Here are some customer reviews of
Siren
: "Oyster" was by far the best rock CD of 1995, and it's a crime that it hasn't received more critical acclaim. "Siren" generously rewards Heather's devotees with the 61 best minutes of music to come out this year. It's a masterpiece! Her vocals are angelic and her lyrics are pure poetry. She's the most gifted and most original artist in the business today, (and she's eminently superior to certain overrated divas currently stealing the headlines). It's about time Heather got the respect she deserves. Heather heals and Heather rules! (P.S. I saw her at the Bayou, too, and I second the accolades of the Virginia music fan who reviewed the show in her or his "Customer Review.")
Although most of the songs are good, especially "London Rain" and "Paper Cup," she has too much in common with Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, Ani DiFranco, Paula Cole, etc. "Paper Cup" is almost country sounding, and the most distinctive song. It's beautiful. But generally on the album, she doesn't take advantage of her fine voice the way that Tori and Sarah do. I would definitely listen to more than the single "London Rain" before deciding to buy it or not.
Just saw Heather Nova live two nights ago at the Bayou in Washington DC. It was increadible. I had been waiting since the day I bought Oyster years ago to see her live. She played a bunch of tunes from SIREN and they sounded great. She looked awesome also and had a great stage presence. SIREN is a really good albulm. I have been really impressed with Heather and am kinda shocked she doesnt get more air/video play. If you like Sheryl Crow, Alanis, Lisa Loeb, Sarah M. and good alternative rock....you will love Heather Nova!!!
Granted, it was only because they played London Rain on Dawson's Creek that I bought this album, but I fell in love with her wandering vocals and unconventional lyrics. If I was only allowed one CD, this would be it.
I have all of the Heather Nova CD's including a couple foreign releases that are hard to find. Initially, Siren seemed a let down. But, she had extremely tough shoes to fill following her previous work (she is my favorite). When I actually started listening to what I was hearing, I realized it rules! In particular songs 1,3,4,10 and probably a couple more. It takes me a while to actually listen to an entire CD. The first time I heard Maybe An Angel off Milky Way, it took weeks for me to make it to the next song. For those who haven't listened to Heather, she has a very lush and layered sounding vocal that reminds me of Enya, yet is not at all like her. Her phrasing is poetic and her vocal mystical, emotional, and thoughtful. Unlike many of the vocally gifted artists, hers is top notch live! I wish I could see her live!
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