nosmiles disagrees: She can write songs, play piano, and sing all quite well. However, when Vanessa Carlton tries to play piano on a song that she wrote while singing, the result is not 'paradise.'
She has been compared to every rock-piano musician and every pop-female vocalist, and most of the comparisons are to show who Miss. Carlton is not. She is less Fiona Apple and more Jewel; less Tori and more Joan Osbourne; less Ani and more BBMak.
The album is horribly over-produced. The orchestra parts are a tad overdone, drowning her out at times. Although it is nice that the entire album isn't solely Carlton and piano, I believe that you should go with what works and stick to it. Following this advice, I shall repeat what everyone else says about the "Paint It Black" cover - it's heinous. Well, I kind of liked it actually, but then again I have yet to hear the original.
The song titles are laughable in their own right. For one, they are predominantly one-word titles. That makes me cringe. Secondly, the one-word titles are always the staple of the chorus. The album as a whole is quite cohesive, but the songs individually jump around within themselves. One could say that they aren't predictable. I feel that predictableness is good within a song. Several songs jump from style to style, leaving me indeed confused. "Pretty Baby," for example, at one point sounds like it wants to jump into a 1980's romantic movie soundtrack, then it drastically shifts gears.
Only the two released singles from the album are poppy enough for radio play. Again, this is a good thing or would be if the rest of the album were at least enjoyable. Several songs touch upon catchiness then wimp out. Just as I begin to get into a tune, such as "Wanted," it changes itself and disappoints me.
Carlton has talent. I like her, her personality, her background, her morals. It's just a shame that her music isn't as cool as she is. If there were less "you're going to be the next alicia keys" pressure on this album, I'm sure it would be much better. Then again, this is just a debut - and it is pretty decent for being what it is.
((p.s. if you want catchy yet talented female vocals check out Nina Gordon's solo effort)).
Best Aspect: Strong vocals
Worst Aspect: Drowning orchestra
Yay: Wanted, Unsung, Twilight
Nay: Rinse, Paint It Black
The hits: A Thousand Miles, Ordinary Day
Similar: Michelle Branch, Alicia Keys
Style: Preppy girl piano music