Artist: Lisa Loeb
Release: No Fairy Tale
Release Date: 18th Feb 2013
Bursting into the mainstream music scene back in 1994 with platinum selling ‘Stay (I Missed You)’, American singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb returns this year with her 7th album. An amazing feat for any artist and after all these years she is still writing catchy soft rock that just makes you want to dance around your room.
‘No Fairy Tale’ takes a slightly different direction than previous albums however, with the help of New Found Glory’s Chad Gilbert as co-producer and lead guitar on most tracks, providing rocky edginess and all over energy to every song. An unlikely duo perhaps, though Loeb comments that he brought a whole new angle her music and it certainly works. Other notable artists throughout the record include HelloGoodbye, Morgan Taylor, Maia Sharp and Marvin Etzioni.
The album title is the opening track, setting a punchy tone which remains throughout the record. Her meaningful words such as ‘tears are real, so is the laughter’ are juxtaposed by big guitars and drum beats. ‘One Hot Minute’ was written by the talented Tegan and Sara, which features electric vibes and perfect harmonies between the sisters and Loeb. ‘The 90’s’ is a cute throwback tune which reminisces on the very beginning of her career. It is clear that all the tracks mean something special and represent various events in her life, further endearing you to keep listening to her story. It’s impossible at times though not to draw comparisons to Taylor Swift whilst listening, with lyrics derived from relationship troubles and personal experiences. She basically is Swift’s rockier, wiser older sister.
This album sees Lisa Loeb rise from out of her comfort zone to try something new and it definitely works. This may not be the most groundbreaking album of her career but it is certainly the most fun. I defy anyone to give this album a listen and not end up with a hairbrush to their mouth having a good sing along.
7/10
Reviewer: Claire Rollins
