Fresh from San Francisco with her 'axe' to grind in Boston, Cara Aley's newest album, Bend, will leave you pleased and pensive. A New Hampshire native and Stanford grad, Aley has an inclination for the smart and soulful, t... more »he driving and the edgy. With influences like James Taylor and Linkin Park, the variety of delivery on this album is notable. Said to sound like a mix of Tracy Chapman and Avril Lavigne, it's tough to really pin this girl down. And that's exactly how she likes it."Maybe it's her voice - gentle yet edgy; or her music - complex string rhythms that entice the soul; or her lyrics - powerful and straightforward. You'll get more than perfect romance songs with this girl- she can sing about the destruction of love ("Luke") as eloquently as the emergence of it ("Take Me Away"). I feel like I've met someone that I aspire to be when I hear this album-- Cara has opened up her soul for all to hear." Don't miss this fresh new sound from newcomer Cara Aley!« less
CD Details
All Artists:Cara Aley Title:Bend Members Wishing: 1 Total Copies: 0 Original Release Date: 8/25/2003 Release Date: 8/25/2003 Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC:783707775128
Synopsis
Album Description
Fresh from San Francisco with her 'axe' to grind in Boston, Cara Aley's newest album, Bend, will leave you pleased and pensive. A New Hampshire native and Stanford grad, Aley has an inclination for the smart and soulful, the driving and the edgy. With influences like James Taylor and Linkin Park, the variety of delivery on this album is notable. Said to sound like a mix of Tracy Chapman and Avril Lavigne, it's tough to really pin this girl down. And that's exactly how she likes it."Maybe it's her voice - gentle yet edgy; or her music - complex string rhythms that entice the soul; or her lyrics - powerful and straightforward. You'll get more than perfect romance songs with this girl- she can sing about the destruction of love ("Luke") as eloquently as the emergence of it ("Take Me Away"). I feel like I've met someone that I aspire to be when I hear this album-- Cara has opened up her soul for all to hear." Don't miss this fresh new sound from newcomer Cara Aley!
CD Reviews
This girl is amazing!!
cynzav | San Francisco, CA United States | 10/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"SO - I just heard the CD and this girl is really great! Her voice is incredibly smooth and pleasing. She's quickly becoming one of my favorites. So glad I discovered her!!!"
Electrified folk rocker to hear!!
cynzav | 11/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There's something about Cara Aley that inspires me. Maybe it's her voice - gentle yet edgy; or her music - complex string rhythms that entice the soul; or her lyrics - powerful and straightforward. Whatever it is, she sent me her newest album, Bend (available in August 2003), and I was thoroughly impressed to find a harmonious merge of acoustics with a wordly touch. There's no detailed storytelling here, only her feelings spilled out overflowingly into music that accompanies the emotions described in her lyrics. Fluidly written, these lyrics paint emotional masterpieces about life and love, simple yet complex. My favorite track, "Figure It Out" gives an introspective view into Cara's outlook on life, and is based on a popular Shakespearian quote. In "Better Things", Cara sings about the role of positivity and love in life. "And do any of us know what the forward brings/Need to keep our hopes in line for better things/Take the time now to show me where my heart is going/Care enough to know that all I need is knowing/That you're going to be there when I return." You'll get more than perfect romance songs with this girl - she can sing about the destruction of love ("Luke") as eloquently as the emergence of it ("Take Me Away"). I feel like I've met someone that I aspire to be when I hear this album-- for Cara has opened up her soul for all to hear.Favorite Tracks: Figure It Out, Luke"
WOW! Found Cara on Jason Mraz Message Board-
johnnyaustin | Austin, TX | 09/17/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It appears this phenomenon the message board can be fruitful after all. I agree with the previous reviews. Not only is this chic"s music emotionally stirring for me, but you can tell it comes directly from the heart, at least from what I"ve heard on her website. Stoked to get my CD in the mail. I also can"t wait to hear this woman live (and see her in person. For the dudes out there, she"s easy on the eyes) Cara you can count on me spreading the word."
Just Right
johnnyaustin | 09/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not too sharp, not too blunt. This CD has the ideal blend of shared life commentary and soft intimate appeal. Of particular note is 'Figure It Out' (Track 6) which will ring true for those trying to do so. In short, its a definite 'Must Purchase' for those listeners daring enough to explore and be ahead of the marketing curve. A true artist on the come."
Two thumbs wayyyy up!
joshovan | somewhere between scylla and charybdis | 09/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You are definately in for a treat when you purchase this CD. One thing is clear - this girl is going places fast. It is an incredible thing to see and hear such talent in it's inception. I've listened to this disc over and over and my only complaint is - I am craving more. My favorite songs would have to be "Luke" with its driving intro and pounding chorus, "Wander and Wonder" the lyrics and vocals just appeal to the curious vagabond within me, and "Watercolor Sky" the guitar melody cascades like summer rain drops on your ears.Honestly, my favorite thing about this artist and this CD is her abilty to translate all the passion and feelings within her and transfer them to the listener. Very rarely can a song hit me so hard that it makes the pit of my chest tremble - but these tunes do that for me and will most likely do that for you. If you like Sarah McLachlan, Tracy Chapman, Natalie Merchant, or Dar Williams . . . you will be very happy owning this disc whether it is in the stereo at home or blasting in your car while cruising on a road trip!"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1