Why Gabrielle Sucks (Rise - Gabrielle)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	Rise - Gabrielle
Date:	29/07/09 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: hmm, well the cover is quite fun

Disadvantages: so very bleak

I know a lot of people will hate what I am about to say here, but Gabrielle is dull. She has a delightful voice, her music is all very polished and well produced and she has also notched up several big hits. But she is also extremely bland and a lot of her music verges on the bleak. She is like the female James Blunt.

The lead song 'Rise' samples 'Knockin' On Heavens Door.' Now, if I was going to sample a record, I would plump for something allows that the song to be given a whole new lease of life. I would not pick a song that was deathly depressing and downbeat the first time round and make it even more grim. Gabrielle sings with a lovely catlike voice, but the mood of the song is so miserable, I fear to ever hear it on radio while in the car, incase I drive on purpose into the central reservation.

'Sunshine' is a little better, in which her warm vocals light up the song and manage to create a small glimmer of hope, but again, the content is far too wishy washy and fails to excite the listener.

'Tell Me What You Dream' benefits from some sweeping strings and meaningful lyrics, this is one to play to put you in a sensual mood. On the subject of sensual, 'Over You' manages to tap into the sensuality and is one to play when you want to feel spirited away.

'When A Woman' ups the tempo and is the most exciting the album gets. Gabrielle must have been dosed up on prozac when she did this one. There is a throwback sixties vibe to enhance it. I don't mind this too much.

There are eleven tracks and by the time you reach the aptly named 'Gonna Get Better,' you will be secretly hoping it will, although be content in the knowledge that it probably won't.

Nice cover artwork of Gabrielle examining something on the floor though.

Summary: bleak pop music