With an angelic voice and songs full of faith, grace and vulnerability, acclaimed singer/songwriter Mindy Smith has been embraced by critics and fans alike with each recording she unveils. With her fourth release, Stupid ... more »Love on Vanguard Records, Mindy takes another step forward both lyrically and musically. Stupid Love finds Mindy co-producing along with Ian Fitchuk and Justin Loucks. The three explore and expand with different sounds making an impressive backdrop to the thirteen tracks on the record, which were written over a two-year period. Stupid Love is Mindy's first studio record since 2007's My Holiday, preceded by Long Island Shores, released in 2006. The world first discovered Mindy Smith in 2004 with the release of her debut, One Moment More, featuring the hit single "Come To Jesus" which inspired critics and artists to sing her praises.« less
With an angelic voice and songs full of faith, grace and vulnerability, acclaimed singer/songwriter Mindy Smith has been embraced by critics and fans alike with each recording she unveils. With her fourth release, Stupid Love on Vanguard Records, Mindy takes another step forward both lyrically and musically. Stupid Love finds Mindy co-producing along with Ian Fitchuk and Justin Loucks. The three explore and expand with different sounds making an impressive backdrop to the thirteen tracks on the record, which were written over a two-year period. Stupid Love is Mindy's first studio record since 2007's My Holiday, preceded by Long Island Shores, released in 2006. The world first discovered Mindy Smith in 2004 with the release of her debut, One Moment More, featuring the hit single "Come To Jesus" which inspired critics and artists to sing her praises.
"I have received (download) and played Mindy Smith's "Stupid Love" many times, on the computer and while riding in the car. I would give it between 4 1/2 to five stars. I would have sequenced the tracks differently; and I wish the 1st and last track had better previewed and retrospected the other 10 tracks of the CD. Having said that, let me assure you that Tracks 2-12, beginning with "Highs And Lows" all the way through "True Love Of Mine" are among the best I've ever heard on any CD, anytime, anywhere. What I love about them, besides the songwriting and vocalizing, is that the are perfectly "seasoned," production-wise. Too much production, as you know, can overpower a song -- just like too much seasoning can overpower the taste of food. These songs are produced -- excellently seasoned -- as well as any you will hear. You will absolute LOVE them! Of course, her lyrics (which stick like velcrow in your mind) and her vocals (incredible -- hard to characterize accurately but so easy to enjoy and adore) occupy front and center stage. Plus, you will personally identify with what she is communicating. She's spot-on when it comes to painting a picture of life in a fallen world where stupid love is more fact than fiction. You will feel both the hurt and the hope in each song. I cannot honestly tell you with any degree of accuracy just how excellent tracks 2-12 are. In fact, those songs are all nothing short of amazing. Is it worth buying / downloading? Yes and Yes! BOTH! Support this young lady! She's special -- a national treasure!"
Awesome
Brooke E. Stone | 08/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a huge HUGE Mindy fan and think this is her best work yet. I think I already know all the lyrics to this new album and it's only been out one day. I hear her music in my sleep! She is so talented and her music speaks to me like no other artist. My favorite track is "Surface" - I just GET it! If you love a truly talented artist with lyrics that are simple but deep, she's the one man!"
Least Favorite
S. Monroe | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 08/22/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I've been a Mindy Smith fan since her first CD. Preordered this one based on her previous releases. The first track, What Went Wrong, is a disaster......it is distorted and seems to be mastered at an excessively high volume level (compression????). Mindy's previous CDs were beautiful in their simplicity. This one is sometimes over-produced and Mindy's wonderful vocals sometimes get pushed back in the mix.....with ?drum machines? and other unneeded racket in the forefront. This recording style, which worked great for Beth Orton's "Daybreaker", produced by the Chemical Brothers, sometimes falls flat on this CD.
That being said, there are five tracks on "Stupid Love" I'll be keeping on my playlist:
1. If I Didn't Know Any Better
2. Telescope
3. Surface
4. Disappointed
5. True Love of Mine
Mindy, if you read this, it's your voice we love. Please let it be the lead instrument on future releases and think about going back to your earlier recording style. Or, try recording with the Chemical Brothers so this style of music is done well."
Another great release by Mindy Smith
Wade Bloom | Fargo, ND USA | 08/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you purchased Mindy's first 2 CDs, you are familiar with her gifts. Her 3rd CD "Stupid Love" will not dissapoint. Mindy brings up the tempo on several tracks and seems to have a bigger sound. If you are a Mindy Smith fan this will be an easy purchase."
Art -1, technology - 0
J. Karr | Marina del Rey, CA USA | 08/15/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Mindy is as wonderful as always, but I have to agree with a previous reviewer: the recorded sound quality is poor - flat and mushy. I previewed the album on Rhapsody, but I'm having reservations about purchasing the download on Amazon. I probably will because the songs are great and I want to support Mindy, but I'll do it with a lot of disappointment."