Search - Maria Mena :: Apparently Unaffected

Real artist..great & refreshing

Brenda Hankins | Dallas, TX USA | 06/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's refreshing to see real artists like Maria Mena in the pop music genre. Her lyrics today have become even more raw, thoughtful, & heartful. Half the time they're even fun! They pertain to matters many people her age (or just people in general) can relate to in their life. I like seeing young, talented artists step outside of the packaged paper Happy Meal box of typical romantic or raunchy popular U.S. songs and write lyrics with hand-crafted, genuine, real life situations that are on real people's minds everyday. Many of her fans call her music "therapy," and consequentially some of the material might be considered a little negative. Her voice is beautiful and unique. Her album has acoustic arrangements that usually don't sell well in the U.S. for some reason, and so unfortunately not many producers in the U.S. go that route, which makes finding her music a blessing to me. If you're an old fan of her album White Turns Blue, this album is just a little edgier & riskier (hard to explain..she describes it as more "open" & honest), and it's not as light & peaceful as her first one. So some old fans might miss the old style of music, but she definitely evolved her music in some way, and I think it's one big step forward for Maria! Good job on another great album, Maria. Keep 'em comin'. By the way, I have to disagree with the above reviewer: I think Our Battles is a great song. (It's one of my favorites on the album - the music to it grew on me, and I think people can relate to it. I like the lyrics, "I'll just write this down with hopes that you'll understand....You set the standard for my future.")"

Fantastic songwriting, singing, and emotion

David Swartz | Marina, CA United States | 07/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My favorite album by ANYONE in 2005 (I got a copy from Germany, before it was released here...some tracks from the internet, too). Someone ticked Maria off between her previous album and this one. She's all grown up now, and not going to take it anymore. The girl is brilliant, and needs a ton of airplay and video exposure in the U.S.-- why is there NONE? "You're the Only One" is the only video I've seen here, and that was only once, at 2 a.m., but enough to hook me into this tremendous artist's world. I can't wait for more!

Note: She sings on a rap-ish band's terrific track called "Everytime"... sorry, but I forget their name. Definitely worth tracking down, however. More more Maria! -Swift/ Marina, CA"

The only way for Maria to go is up

Doogie | Australia | 05/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this album is a step in the right direction for this norwegian sensation.



there's a dark theme that is very dominant in maria's latest album; quite obvious in the opening track Internal Dialogue ("covered your scars," "i am not honest"). This is further evident in the interludes as well as Our battles.



on the light side, Boytoy Baby is a fun track with an even funnier chorus hook. These Shoes is another that stands out. Calm under the waves is a very mellow track and a great way to close out the album



once again maria mena's voice is what makes her music so unique and makes this album a great listen



Notable tracks:

- Internal Dialogue

- This Bottle Of Wine

- Boytoy baby

- just Hold Me

- Nevermind Me

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