Search - Vonda Shepard :: From the Sun

Beautiful, emotive, introspective. Pure Vonda Shepard

Diego Pascual Castilla | London/Madrid | 09/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Vonda, one of the most underrated artists in the industry (sadly enough), mainly due to the Ally series which made her just a crooner in the eyes of too many. And At Last, after about 3 years of waiting and delays and postponed release dates, we're able to enjoy Vonda's 6th solo studio album (12th album with the Ally McBeal OST's and the Live CD-DVD) As with the rest of her solo material, this cd is far more introspective and intimate than the Ally compilations If we were accustomed to a cheesy-ish sound on the Ally albums, and a very accoustic, organic, soulful sounds on her previous solo works -think 'It's Good, Eve' or 'By 7:30-, this one delivers a different yet familiar feel. Mitchell Froom's (Suzanne Vega, Latin Playboys, Crowded House, Elvis Costello, Indigo Girls, Sheryl Crow, and a long etc) distinctive production can't but help the musical and lyrical imagination of this lady. A little more on the pop-and-slightly-funky side of the singersongwriter genre than before, but way more intimate and warm than most pop albums out there. Powerful, emotive lyrics and beautiful, catchy melodies -from the album opener "I know Better" to the closing ballad - which she actually wrote especifically for Ally McBeal, although the song was never used in the series and has finally been released.

Personal Favourites/Highlights of the album are I Know Better, From the Sun, The Rocky Water, and Another January, thre latter having the added bonus that I had the amazing luck to hear in concert performed for the first time ever in front of an audience - mindblowing)

Those of us lucky enough to have seen Vonda Shepard live know that she rocks on the stage and thrills everyone, even the ones who were expecting a yawn. All charm and charisma, her most powerful and mind reaching playing and singing will get everyone to listen in pin-drop silence through the ballads, and to sing along and shake 'whatcha mamma gave ya when she goes uptempo, either at her piano, keyboard, or guitars.If she's playing in your town, or not far away, trust me - absolutely worth it. Looking forward to a single and a video on some radio or tv stations, this lady deserves airplay - a true gem in the middle of crap-music ready made for the masses.

But not all was going to be positive - the album is I think Vonda's shortest LP. Between 30 and 40 mins, can't recall exactly now. But saying this, it might be good if the message got to her label and they decided to include bonus track(s), maybe live version on some tracks, demos, alertnate versions, or unreleased songs...

But still I think the album is very much worth every single dollar, pound, euro, or whatever currency you prefer. Enjoy it, it's a lovely CD"

Totally Free

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 12/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Vonda Shepard's new CD explodes with passion & energy, among some of her best work. Mitchell Froom produced the disc as Shepard goes from strength to strength as a vocalist and songwriter. The opener "I Know Better" is among my three favorite classic tracks with its great piano-based sound that builds grandly into a moving chorus, "Baby, baby, baby, how am I gonna dream without the love, the lovin' you gave to me? Well whoever wants to be totally free?" "Ecstatic" blasts with energy as churning guitars storm while Vonda's vocals carry the emotional payload, "I tried to squeeze myself into this tiny little box, acting like I'm sturdy, but I'm teetering on the rocks; Now I can fly high." "Downtown (Dirtytown)" slams soulfully in the face, "I'm gonna suck it up; I know how to buck it up; Get myself on the road; I didn't f*** it up; No that was someone else; You know I hoe my row." Other tracks are also strong such as the great bass line on the title song, the sweet "Get It Back," and the stunning ballad "The Rocky Water." "From the Sun" is excellent because Shepard's melodic sense as a songwriter is as unique as it is compelling. Bravo!"