Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Something new, but also timeless, May 28, 2009
I have to confess...I've always liked Mandy Moore. I even like her bubblegum pop years that she's disavowed, but I think it's because even then I felt that she had a quality that separated her from the pop-tarts of the day. That feeling was vindicated with "Coverage", her all-covers album, and then the triumph of "Wild Hope", which blew away any doubt that Mandy had the talent to be a real singer and songwriter.
So where does "Amanda Leigh" fit into this? To me, it's a masterpiece in the original sense. This proves that Mandy Moore deserves to be recognized as more than just "singer/actress" or "that girl who wasn't Britney or Christina." The album is like "Coverage" without being covers, it's like "Wild Hope" but with less packaging. It's like a sampling of the best of the 1970s without being a rip-off, but also fresh and current. I imagine a lot of the credit for the arrangements goes to her producer, who isn't afraid to pair strings with steel guitar or wrap in other combinations that beautifully complement the melodies and Mandy's perfect voice. She's playful and lilting at times, sultry and moody at others, and always front and center.
Favorite tracks? All of them, I suppose, but Merrimack River is certainly at the top of my list (and first on the album).
This album should be on lots of people's lists. It will be a revelation to some who might be skeptics or curious about this "singing actress" or "Ryan Adams' new wife", and I think it also should appeal to fans of Kim Richey, Dar Williams, and similar singer-songwriters. A must-buy (and a no-brainer at the current digital download price of $3.99!)
|
|
|
17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
She does it again..., May 25, 2009
Have you heard of Mandy's cover of Doris Day's "Secret Love" (a style that Mrs. Moore hopefully ventures into in the future) on her Greatest Hits release? "Amanda Leigh" lies within the same vein - theatrical but made for easy listening.
I think that's why I enjoy Mandy Moore so much... it's the surprise factor and CONSISTENCY. Hell, I thought the Wild Hope effort was great but Amanda Leigh delivers, and does it with ease. With great mesmerizing melodies like "Merrimack River" and moody and haunting numbers such as the profound "Everblue"... she could have done NO wrong. Two songs that I found extremely nostalgic are "Indian Summer" (the piano introduction gives me chills) and "Bug" (an acoustic delight). Just INCREDIBLE. Mandy has done a fine, fine job.
I say to her keep up the great work... don't take the easy way out and spill out pop garbage (i.e. kelly clarkson) just to pay the bills.
This has been my favorite release so far this year.
|
|
|
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Winner From Mandy!, May 27, 2009
With her latest effort, "Amanda Leigh", Mandy Moore continues to solidify her credentials as a contemporary singer-songwriter. This new album is much in the same folk-pop style as her last one, "Wild Hope", but with the addition of a bit of a country flavor this time. As on "Wild Hope", there are echoes of Joni Mitchell in the vocal and melodic lines, while the piano work is occasionally reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan. The steel guitars on "Love To Love Me Back" are something new, though, as is the clavinet on the first single, "I Could Break Your Heart Any Day Of the Week". Another track that I found particularly appealing was the closing song, the country-influenced "Bug". Another fine effort from Mandy, and one that is especially recommended for fans of Mitchell, McLachlan, Norah Jones, and Katie Melua.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
by Mandy Moore 
