Friday, September 21, 2007

Drastic? Not Quite

After listening to KT Tunstall's new ablum Drastic Fantastic, it is hard to not make references or comparisons to other female singer/songwriters such as Alanis Morisette, Jewel, Dido, etc. While Tunstall uses the same recipies for success (backing acoustic guitars, soft falsetto vocals, catchy hooks), Tunstall has a more omnipresence than anyone who has come before her. There is something in her vocals that says she isn't going to fade away; she is here to stay. The album as a whole is more grown up than her previous singles "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree" and "Suddenly I See" off Eye to the Telescope.


The album starts off with a bang, with the first track having Tunstall just asking for "Little Favours" with backing heavy rocking guitars. The track uses a very effective verse/chorus switch between minor and major cords. The next track on the album, "If Only" is one of the catchiest tunes on the album, and a personal favorite of mine. The song speaks about a girl who only wanted a chance with a guy who never gave her one, and when he comes around to realize her, she tells him it is too late. Throughout the album, there are a number of acoustic ballads that all work well, including "Hopeless", "White Bird", and "Beauty of Uncertainty". The first single of the album, "Hold On" is a good choice. The song is probably the most radio-friendly track of the album, with catchy clap beat and latin-driven guitar picking. It seems that for every soft, slow acoustic track, there is another rocking, upbeat track, such as "Funnyman", "I Don't Want You Now", and "Saving My Face".


Overall, the album starts off very strong. There is a good mixture of upbeat and slow songs. Every track seems to have its own uniqueness to it, for no two are alike. The end of the album sort of ends in a dissapointment, with the last few tracks dragging the album to an end. On the album as a whole, Tunstall proves that she is here to stay, and is not going to fade away like previous female singer/songwriters.


Key Tracks:

  • "If Only"

  • "White Bird"

  • "Hold On"

1 comment:

Laster said...

I enjoy KT Tunstall's music as well. I have only listened to a few of her new songs and was glad to hear your opinion and favorites. "If Only" is very catchy. I would agree that it is my favorite of the ones I have heard. I also agree that she will not "fade away" as you said. She does manage to bring something new to the board. I don't feel like I am listening to the same song over and over when I listen to her music.