Regina Spektor's gold album Begin — To Hope was honored as one of Rolling Stone's Top 50 albums of 2006. Far, her much anticipated follow-up, once again spotlights Spektor's daring piano pop, — vocal acrobatics and offbeat w... more »it. Utilizing four esteemed producers-Jeff Lynne (ELO, The Traveling Wilburys), Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Eminem), David Kahne (Paul McCartney, The Strokes) and Garret 'Jacknife' Lee (Weezer,
R.E.M.) Spektor combines rich soundscapes with evocative and intricately structured melodies and a remarkable gift for crafting intelligent, refreshingly honest odes to life. With Far, major stardom draws near for Regina Spektor.« less
Regina Spektor's gold album Begin
To Hope was honored as one of Rolling Stone's Top 50 albums of 2006. Far, her much anticipated follow-up, once again spotlights Spektor's daring piano pop,
vocal acrobatics and offbeat wit. Utilizing four esteemed producers-Jeff Lynne (ELO, The Traveling Wilburys), Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Eminem), David Kahne (Paul McCartney, The Strokes) and Garret 'Jacknife' Lee (Weezer,
R.E.M.) Spektor combines rich soundscapes with evocative and intricately structured melodies and a remarkable gift for crafting intelligent, refreshingly honest odes to life. With Far, major stardom draws near for Regina Spektor.
"Even though I'm perhaps a bit older than Regina's main audience (I'm 58), I stumbled across this CD after reading an article about it and thinking at the time that this sounded like something I'd enjoy. Well, I was right! This is a terrific CD from someone I had never really heard of before and one of the best I've heard in a long, long time. I can certainly see some Grammy nominations coming her way! A modern classic!"
An excellent album
Efrat Pauker | Canada | 08/09/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I read many reviews before actually listening to the album, which got me to think it's going to be a completely commercialized and soul-less piece. But after listening to it probably 20 times over the past 2 days (I just can't stop listening to it) I think it's an excellent album, complete with creative and insightful lyrics, beautiful vocals and melodies. It might be less raw than her previous work (which she had single handedly produced) but that's just natural. People often expect artists to produce the same product they love over and over and get disappointed when they move on. Only thing is, the artists that do survive trend changes actually flow with them (e.g., Joni Mitchell, Madonna among others)."
GOD CAN BE FUNNY!
wally gator | USA | 10/16/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ok. I like Regina Spektor. I said it. I decided to diversify up my collection a little bit, and had heard this chicky on the radio once or twice and figured she was alright...wanted some smooth subtle music for my turntable, to play when entertaining company and whatnot... The album however is infectious, and I am a little bit suprised how easy it is to get into on a whole.
From what I've read this is her most pop heavy production yet (there must be at least five songs here currently on the radio...) While some reviews are shunning on the production, declaring it robs the feeling of her raw past records... I can't agree. The production here is extremely well done, giving a strong punch to the tone and attitiude that comes from her songs. ...Sure I may have to look later for the raw grit that is promised in her Soviet Kitsch album... but just to get a sense of style, I'm digging fine on this one.
The music is expressive and catchy, and she crafts a poem in every song. Not poems for poetry lovers... I'm not a poetry lover. I like words that pop in the brain like firecrackers. There is an ironic sadness that often times puts you on the spot.And yet somehow the whole album remains joyful, but never sappy or contrived. Its Good stuff... it's good to see that this one crawled out from the raw side of the music biz, and has infiltrated the pop side. I hope to see more good things..."
Simply Addicting
B. Klosterboer | 08/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Spektor's voice is pure, honest, and refreshing. With crystal-clear ease, her melody twists around playfully in tantalizing patterns. Every song is fun and unique, but meaningful at the same time. There's so much to chew on here; you can listen to it again and again without getting bored. From the serene "Blue Lips" and "Human of the Year" to the upbeat "Machine" and "Dance Anthem of the '80s," the songs cover a wide array of attitudes and emotions. Nonetheless, they flow seamlessly into one long stream of pure music. The lyrics are unique, and the vignettes Spektor depicts are priceless. If you're looking for a female vocalist to sing her heart out on top of gorgeous keyboard harmonies into a relaxing night, this might be the album you're looking for."
Wrap yourself up in this album.
S. Sagheb | Los Angeles, CA | 09/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fun. Magical. At times dark. This album makes me feel like I'm under a blanket fort with my best girlfriend while she tells me secrets and stories by flashlight. Regina Spektor's voice is warm and comforting, and when she soars, heartbreaking. My favorite album so far this year."