Who knew the power of Apple was so far reaching? In 2007, Apple opened the eyes of millions to the talent of the Canadian singer Leslie Feist, known as simply Feist, via her breakthrough hit “1234.” Apple chose the song as the background music for their iPod nano campaign. The song is a catchy little number that got the singer four Grammy nominations, including best new artist. Since then, Feist has kept pretty low key, until now.
Simple but memorable tracks
Feist’s new album, “Metals,” is her triumphant return to the music scene. I’m not ready to scream brilliant, but I really love this CD. “The Bad in Each Other” opens the album with a poignant start through its use of driving base and sweet harmonies. Feist doesn’t have a powerful voice but, much like Regina Spektor, her sweet vocals bring with them innocent brevity. Her voice forces you to listen and then she keeps you interested with her beautifully written songs.
There is a simplicity to Feist, but it isn’t the simplicity that comes out of a settled and boring artist. It is a simplicity that comes out of an artist who is able to grab your attention with merely a piano and guitar, an artist who takes you dancing on a journey through her soul. “Caught a Long Wind” moves along at a slow pace, but it is one of true musicality. When the strings come in toward the end, and Feist flexes her vocals above the piano, all you want to do is stop and hear what she has to sing.
The biggest challenge for Feist in “Metals” is that she had to make an album that would capitalize on the success of “1234” and keep her newly minted American audience interested. Unfortunately, in the age of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, I am afraid “Metals” will just be filed away with other brilliant indie albums that no one even knows about.
Hard work seen in album production
Though Feist doesn’t have the voice of Adele, her songs fit her voice and highlight it perfectly. If there were any justice in this world, “Metals” would be the next “21.”
Too often in today’s music world, singles are crafted and then fillers are thrown out to make up the rest of an album. With “Metals,” Feist compiles a full album that serves to show that “1234” was no fluke. It is cohesive and demands to be listened to as an album, not as a couple of good songs.
The original elements on the album, as seen in such songs as “A Commotion,” show Feist isn’t an artist that takes making an album lightly. You can hear the work that went into this album with each note.
Worth listening to
I love “Metals” partly because it has really opened up my eyes to Feist. Before this, I was never really that interested in checking her out, she just didn’t interest me. But “Metals” is the perfect showcase of her talent. Not only does her voice shine in the incredibly crafted songs, but the music behind serves to create the perfect picture.
The only thing that I would change about the album is the lack of upbeat songs. Some are up-tempo, but it doesn’t have a rocking “Rolling in the Deep.” Does the album need it? No, not at all, it just would have been a nice addition. Although Feist takes many of her songs at a slow pace to really let them develop, some songs, such as “Anti-Pioneer,” seem to drag on a bit too sluggishly.
Without a doubt, “Metals” is worth a listen, and more than one at that. If the first listen doesn’t grab you, give it a chance. At first, Feist can seem sleepy and weak, but when given a chance, her music proves to be brilliant and fascinating. No, “Metals” won’t be the next big album that everyone is buying, but it should be. There are no radio friendly singles on the album, but that is part of its brilliance. Just like acts such as Arcade Fire and The Civil Wars, Feist isn’t looking to claim the top spot on the radio, but instead to create true and genuine music. “Metals” is one of the best albums of the year, and I hope that it will be given a chance to be realized for the gem that it truly is.
