Categories : Music Reviews, Rock + Pop.
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Rating: 4.5/5 Released: May 1, 2007 Reviewer: David Coats |
If it’s possible to be one of the most anticipated releases of the last two years, that moniker surely applies to Feist’s long-awaited follow-up to the acclaimed Let It Die. While the debate will surely continue over Feist’s place in the history of Canadian female singer-songwriters, say this much: she is perhaps the only singer-songwriter in the country today who can appeal not only to indie hipsters but also to the adult-contemporary crowd. The end, if it hasn’t come already, is near for the likes of Shania and Celine – Feist will be Canada’s next star musical export. She will be as big as she wants to be, and The Reminder, a record that surpasses expectations, is proof.
One of the major advancements on The Reminder as compared to Let It Die is the continued evolution of Feist’s songwriting. Feist has a very distinctive, clever, uniquely feminine lyrical style – to cite one example, while most artists would write, “Call on the man and see what he can do,†Feist instead writes, “Call on the man and hope he knows what he can do.†Another improvement is that Feist sings with more power and purpose, taking more chances, while retaining her charisma. Each of these songs are essentially emotional outpourings about relationships, which is nothing new, but are delivered with an uncommon depth and creativity.
This time around, she has the courage to attempt songs like the fantastic one-two punch of ‘The Park’ and ‘The Water,’ which are intensely personal lyrically, but also minimalist enough musically that her voice needs to carry the day. The rough-around-the-edges production only enhances the strength-through-vulnerability nature of not only the songs themselves, but specifically Feist’s performances of them; it is that vulnerability that makes her endearing.
Feist’s songs are musically dynamic, with plenty of variety and strong melodies. This record’s ‘Mushaboom’ will be the deceptively bright ‘I Feel It All.’ Also a highlight is the rhythmically-addictive ‘Sealion,’ giving a playful dimension to a record considered more light-hearted than it really is.
Long-time collaborator Gonzales is again in the producer’s chair, and he oversees a wide range of impressive arrangements, electric and acoustic alike, with a particular focus on brass, expertly used to compliment the plots of songs such as ‘1234.’ While the record’s final few tracks lose just a shade of momentum, there really aren’t any outright lulls.
The Reminder is an accomplishment, in that Feist manages to both grow and cement her sound simultaneously. You get the impression that this record, with its impacting depth and lasting artistry, is Feist. Reserve a place on your best of ’07 lists.
Buy The Reminder from iTunes >> 
