A Perfect Contradiction

Firstly, let me say a little about my "contradictory" Paloma History - loved the first album so much, hated the second album in equal measures (as you can read in my Fall to Grace review). On this basis, I approached her third release with some trepidation - would it be a return to form or a reason to give up the ghost and move on from an artist that I always felt was probably one of the best soul singers this country had ever produced. Well, I'm happy to report that this record is a TOUR DE FORCE of an album!From the first tight funky groove of "Just Can't Rely on You" (which nods, nay headbands firmly in the direction of Beyonce's "Work It Out") to the last Prince-ly groove of "It's the Not Knowing", this record just never relents in delivering great songs with respectful, tasteful production topped off with Paloma's pristine vocals added the final flawless cherry on the cake. Can't tell you how excellent I think this record is. I actually think it's a classic that should rocket her deservedly to superstardom. I hope this shifts the volume that it deserves to shift, both here and in the USA (who I would think would drink in this album like a man in a desert with a glass of cool water).This record picks up the 60s soul baton that Amy Winehouse laid down with Back to Black and brings it firmly up to date, making it relevant and eminently danceable. I saw Paloma live on her Fall To Grace tour in Ipswich and the audience sat through the gig respectfully for the most part but rarely got too excited. I suspect when she tours this album people will be up on their feet throughout because these songs are undeniable and the energy in them is palpable.Paloma's back. Maybe I should have had more Faith. :-)

This album is certainly more soulful than Paloma's first two efforts (I'll leave you to decide for yourselves whether that's a good thing or a bad one).In my younger days I was a budding percussionist, so I am pleased at the amount of percussion used on this album - I can hear agogo bells on some tracks, amongst other instruments that don't often appear in modern music.Moving on to the songs, I can honestly say I like every track on this CD with the exception of Take Me. An otherwise enjoyable song is ruined by that curse of the 1990s, a backing vocalist "whooping" every few seconds. If I could find a way to remove the whoops this would be a five-star album - instead, my finger will go straight to the fast-forward button every time this song starts. Another criticism is the use of electric drums on Impossible Heart, but they are not intrusive enough to spoil the song.In addition to my earlier comment about a more soulful sound, there are times when I was reminded of Phil Spector's famous "Wall of Sound" (in a good way).The deluxe CD ends with stripped-down versions of four songs (Can't Rely on You, Trouble With My Baby, Only Love Can Hurt Like This, and It's The Not Knowing). These work very well - in fact, I prefer the stripped down version of It's The Not Knowing to the version on the "main" album.

It's hard to believe that a national broadsheet newspaper 'awarded' this new album the dubious accolade of 'dud of the week'! Do these people actually listen to music or is it simply the case that journalists have to fill a certain number of column inches and writing any old thing will do?Like many others, I have been moved by Ms. Faith's amazing voice which seems capable of doing anything she chooses to do with it. This was amply demonstrated on her two previous albums and, if her second album wasn't as good as the first, this new collection is arguably better suited to her siren call. There is no doubt that Ms. Faith is well suited to expressing the woes of love gone sour or bad. (If only she had been around when I was a teenager!)The more upbeat songs have a real 'clickity click' feel about them and there is often a feeling of sly wit simmering beneath the surface which can be irresistible. It's early days for this album but I feel 100% sure it will gnaw itself into my consciousness.Put simply, this album will appeal to the legions of Paloma's fans and those who don't like it can kiss their own a**!

I bought this album as a present for my Dad, as he is a fan of Paloma Faith's latest songs and her voice. In my opinion, it could have been better if the song Changing was on this edition, as it is on the normal one. It does, however, feature the songs Can't rely on you, which has vocals from Pharel Williams, and the smashing hit, Only love can hurt like this. Also, I think it features too much live music. I know for a fact my Dad was not too keen on the live music. Apart from that, it is good. If you like Paloma Faith's past albums, you might like this. I would ask a relative or friend if they have a copy, and if so, if they can let it you borrow it, so that you can listen and decide if you would buy it.

paloma has got better with every album so far and this is no exeception! it is a beutiful collection of soulful,classy,glittery,sophisticated pop tunes wich experiment with soul,rock,disco and funk all to glourious effect, the songwriting on this album is truly fantastic putting a glimpse of hope on tragic times such as heartbreak, the prodouction is very good to,making beautiful melodies wich stick in your head without being annoying and complement the songwriting perfectly making you want to dance and cry at the same time, also it is perfect for listing to on long car journeys with a teenadger and two parents all singing along, this is not perfect but definitely worth a place in your cd and vinyl collections and on your ipods!