Voyageur

Kathleen Edwards | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 17, 2012)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Zoe / Rounder
• ASIN: B005UNDSKQ
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,529 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2012 release, the fourth album from the acclaimed Canadian singer/songwriter. Produced by Justin Vernon (AKA Bon Iver) and Edwards, Voyageur is less of a departure than it is a journey, and like any transforming trip, it demands that we let go of any preconceptions about the destination. Voyageur evokes a spectrum of overwhelming feelings within the atmosphere of a lucid dream. Edwards' characters speak to the grief, loneliness, shock, and confusion that come with endings as well as the hope and irrepressible joy that accompany new beginnings, but the stories are told with a seductively quiet strength. Aided by the musical support of fellow travelers Justin Vernon and Norah Jones, Voyageur features standout tracks such as "Change the Sheets," "Mint," and "A Soft Place to Land."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 28 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Making progress January 18, 2012

By Rushmore TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

This is physically a beautiful CD. The packaging is gorgeous. The artwork by Darren Booth is really lovely. The music - well, I consider myself kind of a fringe KE fan. I love her voice but don't quite connect with the songs.

Kathleen Edwards has one of the most distinctive voices in popular music - hot and smoky. To me it sounds like she is still trying to find herself as a songwriter and an artist. She is good at the one-liners but I haven't yet found a KE song that I consider great from start to finish. The best songs on this CD are two of the collaborations, Pink Champagne with John Roderick and Sidecar written with Jim Bryson. Sidecar is the liveliest song on the album, and it is perfectly placed, just when I was beginning to think the whole thing was a little sleepy.

Most of the buzz around this album revolves around the fact that it is co-produced by Justin Vernon AKA Bon Iver, KE's current significant other. I hear his influence particularly in Pink Champagne - in fact, I read a quote by KE that if it wasn't for him, she would have given up on the song and it would not have appeared on the CD. That would have left a definite hole to fill - there are only 10 songs on the finished product. Vernon plays on most of the tracks, sings on a few, and unmistakably leaves his imprint on the overall sound of the album. Edwards has moved away from the alt-country sound of her earliest albums, into a Bon-Iver-like gauzy landscape. I think it suits her. I am not totally in love with this CD yet, but I expect it will grow on me. Definitely worth a listen, and a look - really one of the prettiest CDs I have ever seen.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Who says the album is dead? March 26, 2012

By Joseph P. Sherfy

Format:Audio CD

This is one great album that works so well together that it is hard for me to listen to just one song. Unlike her past records, this is not roots music, its music with so much texture and feel from the way its presented. The arrangements and the atmosphere of the songs and the sequencing really make this album a delight. With so many people predicting the death of the album, this comes as a wonderful statement that a well conceived album is greater than the sum of its parts. I am a fan of Americana music and Ms. Edwards is known for that. I really loved some of her early material but actually thought her first album was a bit of a disappointment. I did enjoy her last album quite a bit, but for me this change in musical direction has been a hit. I love her voice and the music and arrangements seem to compliment her songs and voice very well. I can say right now that I will not be too surprised if at the end of the year this is my favorite album of 2012. Do yourself a favor and listen to the entire album several times. In my opinion the beauty comes through when its listened to as a single piece. Cheers to KE for making such a wonderful record.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Kathleen Edwards 2.0 January 26, 2012

By Barnabas O'Collins

Format:Audio CD

This is a good album. But it is different, she is leaving her slight country sound behind. The general feel of the songs are most definitely Kathleen Edwards, but slicker and with a little less of a rock edge.

If you like KE, you'll like this as well. I prefer her previous albums, but this one is still a keeper.