Masts of Manhatta [CD]

Her musicianship is simply amazing. I feel that the lack of production with this album only adds to the character of the songs. You truly hear what was meant to be heard. Nothing more. Nothing to hide behind. Many artists try to pull it off but fall short. Not Tracy Bonham. She executes it perfectly.

Hmmm. Tracy Bonham's previous studio release, Blink The Brightest truly ranks among one of my favorites. So much so that it made me go out in search of her back catalog to the point where I basically bought all her music. Since that time she has released a low-budget EP called In the City/In the Woods (2006), and now her latest, Masts of Manhatta (2010). Knowing that she was truly going into the studio really had my hopes up for something good, but unfortunately this one is not that good at all. Most of what I dislike is in direct contrast to what I loved so much about Blink The Brightest. It's important to note that I wasn't expecting her to do another BTB (I don't want any artist to make the same album twice). However, the primary difference is the lack of production on Masts of Manhatta (sorry Tracy, I know you self-produced this one). I truly believe Tracy Bonham has a truly wonderful singing voice, but on this effort, it just doesn't stand out. The music and overall production don't accompany her that well. So much of the music and melodies are choppy in tone and tempo and this isn't where Tracy shines. But wait, there's more. The lyrics aren't that good either. In the songs "Repricical Feelings" and "In the Moonlight" for example, I felt like I has listening to someone spout out stream of consciousness thoughts while at the same time trying to make up a melody to go along with the words. Embarrassingly, Tracy also drops in a bit of profanity to the lyrics as if this is supposed to be adult and witty, but instead the result is rather juvenile. I really liked the song "When You Laugh The World Laughs With You". On this one at least, Tracy sounds great. It has outstanding vocals, complimentary music to go along with her vocals and lyrics that go somewhere. Another song, "Big Red Heart" had potential. If it had benefitted from the same production as on Blink The Brightest (and a little more energy), I think it could have been really good. By they way, Tracy looked really good when she performed this song on the Tonight Show. I do like her. I just don't like this album. Ok. I talked about the producing of a Tracy Bonham album at lot in this review. Tracy has talent, no doubt about it. With a good producer and some accomplished studio musicians, her music could be as good as anything out there today. Read my review of Blink the Brightest. You would think her husband (Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine) could pull some strings and get her some support. Instead, my assessment of this effort is that it is dull, silly and uninspiring. Tracy needs to bring back a little pop sensibility and energy to her work. Of course, this is just my opinion. You might be more into her current vibe than I am.

So talented, especially with the different instruments she plays and adds to songs. I like this "slower" album...less "rockish" than her earlier ones.