Speak For Yourself

Amazon.com
If the voice sounds familiar, that may be because a couple of tracks have been featured on The O.C., while Frou Frou's "Let Go" appeared in Garden State. (Frou Frou is a collaboration between Heap and producer Guy Sigsworth.) Her sophomore release, after a UK-only debut, is a fine showcase for the singer/songwriter's swooping vocals. Her style, which incorporates layers of multi-tracking, lies somewhere between Sinead O'Connor's banshee howl and Jem's more delicate musings. There's more of a groove to her ouvre, however. At times, she almost sounds like Norway's Annie--by way of Kate Bush. The overall effect is plush and luxurious, if occasionally generic (a more stripped-down approach would really allow that instrument to shine). The one song that doesn't quite fit the electro-pop pattern is the vocoder-saturated "Hide and Seek," in which Heap enters Laurie Anderson territory (specifically 1982's "O Superman"). It's a risk that pays off, although its placement midway through the recording threatens to throw the balance off. (It would have made more sense at the end.) Aside from writing and singing, the multi-talented musician also recorded and produced Speak for Yourself. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Speak For Yourself,Imogen Heap,Imogen Heap,RCA,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Speak For Yourself

Average customer rating: Rich, Passionate, and Fun Terrific, joyful and uplifting Unique Great music! Not copy protected any more!

Speak for Yourself Imogen Heap Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Details I Megaphone Goodnight and Go Love in the Time of Science Let It Die ASIN: B000B7BZM4 Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

1. Headlock
2. Goodnight and Go
3. Have You Got It In You?
4. Loose Ends
5. Hide and Seek
6. Clear The Area
7. Daylight Robbery
8. The Walk
9. Just For Now
10. I Am In Love With You
11. Closing In
12. The Moment I Said It

Amazon.com

If the voice sounds familiar, that may be because a couple of tracks have been featured on The O.C., while Frou Frou's "Let Go" appeared in Garden State. (Frou Frou is a collaboration between Heap and producer Guy Sigsworth.) Her sophomore release, after a UK-only debut, is a fine showcase for the singer/songwriter's swooping vocals. Her style, which incorporates layers of multi-tracking, lies somewhere between Sinead O'Connor's banshee howl and Jem's more delicate musings. There's more of a groove to her ouvre, however. At times, she almost sounds like Norway's Annie--by way of Kate Bush. The overall effect is plush and luxurious, if occasionally generic (a more stripped-down approach would really allow that instrument to shine). The one song that doesn't quite fit the electro-pop pattern is the vocoder-saturated "Hide and Seek," in which Heap enters Laurie Anderson territory (specifically 1982's "O Superman"). It's a risk that pays off, although its placement midway through the recording threatens to throw the balance off. (It would have made more sense at the end.) Aside from writing and singing, the multi-talented musician also recorded and produced Speak for Yourself. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

Rich, Passionate, and Fun.......2007-07-09

After listening to "Frou Frou's" "Details" (produced by Guy Sigsworth), I was interested in hearing more Imogen Heap. So I bought "Speak for Yourself" and I loved it. It continues to inspire whenever I listen:

...marvelously expressive and sensual audio experience painted largely with two pallettes of nearly infinite range - electronic instrumentation, and Imogen's incredible voice.

Let me try to describe that voice:

-Her inhales and exhales are an important part of the performance and adds to the sensuality.
-Wonderful layering of harmonic and accent tracks.
-The rhythms are perfectly timed.
-Passionate, erotic, angelic.

And the lyrics are worthy of the sounds.

I always wonder about the people behind the music, including the impact of the producer. Listening to "Speak" (produced by Imogen) seemed to imply that Guy Sigsworth's contribution to "Details" may not have been as sig-nificant (I love puns), or perhaps it was very sig-nificant, and what she learned from him she incorporated into "Speak."

However, I have also since listened to Imogen's "I Megaphone," which is entirely more free spirited and undisciplined, and I did not enjoy it as much. This gave me the impression that Guy Sigsworth's contribution to "Details" and perhaps by inspiration, to "Speak," might have been much bigger than I imagined. Who knows.

I do know this - Imogen Heap is a huge talent, worthy of your time and money, regardless of the production style she's using to express herself.

Terrific, joyful and uplifting.......2007-07-01

I had not heard of this young talent until a friend of mine sent me a You Tube link to a live performance of one her songs. I went to the link and heard her do "Just for now" before a live audience (there are several; the one I heard was "live at Studio 11 103.1FM" . I am a trained musician with a fine ear for what I consider to be greatness. Within 30 seconds of this tune I was simply lifted up into some higher vibration within my self and I just was overwhelmed with tingles of joy. It is rare that I come across someone who makes such effective and deliberate use of her God given gifts. It is such with Imogen Heap. After a tough childhood, she emerged herself in musical education with a special emphasis on technology. This is a young lady with a gift both vocal and on several levels of music. I have yet to pay much attention to her lyrics but I will eventually sit down and get my reading glasses on to see what she has to say. It's that voice and what she knows what to do with it that just grabbed me. Listening to "just for now" even as I write this reminds me of the joyous sounds of African singers such as Miriam Makemba and others. I am reminded of the spontaneous and effusive solo piano work of Keith Jarrett.

Heap is a talent to be reckoned with and I can only expect more wonderful sounds to come. The album I am reviewing here is full of delights on almost every single track. I have listened to it at least 4 times now and it continues to grow in my estimation with each play. What a tremendous joy it is to listen to so much light and harmony. Richly rewarding.

Unique.......2007-06-27

I found Imogean Heap to be wildy unique in contrast to the bland music generated on our radios each day.

Great music!.......2007-06-27

This CD is truly remarkable! Imogen Heap may perhaps be one of the most creative and experimental newer mainstreamish artists out there! Her pieces are unique and each song keeps the listener captivated and listening. My personal favorite on the CD is Hide and Seek, which is a nonmetric piece with a lot of flow and musicality. Her lyrics are slightly melancholy and nostalgic and her voice is truly unique in the sense that I have heard no one like her yet. She seems to sing from her soul and holds herself as some sort of enigma. I really loved this album because it is so different from anything I've heard which makes it satisfying as well. It will really diversify your CD collection. However, if you are a very traditionalist type of music appreciator, I wouldn't necessarily recommend her. She pushes the musical envelope and dares the listener to step out of their comfort zone. She is trying something new and unconventional and I believe she is succeeding at it. For those of you willing to experiment with new artists or looking for a breath of fresh air, here it is. I highly recommend the purchase of this album.

Not copy protected any more!.......2007-06-24

My CD received is absolutely not copy protected. I believe Sony has made a change with regards to this.

Great CD, one of the best I've ever bought.Imogen Heap is very talented.

Average customer rating:

Speak for Yourself Imogen Heap Manufacturer: Sony Japan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Details I Megaphone Not Too Late ASIN: B000N4RBKU Release Date: 2007-04-02

Tracks:

1. Headlock
2. Goodnight & Go
3. Have You Got It In You?
4. Loose Ends
5. Hide & Seek
6. Clear The Area
7. Daylight Robbery
8. Walk
9. Just For Now
10. I Am In Love With You
11. Closing In
12. Moment I Said It
13. Speeding Cars
14. Can't Take It In(Bonus Track)

Average customer rating:

Speak When Spoken to Manufacturer: Dan Smith ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Spoken Word | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAD9U6 Release Date: 2004-06-08

Average customer rating:

And God Says...Come, Create with Me Lucille Anderson Manufacturer: LUCILLE ANDERSON ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAEQJE Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

1. Enter His Presence
2. In the Beginning
3. My Divine Position
4. Come Create with Me
5. Transformed in His Presence

Average customer rating: Brilliance Imogen, the short and the long Holy @#$&, buy this album!!! Speechless Ear Candy

Speak for Yourself Imogen Heap Manufacturer: Umvd Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Details I Megaphone Love in the Time of Science Colour the Small One Music From The OC: Mix 5 ASIN: B0009YA3CC Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

1. Headlock
2. Goodnight and Go
3. Have You Got It in You?
4. Loose Ends
5. Hide and Seek
6. Clear The Area
7. Daylight Robbery
8. The Walk
9. Just For Now
10. I Am In Love With You
11. Closing In
12. The Moment I Said It

Album Description

Whether partnered with Guy Sigsworth as Frou Frou, or on her own, Imogen Heap is an enormously gifted singer, songwriter, producer, keyboardist, and programmer. She does it all here on her second solo CD which showcases her remarkable talents. The stunning track 'Hide and Seek' offers the electronic equivalent of a cappella, with only Imogen's expressive voice heard via vocoder -- an early favorite that shot right to #1 on iTunes Electronic Chart in June 2005. The song was also featured on the season finale of THE O.C., and earlier in the season, THE O.C. previewed another track from this album called 'Goodnight and Go', a bittersweet ballad about the secret admiring of a neighbor. Comparison's have been made to Bjork, Alanis Morrisette, Joni Mitchell and Annie Lennox, among others, but no one can hold a candle to Imogen Heap. Her electronic programming and keyboarding are so textured and layered, you will hear something new with each and every listening. Her canvas is cinematic, operatic, visionary, and always surprising with twists, turns, tangents and breaks that keep the listener on a journey of the unexpected. Whether evoking a hundred piece orchestra, an electric slide guitar, or a simple vocoder, Heap weaves her magic spell. As a lyricist, Heap has a wicked sense of humor, yet can drive a knife right through your heart when you least expect it. Don't miss out on one of the very best albums of the year. No domestic release date scheduled. Megaphonic. 2005.

Album Details

2005 Second Solo Album from the Classically Trained Pianist who was also Half of the Duo Frou Frou. The First Single "Hide and Seek" Found an Audience on Digital Download Services after Being Included on the 2004-5 Season Closing Episode of the Popular TV Series "The O.c.".

Customer Reviews:

Brilliance.......2006-06-16

I got this album recently. At first I didn't really like it, but the more you listen to it the more you get taken in by it. I love every song and find myself changing favourites every listen. However, I'm probably the only one who hates Hide & Seek. Sorry, but I just don't like it, and everyone just seems to wax lyrical about it. It's bearable, but not as amazing as everyone makes it out to be. Despite this, the rest of the album is brilliant. I recommend listening to it with earphones so you can hear the little sounds that would be lost otherwise. for instance when she sniffs before singing "I think something is burning" on Just for Now. This album is amazing.If you like this you'll definately love Frou Frou. Again, a brilliant album

Imogen, the short and the long.......2006-04-29

The Short: Imogen deserves the attention of the world, and she's a couple songs away from getting it. This is the version you want, although I think the Sony screw-up is gone.

The Long: This entire album is solid. It's gorgeous and transcendental the entire time. It's versatile, so you don't feel weighted down with pretentious melodrama, or unsatiated by a lack of substance. Again, there is no weak song. I have favorites of course (Have You Got It In You?, Just For Now) but no song is skippable. You might try to treat this album like others, falling into the habit of skipping around, but one listen to every track will make you realize, you're not anxious to hear the next track, you feel good about the one you're hearing. "Just For Now" is probably the best song, being a cool and crisp ballad that floats along. Goodnight and Go, and Daylight Robbery are fun, radio friendly songs that prep you for something deeper or darker like "Hide and Seek" or "The Walk". There's an incredible counterbalance of song to song that keeps the album flowing smoothly.

Hold on.. let me mention every other song.
Closin in: Sweet ballad, lyrically beautiful
I Am In Love With You: Strange hip-hop electronica fusion. She's dynamic, this shows it. (also showcases her vocal range)
Clear the Area: Smooth and attractive with a powerful chorus
Loose Ends: another fun poppy one (is this the one with the mind-blowing ending "primary resistance at a critical low, got to..")
Headlock: layered and impressive electronica, another powerful chorus (almost angry)


Please Purchase.
Thanks. :)

Holy @#$&, buy this album!!!.......2006-01-29

Ok, I don't want to sound sad or pathetic, but Imogen Heap's (commonly called Immi) album "Speak For Yourself" has changed my life. I absolutely love this cd and am surprised that my car stereo hasn't simply rejected the thought at playing "Headlock" or "The Walk" one more time.

A few days ago I saw Imogen in concert at a wonderful, intimate venue in San Francisco and I was just amazed at how talented she really is. I never realized that she is all alone performing, no band or recordings. She creates all of the music while she is singing, using piano, laptop, keyboard and other various things.

From the deep, soulful "Just For Now", to the fast-paced, guiter-laced "Daylight Robbery", Imogen creates an eclectic and wonderful album that leaves you wanting more.

Speechless.......2006-01-28

I am speechless.

Hide and Seek.

OH MY GOD.

Amazing...

Ear Candy.......2006-01-27

I took a chance at Target and paid $8 for this CD. I didnt know what to expect but id heard good things about it. WOW. This CD blew me away. Its the best "pop" record ive bought in ages. Not one bad song. Original sounding and great lyrics. Why havent I heard of her sooner??

Average customer rating: Amazing Talent Outright Phenomenal! Pale Sarah McLachlan imitation Absolutely amazing! Speak out!

Speak for Yourself Imogen Heap Manufacturer: TNT Media Group ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000296LZ Release Date: 1999-09-10

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Talent.......2005-12-18

The more I listen to Imogen Heap's creations the more her music seems to be infused with an especially high level of creative exploration.

Love's many expressions appear in intensity and velvety softness. Imogen's voice expresses all emotions while dancing in a swirling of voluptuous perfection. The sounds are rich and real and at times unbelievably inspired.

It is impossible to ignore her angst and passionate strength as they mingle in The Walk in a series of expressive whispers, alluring embraces and silky soaring sweeps. The music expands and contracts in layers of ingenious expression. We can feel the internal forces speaking for themselves in layers of strength fighting with the strongest pull of passion.

The highlight of this album is Imogen Heap's voice that transcends reality for moments at a time in ecstatic moments where you struggle to remain conscious, pulled under by the beauty. The Moment I Said It is breathtaking in its echoed layering. "It's not even light out..." is enough to do you in and if you manage to remain in the moment, she pulls you in and out of a haunting "I'm loosing you..."

If you close your eyes you will feel like you are floating in a heady intoxication of soul pleasure. Goodnight and Go has so many moments it is impossible to keep track of all the playful spontaneity. Have You Got It In You? is magical and mysterious all while being especially vibrant in places. I am in Love with You alternates between moods and is deeply sexy in style and content.

Love's certainty and unpredictability make their appearance throughout the lyrics, surrounded by strong song writing and breathless beauty. Imogen lived a little on the edge while producing this album and it shows in her vibrant edge and innovative style.

~The Rebecca Review

Outright Phenomenal!.......2005-11-27

After her successful musical outings with Frou Frou, Imogen Heap has finally decided to drop her long anticipated and overdue second solo set. From the very start of the album, the frou frou influence is evident, the electronic blips and bleeps throughout are welcome familiar sounds that soothe all the frou frou fans who wanted a follow-up album. However, her new music isn't completely like frou frou, she has managed to throw in some of her own unique elements. She has managed to provide listeners with a beautifully crafted album of music. It has taken quite a while for her to release this album but it was well worth the wait. Her vocals are spot-on, the lush and luxurious voice from frou frou is still there and she has even managed to take her vocal styling to completely new levels... her sexy "howling" (for lack of better term) is scattered through out the album and can make the hairs on your skin stand.

Some of the most impressive tracks include 'Goodnight and Go' (a radio friendly electronic pop-rock number that is an immediate favorite), 'Have you Got it in You?' (a chilling eerie sounding track, with some great "howls" ;) ), 'Loose Ends' (a resplendent and energized electronic track), 'Hide and Seek' (the 'it' track of this album featured on the O.C. season finale that sky-rocketed her to popularity; an a-cappella track whose popularity speaks for itself), 'Daylight Robbery' (an awesome and unabashed energized rock track that oozes with zest, easily the most energetic track with some great electric guitar riffs and an amazing chorus with that great howl turned on maximum), 'The Walk' (a great mid-tempo track, another easy favorite), 'Just for Now' (a sparsely-arranged and drop-dead gorgeous ballad), 'I am in Love With You' (a cute and upbeat track with a nice chorus), 'Closing In' (a sweet and charming mid-tempo track) and 'The Moment I Said it' (another sparsely-arranged and drop-dead gorgeous ballad)

The songs presented on this album are truly all magnificent. Very few complaints about this album can be taken seriously since there have been very little releases that compare to the grandeur of this album. Her vocal ability alone is reason enough to get this album; her vocals inject these otherwise cold songs with life, emotion and passion. The electronic pop-rock sound is also very appealing; it seems to suit her perfectly. This seems to be a genre that she seems to exhibit the most potential in. Her songs are all adroitly produced and arranged by herself and this album is truly a masterpiece. This is an album everyone should own, you haven't heard really spectacular and breathtaking music 'til you've heard Imogen Heap... yes she's that amazing.

Pale Sarah McLachlan imitation.......2005-09-25

Weak vocals, songs that seem to go nowhere, and irritating arrangements. Try Frou Frou instead.

Absolutely amazing!.......2005-09-24

Imogen Heap is a genius. She created the best album of the year and did it all by herself. "Speak For Yourself" sounds nearly as flawless as her previous work, dazzling "Details" (Frou Frou - collaboration with Guy Sigsworth). This time Imogen takes matters in her own hands and delivers yet another masterpiece.

It's just unbelievable. Not a sinle note on the album is out of the place, not a one vocal seems to be forced. Imogen's voice sounds like an instrument she uses upon a tune, to build the character of the song. Playing "Speak For Youself" is like dreaming a dream you don't want to wake up from. The dream ends with "The Moment I Said It", one of the most amazing songs ever.

This British artist has established a new music genre, and it's called Imogen's genre.

Speak out!.......2005-09-20

She's back.

Imogen Heap made her relatively unknown debut with "I Megaphone," seven years back, and went on to become half of the mega-successful indiepop duo Frou Frou. Well, now Heap has returned with her second solo album, an energetic, sharp-tongued pop slice, "Speak For Yourself."

She kicks off with the sparkling music-box melody of "Headlock," which blossoms halfway into a dark pop gem. Nor does it stop there -- it's followed by velvety melodies, swirling instrumentation, energetic hooks scattered here and there. There are even a few balls-to-the-wall rock numbers, like the explosive bass blasts of "Daylight Robbery."

Seven years have changed Imogen Heap's sound, and it's not a change for the worse. When she debuted, her style was kind of Tori Amos, guitar-playing Angry Young Pop Woman. In "Speak For Yourself," she evokes nobody but Imogen Heap.

At first it seems that Heap's acid-flecked style has become softer and more stylized this time -- instead of taunting old bullies and denouncing people who invade her space, she's announcing, "You say too late to start, with your heart in a headlock/You know your better than this."

Don't worry, that sharp edge returns soon enough: "No it's not meant to be like this, it's just what I don't need,/Why make me feel like this, it's definitely all your fault." But the vibe isn't an Angry Young Woman one, but an older, wiser, somewhat sadder one -- hearts have been broken, lovers have lied, but she can still get that explosive rush from new love.

And time has mellowed more than her songwriting. Heap's collaborative band seems to have influenced her style, giving it a trippier sound with plenty of piano, burbling or gritty synth, and tinkling melodies. And Heap's velvety voice soars over it all, able to sink to a breathy whisper or a throaty roar.

With its unbroken stream of swirling pop splendour, and Heap's lovely voice, "Speak For Yourself" is perhaps the best pop album released so far this year. Energetic, expansive, and enormous fun.

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