Amy Macdonald: This is the Life
Friday, 27 Jul 2007 15:09
Amy Macdonald – this is your life
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Vertigo, out July 30th
In a nutshell…
Punchy. Angsty. Wistful. Agreeable.
What's it all about?
The debut album from 19-year-old singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald sets out its stall with 11 tracks that offer folk-edged rock laced with teen-centric observations on modern life.
Who's it by
Amy Macdonald may be on her way to becoming the next KT Tunstall thanks to her grandmother and father. The former gave Macdonald £10 when she was 12 to treat herself while on a family holiday and the youngster bought Travis' The Man Who…CD.
Inspired by this album, she picked up her dad's guitar and taught herself to play.
In her mid teens she played a number of gigs in Glasgow and Edinburgh, before hooking up with producer Pete Wilkinson and legendary mixer Bob Clearmountain.
Under their expert tutelage, Macdonald has recorded her first album, out this month.
As an example…
"Where you gonna sleep tonight?" – This Is The Life
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
There's always room for talented singer-songwriters but this album is the equivalent of knocking on the door, it will be her next effort that will see if they're receiving callers at Chez Grammy.
What the others say
"Her debut album is brimming with great tunes," – Skiddle.Com
"The big voice is a love or hate thing, but the quality of songwriting is less divisive. Her effortlessly melodic twanging epics focus on teen issues," – Guardian Unlimited
So is it any good?
Amy Macdonald's voice enthrals on this album from start to finish, ranging from a soft Celtic lilt to a hard-hitting Glaswegian twang in the blink of an eye – and it's this gloriously adaptable delivery that smoothes over some of the more turgid lyrics that pop up like acne.
Although the good outweighs the bad on this LP as evidenced by Run, with its ethereal and edgy vocals complemented by a U2-esque bassline, which makes you forgive Macdonald for the irritating Youth Of Today and Poison Prince.
The latter being a rant against the elegantly-wasted individuals who populate rock's rich tapestry but the song rapidly outstays its' welcome.
LA is Macdonald's ode to Hollywood star Jake Gyllenhaal, and her earnest voice is superbly accompanied by piano and guitar.
Rounding the album out is the Paul Simon-influenced The Road To Home, a heartfelt number that will bring a tear to your eye.
7/10
Lee Davis
"I was in the UK for working heard Amy MacDonald on Radio 2. It is a fantastic album. I bought the album when I returned to Holland - it makes you happy." - Gerard Kolenberg
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