Thursday, July 03, 2008

Perfectly Clear

Listening to Jewel has always been a balm to the soul. From her voice to her music to her lyrics, she's one of those artists I could just sit back and listen to all day. No wait, there's no one like her. So far there has been no one who has been able to take over the reign of being my staple brand of music. Well, Tori Amos comes quite close, and she is just as good, but there's something about Jewel that makes her all around likable. Some of Tori's works is an acquired taste...after playing it more than once, it'll be tatooed into your mind that you'll eventually love it and play it over and over.

But Jewel, she's just unbeatable. Of course, I'd overlook her 0304 album. I'm willing to close a bling eye to that and forget she ever disappointed me to no end with that stint. Now, before some of you start attacking me with one of the "if-you're-a-true-fan-you'd-appreciate-anything-she-creates-and-give-your-full-support" arguments, let me just say I have my reasons for being disappointed. I fell in love with Jewel's brand of music because of her unique sound and style, and I also valued her integrity. So when she started sounding like any other recyclable blondes on the radio and strutted her stuff in the video, my respect plummeted...But now she's back, and maturing well with experience.
Her country album, "Perfectly Clear", (no doubt influenced by her Texan boyfriend) has been such a pleasure to listen to. I have it on constant replay on my laptop and I doubt I'll bore myself senseless anytime soon... The country sound is so much more 'her', and suits her voice perfectly.
I loved that she finally recorded 'Rosey and Mick', although I expected it to have a much slower beat. And her other songs are just as beautiful. I am reminded at just why I love Jewel so much, and made me forget that she ever recorded 0304. For now, 'Til it Feels Like Cheating' is my most favourite of the entire album. It's such a beautiful song about grabbing stolen moments whenever the oppurtunity arises, so much so that it feels like a torrid affair...
"'Til It Feels Like Cheating"
Call me soon as your plane gets in
I'll tell you where to take the cab
Can't talk now in the middle of this crowd
But baby, I miss you so bad

I got a bottle of wine
Some stolen time
Key to a room where you can be all mine
Til it feels like cheating
Til it feels that good
Nobody's leaving
So let's get it understood
Oh you could be a stranger
It's been that long
There's something 'bout the danger of feeling like we're doing something wrong
Let's make the love that we needed
Til it feels like cheating
Don't say a word when you walk in
We ain't got time for that
Kiss me hard like we're about to sin
And there ain't no going back
For a while we'll be free, just you and me
Making promises life won't let us keep
Til it feels like cheating
Til it feels that good
Nobody's leaving
So let's get it understood
Oh you could be a stranger
It's been that long
There's something 'bout the danger of feeling like we're doing something wrong
Let's make the love that we needed
Til it feels like cheating
Keeping the spark going is an everyday fight
So I sent the kids to your mama
And baby, we got all night
Til it feels like cheating
Til it feels that good
Nobody's leaving
So let's get it understood
You could be a stranger
It's been that long
There's something 'bout the danger of feeling like we're doing something wrong
Let's make the love that we needed
Til it feels like cheating
Oh yeah, baby
Let's make the love that we needed€
Til it feels like cheating...

Anyway, "Perfectly Clear" is definitely a must-buy for Jewel fans. Lee, if you're reading this, I suggest you get it. Then later you can retire to your deserted island from the lack of dough after purchasing the CD =) But you won't regret it. And no, I don't think we need to hunt down Ty Murray (her boyfriend) for influencing her country sound. Heheh... A worthy buy, I promise. Not the usual "Pieces of You/Spirit" sound, but still Jewel. It's recommended for the sanity of one's Jewel-deprived soul.
Love, LinZy~

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