Phoebe Snow - Natural Wonder

Not her best work

I enjoyed the CD and still listen to a song or two. I enjoyed the songs better when I heard her sing them live. There is nothing memorable about this CD. June 18, 2008

Can she EVER be understood in the studio?

I just don't understand...

Phoebe Snow is one of the most talented musicians ever to come along, yet her studio work is hit-and-miss, at best, with far more misses than hits.

This album is no exception. Most of the songs simply crawl along like dysthymic disorder, with no identifiable purpose. This is unfortunate, because when she POPS, no one connects better with an audience. Live versions of "At Last" and "Good Times" will clear up any doubt about this.

Will there ever be a "PHEOBE LIVE" CD? June 12, 2004

Warm, Powerful & Rockin Phoebe

This is a strong, uplifting, rocking collection of songs by Phoebe. One of the best songs I've heard in awhile is "The Other Girlfriend". What makes an impression are the buildups in the songs. Those vocal crescendo's squeeze my heart every time. The guitar riffs by Jim Chapdelaine sail behind her voice and these songs perfectly. Bought it right after I heard her on the World Cafe radio program. Well written songs...Great Stuff! I hope Phoebe continues to take chances and grow in her music. I can't understand fan's wanting to hear the same album reproduced over and over again. It's death for an artist and stale for the fan. Cheers to those artist's who have the guts to try new things! This is a fresh recording. April 13, 2004

I Love Phoebe Snow and always will....but

This CD is HORRIBLE!

what was she thinking???

The Phoebester needs to go acoustic and interpret some classics and write some while she is at it.

This collection ins a MESS. January 1, 2004

Natural Wonder or Natural Disaster?

It's been 5 years since "I Can't Complain." And it sure is GREAT to hear Phoebe Snow back recording a full set. Her tribute to Laura Nyro "Time & Love" was one of my favorite single tracks of hers. Phoebe is in that rare stratosphere for me with Carole King whose CDs come home with me as soon as I see them.

"Natural Wonder" has some amazing things about it. First, Phoebe the singer is, as usual, completely brilliant. This woman could probably sing the phone book; and it would sound great. Jim Chapdelaine who worked with one of my favorite unknown singers, Hugh Blumenfeld, does a masterful job of production. The instruments are crisply recorded, varied, with diverse arrangements that compliment the singer exquisitely. There are also some amazing tracks. Gerard McMahon who made only one record, "No Looking Back" for Warner Bros., in 1982, cowrote the "The Other Girlfriend" with Phoebe with the addictive chorus, "Don't want to be like this, don't want to be like that, I don't want to be the other girlfriend." The song is direct & powerful. Tina Shafer, who has worked with Celine Dion and had songs recorded by Sheena Easton and some band (I kid you not) called Danielle's Mouth, cowrote "Above the Band" which is a perky high energy track with a charming positive flare. My personal favorite track is the one Phoebe wrote by herself, "Key to the Street" which is a smoking electrified breakup song, absolutely stunning!

On this set, however, that is certainly part natural wonder, there is also a bit of natural disaster. That disaster is Steve Fox who cowrites some the worst material I've heard in a long time. Steve apparently worked with the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles which is about the only way one can explain a lyric like, "I remember when George became Christine." I suppose for the handful of folks who have experienced a gender changing operation, this will be a true find. His opener "Sahara" and the closer "Going Home" are not quite as bad, but neither has particularly grabbed me. The one cover tune here "Baby I Need Your Loving" has been recorded by the 4 Tops, Temptations, Supremes & Johnny Rivers' familiar cover is a bit too slow, losing its energy.

It's great to have Phoebe back. Phoebe the singer is a natural wonder & a great treasure. There is enough good material here to make this an excellent addition to your music collection. Enjoy! September 9, 2003

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