Customer Reviews

White Turns Blue

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Maria Mena isn't your typical cookie cutter star. Although compared to the likes of Michelle Branch, I put her in even another catagory than the typical guitar-rock chick. Her original voice and music have given a new twist on mainstream pop/rock. The fact she hails from the almost unheard of Norway makes her even more desirable. International breakthroughs are always nice to hear about, especially in Ms. Mena's case.

"You're the Only One", the quirky first single may turn off many consumers for obvious reasons. The song is very different, uncompairable to anything I have yet to hear. While she fails to actually "sing" the song, the music and lyrics shine through in a very positive manner. While I have to agree this was a terrible choice as a first single, it was able to raise a few eyebrows with the message of each verse. An acoustic version is also avalible at select stores which also puts a nice touch on this song. While it may take a while to get used to, it's a staple for any Maria Mena show.

The CD is filled with a bunch of amazingly written and produced songs. "Blame it On Me," the second single, is much more mainstream with the Branch/Lavigne staple on it. The originality of Maria's voice is evident while listening to "Fragile (Free)" and "Just A Little Bit".

The highlights of the album include the ballads which are strikingly haunting. "Sorry" gives Maria tears each time she performs it and I can understand why. Beautifully written, Maria may not have the powerhouse voice of Christina Aguilera - but she has the look, style, and ground to pull it off Aguilera-style and 10 times beyond.

There isn't one track on "White Turns Blue" that will get a "skip" button from me. The album, not surprisngly, hit #1 on Billboard HeatSeekers chart in its first week proving that Maria's crossover to the states was very much needed. Her live show is also very entertaining as she brings along her acoustic vibe and belts out her hits along with covers of "What a Wonderful World" and "Respect".

This album is suggested for any music listener in general. There is no way to catagorize Maria's fans - male, female, pop/rock, Alanis/Michelle/Avril fans could eat this one up. I expect big things from Maria Mena in the future.

I've been listening to this album over and over again and I can't help but love it. Maria Mena has created something truly great here, and anyone who enjoys music should give this a chance. I found her first single "You're The Only One" rather odd like many people did, but it has grown on me. I now realize that Maria's gift for music is something which one can only fully appreciate after really listening to the songs and absorbing them. I find her style unique but in a good way. Her somewhat raspy, smooth voice adds a nice touch to the songs. I agree with the reviewer who compares her voice to Alanis Morissette, although Maria has a lot more restraint and never yells. Some might call Maria's voice an acquired taste, and perhaps it is, but I find it soothing. She doesn't have a large range but then again good music doesn't have to involve high notes.

I would say that every song on White Turns Blue is great, from the catchy "Just A Little Bit" to the heartbreaking ballad "My Lullaby." Maria knows how to convey some great emotion through these songs. Her overall style could be described as a mixture of folk, pop and rock, although she has a style all her own.

One thing worth noting about White Turns Blue is that Maria sings "regularly" on the other songs, and she only speaks the lyrics on "You're The Only One." So for those of you who have only heard that song (and don't like it because she speaks), know that it doesn't represent the vocal style of the entire album.

And finally, I would urge anyone who likes this album to buy the single of "You're The Only One" for the non-album track "Patience." It's a song that will melt in your ears. Absolutely beautiful.

At age 18, Maria has been through more than most of us. Her lyrics give us thoughtful and honest tales of different aspects of her life, and gives new meaning to the term "age ain't nothing but a number." She has the lifeexperience of someone twice her age. Her voice is strong, but the softness and roundness of it shines through.
The album is truly outstanding, with greatly produced songs. Here you find one of the saddest ballads ever written, the tearbursting "My Lullaby" where she tells about her astranged mother. You also have the more up-beat songs "Your Glasses" and "Blame it on me," telling us about the times she had to stand up for herself and not let anyone else control her life.

And let us not forget the hit "You're the only one," a song that just makes you wanna sing along. It certainly will put you in a good mood.

Honestly, one of the best CDs this year.

Well all I have to say is Maria Mena is my new favorite singer. While her lyrics are amazing as are her melodies, her voice is just so original. My favorite song is by far "Your Glasses," however, other outstanding tracks include Blame it on Me, What's Another Day, Sorry, and You're the Only one. If you like White turns Blue I must recomend her 1st album Another Phase. While you might not be able to find it in the states, you should really check out the songs "Ugly" and "Sleep to Dream."

Older music lovers who hate pop, do not fear the marketing. Buy this album. When I first heard "You're the only one", I fell in love with Maria Mena. But when I saw that she was being marketed as "teen pop" I became leary of the full album. Never fear. Maria's skill as a songwriter and vocalist seem beyond her years. But a better description would be that her writing and voice are a perfect transmission of her age. The gift of this album is that it perfectly transmits the sweetness, mourning, growth, and pain of an eighteen-year-old without the self-indulgence and lack of perspective that marks immaturity. Her love songs are how love is experienced at 18, and exactly how those of us who are older would like to remember it. Clean as cold water. It is rare that so young an artist can transmit her soul so effortlessly to an audience, but that is exactly what Maria has done on this album. Pick it up. "Sorry", "Your Glasses", and "You're The Only One" are the highlights of a notable first U.S. release. I pray she achieves the success that can keep her an artist, and maintains the honesty that gives us such fresh music.

Maria Menas debut album "White Turns Blue" is a OK cd.While her range is slightly small her powerful lyrics defintly make up for it."Just a little pretty...Just a little bit thinner/Maybe I'd get there" she refrains in 'Just a Little Bit'.I never thought I'd say this but its really a good break to get away from all that teen agnst and Britney wannabes.Stand-Outs on this album were "Sorry","Your Glasses",and "Take You With Me".

Now this is more like it! I bought the CD yesterday, and I've been excited every time that I walk to my car so I can listen to it more. So many songs out there today are trite, cliche, uninteresting - Maria Mena is true relief to the ears and heart. Her songs are little slices of life, specific (I love specific lyrics!), and very honest. Her lyrics and voice together have produced one of the most honest records I've ever heard. You'll hear many words and phrases you've rarely or never heard before in songs, which is quite refreshing.

Maria's voice is not the pure sound I typically like - she's often breathy, and she sounds kind of like me after I've eaten a bunch of chocolate and can't hit my high notes well. But she embraces what her own voice can do, and uses it well, not trying to be anyone but herself. The fragility of her sound gives the songs a lot of heart. You want to laugh and cry and shout along with her, and it's hard not to let your heart break a little at some points. Maria has created a near-perfect record out of the imperfections she finds in herself and in love. I'd reccommend it to people who sometimes like a softer sound and lyrics made of poetry rather than rhymes. Sick of "We danced all night/'till the mornin' light"?? Then pick up White Turns Blue!

That girl is definitely gifted!
This is a remarkably fresh and encourageing album, which is guaranteed to lighten up your mood. Although quite light, it does sparkle!

From the day I caught "You're The Only One" on MTV, I knew that Maria Mena was amazing. The accompanying album, "White Turns Blue" did not disappoint me. Every song is gorgeous, and has lyrics that remind me of a young Joni Mitchell. From the happy "You're the Only One" to the somber "My Lullaby," "White Turns Blue" is a winner. Check her out, she's got something really special.

When I first heard Maria Mena by accident on MTV, i was intrigued by her single "You're the Only One". Not only was the sound of the song novel and refreshing--but the lyrics were heartfelt and true. In a world of Ashlee Simpsons and Britney Spears-es where songs are "bubblegum" and manufactured to sound sincere (when really they're not), Maria Mena's music is without trying to be so. She is a true artist, and one of the few musicians out there who seem to really get the fact that music is still art--not only a moneymaking tool.

Every song on the album is of excellent quality--Maria's lyrics are perfectly accented by the top-notch instrumental backgrounds, making for an aural experience that is very enjoyable.

In regards to her voice--it's HER voice. She's one of the few "pop princesses" (although i hesitate to use that term) who doesn't use a vocoder to keep herself on pitch and sounding like she can sing--she actually can. Her voice is light and tender, but can ring with surprising fulness on her top notes. Moreover, every song tells a story through the lyrics--and Maria makes the story come to life with her excellent vocals.

Finally, an artist in a world of Barbie dolls.

If you love TRUE music, get this album--you won't be disappointed. Clearly, the best album of 2004 (along with Damien Rice's "O")