Customer Reviews

Under The Influence

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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.

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!!

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.

So I brought this not knowing who Terra was at all...I have to admit it was in the clearence bin and I just couldn't stand the thought of this cool looking cd sitting in there so i purchased...from the second I pressed play I fell in love with this album. The music is well produced, organic, deep and a little pop. Catchy lyrics that actually have depth, well crafted piano (courtesy of terra) swirl through this album.

Fave tracks have to be Not Sorry (I have my own person in mind when I listen to this), fave line is "I've got some words of comfort, she's better off without someone who doesn't want her"

And of cause Vicadin (the hidden track) is god damn brilliant!

I purchased this album a while ago and I was never more happy. I never pay more than $10 for a CD, but this one I got from England and paid more than $25. That tells you how good it is. YouTube her and see what she's about. You won't be sorry.

I am totally blown way with Terra'a song writing, singing, interpratation, etc. What an incredible new singing voice for all of us to hear & experience!

I first heard of Terra on the "Private Practice" ep a few weeks ago. I was struck by her soulful, melodic voice, and went online to find out more about her. Though "Say It's Possible" has apparently become an anthem for the YouTube community (and deservedly so), Terra is not a one hit wonder. "Under The Influence" is filled with gorgeous songs showcasing that lovely voice with piercing lyrics which transport the listener. Standouts are "Flesh for Bones" and "Close To Your Head" but the entire disc is a treat. I am delighted to have found this artist, and hope she gets more exposure in America.

Can't stop listening to it and it's perfect for singing along. She has a beautiful voice with a huge range and her lyrics are exceptional.

Terra came from YouTube. Before you buy her albaum you owe it to yourself

to watch and listen to her on the internet. Once you SEE her perform the songs on her CD they will be much richer to you. She writes all of her own songs. She is like Joni Mitchell,Joan Baez,Bob Dylan,Curt Cobain,Janis Joplin, and Mick Jagger all rolled into one person. Yet she is unique unto herself. The emotions and lyrics in her songs are beyond description. She is Judy Collins and Neil Young. She will make you weep,laugh out loud, and at the same time acting as a prophet of sorts.

She is Terra Naomi. She is the voice of our young people. She is the whispers from the Vietnam Wall, she is the feeling you have when you see a rainbow after a storm. She is all of this and more. Get to know her-you owe it to yourself if for no one but you...

buy this CD, you will not regret it. Terra Naomi is one of the most talented pop artists in the music industry!