Album Name: Speak For Yourself
Artist: Imogen Heap
Year/Label: 2005 / Megaphonic Records
[Buy at Amazon]
[Buy at Amazon UK]
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
I’ve been a fan of Imogen Heap (Immi to her fans) since here debut CD, “I Megaphone”. When I got that I played it thin. I believe it’s out of print now, but thankfully, she’s released another solo CD.
I also am a huge fan of Frou Frou, her collaboration with Guy Sigsworth. They’ve only released one CD, “Details” but it’s fantastic. Anyway, this is her solo recording and I am happy to say that it’s just as good as the previous stuff Imogen has been a part of.
On first listen none of the songs really stood out to me. They all sounded somewhat similar to each other. Except for “Hide and Seek” which she sings with many voices a capella and with voice synthesizers. But that stood out, I think, mainly because it was odd. Upon further listings the songs started to take shape in my head and I’m now seeing them all as different parts on a grand whole.
I know that an album has clicked with me the moment a song pops into my head and I realize it’s from the album…and I haven’t listened to the album in days. This one has reached that status for me.
The songs are interesting and fresh, though they sound enough like her previous projects to appeal to fans of those as well.
Imogen has a very interesting voice. I mean that in a good way. It’s very distinctive and I think lovely. When I first played her for a friend, the friends response was, ‘her voice is horrible! I love it!” But I think she has a great voice. It’s different, sure, but it’s very comforting sounding, at least to me. “Horrid” would be someone who can’t hit the notes. We all know some like that. Immi is spot on.
If you don’t already know her music, I would suggest listening on her site before buying. Her style is unique and it may not be for everyone. But if you like the snippets you hear, you’re going to like the whole album.
My favorites: “Clear the Area”, “Goodnight and Go”, and “I Am In Love With You” is super funky. I am actually loving all the songs, these are just my favorites today.
Note: It’s been brought to my attention that this CD has malware on it. It’s copy-protected and Sony believes that it’s OK to download malware on your computer if you put this in. Even if you cancel the installation some stuff can still get on there. Here are some links to more info and removal options.
news
Uninstall works on IE only unfortunately.
I was able to get this record on my computer by using CDex which you should all have if you want to keep music on your computer 🙂 Download CDEx
Review by David Adair
Soothing South London bubble pop is built around slow and soft Dido with droplets of Bjork and Aimee Mann vocals that meander through this lush offering.
‘Have You Got It In You?’ is a provocative poser that features rumbling backing instrumentation, as doubts about other people’s motives are exposed.
This 3rd album cements Imogen’s status as an endearing and no frills pop purveyor. The empty nature of relationships comes under the microphone in a laid back bluesy nature, featuring tumultuous R N B instrumental interludes in ‘Loose Ends’, while the lyrics are sharp and to the point;
“So what do you say we give it up and walk away?
We’re overrated anyway.
We’re kissing without kissing; we’ve got it down to a fine art.”
Despite passing the respectability mark at least an album ago, Imogen has not lost any of her edge; deciding to shun the lure of major labels, by re-mortgaging her flat and releasing this album on her own label. Her vibrant independence shines through the sonic boom of ‘Daylight Robbery’ that possesses quivering bass lines and a nifty electro kick.
The aforementioned bold decision has not affected the sound or recording quality on this offering, as Imogen continues to show the vibrant and alternative side to pop music (yes, it does exist, believe it or not?).
Posted on August 12, 2005 (it came out in the UK before the US)
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Track Listing
1. Headlock
2. Goodnight & Go
3. Have You Got It In You?
4. Loose Ends
5. Hide & Seek
6. Clear
7. The Area
8. Daylight Robbery
9. The Walk
10. Just For Now
11. I Am In Love With You
12. Closing In
13. The Moment I Said It
Comments:
Rating: 5 Stars
Comment: I love Imogen Heap! <3 she is soo amazing!! and to think she does this all by HERSELF!!! wow shes like my roll modle and not to metchion shes very beautiful... another goodbad is freezepop!! love ya all <3 jojo
name: joanna on Friday, March 24, 2006