http://www.mycrazymusicblog.com/2009/03/cd-review-mandy-moore-amanda-leigh.html

As the gentle waltz opens Mandy Moore's latest album, Amanda Leigh (Amanda Leigh
is the singer's first and middle names, respectively), you know that Moore has
shed her "candy-pop" image. Though, we know, she left that image behind with her
last album Wild Hope, Moore solidifies her folk/country/singer-songwriter sound
with ease, grace and style.



Her opener, "Merrimack River" ventures into country with the sweet sound of the
steel guitar in the background but the lush string accompaniment and tight male
vocal harmonies keep Moore in the folk/bluegrass area (which I would prefer).
But, don't be fooled, "Fern Dell" - the second song on her CD - is a quick jump
into a quasi-rock of Duncan Sheik quality. It's not totally rock, nor pop but
uses the acoustic guitar as it's driving rhythmic force. It ends up being a bit
theatrical, but never over-the-top.


This eclectic sounding CD runs the genre gamut by continuing this trend of
"genre changing" with each song. "I Could Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week"
is a upbeat, poppy, hand-clapping song that would be perfect for a post-breakup
pick-me-up. (Especially if you were the dumpee.) Moore's vocals do stand-out in
this song, but not in the way that I wanted - they seem a bit forced and over
polished to digital perfection.


With a bit of 70's groove - the toy piano starts "Pocket Philosopher". With key
changes, back-up vocals consisting of "ooh's and ah's", Moore's arrangement is
kitschy at best. It's a definite throw-back to those good 'ole days of running
through a poppy field with daisies in your hair. But for someone who never
experienced those particular "good 'ole days" it's a bit of stretch to the ear.


I absolutely adore the vocals in "Song About Home" - the strongest effort yet on
this album. Moore's capacity to jump between head and chest voice is effortless.
The vocal quality is so lulling and easy to listen to. The bass clarinet (or
possibly bassoon) is truly magnificent - take out the flutes, and it would be
stunning.


My favorite of the album ended up being "Everblue". This genuine, sexy song does
not end up being a throwback to an earlier era - it's truly original and
ultimately the sound that I would have loved to hear throughout the entire
album. (Not that the rest of the album isn't worth listening to, this just seems
to come from a different place.) There's no gimmicks, extra orchestrations or
over-produced vocals. If you end up just downloading one song, this one is it.


Right after this gem, Moore produces two 70's-inspired songs "Love to Love Me
Back" and "Indian Summer". The latter, using the toy piano and back-up vocals
again in the same quality as "Pocket Philosopher". The toy piano continues on in
"Nothing Everything".


"Bug", the closing song on Amanda Leigh uses only acoustic guitar and violin
with tight chorus-sounding back-up vocals. Again, it lands in the "original and
genuine" place that Moore found with her opener, "Merrimack River" and
"Everblue".


Amanda Leigh, overall, is a throwback to an earlier time but a successful
throwback. Moore effectively adds a fresh perspective to her music - using Lori
McKenna as her guide. It ends up being exciting and interesting. With a few
minor tweaks in the arrangements I feel I could say that I would love this
album. Arrangements aside, you'll want to check out Amanda Leigh when it drops
on May 26th 2009.


Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Song to Download: "Everblue"