e_burrell's Full Review: Cassandra Reed by Cassandra Reed
Let me begin by saying that the Epinions team has messed up the cover art for this album, and the true art can be found at http://www.peakrecords.com .
On first listen to Cassandra Reed's self-titled debut album, you'll be pleasantly surprised that another beautiful young woman has decided to channel the same kind of laid back vibe Norah Jones did over the past few years. This acoustic, lazy jazz works well for both artists, with Reed's voice sounding a little more R&B than Jones'.
Cassandra Reed isn't just another pretty face (although by browsing through the cd booklet you'd think she's trying to sell the album solely on her comely features). Her voice is exquisite, soulful and delicious - a true talent, and one to take notice of.
Reed also chalks up points for either writing or co-writing most of the tunes found on the album. The lyrics are usually simple, plaintive ditties about love and loneliness, a formula that works well with Reed's charisma and charm.
Funk bass, trumpet, pianos, tablas, acoustic gutars - you'll find all these instruments and more throughout this very natural sounding album. Reed and producer Jason Miles have put together quite a tight band to do backing instrumentals. The rhythms run the gamut from funk/soul to island beats. Reed wraps her voice around their playing like a slithering snake - she squeezes every drop of soul from them and commits it to almost every track.
Some of the songs come off a bit cheesy, most notably "Cruisin'", which is purely weak elevator music. Reed treads shallow water in her able cover of the Michael Jackson hit "The Man In The Mirror". It walks a very tight rope of being over the top complete with breathless background vocals - and when she registers the high notes, she sounds a lot like Sheryl Crow, something a budding young female artist should steer clear of these days.
Songs like "Only Human", "Color of Love" and the frying-pan-hot "Home With You" make Cassandra Reed's debut album one worth checking out, if for nothing than curiosity alone - it's one you can listen to on a sad or happy day, it's great music for being in love.
If you were a fan of Norah Jones' "Come Away With Me", you should check Cassandra Reed out, I think you'll be happy you found another artist that is just different enough to keep your attention without sounding too familiar.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.