Julia Darling is another copycat of the Lilith Fair scene. What could have been an original reshaping of a well-worn sound is just another set of anonymous footprints on the beach. The opening cut, "Overloading God" sends ... more »overdubbed shout-outs to angels and spirits on top of the predictable folk-rock accompaniment of cellos and acoustic guitars. Songs like "Soak Me" and "My Inanimate Friend" deliver every cliché in the bag, sometimes two or three times in the course of a single tune. It's pleasantly done, and anyone who is already of a fan of Sarah McLaughlin, Paula Cole, or Jewel may enjoy this heaping helping of More Of The Same. Everyone else will shrug it off. --Jason Josephes« less
All Artists:Julia Darling Title:Figure Eight Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 3 Label:Wind-Up Original Release Date: 6/15/1999 Release Date: 6/15/1999 Genres:Pop, Rock Style: Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC:601501305023
Synopsis
Amazon.com
Julia Darling is another copycat of the Lilith Fair scene. What could have been an original reshaping of a well-worn sound is just another set of anonymous footprints on the beach. The opening cut, "Overloading God" sends overdubbed shout-outs to angels and spirits on top of the predictable folk-rock accompaniment of cellos and acoustic guitars. Songs like "Soak Me" and "My Inanimate Friend" deliver every cliché in the bag, sometimes two or three times in the course of a single tune. It's pleasantly done, and anyone who is already of a fan of Sarah McLaughlin, Paula Cole, or Jewel may enjoy this heaping helping of More Of The Same. Everyone else will shrug it off. --Jason Josephes
CD Reviews
Don't Let the Jaded Jason Josephes Lead You
antropy | Playa del Rey, CA USA | 05/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's unfair of the Amazon.com reviewer to lump all female pop artists together. Of course they're going to sound similar; heck, all of rock music sounds the same from 30,000 feet. You have to look at each CD's individual characteristics. Julia is a talented vocalist, but she also plays acoustic and electric guitar, piano, and percussion. She writes all her songs, and she came up with some interesting melodies that she doesn't drown out in the mix. Check out the clip of Soak Me, which is right in the heart of the chorus (Soak Me, by the way comes from wanting to just soak away your troubles after a long day). The clip for Bury You doesn't do it justice. The chorus reveals a contempt for arrogant people that I'm sure we can all appreciate ("I would like to bury you/underneath your arrogance/...if I bury you would anyone notice you're gone?"). I think the single was Bulletproof Belief, and it's definitely the most accessible song on the album. Look beyond the catchy guitars, and you'll see a woman whose religious upbringing is clashing with the real world: "Is he around when the world is wailing? / Is he around when I am failing? / There is no divine intervention here / promises will never ever serve my dreams." All I'm saying is take a listen for yourself and don't be prejudiced by an Amazon reviewer who can't even spell Sarah McLachlan."
Enchanting Voice, Great Live Performance
antropy | 10/03/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw Julia Darling open up for Squeeze and was impressed by her stage presence and her strong yet entrancing voice. She is very unassuming, unlike performers such as Jewel, and her lyrics are poetic, rather than contrived, as is the writing style (or lack thereof) of performers such as Jewel (once again) and Alanis Morrisette. Unlike the aforementioned performers, in years to come, Julia Darling will not be embarrassed by the lycrics written in her youth. She put on a great show and the CD is excellent. I'd put her right up there with Tori Amos as far as musical creativity, poetry and lyrical beauty."
Wow......what is up Jason Josephes' BUTT?
Tamara Ramsey | MA | 01/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I loved every note of Julia's album from beginning to end. I also had the pleasure of seeing almost all of her Boston appearances when she started out and was distributed ...I can't wait to buy her new self titled album when it is restocked.Julia was a pleasure to meet and and live she is breathtaking. She and her brother sing some very beautiful harmonies."
This grows on you
bastiaan29 | Leiden Netherlands | 02/11/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album is very, very good, but it didn't make that much of an impression on me when I first played it - I felt it sounded familiar. But I'm glad I didn't let that scare me away from this superb disc! As when I listened to it for the second time, I discovered the great songwriting, and fine crafted lyrics. Soak Me, You, Overloading God, they're great songs, and Julia sings them with passion, her voice fits the songs perfectly. I hope she gets her break in Europe soon, so I can catch her live."
Something to sing about.
John P. Bohtis | Streetsboro, Ohio | 08/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's not very often a musician of this caliber makes a quiet intrusion onto the scene, but in the short time since her first American release Julia Darling has gained quite the fan following. This CD offers a little bit of everything for the music lover. Not only does it grow on you and have an amazing replay value, but it's full of passion and love for the music--something the majority of the 'I'll sing for money' pop-types are seriously lacking. Seeing her live is the real treat this musician has to offer. I wish more people had her fun-loving stage presence. (Rivaled only, in my opinion, by Melanie Doane.) She's earned me as a fan, and I can't wait for the next installment in what I hope will be a very long and eventful musical career."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
