Search - Imogen Heap :: Speak for Yourself

Sonoko F. from MONTCLAIR, NJ
Reviewed on 9/15/2009...

i've listened to this about a dozen times since getting it - excellent work. smooth melodies and vocals contrast with sharply observant lyrics. She wrote and produced the cd herself, and its consistency and high polish are very impressive. Only misstep is the odd placing of 'Hide and Seek' (very Laurie Anderson) in the middle - would have served as a poignant closing track, but coming in the middle, it's a sonic hiccup. A minor quibble for a fine cd. Highly recommended. if some of the tunes or her voice sound familiar, it's because some songs are on the O.C. soundtracks and she also sang with Frou Frou. Get it! You won't regret it! Fans of Dido, Ingrid Michaelson and Jem will find this right up their alley. Those who enjoy Massive Attack and Emiliana Torres will probably enjoy this too.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Karlen C. (meg) from SALINA, KS
Reviewed on 9/3/2009...

An excellent album from Imogen! You can really tell her songwriting skills have evolved so much since her debut album, I Megaphone. Speak For Yourself is truly a great listen!

Intelligent complex pop

Andaman A. Nicobar | Ann Arbor, MI USA | 03/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The name 'Imogen heap' to me sounded like it had to something to do with nuclear energy for some reason. I would rate this as one of the best albums in my collection. Thank you Ms. Heap."

Pure MAGIC.

Kyle B. | 06/25/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard about Imogen Heap unknowingly three years ago when I heard the Frou Frou track "Let Go" during a summer school class I had to take. I was immdiately captivated by the song and went on a quest to try and find out what it was. It wasn't until about eight months later when I finally discovered that it was Frou Frou (Imogen Heap's collaborative duo with her buddy Guy Sigsworth). From there, I discovered this: Imogen's beautiful and genious solo album. Upon listening, I was immediately captivated and I had never really heard anything like it beofore. This album has become one of my all time favorite records and it is the album that started my fixation on Electronica and Alternative music. The album is a clever and quirky mix of Electronica, Pop, Rock, Indie and a little Ambiet spinkled in here and there. It is woven evenly with Imogen's soaring vocals that make you bounce happily and then make you lean back and swoon over her amazing chops. Some of the songs are different from the next, but she manages to find a way to make all of the sounds meet in the middle to create a cohesive masterpice. Everything on this album is literally recorded, mixed, played, and arranged herself. She even recorded outside noises and then added them in to the music to create truely unique sounds to some of the songs. Overall, Imogen pushed all barriers down with this recording. It is something that must be heard if you like fun and interesting music and are sick of the overplayed commerical crap on the radio.



Standout tracks:



Headlock-



This stunning album opener will captivate and keep you bobbing along even after it is over. The lyrics are quite quirky, and fun as you listen, it really does sound like a well oiled machine charging through with sick hooks and a groove the will get stuck in your head. Score: 8/10



Goodnight and Go-



By far one of the greats on the album. The chorus is lovely and intimate and it has a fun and atticting tune. Overall, the perfect love song filled with lush Electronic sounds and Pop hooks and stunning vocals. I would however reccomend the "Immi's Radio Mix" over the album cut. The music is by far quirkier and it packs more of a punch. The music video is also lovely and is reminscent of something you might see in an adaption of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Score: 9/10 for "Immi's Radio Mix"

8/10 for album cut



(I would also reccomend a listen to the B-side of this song called "Chasing Cars." The song has become a fan favorite and was most notibly used in The O.C.)



Hide and Seek-



This song is a masterpiece. Plain and simple. It is my favorite track on the album and it has become my favorite song of all time. It is the most well known track out of Imogen's career with it being used in many TV shows and with the captivating music video being parodied many times. Most recently, Pop sensation Jason Derulo sampled the ending lyrics for his song "Watcha Say." I must note that this brilliant work of art came way before his commerical nonsense and people need to get with it if they think she copied him. The song has become a staple in the Electonic and Dance music genre and it is something that must be listened to, to be bleieved. Imogen delivers by far her best vocal and captivating arrangements with this number, while still managing to keep it accessible to fans and general music listeners alike. You either love this song or you don't, but it is safe to say that it is most likely the best on the album. Score: 10/10



Just For Now-



Probably the song that has the most meaningful lyrics on it, and a another fan favorite from people all across the globe. Once again, Heap delievers an intesting chorus and clever real life sounds and emotions. My favorite part and something to listen for is when she actually sniffs beofore saying the line, "I think something is buring." Very clever song. Her live versions of this are also quite amazing and I would reccomend a download of which from iTunes. Score: 8.5/10



The Walk-



The second masterpiece on the record besides "Hide and Seek." Imogen delivers very surreal and intimate lyrics on this cut. It sounds as if she is actually heartbroken over something and she is venting her emotions through the music. Her powerful and stunning vocals show true grit and angst on this song and it is a true gem from start to finish. Score: 9.5/10



The Moment I Said It-



The ethereal album closer. Stunning, beautiful, gorgeous, sad, emtional, and a great finish to a classic album. Need I say more?? Score: 8.5/10



Overall, if you are a fan of Electronic and Alternative type artists like Goldfrapp and Kate Havenevik, or Indie standouts like Regina Spektor and Lykke Li, or even more current Electropop acts like Little Boots and La Roux, I would highly reccomend you give Imogen Heap a listen. If you've heard any songs from the artists mentioned above, chances are you've heard and Imogen song and maybe just didn't know it!!:)





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