•
Rating:
THE REVIEW
Simple titles often hide many surprises. Someone might remember that little masterpiece Jenny Wilson named "Love & Youth," and many will have appreciated "You Are Free" by Cat Power. Ordinary titles. And yet.
"Beauty & Crime" peeks out as if nothing happened six years after the controversial and confused "Songs In Red And Gray." It's a surprise for everyone, and it's very welcome. Vega manages the challenging task of reshuffling all her cards, taking everything good she had pulled out of the hat so far and mixing it up to create something completely new and original.
The theatrical piece "Bound" is the perfect synthesis of Vega's new art, with the dramatic opening of violins and then the powerful and clanking beat of the percussion. The other half of the diptych, "Unbound," indeed complementary, refers to the happier episodes (those few) of "Songs...," with the "railway" beat that seems stolen from Fiona Apple's "Fast As You Can." The power-pop of "Frank & Ava" relies on an electric guitar for the opening, and with "As You Are Now" Vega reveals herself as a refined chamber rock songwriter, complete with wind instruments and gusts of strings (a choice that also characterizes the epilogue of "Anniversary," enriched by black choirs). "Pornographer's Dream" delves into the past, with the piano marking the lounge rhythm, and "Ludlow Street" reveals itself after repeated listens as one of the purest and most moving pop songs heard in recent times.
The album is initially bewildering for the generous amount of themes covered. Musical themes, that is. And this partially compromises its linearity and, ultimately, its incisiveness. Vega's voice, however, further improved in setup, is flexible and versatile enough to always be appropriate, with all the limitations of the case.
"Beauty & Crime" has the power to completely make us reconsider the fate of a singer-songwriter who in recent years seemed to have become a pale shadow of herself. And indeed, it puts her back in the game with a more secure and outlined image than ever. 2007 seemed to be an unfortunate year for singer-songwriters. It seemed.
Loading comments slowly
Summary by Bot
Suzanne Vega’s Beauty & Crime marks a refreshing comeback six years after a less acclaimed album. The record showcases her musical versatility and mature songwriting, blending theatrical pieces with refined chamber rock and pop. Despite a rich variety of musical themes that challenge the album’s linearity, Vega’s voice and artistry shine throughout. This album reestablishes Vega as a confident and original artist in the singer-songwriter genre.Tracklist Lyrics
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega is an American singer-songwriter associated with literate, narrative songwriting and a restrained, intimate vocal style. She rose to prominence in the 1980s with albums such as her self-titled debut and Solitude Standing, later experimenting with electronic and eclectic arrangements in the 1990s, and continuing with acclaimed later releases.12 Reviews
