Customer Reviews

Voyageur

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a huge Kathleen Edwards fan, I must admit this CD took me somewhat by surprise. It's a slight departure from her previous efforts and is largely a result of events in her personal life, rather than simple creative introspection. Much of the alt-country sound she is normally associated with has been minimized but not entiely lost. This is both a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing in that she is not limited creatively and musically, but a curse that some of the playful punchiness of previous discs is lacking. In other words, it's a more mature-sounding offering. And, this is a good thing.

In my view, the production values are quite good, but not perfect and her collaborations on certain songs are quite revealing. Overall, it's a very good effort and well worth picking up for its lush sound and dreamy, yet rocking quality. Naturally, there are certain segments or instrumentation choices on some songs that one could do without, but in the overall view of the album, one could certainly do far worse and still be considered good by the professional pundits. This CD surpasses that easy label quite easily and is definitely an album to pick up in 2012. In comparison to her previous efforts, this is certainly a departure, but in a good way.

Noteworthy tracks on the discs include:

"Empty Threat"
"Change the Sheets"
"House Full of Empty Rooms"
"Going to Hell"

Tracks that are very good but not great:

"Chameleon / Comedian"
"A Soft Place to Land"
"Sidecar"
"Mint"

Tracks that need a little work / reworking

"Pink Champagne"
"For the Record"

Since the rating system here doesn't allow for a 4.7, 4.8 or 4.9, I'll give it 5 out of 5, because giving it a 4 or 4.5 would not do the disc or the artist justice.

Kathleen Edwards is one of the best singer and songwriters coming out of Canada in a long time. Her music is simple at first sight but it is full of depth and layers. It is honest, genuine and full of heart. Every album of hers offers something a little different and she has grown beautifully over the years.

I just happened to be listening to Galaxy and heard "Empty Threat". I was much intrigued by the sound, and especially the voice. I checked out iTunes and the album was on sale for $6.99!! First listen I became a huge fan of Ms. Edwards. This is a great album, with considerable diversity, but still maintains continuity. I have since checked out her earlier work, which is also great, but this album remains in high rotation on all my playlists. It's a gem.

By now everyone has heard about Kathleen Edward's divorce and her relationship with Justin Vernon aka "Bon Iver". Her music has benefited from their collaboration. Great break-up songs!