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Track Listings
| 1. 1901 |
| 2. Skinny Love |
| 3. People Help The People |
| 4. White Winter Hymnal |
| 5. District Sleeps Alone Tonight |
| 6. I'll Never Forget You |
| 7. Young Blood |
| 8. Shelter |
| 9. Fire & Rain |
| 10. Without A Word |
| 11. Terrible Love |
Product Description
Review
The word "haunting" is common as gossip in pop criticism – wont to tag everything from Phil Collins' chocolate flogger In the Air Tonight to the Eminem murder ballad that references it, Stan. But there's really no other word to describe the record that gave Birdy wings. Released back in January, her voice-and-piano cover of Bon Iver's Skinny Love, as economical as it is evocative, became a Radio 1 favourite and unexpected top 20 hit.
Since then, the 15-year-old from Hampshire – Jasmine Van den Bogaerde to her form tutor – has stripped back songs by The xx (Shelter) and Cherry Ghost (People Help the People), setting the template for this debut album. Here, she tackles so many Pitchfork favourites – Phoenix's 1901, The National's Terrible Love, Fleet Foxes' White Winter Hymnal – that it's tempting to speculate whether Foals politely declined when she asked to cover Spanish Sahara. Of course, even the hippest indie kid dips into daddy's soft rock collection when he's not looking, which is presumably why Fire & Rain by James Taylor – the oldest song here by three decades – also appears.
For its 11 tracks, a trio of knob-twiddlers as trendy as the track selection – Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys), Rich Costey (Franz Ferdinand) and James Ford (Klaxons) – keep things intimate and slightly shivery. However, many songs boast a more robust production than Skinny Love; Birdy's piano chords are often cloaked in an alluring veil of reverberation, and embellished with strings, vocal overdubs and even a few drum loops. However, when the record threatens to stray into MOR territory, it’s set straight by Birdy's vocals, as pure and emotionally resonant as teardrops trickling down unblemished skin.
Does this teenage siren really appreciate the lyrics she's singing, mostly written by men twice her age? That's a matter of conjecture, but the LP's sole original – an ambiguous break-up song called Without a Word – suggests her emotional intensity is no pose. Either way, it's hard not to declare the record an admittedly limited success – what’s here points to a brighter future for Birdy than the last British female to pique curiosity with a clever covers set. Besides, at 15, she already seems far too self-possessed to make an ass of herself at the Brit Awards. --Nick Levine
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Product Description
CD
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By Mama P
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I must admit, I was slightly disappointed when I first listened to this album. What initially drew me to Birdy was the stark simplicity of her singles, which have mostly consisted of just vocals and paino. In the album, I felt that the producers had added far too much backing music, almost to the point of drowning her out.
However, on subsequent listens, I noticed something: in its own way, the music is just as ethereal as her voice - and, as such, complements her perfectly. Most of the tracks are indie-rock covers - Francis & the Lights, Fleet Foxes, the National - to which Birdy has added her characteristic haunting edge. The whole thing has a ghostly beauty which is deeply relaxing to listen to.
She has only one self-penned track on this album - Without a Word - which, considering her age, is absolutely phenomenal. For those who criticise based on this alone, I think you're being unnecessarily harsh: Birdy is hardly equivalent to the manufactured pop acts spewed out of X-factor. Her choice of covers reveals her maturity and individual taste - she's not reproducing unoriginal versions of mainstream pop songs, after all - and she's been writing her own songs since she was 7. I think this girl is definitely going places. Overall, a surprising but gorgeous album.
However, on subsequent listens, I noticed something: in its own way, the music is just as ethereal as her voice - and, as such, complements her perfectly. Most of the tracks are indie-rock covers - Francis & the Lights, Fleet Foxes, the National - to which Birdy has added her characteristic haunting edge. The whole thing has a ghostly beauty which is deeply relaxing to listen to.
She has only one self-penned track on this album - Without a Word - which, considering her age, is absolutely phenomenal. For those who criticise based on this alone, I think you're being unnecessarily harsh: Birdy is hardly equivalent to the manufactured pop acts spewed out of X-factor. Her choice of covers reveals her maturity and individual taste - she's not reproducing unoriginal versions of mainstream pop songs, after all - and she's been writing her own songs since she was 7. I think this girl is definitely going places. Overall, a surprising but gorgeous album.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By H. Rahmani
Format:Audio CD
I have to say i'm a little disappointed how her wonderful voice is trumed by the loud instruments. still a 5 start album because of her amazing voice. Her youtube channel has her acoustic versions and it's to die for. Absolutely beautiful
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Jay jay 86
Format:Audio CD
Birdy is a fantastic writer and performer, her songs a beautiful and heartfelt.
Amazing shes going to have a very big career watch out Adele =)
Amazing shes going to have a very big career watch out Adele =)
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Only a short review as others have said much of what I agree with, and her music should be all the talking needed, just listen to a track or two on YouTube. Of all the albums I bought or downloaded during 2011, this is the best. I had heard a lot of hype about Birdy and generally hype rarely lives up to reality, but for once it is fully justified. OK, all but one are covers of what some might call 'classic' tunes, but Birdy easily makes them her own. And at just 15 when this was recorded, this album is clearly more a demonstration of her vocal talents than her songwriting skills. Listening to it restored my faith that there is a future for young talented singers.
If she doesn't become a HUGE star over the next few years as she completes her education, both academic and musical, then there is no justice in the world, and all we will be left with is the dreadful x-factor et al wannabes. This is a girl with genuine talent, and a remarkable voice and I wish her the very best of success.
If she doesn't become a HUGE star over the next few years as she completes her education, both academic and musical, then there is no justice in the world, and all we will be left with is the dreadful x-factor et al wannabes. This is a girl with genuine talent, and a remarkable voice and I wish her the very best of success.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
All i have to say about this album,that sums it up pefectly is:-Wow what a voice & naturally talented girl,I really enjoy just her singing along with her piano,she really doesnt need anything else shes amazing.
Really hope we see alot more of this girl,would love to hear her sing some coldplay songs.
Her album really made me tingle.
BUY IT NOW,GREAT ALBUM,AMAZING VOICE & TALENT. ;) NICE 1 BIRDY,WELL DONE.
Really hope we see alot more of this girl,would love to hear her sing some coldplay songs.
Her album really made me tingle.
BUY IT NOW,GREAT ALBUM,AMAZING VOICE & TALENT. ;) NICE 1 BIRDY,WELL DONE.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Amy Palko
Format:MP3 Download|Amazon Verified Purchase
I generally shy away from albums of cover versions, but this is really excellent. Birdy's choice of songs from folk classics (James Taylor's Fire & Rain) to more modern classics-in-the-making (Bon Iver's Skinny Love and The XX's Shelter) is truly inspired, and she has such a fragile, tender delivery that I can honestly say that, in some cases (The District Sleeps Alone Tonight & White WInter Hymnal), her version is now my favourite. There is only one original song in this album (Without A Word), and I think it says a lot that it holds its own in the midst of more familiar favourites. I'm looking forward to future music from this bright young thing, especially to watch her continue to spread her songwriting wings. I think this must be my most played album of 2012 so far - I just keep coming back to it. And I think you might too.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Glenn
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Audio CD
This is interesting for so many reasons: another female vocal at a time of such sweet saturation [Feist, Camille, Florence Welch, Phoebe Killdeer to name a few]; appearing first on youtube and within the contemporary public infatuation for promo-rich, X-Factoresque ratification - attained with bells on at 7 million clicks for her version of Bon Iver's 'Skinny Love', and aged only 15, her youth adds to the overall mystique and excitement that announces this new artist and release.
Jasmine Van den Bogaerde [aka Birdy and already packaged according to a requisite twee appellation] certainly possesses a powerful, pure voice. The 14 tracks on this debut album do occasionally contain over-dubs and layerings, but generally the production - from a stellar cast of participants, by all accounts - foregrounds the vocal. I feel my age when of these 14 tracks I really only know two well: Fleet Foxes' 'White Winter Hymnal' - from a band who themselves timewarp sounds from the 70s - and James Taylor's 'Fire and Water', which suggests Birdy has been dipping into the grandparents' vinyl. Or she's taken some astute advice on appealing to the genuinely mass market. I wasn't aware of the 7 million youtube audience appeal and accolade until reading recent and overall most favourable reviews, especially from the quality newspapers who can articulate with sharp tongues or approving sagacity, the latter reigning at the moment. Most confirm a promising start and future, and on my first tentative listen I would agree.
'Skinny Love' definitely reveals a strong and emotive vocal.... Read more ›
Jasmine Van den Bogaerde [aka Birdy and already packaged according to a requisite twee appellation] certainly possesses a powerful, pure voice. The 14 tracks on this debut album do occasionally contain over-dubs and layerings, but generally the production - from a stellar cast of participants, by all accounts - foregrounds the vocal. I feel my age when of these 14 tracks I really only know two well: Fleet Foxes' 'White Winter Hymnal' - from a band who themselves timewarp sounds from the 70s - and James Taylor's 'Fire and Water', which suggests Birdy has been dipping into the grandparents' vinyl. Or she's taken some astute advice on appealing to the genuinely mass market. I wasn't aware of the 7 million youtube audience appeal and accolade until reading recent and overall most favourable reviews, especially from the quality newspapers who can articulate with sharp tongues or approving sagacity, the latter reigning at the moment. Most confirm a promising start and future, and on my first tentative listen I would agree.
'Skinny Love' definitely reveals a strong and emotive vocal.... Read more ›
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4.8 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love This Bird(y)!
Me & my other half love this album and regularly play it. Every track is really polished and Jasmine's voice and piano playing are much beyond her years. Read more
Published 27 days ago by nigel bennett
5.0 out of 5 stars
birdy
Only one word can describe this album, "perfect". Love birdy and can't wait for her next album x Elias eren x
Published 27 days ago by Bugra Eren
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gets better with every listen
An excellent album, great production, beautiful songs, unusual lyrics, unique talent! I can't recommend this album highly enough. Read more
Published 28 days ago by Becka
3.0 out of 5 stars
Average.
It's a nice album if a bit repetitive after a while. Wasn't too expensive so it doesn't bother me. Few good tracks though, just some are a bit boring. Lovely voice.
Published 1 month ago by Georgia Ralph
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chilling
This has to be one of my favorite albums of all time now. Normally I hate it when people just cover other artists songs but not this one. Read more
Published 1 month ago by tastybowl
5.0 out of 5 stars
great album
Bought this album for one song,but love all of them,she has a lovely voice,very relaxing,would definately buy more albums by her
Published 1 month ago by Lindsay
5.0 out of 5 stars
Birdy - Rare Talent
Relatively new artist and a brilliant find, her voice is pure, clear and mesmeric. Takes you to a higher place and make you listen.
Published 1 month ago by Janiehasbeans
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully chilled and relaxing - excellent
Loved this as soon as I put it on. There aren't many CDs I listen to that I instantly love but this is one of them. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mad Cat Lady
5.0 out of 5 stars
brilliant
loved the album. Never heard her sing before I heard the theme from the TV drama Broadchurch. Gorgeous voice and good choice of tracks. Popped on the ipod for future listening.
Published 2 months ago by sarah mann
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dreamy
I bought this after hearing Help the People used in a trailer on TV. I play the whole album over and over it is so beautiful and for such a young person she has a fantastic rich... Read more
Published 2 months ago by L. Robinson
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