Sweet, enchanting, and vocally gifted, Heather Nova managed to take the independent pop market by storm in the 1990’s.
Oh wait…she tried a little to hard to take the indie pop market by storm…
As a lifelong musician, Nova spent her formative years living in Bermuda, New York City, and even London before debuting on an early EP. In 1993, she released her first full-length album, Glow Stars on indie label Rough Trade. A year later, Nova managed to put together a more even, more brilliant, and her most critically lauded album to date Oyster. Her brand of folk/pop is eclectic and entertaining and proved a perfect match on the 1994 album and on relative hit Walk This World.
1998 found Nova releasing another album…Siren. The album wasn’t quite at the same artistic level as her last release, but there were fortunately a few positive moments. Most notable among the songs on the Sony/WORK release include: Widescreen, London Rain (her most recognizable), and Heart and Shoulder. There are times when Nova shines with sheer brilliance and other moments when she seems bland and recycled. Siren isn’t her best effort and unless you’re a massive fan of Nova or female artists it’s advised that you instead pick up the more even although lesser known Oyster.
At fourteen tracks and an hour in length, Siren is too lengthy and too unfocused. It in fact really could have been roughly ten songs in length without damaging the vision of the album. In addition, I think part of my issue with Nova and Siren is that the album is rather monotonous in both theme and sound. I prefer some similarities, but to really catch my fancy you’ve gotta be a bit more experimental and take a few risks. In my opinion, Nova’s music is safe and comfortable and bland despite the fact that she wields a lovely, rich vocal talent.
The album kicks off with jangly pop track London Rain (Nothing Heals Me Like You Do). With a hint of folk rock, the song mainly fumbles around in the pop genre. It’s catchy and upbeat and light. Yet, despite it’s entertainment value I’m not in the least bit impressed by the track. It’s a strange tempo, rather melodramatic, and ultimately lacks direction. By the way, it's the most recognizable by Nova thanks to it's inclusion on the Dawson's Creek soundtrack.
Nova manages to redeem herself on occasion as the album progresses. Heart and Shoulder showcases some lovely string work. The tempo is nice and the vocals are lovely. Nova sounds more sincere and less forced than on other tracks. If listeners were to first hear this song they would certainly expect more out of Siren on the whole. The same applies to Widescreen. Bluesy guitars and a Sheryl Crow attitude help make the song both different and exceptional when compared to the rest of the lackluster songs.
The final track of any particular note is Ruby Red. A bass guitar introduces the light, creative, and fun track. Nova stretches her vocals toward that of Tori Amos. Ruby Red has a strange quivering sound unlike the rest of this collection. I appreciate her ability to stretch as evidenced by this track. The rest of ‘em on the other hand tend toward pseudo-pretentious crap.
I’ve heard her sound done better by the likes of Alanis Morissette, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple and Poe. Nova sounds like a recycled amalgamation of the four on Siren. She has a lovely voice, but on song like Avalanche, I’m Alive, Winterblue, and What A Feeling (among others) I find myself yearning for more. She sounds like she’s imprisoned and unwilling to break through the constraints of pop music. If Nova would just try a little harder I believe that she could in fact be great.
Siren is a bust. If you want to really experience Heather Nova at her purest instead pick up Oyster. Even more importantly don’t explore the lackluster 2001 release South. I hate to rip on Nova. She does have a lovely and at times unique voice. I just feel that she tends to lack creativity and wallows around in the pits of stereotypical pop instead of breaking out. Siren is an average album…an average album that I can’t possibly recommend.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Track Listing:
1. London Rain (Nothing Heals Me Like You Do)
2. Blood of Me
3. Heart and Shoulder
4. What a Feeling
5. Valley of Sound
6. I’m the Girl
7. Winterblue
8. I’m Alive
9. Widescreen
10. Paper Cup
11. Avalanche
12. Make You Mine
13. Ruby Red
14. Not Only Human
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