herself. And that is what will win her a myriad of fans in the years to come. You turn on the radio today and one song sounds like the last 20 songs you heard. But with Brooke you will get something much different. A refreshing sensation of something new. I highly recommend this CD and wish Brooke the very best of luck in the years ahead.

I fully enjoyed this first CD by Brooke. She has a great voice and since this was released in 2005 I can't wait to her something new from her since she has expanded her talent going through the American Idol experience.

Wow! This CD is one of those that just keeps getting better and better every time I play it...Brooke has a voice like no other and you know it's Brooke when you hear it...I loved her on American Idol and I love this first CD of hers. The songs really grow on you, and I think a sophmore CD will be even better....I can't wait for her next one...