Carla Werner - Departure

2004 debut album from New Zealand born singer/songwriter whose melancholy style has been compared to Joni Mitchell, The Sundays, Mazzy Star, & Cowboy Junkies. 11 tracks. Columbia. Album Description

Angelic

I love this album. I was walking past a music store that was playing it and it stopped me in my tracks. At first I thought it was Leonardo's Bride, but the vocals weren't quite as raspy. Then it reminded me of Jeff Buckley and I think it sits quite well between these two artists.

For what it's worth, I find this a brilliant album to go to sleep to, and I mean that in the best possible way. Carla Werner is musically one of my favourite discoveries of the last several years. March 8, 2008

What A Beautiful Voice...

I heard Carla Werner from a similar artist's page, and am glad to hear her. Her voice is so very addictive, and lulls you into the deep and sunset- like music on this album. Honestly I listen to this album only in the evening, for it seems like the album you sit back to and just daydream while watching the sun set outside your window. I don't have too many albums like that so yes this album is refreshing.
Now although more than half the album is very good, I must admit though there are some songs that are weaker than others. So a few songs I do listen to more than others. The first half of the album I especially listen to more than the other half for I feel her beginning songs are more memorable.

But regardless, every song is made beautiful by her voice. I absolutely love the way she sings, and on some songs she is truly amazing. Enough, Under, and Departure are some of her best vocal performances on this album definitely.

Overall I give the album an overall 4 stars. On two of the songs on this album I feel she could have done better, but none of the songs I can hate. Her voice is what makes you keep putting the c.d. back on play above all, even though a lot of the background music on this album is enjoyable with its dreamlike, subtle strength. I highly recommend this very much underrated artist's album Departure.

PS- I don't know why but at the very end of the album she puts a brief song of her singing as a child. It's humorous though. June 10, 2006

Female Jeff Buckley

This woman has the ability to use a very similar vocal style as did the late Jeff Buckley, reaching much of the same emotional terrain. It's hard to imagine her learning to sing this way and making this album without his work preceding her to mark her way. One wonders if she might eventually push further onto her own terrain, and evolve into a whole new, completely personal style. I hope so. That would be impressive. I hope she does not share anything else in common with him. January 8, 2006

Gorgeous voice + strong material

After several listens to Carla Werner's debut album 'Departure' I've come to the conclusion that the departing the title refers to must be by water. Throughout Departure, Carla Werner sings like a harpy, calling out to lost souls on a sea of music that ebbs, flows, drifts and every so often becomes a little turbulent. However, it's the vocals that are always in the ascendancy - not suprising given that Werner possesses a voice so beguiling it could make tax law sound sexy.

The prevailing mood of Departure is a dreamy romanticism and poeticism reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, and although that might appear to be a lazy, amateurish comparison (and one that is wheeled out far too often), in this instance it really does give a good indication for the feel here. It was the sound clips on this page that drew me in especially 'Heaven Is A Word' and 'Wanderlust', and these snippets actually do justice to most of the songs.

Given that Carla Werner hails from my homeland, New Zealand, I'm a little amazed I hadn't heard about her earlier. More people should know about this talented Kiwi songstress, and while I wouldn't say I've fallen completely under her charms, I do think she's delivered a beautiful and accomplished first album.

Next time out I expect to fall head over heels. April 27, 2005

Acoustic Spa for the Mind and Grind

The most impressive aspect of this album is it's truly professional audio mastering.

Of course that alone would not warrant a five star rating, but it definitely doesn't hurt.

The music itself is based in voice, accoustic guitar, bass, drums. There's more to it than just that, but that alone would be apt to convey the overall flavor.

I find it difficult to compare Carla to anyone specific but I am reminded of such things as 'the cranberries' debut album 'everbody else is doing it, So Why Cant We', and 'k.d. lang's' 'INGENUE' (ala 'Constant Craving'). The comparison is mostly in conveyed mood. Mood to laugh by. Mood to cry by. Mood to do the deed with someone special by.

As for Carla's voice, it is very pleasant.

Listen to the samples here at Amazon and you'll know exactly what you're getting.

Good job Carla and please keep on truckin' because I for one would love to hear more music like yours that breaks the monotony that the commercial music industry tries to funnel us all into.

I hope this helps and if you're unsure just buy it because if you don't like it (for some reason I can't imagine) you'll have absolutely no trouble finding someone who will adore it and it'll make a great gift. It's a steal at the current price. November 21, 2004

More reviews at Amazon.com ...