Amy Macdonald
This Is The Life

THE REVIEW

Lately, it is undeniable that among mainstream chart-topping products, several brilliant "she" figures are emerging. The reference to various Kate Nash, Yael Naim, and Lily Allen is clear, and a strong breath of fresh air is certainly welcome, considering that only three years ago people like Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, and Hilary Duff were competing for the top spots on the global charts.

But while the latter were fighting it out with pomp and sales figures, another newcomer was about to make her entrance on the scene: we’re talking about the then nineteen-year-old Scottish Amy Macdonald, who debuted in 2007 with "This Is The Life", an album I appreciated from its release, inexplicably arriving two years late in our country, and nevertheless enjoying notable success that persists even now!

Evidently, there must be something magical in Scotland, often a breeding ground for talents and remarkable personalities; I think of the legendary Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins), Shirley Manson (leader of Garbage), and Angela McCluskey (splendid voice of the majestic "Angel Milk" by the project Télépopmusik)! While it's true that for generation, vocal quality, and offering, it’s not the case (nor should it be) to compare Fraser to Macdonald (more akin to a mix between Dolores of the Cranberries and compatriot KT Tunstall), it’s also true that compared to the latter (author of rather bland pop), young Amy demonstrates very interesting capabilities!

A deep and distinctive voice, which sounds more experienced and "adult" than her age would suggest, with a velvety and powerful timbre at the same time (also possessing a decent vocal range), and an adorable British accent, make their mark among the 11 simple but truly beautiful songs that form an album rich in melody, light-years away from what MTV and Billboard currently feature on their schedules. A work on the border between folk-rock and indie/pop sounds, with the presence of the inseparable acoustic guitar, and classic instruments (the bagpipes of the ghost track "Caledonia", the sixties flute of "Poison Prince"), and arrangements detailed to the finest point (the country-pop and enticing chords of the splendid launch single "This Is The Life").

The songs are all well made and definitely pleasant, one might often be compelled to repeat episodes like "Mr. Rock & Roll", the surprising "Let's Start a Band" (with very successful melodic parts and choruses), and the delightful "Footballers' Wife". The more lively and traditional pieces, strictly in 4/4, are also good, like the catchy "A Wish For Something More", and the playful "Barrowland Ballroom".

A positive debut without a doubt, which only lacks from the songwriting aspect (some moments like "Youth Of Today" are really banal), but which leaves us hopeful for the future of this young revelation, who judging by the interviews circulating online, also seems to be a grounded girl with a genuine and boundless passion for what she is doing.

"...There are lots of people who get into this job to be recognized, to become a celebrity.
I’ve never cared for that. I play and write songs because I enjoy it, period.
And if one day I were to become a teen idol, frankly, I think I would quit.
I find it particularly sad that one can become famous simply by marrying a famous person.
Once upon a time, celebrities were the Frank Sinatras, the Fred Astaires, the Marlon Brandos... true artists,
whereas today just appearing on a reality show is enough. It’s a sad thing to take people without talent as a model...".

....Will she stick to her word?!