Sophie B. Hawkins - Wilderness

Sophie does JazzyPop

Sophie B Hawkins is cool because she doesn't play by the rules. She does what she feels, sings from her heart and gut, and says what's on her mind. This album is a pretty far distance from Tongues and Tails, in that where T&T is pretty rockin' and high power, on Wilderness Sophie is very mellow for the most part. Not mellow in a "pop rock" way where she was on Whaler - I wouldn't say there is any "rock" on this CD, it's more in the jazz and Adult Contemporary realms. But it's Sophie's strong and unique vocals and her soul that puts this in a league of its own. I haven't heard anything from her that I didn't think was excellent. I give this one 4 stars, just because it's not quite at the same high level of greatness as Tongues and Tails, Whaler, or the live Bad Kitty albums. September 11, 2008

I really wanted to like this better....

but unfortunately I don't. There are some moments of "coolness," for lack of a better description, disbursed within the songs, but overall it lacks fluidity. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for mixing it up, but it just doesn't work...also, a lot of the songs sound way overproduced, like she was trying too hard. Oh yeah, and one more thing...I love Sophie's voice, but there are some strained moments here and it was like fingernails on a chalkboard - track 11 for one. It starts out beautiful and then halfway through...yikes! January 19, 2006

Fresh, unique and wonderful!

How do you possibly define Sophie B Hawkins? I don't even think she can define herself. I see a lot of the reviews written referencing Norah Jones, Diana Krahl and classing Sophie B Hawkins as "alternative" when the truth is, you can't really compare her to anyone or catagorize her. Each song has a different feel, style, mood and sound.
From my first listen to Tongues and Tails, I was hooked. I have to agree with another review saying that T&T was a once in a lifetime album. By the time Whaler was released I was yearning for more and in my opinion it didn't disappoint. But then, a few years later, my opinion was not so positive when I learned of the release of Timbre.
Now, after not having heard of the release of Wilderness, I stumbled upon it and had to have it. It's been the best thing I've stumbled upon in a long time. Each track is fresh, new and invigorating. Each song has it's unique style and seems to be a chapter tying together a book. A beautiful piece of art! July 2, 2005

Amazing songs...top marks for originality !

Wilderness is such a great album! It's diverse in it's sound..unusual even. Songs such as 'Blue' and 'Beautiful Girl' are accessible in a mainstream way without being bland...such is Sophie's originality of course!
It took a few listens before I properly grasped the sounds I was hearing..this album is in a way alternative,yet mainstream. Listen to understand! June 11, 2005

Walking on Thin Ice pays off

I found this CD in Guam where I live and I was quite shocked to find it here at all. Fact is I have loved Sophie since 'Damn' was released. I've followed her plight with SONY, as I have seen others deal with SONY and their disrepect for artists having their on ideas and concepts.

Sophie was strong in moving away from SONY and not allowing them to control her. There are still many members of "The Cracker Army" who have stuck behind Sophie and her music. Her style has severely changed with her independance, becoming free to make her own decisions and adding over 10 yrs of growth Sophie is moving in a more adult contempory genre and away from the pop that she brought with her mainstream hit "Damn, I Wish.." in the early 90's.

Despite what others may think Sophie is still well loved and respected as an artist. I love this CD in its entirity along with the other releases from Sophie and I am looking forward to seeing more from her to come. My favorite tracks include - Walking on Thin Ice, Adrian, Beautiful Girl and Meet Me On a Rooftop.

For those of you who are looking for the angst from "Damn I Wish" this CD will not be for you. If you are looking for a light-hearted, romantic CD this is just perfect. Sophie has aged well and taken her music with her. It is wonderful to see an artist age gracefully, now in her 40's she may no longer appeal to the youthful teens and early 20-somethings but I am in my 30's and life is not so much at the pace it was when Sophie first come out. We've all grown up and Sophie has done so beautifully and with risks others would never dream of.

Check out this CD is your tired of the bubblegum pop out there today.


February 7, 2005

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