Customer Reviews

Storm

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This isn't an easy album to review.

Fans of Nova (fans of Oyster and Siren especially) have a point when they say this CD seems an almost tremolous effort. Gone are the jagged edges, the strident electric passages amidst the melodic verses, the anguished (often overtly sexual) lyrics.

But these fans also seem to miss the point of "Storm". This CD retains most of Nova's talents - even if they're sripped bare of the angst and anger that coloured (and perhaps expanded) earlier songs. Even if those talents are now mostly couched in short songs with simple, generally accoustic accompliment.

"Storm" is sparse, angular, soft and mature all at once. It is, most of all, devoid of all pretensions. It's not Nova selling out to gather in a new, more mainstream crowd - it's Nova letting go of the crowd cultivated, perhaps somewhat opportunistically, in the wake of Morisette or even Amos with the first few CD's.

Having said that though, there's still a problem with "Storm". The simple fact of the matter is that it just doesn't contain tracks that compare altogether favorably to songs such as "Heal" or "Island". In trying to be more open and honest, Nova has, in fact, become just a little less interesting...

In the end, "Storm" is a much better album than many might at first think. But it isn't her best - she hasn't got the balance quite right yet. Still, I would imagine she's getting there. If nothing else, I'm convinced this is the most personal CD she's released yet, and that can't be a bad thing.

All in all, "Storm" is certainly worth while. And it'll be very interesting to see what Nova does next.

Just for clarification purposes let me say that I have been a Heather Nova fan for a long time. This record is noticeably different from Blow, Oyster, Siren, and South. It's more calm. It's softer. It's gentle. And I must say that it works very well for Heather. It's a beautiful record. I can find no flaw in any of the songs found on this album. I am glad that Heather did what she wanted to do with this album instead of following the lead of a producer and record label execs. While some fans of Heather's earlier music may argue that she has lost her edge, I don't feel the same. If anything it is more daring for Heather to release this record being different from anything she has done before. And the result was quite excellent. So if you are long time Heather Nova fan you may want to listen to some samples before purchasing.

Personal favorites: Fool For You, I Wanna Be Your Light, River of Life

Contrary to most, I actually liked this album. I've been a fan of Nova's from Glow Stars, and while I didn't enjoy this CD as much as GS or Oyster, I still think it far surpasses 99% of music out there today. Hopefully Redbird will be even better.

This great singer/composer from bermuda offers to us this time simplicity in musical terms , not very complicated arrangments or excess of plugged instrumentation , acoustic is present this time and lyrics have poetry bases , if you were expecting to hear the ussual rock this girl plays maybe youre not gonna like this cd , but if you are in the mood for romance (wich is not that bad sometimes) you have to own this cd wich by the way is limited editon so hurry and buy your copy before you miss it.
HM

To me, this CD has no profound lyrics or clever hidden meanings. It is simply a serene work of beauty. This album reflects a maturity and a sense of nurturing that one would expect of a new mother. The anger in her previous work has been addressed and she has moved to a new place. My favorite song is Fool for you, which according to my intellect is a terrible song, yet there is something in me that just melts when I hear it. The love in this album is very maternal. No quirky little details or reasons supporting it. More like I love you because you are mine-end of story.

Fourth studio album of Heather Nova. No producer has been involved in the recording of this album. Heather Nova has recorded the album all by herself and gave it afterwards in license to the record label. The songs are not very stormy, despite of the album title, but rather gentle and peaceful. Maybe one reason for this is that Heather Nova is pregnant and that the baby should not be frightened from the beginning. The intensity, however, is not less in any way. My favorite songs are „You Left Me A Song", „Drink It In", „River Of Life", „I Wanna Be Your Light" and „Fool For You".

I was introduced to Ms. Nova's sound in 1995 in Germany and could have sold my ticket to her show for 6 times its face value. Of course I did not do something so ridiculous! Her show in Bielefeld was mind blowing. I have faith that the States will catch on someday to this super talented woman.

On Storm, here she is finally getting the chance to deliver the well crafted intimate expressions she delivers on stage. Her less is more approach and the use of space and ambience is brilliant especially in `Everytime'. Her dramatic crescendo in `All I Need' may require you to pull the car over or anchor yourself to the floor before you levitate, unless you like that sort of thing! `You Left Me a Song' and 'Aquamarine' recall a Big Star: Sister Lover's kind of shadowy, haunting starkness. This release speaks volumes to those who can recall a trying year in the romance department. Mind your heart.

In general, one cannot say enough about Ms. Nova and her respect for the cello, making one believe the instrument has always belonged in popular music. Here, on Storm, she gives Nadia's signature playing a break and God bless her for that. Then again, she already is blessed. Enjoy this work of art!

Cheers!

Heather's beautiful voice is once again shown here. Her songs seem to take you to another place, another time. Her musical ability is unmatched. If you have never heard anything from this amazing woman, than I suggest you buy this! It will truly show what a real voice, and real music can do.

Thank you Heather for another wonderful album.

This is definitely the best release by Heather so far. This woman is The Thing! Storm is different than her other releases, more rootsy, more simple. Everyone who loved here former releases(before she was forced to release South in a way she never wanted it to be, !commercial!) will also fall in love with this one. Storm is intimate like Oyster, full of Siren-like melodies. Brilliant! Beautiful! Haunting! Sweet! Depressing! Intelligent! She's All THAT!
And don't forget to see her on stage! I saw her two weeks ago here in Germany and it was the best concert I've ever been to.

>>I Want You To Come, Walk This World With ME!<<

Not real fond of her soliloquies...but her singing voice and message, never mind melodies and arrangements remain unique to her. If you like Heather check out this one, SOUTH, REDBIRD, and, of course, her latest. The lady doth grow with each effort.