Emm Gryner - Asianblue

2002 album finds the Canadian singer/songwriter collaborating with producer Wally Gagel (Folk Implosion, Eels, The Rolling Stones), long-time childhood friend Daniel Burns & Sheryl Crow/Oasis keyboard guru, Mike Rowe. On Asian Blue Gryner combines the pop sensibility of the 80's music she was raised on with the more stripped-down approach to recording she has come to favor to create an album of emotional highs & lows. From the biting but catchy 'Beautiful Things' to the lamenting 'Green Goodnight', Asian Blue is Emm Gryner at her best. Album Description

 Awesome, once again
I got a sample tape of Emm's album "Public" years ago, when I was in jr high, and I thought she was excellent! I didnt find the album until 5 years later, and I was very pleased! So, I decided to treat myself and test some more of her music and I was REALLY impressed! Im glad I got the album, and I think anyone that likes to try new music, go for it! You wont regret it. This album has songs that each have their own sound, and yet you know it all blends together.

The first album on the track "Symphonic" was an excellent start to the album, it gets you into the groove. My favorite track would be "Divine" which, the way i see it, seems to be about being so enamored with someone that the only word to describe it is divine. "East Coast Angel" reminds me of a friend that I have lost touch with, that meant a lot to me, but we have seemed to lose each other through distance, and other people being in the way.

This album is AWESOME, and I HIGHLY recommend it. If I could, I would give it 10 stars. September 3, 2005

 long time fan...
Emm Gryner has been my favourite female artist for a long time now. 'Asianblue' is Emm's newest release filled with pop rock anthems. Though more pop driven then her other albums, it still gives off amazing energy and it still has classic Emm lyrics and piano. A great CD for the car or when you're hanging out outside in the backyard.

01 Symphonic : the album opens beautifully with this fast paced song

02 Beautiful Things : the single, amazing hook and melody

03 Northern Holiday : was my favourite song when I first got the album, still amazing though no longer my favourite song on the CD

04 Free : the lyrics hit home, a beautifully written song about wanting to be free

05 Young Rebel : this song has great lyrics

06 Siamese Star : a slower song but nonetheless a great song to listen to whatever your mood

07 Lonestar : one of my favourites, really catchy and a great tune

08 Christopher : very slow, amazing heartfelt lyrics and piano is superb

09 Divine Like You : it's got a different tune and I like it

10 East Coast Angel : my favourite song, I just love the melody and lyrics

11 Green Goodnight : slow, sad, beautiful. The true Emm.

If you want to listen to good music, buy this CD! March 21, 2004

 Brilliant Record, Brilliant Singer!
Back in 1998 when she released 'Public' and had her only real radio hit 'Summerlong' she was starting to get a bit of attention. But when she got dropped from her record label and had to become an indie artist, exposure became more difficult. This is partly good as she has become a role model of sorts for aspiring indie artists, but at the same time it is a shame that she is not better known. She could have a level of fame similar to Tori Amos, not huge but certainly a known name.

Asian Blue is perhaps her strongest work to date(Public and Science Fair are pretty solid too) with a variety of sounds and musical styles incorporated into the record. Solid from start to finish, there isn't a bad track on the album. Asian Blue and Emm Gryner are true hidden gems in Canadian music. Go check out this album, you won't be disappointed. I would give it at least 4 stars, heck make it 5, this woman needs some exposure! December 12, 2003

 Asianblue
After 2001's stripped-down covers disc, Girl Versions, who would've guessed that Emm Gryner would return with the pop masterpiece that is her seventh album, Asianblue. Opening track, "Symphonic," begins with the song's primary piano line filtered to sound as if it were coming through an older radio almost as a nod to the simpler sound she's left behind. Veteran producer Wally Gagel (Eels, Folk Implosion, Rolling Stones) does a nice job in making the disc sound well crafted while staying away from the pitfalls of overproduction. "Free" is a time signature away from sounding at home on the clubfloor while "Young Rebel" begins with an ethnic slant that would make Shakira jealous. After all is said and done however the disc's closing track, "Green Goodnight," returns Emm to the simpler piano and vocals on which most of her fans became accustomed. Asianblue shows that radio-friendly pop can be made successfully on one's own terms without outside interference. November 29, 2003

 Amazing
Ok, she's from my hometown (but I left there 20 odd years ago).
This is one of the most amazing albums I own. 100% listenable (how many albums can you say that about!), unique and very well produced.
I discovered Emm when I was home for a week and she did some local show. I was highly impressed and immediately bought the CD (from her mom I think!). I don't have any other of her CDs.
Her voice is sweet and magical and the music is rich and varied.
Buy this. Buy it now. September 24, 2003

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