- Audio CD (1 Mar 2004)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Limited Edition, Import
- Label: Ultimate Dilemma
- ASIN: B0001CLY98
- Other Editions: Audio CD | Vinyl | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 140,251 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
Jubilee Offer: Patriotic Classics for £2.50 |
Product details |
Track Listings
| 1. Warm Sound |
| 2. Home |
| 3. Somersault |
| 4. Passing By |
| 5. Over Our Heads |
| 6. When It Falls |
| 7. The Space Between |
| 8. Speed Dial No 2 |
| 9. Look Up |
| 10. In Time |
| 11. Morning Song |
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Beautifully crafted and produced, When It Falls is a fitting follow-up to Zero 7's 2001 platinum hit Simple Things. Reintroducing several of their debut's guest vocalists, the band continue to meld subtle orchestras, elegant jazz and easy-going West Coast soul and folk, creating a sound so tasteful it makes Morcheeba sound like Napalm Death. The album opens with the appropriately titled "Warm Sound", where long-time collaborator Mozez delivers his spacey soul over a quivering flute and funky keys. Later he reappears for the string-swept lullaby "Over Our Heads". Next up is newcomer Tina Dico who lends the softest of vocals to "Home", where quietly chiming guitars rise to a careful collision of brass, and "The Space Between", a techno-update of 70s folk-jazz.
Much the same service is provided by Sophie Barker on "Passing By" and "In Time", which recalls the sweet innocence of early James Taylor. It's left to Sia Furler to add extra colour, her slight rasp lending character to both "Somersault" and "Speed Dial No 2". Throughout, the band introduce a welter of instruments and effects, sometimes approaching the psychedelic, though they're keen to avoid an over-technological coldness--the squeak of finger on guitar string is never far away. For fans of Simple Things, it's a real treat. --Dominic Wills
Review
It was only a few short days ago that we hailed Fragile State's Voices From The Dust Bowl an album of "...bucolic impressions and beguiling dream-inducing electronica." The connection between that and Zero 7's second album When It Falls is Neil Cowley, protagonist in both musical ensembles.
Along with Sam Hardaker and Henry Binns the band have been hailed as Britain's answer to Air, and since their debut, Simple Things, three years ago, they have set the benchmark for all down-tempo albums to follow.
Admittedly, little has changed since then.Their modern day folk melodrama blended with unfussed, warm ambience, subtle touches of analogue electronica and ethereal vocals still stands. Even the same support cast of vocalists have been drafted in to make this feel more like a Part II then a whole new chapter.
The one notable addition is Tina Dico who virtuously embraces the lead single, "Home". Sophie Barker returning to caress the electric guitar strummed "Passing By" and hippy-kissed "In Time", while Sia Furler, who won acclaim for her performance of the group's debut, continues her claim to potential solo stardom on the melancholic "Somersault" and the orchestral climatic "Speed Dial No.2".
Mozez's oak-smoked delivery on a trio of cuts oozes a timeless quality and perfectly compliments the blissed out beats, sharp musicianship, and lazy grooves that epitomises the Zero 7 sound. Best highlighted on the album's closing offering, "Morning Song" - a thickly layered number with smooth, seductive harmonies that effectively drive home the quietly insinuating hook and towards the end even has a Style Council "My Ever Changing Moods"-quality to the melody.
There's really little to choose between songs, and as with Simple Things, this really is a conceptual album that's best viewed as a whole, rather then dissected into edible three-minute radio edits. Yet that won't stop almost every track on this kaleidoscopic soundscape being a candidate for the next twelve months worth of Chill Out collections. Oh, and in answering to your most burning question: is it better than Simple Things? No. But if were not for the lyrics, it would be almost impossible to tell them apart. --Jack Smith
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Warm, soulful and so damn cool! Metal heads would say downright dull but I beg to differ. Zero 7, much like the excellent Bent have made modern music interesting again. My son is 18, I'm 44 and we both love this stuff.
This album (much like its predecessor) - has that 'can't-put-your-finger-on-it'quality. Something almost unfathomable. You know you like it but you're not sure why. Other reviewers have said they can't take it out of their CD player, and addictive stuff it is because it's so different - as is each track to one another. The use of different vocalists helps (all excellent) but the music itself is such that you never know what's coming next.
Apparently the guys hate being referred to as chill-out specialists, but I don't see that as a criticism. If they keep doing stuff like this, I for one will be happy.
High points? The groovy 'Passing By' and the quirky but almost anthemic 'Speed Dial No.2'.
Lows? None-you'll play it again and again with never a dull moment.
Highly recommended, as is the earlier 'Simple Things' - you may also want to get Bent (sorry!)
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
If, like me you were a huge fan of Zero 7's previous stunning debut "simple things" [which by the way, make sure you get the import version for the extra tracks, they're worth it alone] this new album, was an essential purchase.
At first listen, it didn't seem to stand up to the debut, but after seeing them in concert recently, it all came "home", much like the debut single for this album.
Sam & Henry, the core band members, have managed to continue a sound that somehow feels even more personal, yet remains open to everyone on so many levels.
This is an album that could reach & appeal to every one, but you just might not realise it yet...
If you're new to Zero 7 and appreciate a mellow, subtle sound, then start with their debut album. You won't be disappointed. If you're a Z7 fan, and are considering this purchase, in summary; it's heading on the same journey as Simple Things, but like any journey, it covers different ground.
It's a trip that shouldnt disappoint.
At first listen, it didn't seem to stand up to the debut, but after seeing them in concert recently, it all came "home", much like the debut single for this album.
Sam & Henry, the core band members, have managed to continue a sound that somehow feels even more personal, yet remains open to everyone on so many levels.
This is an album that could reach & appeal to every one, but you just might not realise it yet...
If you're new to Zero 7 and appreciate a mellow, subtle sound, then start with their debut album. You won't be disappointed. If you're a Z7 fan, and are considering this purchase, in summary; it's heading on the same journey as Simple Things, but like any journey, it covers different ground.
It's a trip that shouldnt disappoint.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
If you like the first offering by this band, Simple Things, then you should definitely purchase the follow up, When It Falls.
The great thing about this album is that it's not entirely different to the first. Yes, it maybe a bit more mature, but that's only a good thing as far as I'm concerned. If you also own Zero7's Another Late Night album, you'll definitely see the influences in When It Falls.
From the very start this album offers melancholic, chilled out sounds, with Speed Dial No.2, The Space Between and Morning Song, being exceptional individual pieces in their own right, along with the previously released single, Home of course.
In fact, this album is so good that the only time I've taken it out of my CD player is after reading the reviews complaining about copy protection - and that was only to copy it! Oh, and yes I have been able to copy it using WMP9 without a problem!
I would definitely recommend this album to anyone, all of my housemates love it, and believe me they're tastes are so different to mine!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
crackles on cd
everything apart from the sound quality on the cd was excellent. On some tracks there was distinctive crackle/distortion and i am not to sure whether or not it was intentional.
Published 1 month ago by les2122
Just terrific.....This is just wonderful in every which way,
This is just so wonderful to listen too. I can immerse myself in all the aspects of the music and words
I first heard this in 2004 and loved if from the very first time. Read more
I first heard this in 2004 and loved if from the very first time. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Country classic
Great to fall asleep to.
I just cannot make my mind up about this album. I loved Simple Things, it was one of the first CDs I bought, and I still love it 10 years on. Then I got this one. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Jikky
Good follow up
Great follow up to the first album. Not as many classic tracks but a very chilled and easy listen. If you liked simple things then you should like this
Published on 14 Aug 2009 by Mr. J. P. Garrett
Good, but not like Simple Things
I bought this CD on the basis of: A) Owning the first CD, Simple Things and B) other good reviews. When it Falls is good, make no mistake, but I prefer Simple Things. Read more
Published on 13 July 2009 by B. Pearson
Great album
I have had this album for over a year now and I'm still not tired of listening to it. It's like therapy for me at the end of a long and stressful work day. Read more
Published on 5 May 2009 by Miranda
When it fell
The sophomore slump hits Zero 7 in their second album, "When It Falls." Sam Hardaker and Henry Binns create a fairly pleasant mesh of downtempo jazz and trip-hop ambience, but... Read more
Published on 28 Mar 2007 by E. A Solinas
And all is Calm...
I think I've had this album for nearly 2 years now. I've heard some of Zero 7's other music in compilations, so I trusted that having the album wouldn't be a waste. Read more
Published on 23 Jan 2007 by Y. Aktar
why not make the same album again!!
what a great idea, make the same album again and get paid again for it. i really liked simple things and it had a few outstanding tracks on it. Read more
Published on 22 Sep 2005 by Ryan P. Duffer
warm sounds
I can honestly say, this is a beautiful album. I've owned it for over a year now, and I never get tired of listening to it. Read more
Published on 27 Mar 2005 by D. Taylor
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