Duncan Sheik - Humming

"Barely Breathing," the hit single from Duncan Sheik's 1996 debut, remained on the charts for a record-breaking 55-week spell, but his follow-up album is far from being the sequel to those tortured love songs. This time Sheik visits his art-rock influences with an honesty far more brutal than emotional. With the studio as his playground, he toys with layers of strings, meticulous arrangements, and that familiar, almost haunting voice to create songs--like "Nothing Special" and "Bite Your Tongue"--that say as much about Sheik's own backlash against his romantic image as the larger social issues he's addressing. Humming, laced as it is with anger, is refreshing in its bite. It's not an easy first listen, but that's the whole point. --Rebecca Wallwork Amazon.com

Pleasant, but not moving

I'm not a huge fan Duncan, but I always enjoy his work. His softer, quieter, and logical approach towards life's deeper aspects always brings some comfort through the ever-constant, swooning, mellow melodies. With this particular release, he tries to diversify a bit more in his approach, but I feel his efforts fall short, and instead of strengthening his appeal, he actually weakens it just a bit here. Songs like "In Between" and "Varying Degrees of Con-Artistry" carry the same effect we've grown used to, but there are not enough of these songs. I find myself humming these tunes rather than considering most of the other tracks. Despite the slight lack of appeal mentioned, the CD is still a descent buy. I just feel it could be better had he taken a different direction with some of the material. December 29, 2007

Thoughtful lyricism and Introspective Sophmore Release

I've listen to duncan sheik ever since i was in highschool. That has been a good 8 or 9 years since i first listened to Duncan Sheik Self Titled. I've always believed this album wasn't the best Duncan Sheik album. In fact i believe it is the worst up to Phantom Moon. Don't get me wrong this album is a must have for any Duncan Sheik fan i could not live without some of these songs in my record collection. The album starts out with a few seemingly superficial lyrics in songs like In Between, Rubbed Out, and Bite Your Tongue(Only hit off of this album). Duncan Sheik is a clever song writer but sometimes i feel he is over the top on how he says things. This album that aspect is really obvious and is style is immature compared to that of his first release. Alibi is the first song that really touches all aspects of what i believe is good in Mr. Sheik. Varying Degrees of Con-Artistry, That Says It All, & Everyone Everywhere are good songs as well. I don't particularly care for songs where a song writer name drops he does it all in one verse in that says it all, this however used to be one of my favorites. Everyone Everywhere is an inspiring spiritual ballad. A Body Goes Down is one of my three favorites on this album one of those "i can't live without duncan songs." Nothing Special is a pop tune that i liked right off when i heard this album in which the singer calls himself out in the end. This makes it ackward but uniquely duncan. everytime i listen to this album i think to myself "don't say it" and he does "I Am the snake that bites his own tail" he doesn't something like this in Daylight when he says the F word i just roll my eyes. The Real Gem in this album i believe is House Full of Riches. Powerful introspective love song not about the object of his affection but of himself. Nichiren is a great too. and there is a special hidden track that i won't ruin for you. ;) This is a must have for any duncan sheik fan but definately not a first album for a prospective fan. Get Phantom Moon or Duncan Sheik-Self Titled, or if you're more into a pop'py' music get Duncan Shiek Daylight April 15, 2005

Sheik offers sweet, smooth moods

I loved Sheik's debut album. There's something comforting about his watery voice. On his first album, he knocked me out with Barely Breathing and the enchanting She Runs Away, but Sheik offers something different on Humming. I consider this album one of my classics. Sheik paints a drury portrait of life just out of the sun's warm reach. It's a step just outside the realm of peaceful optimism that sends the listener into a state of thoughtful self-reflection. Sheik's voice is sweeping, biting and occasionally sardonic in its tone and scope, and I never get sick of hearing it. It's just so surreal to listen to someone I can relate so easily to. I actually enjoy the simplicity of Sheik's vague philosophizing. Besides, to a certain extent, isn't that what we all do, all day?

Favorites of mine here are In Between; That Says It All; Everyone, Everywhere; Nothing Special; and House Full of Riches. Regardless, Humming is a load, play, and eject piece of art... there's never a reason to skip around. Beautiful.
September 26, 2004

this is a bad record

the vocals need a lot of work, i was let down... August 29, 2004

The magic continues

While not as immediatley popular as Duncan Sheik was, this album has a much more interesting musical style. With a perfect mix of pop and slow songs, Humming is a joy to listen to. Standouts include "Nothing Special" about the shallowness of the music business, and "Bite Your Tongue" about the "well, it's not my fault" mentality.

I definetly recommend this CD to anyone who has ever heard a song by Duncan Sheik. September 26, 2003

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