Customer Reviews

Unlikely Emergency

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

File Serena Ryder's name away as someone to keep an ear for. The Canadian singer-songwriter has been visiting the shores of Oz these last couple of years and enthralling the crowds of the coastal folk festivals that have grown in popularity over the last decade. Ryder has a big, big voice, mature beyond her years. And she can let it out full force, as per the unaccompanied,'At Last'. Cyndi Lauper's covered this recently and with more melodiousness. But Ryder's earthy take is equally breathtaking. On,'Skin Crawl' and the title song,'Unlikely Emergency' she demonstraes the quivering tonality that great voices so effortlessly emit. The production and backing here is uneven and doesn't really create the spaces that might better showcase her gifts. The songs are solid vehicles without showing an especial lyric gift. Some one will surely spot Ryder and nurture the exemplary gifts that this debut demonstrates. Several comparisons can be made. The stunning debut of Tracy Chapman's unique voice,is one. For those already with a ticket on Ryder's journey, try Melbourne based, country chantreuse, Deborah Conway's,'String Of Pearls'(hard to trace,though). The other favourable comparison, less for her writing than for her sonorous vocal attributes,is Ellen McIllwaine.

I have loved Serena's music since she was on the folk circuit, in Perth was awesome. Love this girl!
The tunes need to be blasted loud in the car, these are great rockin-driving tunes. Her voice is enchanting and chilling! Serena being a Canadian is just gravy!

I was given this cd by a family member and was blown away when I played it. Serena Ryder, who hails from Toronto, has an absolutely amazing voice and range. Her song writing is wonderful, she shows her true talents, especially at such a young age. I recommend this highly...if you are a fan of amazing female singers and songwriters, you will love this album...I look forward to hearing more from her in the future!

This review is written in hindsight. I've been listening to Serena's CDs in reverse chronological order. I rate "Unlikely Emergency", Serena's debut studio album, a 3 relative to "Is It OK", her third, which I rate a 5. Since her second album, "If Memory Serves You Well", was primarily a compilation of covers (+3 originals), "Is it OK" is really her second of originals. It's remarkable how her music has matured from "Unlikely Emergency" to "Is It OK". "Unlikely Emergency" nominally has 10 tracks, but Track 1 ("Sing Sing") is just a 37-sec cut of her clowning around, and Track 10 is an a capella rendition of the classic "At Last". So that leaves just 8 full original tracks.

This album has the overall feel of an audition demo album. Pared down mixing, and a lot of experimentation. The rendition of "Just Another Day" in this album is rawer than the rendition in "If Memory Serves You Well"; I like the rendition in this album better. Four of the tracks are solid, both in lyrics, vocals, and melodies. The other four are OK.

"Unlikely Emergency" is to Serena what "Touch" was to Sarah McLachlan. Worthwhile for fans. A prelude to all the great music to be unleashed.

This is Serena's first complete album after her debut with her Live one.
It is absolutely amazing. She has branched out from her first album's mostly folksy music and now has a greater variety of styles...even so, she does not forget her roots. The album definitely deserves 5 stars!! Do yourself a favour and go out and get it!!
..and while you're at it, get yourself some Hawksley Workman albums. :)