Under The Influence [Import]

Terra Naomi | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 18, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Indie Europe/Zoom
• ASIN: B000UYT8O0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #300,135 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terra Naomi - The Album, September 21, 2007

By 

Paolo (Italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under The Influence (Audio CD)

Well, I have to admit that I have come across Terra's music relatively late, late enough not to find all of her previous and never realeased CDs and EPs and demos. So, after I had listened to them with some friends' help, I felt in love with Terra's enchanting world of music. I spent lot of time with her songs on my stereo and now I have a real CD in my hands. She had to reach the UK from the USA to see her songs produced but it's worth it. I don't mind if these songs wear different suits and arrangments on this album. I don't mind if some of them sound more radio friendly. Who cares about it after reaching such a great goal? If you never heard about Terra's music, about her story, take a look at her stuff on Myspace and on YouTube and you won't be disappointed. "Say it's possible" is a masterpiece as well as lots of these songs, such as "Not Sorry", "Up here", "I'm happy", "Something good to show you", etc. Well, it's hard to find my favourite song here and if you agree with me, spread the word to support Terra's music. Unfortunately, if you don't live in the UK you won't be allowed to access the exclusive online content.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MERAVIGLIOSA TERRANAOMI, October 2, 2007

By 

M. Marco (Italia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Under The Influence (Audio CD)

Ho scoperto Terranaomi un'anno fa su youtube e ho sperato veramente che arrivasse il giorno in cui avrei potuto comprare il suo CD. Finalmente e' arrivato. Questa cantante e' semplicemente fantastica. Una voce bellissima che accompagna melodie meravigliose e magiche. Una vera artista. Non guasta neanche il fatto che sia anche una ragazza bellissima ma cio' che colpisce piu' di tutto e' la bellezza delle sue canzoni e la magia della sua voce. Da tempo non sentivo una cantautrice cosi'. Wonderful!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terra Naomi's 'Under the Influence' is awesome, September 5, 2009

By 

Brian Donnelly (NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Under The Influence (Audio CD)

I actually wrote a review of this album for [...]and [...]

. So i'll post that here too.

Sifting through the flowery bells and whistles of Paul Fox's production, Terra Naomi's first widely released album "Under the Influence" delivers on expectations. However, expectations were humble when you consider this singing sensation in the mold of Alanis Morissette and Patty Griffin remains on the outskirts of the mainstream music scene, despite releasing multiple albums prior to this 2007 LP, including her self-titled debut in 2002.

She has created a core fan base by playing clubs, as well as some larger venues, around the world. She has also become a Youtube phenomenon, drawing millions of views. As a singer, songwriter and musician (guitar, piano), her talent is unquestionable. However, the mainstream buzz hasn't been easy to come by.

Again, this record tries to do too much in an attempt to fit the paradigm of pop music instead of showcasing Terra's immaculate voice and beautifully damaged lyrics in simple piano ballads and acoustic tracks as she does in her Youtube videos. Many pop stars need all the extra musical trimmings. With Terra, who is anything but a pop artist, less is more.

"Say It's Possible" sets this regrettable precedent with a cluster of breezy chimes leading into the track, and then returning for the chorus. Since the album's release, Terra has posted an acoustic of "Say It's Possible" that is far superior and truly shines as a stand out single in her arsenal, something that cannot be said for the album version.

These presumed "mood setters" continue until "Flesh For Bones," which appeared on her first album, finally delivers what I was looking for; that is a 5:35-soft-spoken acoustic that allows Terra's voice to shine and swiftly overtake your imagination. As a stand out track, it proves Terra's strength as a singer/songwriter is best enhanced by her own instrumentals.

"Not Sorry," "Jenny" and "Up Here" feature the unconventional artist's anecdotal side in three unapologetic screamers that harkens her strong folk influence from the likes of Griffin and Johnny Cash.

Doing a 180 degree turn, Terra satisfies her more whimsical inclinations that, at times can do the same for her audience, while at other times, can leave them wondering whether there was a point somewhere. Among the offenders under the influence - pun fully intended - of this fluff are "I'm Happy," "Never Quite Discussed" and "Million Ways," the latter being the one track that completely embraces a pop sound. "Close to Your Head" also falls within this grouping, however, finds a bit of magic in its matter-of-factness with encountering the precipice of your dreams, touching an autobiographical note for the up-and-comer.

"New Song" best reflects the album's dominant motif of the impact of failed relationships in an oscillating progression that hits an emotional rock bottom, before the sweeping relief. In that respect, it represents the album as a whole, which also has self-assuring high notes mixed with manic-depressive confessionals.

One song that reveals that intense sorrow is a hidden track titled "The Vicodin Song" that begins at the 4:26 mark of "Something Good to Show You," which closes the album. While "Something Good to Show You" rails against the wars waged by the American government and their false moral reasoning like a 1970's Bob Dylan protest song, "The Vicodin Song" finds Terra at her most vulnerable. She opens up about her past struggles with drugs, as the title suggests, in this overwhelming piano ballad to close a flawed album that is still worth a listen for a wide range of audiences.