Copyright 2005 The Heights via U-Wire
University Wire

November 3, 2005 Thursday

SECTION: CD REVIEW

LENGTH: 499 words

HEADLINE: Imogen Heap decides to Speak solo

BYLINE: By Louis Tullo, The Heights; SOURCE: Boston College

DATELINE: CHESTNUT HILL, Mass.


Imogen Heap, the female half of the popular duo Frou Frou, releases her sophomore solo disc, after a seven-year stint with the group, the radical-sounding Speak For Yourself. While this is a funky electronic record, fans of Frou Frou might be disappointed not to find another "Let Go," the song that made the "Garden State" soundtrack so epic.

The first single, "Hide and Seek," made popular on "The OC," is a solid pop cut that has already gained incredible attention. For a record that was both written and produced independently by Heap herself, it is overwhelming clear that she can construct a record without male counterpart, Guy Sigsworth. Without his collaborative efforts, however, the record in some ways lacks the magic the two have as a pair. Lyrically, the songs follow in the tradition of exploring anecdotes about crushes and former loves, as heard in the opening track, "Headlock." Here, Heap says she doesn't believe the fact that her heart is in a "headlock," setting the tone for this album that deals with the conflict between her heart and head.

"Goodnight and Go" continues in that vein and provides Heap with a sure-fire radio and television hit, as the track will be the second single, and is featured on a CD from "The OC." The lyrics, "Why d'ya have to be so cute? It's impossible to ignore you ... say goodnight and go," still lack depth, but do appeal to the raw un-explainable emotion of trying to cast away bad love. After two or three spins, this song will leave listeners wanting more and is one of the two main downfalls of the record.

Heap's vocals on the record are highly programmed, providing the electronic sound expected, yet still making it hard to listen to more than a few times.

It is only in the track "The Moment I Said It," that more of the raw vocals can be heard, which will refresh listeners. This is also a beautifully written song about a fleeting relationship, and features a haunting piano melody that breaks up the sound of the record.

The production on the record is amazing, especially after the inevitable comparisons to Guy Sigsworth, who has worked with Seal on "Crazy," Madonna on "What It Feels Like For A Girl," and Britney Spears on "Everytime." A clear example is that the track "Hide and Seek" was created over a short four and half minute session, according to an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle. Another powerful example is the weaving of both strings and synthesized sounds in "Have You Got It In You?" to create a multi-faceted sound that is awesome to listen to.

While Speak For Yourself has its faults, it is nonetheless a fun listen and a piece of history in the maturing of an emerging solo artist from a highly acclaimed group.

Following in the footsteps of her work with Frou Frou, more expectation is placed on Heap to craft, at the very least, an equally powerful sound. She does all she can to respond to this anticipation that is remarkably noteworthy, deserving of serious accolades.

(C) 2005 The Heights via U-WIRE

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