Album Review: Just Like Breathing by Missy Roback

Album Name: Just Like Breathing
Artist: Missy Roback
Year/Label: 2003 / Independent

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Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Missy Roback’s debut was produced by her husband Steven Roback, who was once in Rain Parade. Her songwriting is all her own and the album’s airy sound is very pleasant. Missy Runback’s warm, husky voice has shades of Aimee Mann to it.

“Sight Unseen” has a sad story at its centre and gorgeously plaintive singing.

The title track has lovely cello by Diana Senechal and a simple melody that suits it well.

The intimate “Compass” is another good song of heartbreak. Roback never raises her voice, but the emotional impact is hardly lessened. She gets her point across anyway.

By contrast “Blue-Eyed Baby” centres on a positive relationship. It’s a sweet country-flavoured song.

The closing, hypnotic “Sleep with the Mermaid” is the best song, but the competition is fierce. A fine, fine album.

January 23, 2003

Track Listing
1. Take It Back
2. Lady Don
3. Sight Unseen
4. Just Like Breathing
5. New Britain
6. Compass
7. Blue-eyed Baby
8. Nearest Star
9. The Only One
10. Something Wrong
11. Sleep With the Mermaid

[Missy Roback Official Site]

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