Simple Soul

Eddi Reader

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 9, 2001)
• Original Release Date: January 9, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Compass Records
• ASIN: B000055X1M
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #204,215 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Glasgow native Eddi Reader returns for her fourth solo album of ingratiating, smart songs, most of them seeking answers about what we're supposed to make of this big, ol' sweet mess of a world. Acoustic and folk-based, Simple Soul gleans much of its power from its stripped-down production, which allows for the up-close immediacy of Reader's quiet, earnest vocals, which are at times reminiscent of Maria Muldaur ("Wolves") and Edie Brickell ("Adam"). Alternately meditative ("Simple Soul"), reflective ("Lucky Penny"), and restless ("The Wanting Kind"), Reader especially shines on "I Felt a Soul Move Through Me," about the death of her father, one of several songs she co-wrote with Boo Hewerdine. But she's impressive as an interpreter, too, proving unforgettable on "Footsteps Fall," which correctly declares, "The loneliest sound of all / Is the sound of love / Through a stranger's wall." Somehow, she manages to make all this sadness uplifting, as a testament to the resiliency of the soul, and to the power of music. Soothing salve, indeed. --Alanna Nash

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars More of the same, February 21, 2001

By	Kim Liddelow (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

I've debated with myself about writing this review for a while. I'm a big fan of Eddi - I own all her solo albums and I've seen her in concert 3 times. I even wrote a laudatory review for Angels & Electricity.

But I find this album to be disappointing. There is nothing new and I don't feel she is progressing much as an artist. I thought the writing combination of her and Boo Hewerdine was extremely gifted. Now I think maybe she needs to broaden her horizons and seek out new writing partners and material. Otherwise this will be my last Eddi Reader cd.

If you are new to Eddi I would suggest one of her stronger cd's - any of the first three will do. My personal favourite is the second one - Eddi Reader.

Her voice is magical, her sensitivity and emotion remains. But the songs just aren't very memorable.

What do you think?

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Marginal, August 18, 2003

By	Anonymous - See all my reviews

I'll admit I like to have my own personal Women's Music Festival at my desk in the office every once in a while, but the recent glut of female singer/songwriters has made them a dime a dozen and I was a bit disappointed. I won't say I'm shutting the door in Eddi Reader, 'cause I'd heard good things about her, but I heard very little in the CD to distinguish her from a million other acoustic folksingers.

She has a few great lyrics, but none of the sophisitication of early Suzanne Vega; she can't match with the quirkiness of Dar Williams or the Nields; doesn't have the sharp wit of softer Ani Difranco (can't really compare harder Ani to this); obviously can't harmonize like the Indigo Girls; doesn't have a really distinctive voice like Kristin Hersh or Mary Fahl; no jazzy savoir faire like Erin McKeown or Amy Correia. It's not a BAD album, and I respect the effort, it's just not exciting and therefore there's no real reason to keep it from sitting in the back of my cd rack, while I play others I can't get enough of.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Light Touch, January 16, 2002

By	Aaron Wong (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

A lot of singers show buckets of technical or artistic vocal talent but come up short on interesting material. Eddi Reader though a sorceress with all 3 powers, continues with expectation, and does not try and prove what she's proven before.

This recording may not fit your mood, but it is still worth listening to for the amount of heart in the singing as well as the words.

Every review so far is right. Those wanting to hear a more energetic Eddi will be disappointed. The concept here, as indicated by the album title, is a pared down approach to musicianship and arrangements. This won't be my favourite Eddi album. I could use a big epic number like "Dolphins" or "Kiteflyer's Hill", and others may long for the more standard stylings of Fairground Attraction.

On the other hand, if you are prepared to listen, this album will reward in its own unrushed way. In mood and thought it achieves what it sets out to do. The singer sincerely shares her thoughts, and her quiet art here is as masterly and uncopied and beautiful as ever. Also significant to note, unlike other recordings of popular solo artists, the musicians here sparkle and do not take a back seat to the star. You'll be mesmerised with the opening to the song "Adam", and warm to the acoustic jangle and very human foibles contained within "Wanting Kind".