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While The Deep Blue is Charlotte Hatherley's attempt at breaking away from previous project Ash (yes, this is her second solo album, but the first was released while she was still with the band), the only tracks that don't grate away at the eardrums are those that vaguely resemble her former musical mates.
''I Want You To Know'' is one of two standout tracks on this album. Upbeat, emotive, and miles ahead of anything else on this LP, this is where Hatherley sounds most comfortable. Lashing out at ex-boyfriends with that 'better off without you' attitude: 'Oh baby are you sad and lonely, Well I'm just doing fine (I want you to know)'.
''Very Young'' also jumps out and dares to be noticed. Again, Hatherley rocking out works and this is something that should be taken from the album. Certainly this track's a highlight and one to savour at live performances.
Other than that it's pretty hard to tell the other numbers apart from each other. Down on the OK list - if there had to be one - would be ''Behave'' which is non-offensive. ''Wounded Sky'' also has potential but overproduction removes any emotion and it sounds like she's holding back. It's not a great sound.
Which leaves The Deep Blue as somewhat self-indulgent and boring and, unfortunately, there's little original here - no boundaries being pushed, no risks taken - and the album suffers greatly for it. Maybe Ms Hatherley was actually better off with Ash than without. --Alex Kenning
Find more music at the BBC This link will take you off Amazon in a new window
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It has to be said that during the first 3 months of me owning this album, we didn't quite click. Just like the awkward silences you tend to get when you're left in a room with someone you should know, but never really know what to say to. Anyhow rambling analogies aside, this album is to put it bluntly a serious grower. It takes time, as the poppier elements of the record are more subtle than Grey Will Fade which by this judging, is an out and out pop record.
One thing that Charlotte proves on this album is her ability to write a consistent body of work for a record, and stick to a particular theme, making the albums much more of a one-sitting affair. Given time, the lilting melodies and hazy dream like music that features throughout the Deep Blue will seep into your brain, and lodge themseleves there for some time, much like the acclaimed debut but on a completely different level.
Charlotte could have made Grey Will Fade 2 with comfort for this album, but it's good to know that leaving the excellent Ash has given her the confidence to prove that her music is light years away from the Wheeler hit factory. This is something different from a songwriter to cherish, investigate this, immerse yourself in it and then learn to love it!
One thing that Charlotte proves on this album is her ability to write a consistent body of work for a record, and stick to a particular theme, making the albums much more of a one-sitting affair. Given time, the lilting melodies and hazy dream like music that features throughout the Deep Blue will seep into your brain, and lodge themseleves there for some time, much like the acclaimed debut but on a completely different level.
Charlotte could have made Grey Will Fade 2 with comfort for this album, but it's good to know that leaving the excellent Ash has given her the confidence to prove that her music is light years away from the Wheeler hit factory. This is something different from a songwriter to cherish, investigate this, immerse yourself in it and then learn to love it!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
When I was broadsided by Charlotte's wonderful debut album, my only concern was can she possibly maintain this standard? I needn't have worried. After several plays in my first week of ownership, I can safely say The Deep Blue is as good as, if not better than, Grey Will Fade. The choppy chord changes are still there in the more up-tempo tracks like Very Young and I Want You To Know, but the whole feel of the album is a broadening of the palette. With the sumptuous Wounded Sky, the incredibly catchy Behave which really should have been the first full blown single release. Then there's Roll Over (Let It Go) which is a beautiful ballad which transforms into a belting rock finale and the crackling Siberia as a fitting final track (though fast forward to 7 mins 40 secs and there's a gorgeous hidden bonus track called Lost In Time). To single out tracks for praise seems unfare as there isn't a bad (or even average) one on the album.
Have I conveyed my enthusiasm sufficiently yet?! Charlotte has released this album independently due to insane lack of interest from record companies. Support the talent and buy this album. You wont be disappointed.
Have I conveyed my enthusiasm sufficiently yet?! Charlotte has released this album independently due to insane lack of interest from record companies. Support the talent and buy this album. You wont be disappointed.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This could be: All Saints covering a 10cc album for 4AD. Or: an XTC album remixed by Kate Bush.
Though perhaps none of the tracks are as immediately invigorating as "Kim Wilde" from Charlotte's first album, you have to listen to it all the way through, at least a couple of times, and then you get sucked in, and it's just.. astonishing.
I love all the layers and textures. I just love it.
Though perhaps none of the tracks are as immediately invigorating as "Kim Wilde" from Charlotte's first album, you have to listen to it all the way through, at least a couple of times, and then you get sucked in, and it's just.. astonishing.
I love all the layers and textures. I just love it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Ohhhh behave
Very underrated songwriter
& the guitar on 'behave' shows a very talented guitarist also.
I keep going back to this album (and her début). Read more
& the guitar on 'behave' shows a very talented guitarist also.
I keep going back to this album (and her début). Read more
Published on 25 Oct 2009 by G. Ryan
A massive letdown
Grey Will Fade, Charlotte's debut album, was a good little album- notthing special, but she played to her strengths, namely weezer-esque guitars and sugary, hooky vocals. Read more
Published on 31 Aug 2007 by A. Taylor
The delightful Deep Blue!
Like the other reviewers on first listen The Deep Blue may not catch you, but after a couple of listens you get into the rhythm of Charlotte's unique arrangements and vocals to see... Read more
Published on 15 Jun 2007 by S. Salter
Queen Charlotte of Hatherley
Once again, Charlotte comes up with the goods and doesn't let us down. When I first played this album I really wasn't sure about it, it took a few good hard listens to sink in. Read more
Published on 11 April 2007 by Mr. R. Nason
This year's colour is Deep Blue..
If the mark of a good album is a compulsion to play it again as soon as the last track ends, or you find different moments going round and round your head for the next week... Read more
Published on 25 Mar 2007 by S. Jones
Charlottes' Progress Continues...
Firsty, I do recomend that you listen/pick up her debut "Grey Will Fade" before purchasing this. It gives a better indication of how she got to this point, taking the risk of... Read more
Published on 21 Mar 2007 by Mr. K. T. REED
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