Customer Reviews

Under These Rocks and Stones

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When Chantal Kreviazuk hit the music scene in 1996, comparisons between her and Sarah McLachlan and Alanis Morissette were drawn almost immediately. It was easy to categorize them all in one lump, since it was an era where the female singer songwriters dominated and seemed to be coming out of the woodworks. Chantal is one of the few who managed to survive it after the genre died down a bit, and is still making music. Her debut album UNDER THESE ROCKS AND STONES is nothing short of remarkable. The songwriting is a little meandering and ongoing, but so deep and personal, it's hard not to take notice. The album had a few hits, namely "Wayne", "Surrounded", "God Made Me" and "Believer". "Wayne" is my favorite track, the emotion is just so raw and alive. "Surrounded" is also a very beautiful, though sad song. Chantal recorded this album after her motorcycle accident in the mid 90s while in Europe. Other highlights include "Grace", "Imaginary Friend", "Boot", "Green Apples", and more.

I just snagged a copy of the only-available-in-Canada (until early next year) copy of "Colours - Moving and Still" which is Chantal's second release... Very, very cool. The way she crafts her work and then delivers it is very effective. It's as though she disconnects her voice, then tosses it up like a net to snare higher notes... and snags you along with them. Very clear, true and moving delivery. The lyrics and music are at once clever and poignant, without getting too heavy in either direction. (I can't stop singing the bridge "Ever since I met you on a rainy Monday, I can't believe how much I love the rain..."). The way she quietly introduces a song, builds upon and intensifies it's strength, then brings it on back down (as if to get your attention again) is cool. It reminds you that she's trying to tell a story here... and it's worth a listen.

Needless to say I'm impressed. And to think I bought the first CD on a whim after seeing a brief interview then video of her on Much Music. A gamble that paid off...

I have both of Chantal's albums, and this is the one that plays the most, hands down. It's difficult to describe this music, but perhaps it helps to say that I discovered Chantal on Felicity. My musical tastes have evolved to include artists like Abra Moore and Emm Gryner, and this album is one of the best I have. It's highly recommended for anyone who likes that moody, powerful female sound.

No one can deny that Chantal Kreviazuk is incredibly talented. Her voice can be both confident and fragile, her lyrics contain some poetic gems and she masters her piano like no other. So naturally, her debut album could be no other than perfect, right?

Wrong. As long as Kreviazuk is left to her own devices in songwriting, she produces truly beautiful songs. "Surrounded" is a heartbreaking ballad that showcases Kreviazuk's impressive range, while "Believer" is an angry rock song that really packs a punch. "Wayne" shows Kreviazuk's views on innocence and it's fragility and "Green Apples" really is a very sweet love song. If only she could have stuck with these gems.

As soon as she gets some help in songwriting, things go awry. The lyrics become boring, and sometimes even downright silly, like in "Co-Dependent", where one line actually goes like 'but I eat it up like bologna/I can't get enough'. Kreviazuk seems to realize this, because her vocals suddenly become flat and bored, like she isn't even trying. On "Disagree", "Hands" and "Boot, things are not much better.

This album is definitely still worth it's price for the good songs it contains, but it misses out on the five stars because I can't listen to it without skipping a few songs.

I remember vividly when Chantal Kreviazuk came onto the scene. On our local music video station, I remember seeing her videos for "Wayne" and "God Made Me". I was hooked. This is her debut album UNDER THESE ROCKS AND STONES. Chantal plays the piano extremely well, she's been playing like a pro since she was just a child. Her songwriting is often abstact and deep, very personal. Her singing cuts straight to the heart and is often painful to listen to, because the emotion is so vivid and real. The lyrics are very personal, she came out with this album around the time that big female singer/songwriter era was around, but I always found she had something different to offer than Alanis Morissette or Lisa Loeb, who are great in their own right. To me the standout of the album is "Wayne", a painful song that seems to be about abandonment. She shows her edgier side on tracks like "God Made Me", "Believer" and "Hands". The piano is beautiful throughout but I was amazed by the closing track "Action Without Love". "Surrounded" was also a big hit from the album, another standout track. Otehr highlights include "Disagree" and "Imaginary Friend". Overall, if you're into the whole singer/songwriter thing, you won't want to miss this talent.

I initially bought Under These Rocks and Stones because I signed up with a music subscription service and the choice of selections was lousy, but I heard her song Surrounded and thought it was Ok, on the radio at least. Then I saw Chantal at Lilith Fair. What an excellent performer! Her songs were great, her energy, her rapport with the audience, everything about her was great! Out of 200+ CDs that I have, hers is in my top 10 favorites. I also just picked up Colour Moving and Still as an import at my local music store, and although I dont know all the words to those songs yet, I am sure I soon will. Chantal is one of those singers I will never get tired of.

I got Under these Rocks and Stones from a used CD shop in 1997...I bought it for Surrounded, actually, but all that changed. Especially in her first album, she takes a listen or two to get used to, but it's utterly addicting once you're broken in. I love the whole cd...it's impossible to chose favourites because all of the songs are very different and very unique. Be careful and don't throw this one away on the first listen..you'll be glad you didn't!

Colour Moving and Still is much easier to get accustomed to, actually. It's really too bad that all the US stores won't get it until next year..CMS is a really great, catchy cd, much like the first one...almost better.

Hold on to your mice, Americans, she's comin' back! ;)

An incredible debut album. I bought this track after hearing Surrounded on the Lilith Fair Live album and recommendations from members of the Dido Yahoo Club. It is spectacular.

My favorite tracks are God Made Me, Surrounded, and Wayne. Chantal weaves powerful lyrics with great melodies to create songs that have both an emotional impact and are very listenable.

I can't wait to get my copy of Colour Moving & Still in the mail.

I met Chantal and got her autograph at the Lilith Fair without ever hearing her. I went right home and bought her CD. After listening to it once, it's become a regular staple in my music diet. Chantal's vocals are raw and powerful. All her songs are great, especially God Made Me, Wayne, and Green Apples. The only person I could compare her to (that would do her true justice) is Paula Cole. Chantal may not be #1 on the Billboards, and maybe that's a blessing. She's a very talented artist who doesn't need to be torn down by music reviewers. Let us who truly savor talent like hers keep her in our music colletions while the rest of the (unenlightened READ:Never heard Chantal) world goes on. Chantal, keep singing! To whoever is considering buying her CD, buy it without hesitation! You're in for a real treat.

I saw Chantal in 1997 when she was opening for Amanda Marshall. I was amazed by this woman's voice and talent. I bought Under These Rocks And Stones the next day and was a little disappointed. Her voice isn't as beautiful as it is live (same with her second release) and the album loses Chantal's energy and passion, but all in all this is a great album (better than her first, IMO). She reminds me of Tori Amos (in terms of piano skills) though without Tori's strange and just silly lyrics. My favorite songs are God Made Me, Surrounded, and Wayne. If you like Sarah McLachlan, the wonderful Natalie Merchant or any of those Lilith artists, you'll more than likely enjoy Chantal's music.