Search - Gretchen Lieberum :: Siren Songs

Sweet&Soulful

ETM | Pasadena, CA | 11/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gretchen Lieberum's voice--and her songs--can be described in many metaphores: dappled sunlight falling through an autumn forest; warm milk and honey; the kiss of a lover, etc. In short, pick your favorite metaphor to describe what you think is beautiful and intoxicating and her songs and voice are it. Yes, there are many female singers with beautiful voices. But GL's voice isn't merely competent. Rather, it is extraordinary. It is beautiful and colorful and dense and subtle. But even then a voice doesn't matter if the songs are dull. Here is where Gretchen Lieberum really shines. Many, many years ago I fell in love with the voice of Britsh singer Julia Fordham. Sadly, her songs grew rather thin over the years, and so I stopped listening to her. So far my experience with Gretchen's previous two albums (and her current album) has been that her song writing gets even better with the progression of each album. Her songs simply are original and satisfying. There's zero syrup and zero formula. Instead what you are exposed to is the soul soothing power of female vocal and musical art by one of the best practitioners in the industry today. Buy this album. In fact, check out all of her albums. Get out your credit card, put the CDs into your stereo and relax in a world of shimmering musical beauty . . . . ."

Late night cool

Curlynob | Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK | 11/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A modern Jazz record that owes as much to the music of Air and Zero 7 than Dianna Krall. I love the way that finding new music takes you on a journey. I was at a Madeleine Peyroux concert, and was really impressed by Tracy Bonham who supported her. I bought her CD and was finding out more about her online when i came across a review for this record. Thinking that it sounded like a cracking listen, i bought it too! I don't know if Zero 7 are a big thing stateside. But if you're fimiliar with the songs "In the Waiting Line" and "Destiny" from their debut album, this whole record sounds very similar. I don't want to distract from the music, but it is very much "dinner party" music. You're friends will be very impressed with you when they hear Gretchen's dulcit tones drifting round your apartment."

Brazen girl returns

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 10/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Siren Songs" is an appropriately titled disc that at first sounds like torch songs but there seems to be something much deeper emanating from the soul of this songstress extraordinaire. The seductive voice of Gretchen Lieberum pulls you in closer and closer with each song demanding your attention to her lyrics(available on her website) which are poetic exclamations on life. This disc seems to be a departure of sorts from the more electronic-trip-hop-style of her first two releases, "3 AM" and most recently "Brand New Morning" as this disc features a more accoustic, organic dominated sound with suttle working in of electronic instruments that totally compliments her beautiful , soulful voice. "You Closer" exhibits the perfect combination of instrumentation which has a "Brazen Girl" feel to it that gently rocks. There is a laid back, chill out vibe that goes right through you, taking you along for a gentle ride that requires an acknowledging smile and bopping of the head. Comparisons can be made to other artists, Sade, comes to mind immediately but it really isn't fair. GL has a unique style and sound that is probably the result of various influences from old school Billy Holiday to more modern interpreters like Portishead, Moresheba or Zero7. The jazzy inflections in her voice are deep rooted no doubt. This is a very beautiful and personal collection of songs that has what feels like a spiritual feeling to it. One such song that also happens to be one of my favorites is "Can You Hear Me." It is magnificent and sublime in it's beauty. In the song GL repeats and sings the title refrain over several times which will make the hair rise and give you goose bumps on your arms. To my ears it has the qualities of a prayer. It is one of several standout tracks on this excellent disc."Opus" is a healing song where GL exclaims that "everything is beautiful in retrospect we find that the pain is gone sing hallelujah." Sometimes we have to hurt to feel better. There seems to be the love loss universal theme running throughout and moving on with tracks like "Find My Way," "The Fall" and "Keep on Moving." Another outstanding track is "Beauty of Mine " which features a groovy wurlitzer and GL singing of a "glimpse of this love to take your pain away." This is music to compliment a rainy day because it finds the beauty in the past and now and looks forward to a brighter tommorrow. The music of Gretchen Lieberum is like a good storybook, full of tales that impress the mind and caress your soul with the soft beauty of her voice. GL has matured to reveal an artist in full bloom with the most beautiful colors. This is an outstanding disc that belongs in your collection. If you are unfamiliar with GL jump in here but be sure to check out her previous releases. If you're not new than you already know how good she is . As she sings on "Keep on Walking", "it is critical you know who I am. " When I loaded the disc on my I-Pod the genre was listed as unclassifiable, that pretty much summarizes her jazzy style. Her style is style and cannot be classified."