Search - Erin McKeown :: We Shall Be Like Birds

To the stars....

M. cox | Orem, UT | 11/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Erin Mckeown's references to Judy Garland are a little more understated in this album than the last (grand), yet they are still there if you listen close! It also took me a little longer to get into this one than the last but, overall, I think I like it even more. The lyrics, for the most part, seem more introspective and sanguine, and the melodies are as wonderful as ever! The last track 'You were right about everything' is my favorite."

Good Enough

Angelala | 08/31/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of Erin McKeown's since I first heard "Distillation" a few years back. I loved her funky, upbeat, unique sound and the great lyrics. I picked up "Monday Morning Cold" and loved it as well. "Grand" didn't disappoint either, though I found fewer songs I just loved. And that's how I feel about "We Will Become Like Birds." There's still songs I love, but they're fewer & farther between.



Overall the album is less acoustic and more polished sounding than her previous albums. It flows well, which makes it good for background listening. The lyrics are still great, of course, and include some great comments on emotions and relationships.



But it didn't feel like the simple joyful expression of music I enjoyed in the previous albums. I felt like I didn't hear as much of Erin McKeown's unique voice -- it's too covered by the instruments for my tastes.



I'd still recommend the album for the songs I consider real jewels. "To the Stars" and "We Are More" are great songs that remind me of the sound I loved from the older albums. "Bells and Bombs" and "You Were Right About Everything" are both beautifully-written and performed songs. And the more I listen to the others, the more they grow on me.



So it's not "Distillation" or "Monday Morning Cold." But it's still Erin McKeown. And that's good enough for me..."