Folk for beginners (This Is The Life - Amy Macdonald)

Member Name: CTVicky

Product:	This Is The Life - Amy Macdonald
Date:	15/08/09 (6 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Some great songs, a fantastic voice, beautiful lyrics, incredible.

Disadvantages: Some songs not so great

dooyoo have described it as Rock but it would put it more as pop/folk. I think if it wasn't for "This Is The Life", I would never have developed my deep appreciation for folk music.

Amy MacDonald definitely has the "folky" voice, with her Scottish tone. Also, the lyrics all tell a story. In some ways she is reminiscent of Sandy Denny; in others, June Tabor.

The song on the album that stands out is "Mr. Rock and Roll". It was the first song to be released, it reached No. 1 in the UK charts and it was that track which propelled Miss MacDonald to stardom. It is a magnificent pop record, a perfect mix of folk and pop. I love how it starts off really quietly and then all of a sudden it's booming in your ears!

Next to be released was the title track "This Is The Life". It's very catchy with its punchy lyrics and simple melody.

After that came "Poison Prince", rumoured to be penned by Amy MacDonald with reference to Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty. She sings "Some kind of poison prince with your eyes in a daze/Some kind of poison prince/Your life is like a maze. The tragic lyrics combined with the upbeat tempo make for a very interesting song.

The songs after that all seem to blend into eachother. "Run" does have a distinct beauty to it but apart from that they all seem to sound the same. And I'm not sure what to make of the flamenco-style guitar work.

Nevertheless, the album is an amazing achievement for someone who was barely out of secondary school when they recorded it. I can't wait to see what she does next.

Summary: A great album for someone so young