![Speak for Yourself [Import]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009YA3CC.01.TZZZZZZZ.jpg)
| 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 |
Editorial Reviews
Product 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.
...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.
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.
Great CD, one of the best I've ever bought.Imogen Heap is very talented.
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. :)
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.
Hide and Seek.
OH MY GOD.
Amazing...
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Speak for Yourself,Imogen Heap,Universal Int'l,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop
Speak for Yourself [Import]
Average customer rating: 
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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:
ASIN: B000B7BZM4 Release Date: 2005-11-01 |
Tracks:
- Headlock
- Goodnight and Go
- Have You Got It In You?
- Loose Ends
- Hide and Seek
- Clear The Area
- Daylight Robbery
- The Walk
- Just For Now
- I Am In Love With You
- Closing In
- 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. FennessyCustomer Reviews:
Rich, Passionate, and Fun.......2007-07-09
...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
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
Great music!.......2007-06-27
Not copy protected any more!.......2007-06-24
Great CD, one of the best I've ever bought.Imogen Heap is very talented.
Average customer rating: 
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Speak for Yourself
Imogen Heap Manufacturer: Sony Japan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
ASIN: B000N4RBKU Release Date: 2007-04-02 |
Tracks:
- Headlock
- Goodnight & Go
- Have You Got It In You?
- Loose Ends
- Hide & Seek
- Clear The Area
- Daylight Robbery
- Walk
- Just For Now
- I Am In Love With You
- Closing In
- Moment I Said It
- Speeding Cars
- Can't Take It In(Bonus Track)
Average customer rating:
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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:
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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:
- Enter His Presence
- In the Beginning
- My Divine Position
- Come Create with Me
- Transformed in His Presence
Average customer rating:
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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:
ASIN: B0009YA3CC Release Date: 2005-09-27 |
Tracks:
- Headlock
- Goodnight and Go
- Have You Got It in You?
- Loose Ends
- Hide and Seek
- Clear The Area
- Daylight Robbery
- The Walk
- Just For Now
- I Am In Love With You
- Closing In
- 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
Imogen, the short and the long.......2006-04-29
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
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
Hide and Seek.
OH MY GOD.
Amazing...
Ear Candy.......2006-01-27
|
Average customer rating:
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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
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
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
Absolutely amazing!.......2005-09-24
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
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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