Something New
Written: Jun 02 '06 (Updated Jun 02 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: lyrical content, new experience of music
Cons: overuse of rock tracks, "niche" style, strange levels of intensity
The Bottom Line: A quiet presence that couldn't get an initial following, Cree is something to try if you feel brave.
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| deeblackthorne's Full Review: Street Faerie by Cree Summer |
I too was surprised to hear about Cree Summer's CD Street Faerie as I heard practically no media or entertainment coverage. It seems frighteningly similar to her tenured career -- everywhere (across several media) and nowhere (barely a public whisper). You hear her voice talents on television shows, cartoons, some live acting, and the last time I perked my ears up, it was when she played the mentor Belgemine to the young Yuna of Final Fantasy X.
"Stop, that is enough."
Street Faerie is an eclectic mix of urban folk and neo-soul. Cree strikes me much more as a creative lyricist than a singer. From the very first track, apparently the soft smash "Revelation Sunshine," a folk acoustic guitar strikes a few chords and her voice comes in practically out of nowhere. My first thought was one of slight bewilderment. Yeah, that's her. Sounds an awful lot like her. And I couldn't help but try to place her face, her voice, in past performances to make better sense of what I was hearing.
I think that's one of the primary hurdles to face when listening to Street Faerie, that you have to kind of break down a mental barrier to her voice. You have to stop thinking of her as a voice actress, which is very hard to do because, pitch-wise, she strains herself quite a bit and you can feel it in your eardrums.
Obstacle faced, you've got thirteen songs that feel really earthen and symbolical, even with a rather repetitious intended object -- the same suitor at various points in the relationship. "Revelation Sunshine" feels very much like the stages of early acquaintance, in which she makes it pretty clear that she doesn't want to be promised unrealistic explanations (the "sunshine" if you will), but that she just wants to get along and enjoy this person. Of course, it's not exactly chronological. By the time you hit the fourth track, "Deliciously Down," probably one of the better recordings, she's already deeply hurt and vulnerable.
Backgrounds largely consist of acoustic and rock guitar riffs, as can be expected from producer Lenny Kravitz. A refreshing change of pace takes place on "Fall," in which she relies much more on woodwinds and soft drumming. Otherwise, despite how enjoyable her lyrics can get, you won't really find yourself boppin' hard or singing to the top of your lungs. This is music meant to muse with a cup of coffee.
This is a good album if you're interested in something out of the ordinary regarding your musical tastes. I wish I were incredibly enthusiastic about the album, but it's simply too slowed down and rocked out to capture my attention. It's easy listening that requires a mood. And the sad thing is, I think Cree's got a pretty good thing here and I don't feel like I'm experienced enough in the acoustic soul variety to really appreciate it. That's a funny feeling. Street Faerie isn't something to dislike, but rather something that takes time to like. If you like being patient with your music, that's fine; otherwise, you might not get much out of it.
Favorite Tracks
Deliciously Down
Fall
Still Heart
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Reading or Studying
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Epinions.com ID:
deeblackthorne
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Member: Dee Hill
Location: Lexington, KY, USA
Reviews written: 129
Trusted by: 13 members
About Me:
yo! :D
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