Amazon.com: To begin with, this album was meant to focus solely on guitar and vocals. But little by little Yael and David Donatien, who encouraged her to sing in Hebrew, padded out the architecture and formed a team. Xavier Tribolet (drums), Laurent David (bass), Voed Nir (cello) and Julien Feltin (electric guitar) joined them as well as S.Husky Huskolds for the mix (Tom Waits, Fiona Apple, Me'Shell Ndegeocello). The instrumentation is pretty minimalist here yet incredibly colourful with the participation of the brass section, the Mellotron, the cello and some programming. Recorded in the young woman's flat in Paris the 13 songs contain a part of Yael happy (Endless Song of Happiness) and a melancholic (Paris, Lonely) existence. Some of them, like Yashanti or Lachlom dive into dreams, others like Baboker bathe in the serenity found at the break of day. Shelcha looks at a love with no future. The most outrageous is of course the cover of Britney Spears' Toxic. Listening to these little marvels could possibly remind us of old friends like Tori Amos or Fiona Apple. Yet the ensemble isn't witness to excessive borrowing or exaggerated marking, but quite the contrary revealing a sincerity and absolute musical clarity. In fact it is quite astonishing how something that sounds so familiar could seduce our ears with such a nude and original beauty. Perhaps it is due to the dominance of Hebrew, a language so rarely sung in this context, that comes across as universal as Cesaria Evora's Portuguese Creole? Or is it the simply the very freshness exhaled by the personality of this young woman who discovers in New Soul - sung in English with a contagious optimism - that she is "a new soul, in this foreign world, hoping to learn a little"? "It was when I was really young that I sincerely believed to be an old soul reincarnated and I could even say it gave me a sense of superiority over others. But then as I subsequently did everything the wrong way round I concluded that it was actually my first time on earth and that I should learn to be a more humble." On Far Far, she herself delivers this other perspective, that of a little girl who chases her dreams but who can only achieve them by accepting the "beautiful mess inside". In short both her own personal history and that of this simply magical record.
Album Description: 2007 sophomore album from the Paris-born and Israel raised singer, songwriter and musician who has also recorded under the name Yael. This album, which features songs sung in French, English and Hebrew, features the worldwide sensation 'New Soul', a track that has gained fame as being the music played during Apple's Macbook Air ad campaign in 2008. . 13 tracks total. Warner.
Excelent voice, good songs, great CD! For those who like the new generation of female singers like Sarah Harmer, Ingrid Michaelson and Feist, Yael Naim is a great addition. Her songs, in English, French and Hebrew, are very melodic but not too slow or countrish. I like the fact that she doesn't have a heavy accent but nevertheless has one. I think that her songs even has some sort of "coolness", which may be the reason why Apple chose to use one of her songs on the commercial of the new Mac Air.
Stunning and Beautiful... I ordered this album because I knew it would be different, I am not one for listening to the Top 20 on the radio, there just isn't talent and depth on the radio these days. What I got was, not only a different voice, but a stunningly beautiful voice. Wow...Yael Naim is amazing! What else can be said? Some songs are in English, some in French and Hebrew...it really doesn't matter what language...the feeling can be felt through her voice. This album is one for listening to at night, with a glass of wine in hand, or just simply enjoying it anytime....there are very few out there like this...you won't be disappointed with this album. P.S. If you like Yael Naim...try getting a copy of the French model turned singer, Carla Bruni..she is also very amazing!
Interesting, Sultry, Fresh... Not to sound like a broken record.. but I too got interested in the amazing voice behind the Macbook Air commercial. I'm writing this review after listening to only 5 tracks from the album so far. All I could say is ... "Interesting, sultry and fresh!" Even though most of the songs are in Hebrew , they still show off her amazing vocal talents.. And what's the deal with Toxic? It has to be the most amazing version I've heard of that song! As I was listenign to it I thought to myself.. didn't Spears massacre a song similar to this lol? And then it hit me! heh.
Final thoughts.... Get the album, you won't be dissapointed!
Ok, but not good enough I speak both Hebrew and French. One of the previous reviewers was right: It's strange that there are only one or two lines in French--in the song "Paris." The lyrics are maudlin; and even for their sentimental nature, they don't hold up. The one song worth the CD, though, is "Pachad: Fear," and even then, the song is good only because of song aesthetics and piano playing, not because of her lyrics. I'm also not sure as to her stance: Is she pro-feminist or standing for a deferential role? It's difficult to tell, as she vacillates in viewpoint. "Levater" is pure garbage. Her "New Soul" song, which many Americans will recognize from the Apple exploitation of music, is actually rather good--well, she covers up half of it with "la la la." Again, the songs focus on her reliance on men, which I find strange. It's sad to say that her songs in Hebrew--her native language--are generally much worse than those in English. I don't understand this. I ended up enjoying "7 Baboker: Seven in the Morning," although it's difficult to say why--maybe the upbeat rhythm of the song? So what I did like, then, is the "Toxic" remake, "Lachlom: To Dream," and "Yashanti: I Slept," even though the song follows the same paradigm as some of songs I though bad. Okay album, overall. If you'd like to hear good Israeli pop then listen to Ninet Tayeb; for folk: Shlomo Artzi.
Smashing Premier Release...Can't Wait for More Yael Naim is a brilliant new star, as is evident in her inaugural album. Her unique mix of English, Hebrew and a bit of French -- both in language and musical style -- is remarkable. Beautiful to listen to, although the lyrics are almost universally about lost love. I hope that Yael's next work mixes up the themes a bit more. Bottom line -- this album goes way beyond the "Apple commercial" song that everyone's heard and introduces a remarkable young new talent who should go far in the US and international market.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
