White Turns Blue [Import]

Maria Mena isn't your typical cookie cutter star. Although compared to the likes of Michelle Branch, I put her in even another catagory than the typical guitar-rock chick. Her original voice and music have given a new twist on mainstream pop/rock. The fact she hails from the almost unheard of Norway makes her even more desirable. International breakthroughs are always nice to hear about, especially in Ms. Mena's case.

"You're the Only One", the quirky first single may turn off many consumers for obvious reasons. The song is very different, uncompairable to anything I have yet to hear. While she fails to actually "sing" the song, the music and lyrics shine through in a very positive manner. While I have to agree this was a terrible choice as a first single, it was able to raise a few eyebrows with the message of each verse. An acoustic version is also avalible at select stores which also puts a nice touch on this song. While it may take a while to get used to, it's a staple for any Maria Mena show.

The CD is filled with a bunch of amazingly written and produced songs. "Blame it On Me," the second single, is much more mainstream with the Branch/Lavigne staple on it. The originality of Maria's voice is evident while listening to "Fragile (Free)" and "Just A Little Bit".

The highlights of the album include the ballads which are strikingly haunting. "Sorry" gives Maria tears each time she performs it and I can understand why. Beautifully written, Maria may not have the powerhouse voice of Christina Aguilera - but she has the look, style, and ground to pull it off Aguilera-style and 10 times beyond.

There isn't one track on "White Turns Blue" that will get a "skip" button from me. The album, not surprisngly, hit #1 on Billboard HeatSeekers chart in its first week proving that Maria's crossover to the states was very much needed. Her live show is also very entertaining as she brings along her acoustic vibe and belts out her hits along with covers of "What a Wonderful World" and "Respect".

This album is suggested for any music listener in general. There is no way to catagorize Maria's fans - male, female, pop/rock, Alanis/Michelle/Avril fans could eat this one up. I expect big things from Maria Mena in the future.

I've been listening to this album over and over again and I can't help but love it. Maria Mena has created something truly great here, and anyone who enjoys music should give this a chance. I found her first single "You're The Only One" rather odd like many people did, but it has grown on me. I now realize that Maria's gift for music is something which one can only fully appreciate after really listening to the songs and absorbing them. I find her style unique but in a good way. Her somewhat raspy, smooth voice adds a nice touch to the songs. I agree with the reviewer who compares her voice to Alanis Morissette, although Maria has a lot more restraint and never yells. Some might call Maria's voice an acquired taste, and perhaps it is, but I find it soothing. She doesn't have a large range but then again good music doesn't have to involve high notes.

I would say that every song on White Turns Blue is great, from the catchy "Just A Little Bit" to the heartbreaking ballad "My Lullaby." Maria knows how to convey some great emotion through these songs. Her overall style could be described as a mixture of folk, pop and rock, although she has a style all her own.

One thing worth noting about White Turns Blue is that Maria sings "regularly" on the other songs, and she only speaks the lyrics on "You're The Only One." So for those of you who have only heard that song (and don't like it because she speaks), know that it doesn't represent the vocal style of the entire album.

And finally, I would urge anyone who likes this album to buy the single of "You're The Only One" for the non-album track "Patience." It's a song that will melt in your ears. Absolutely beautiful.

At age 18, Maria has been through more than most of us. Her lyrics give us thoughtful and honest tales of different aspects of her life, and gives new meaning to the term "age ain't nothing but a number." She has the lifeexperience of someone twice her age. Her voice is strong, but the softness and roundness of it shines through.

The album is truly outstanding, with greatly produced songs. Here you find one of the saddest ballads ever written, the tearbursting "My Lullaby" where she tells about her astranged mother. You also have the more up-beat songs "Your Glasses" and "Blame it on me," telling us about the times she had to stand up for herself and not let anyone else control her life.

And let us not forget the hit "You're the only one," a song that just makes you wanna sing along. It certainly will put you in a good mood.

Honestly, one of the best CDs this year.