In a debut as striking and emotionally intense as that of Tori Amos, Arden's confessional style is best experienced as a private pleasure, but tracks like "Will You Remember Me," "The Way Things Are Going" and the stunning... more » "I Would Die For You" make this a disc worth sharing. --Jeff Bateman« less
In a debut as striking and emotionally intense as that of Tori Amos, Arden's confessional style is best experienced as a private pleasure, but tracks like "Will You Remember Me," "The Way Things Are Going" and the stunning "I Would Die For You" make this a disc worth sharing. --Jeff Bateman
"I bought this Jann Arden album after getting her 5-star "Living Under June." While this album is not as good, it is still an incredible work of music. It's a little more Canadian/Western than "June", but it still has the same trademark Jann Arden soulful, beautiful, meaningful lyrics that are just as good for a sunny day as a rainy one. "Time for Mercy," the title track, is so incredibly moving. "Waiting For Someone" is also quite soulful, and, as most of Arden's songs, sucks the listener into a web of emotions and into the same plight as this Calgary songstress. "Over You" is a great last track, and (the bonus track from "June") "I Would Die For You" are both great great great songs. A must have for any Jann Arden fan, a must have for any good music fan, and a nice alternative to those typically crunchy, annoying, feel-they're-too-damn-special female singers of today."
Canadian, eh!
G. Sawaged | Canada | 12/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love all of Jann Ardens work. I think she is a truly talented singer/songwriter/musician. This album is a terrific album to play while relaxing and thinking. All of the songs have fairly sad subject matter, and although she can be a bit repetitive with the lyrics, nevertheless, most songs have a meditative quality to them. Some of the songs may take at least a couple of listens before they sink in, but that's always the way with the best music. But once they have, they will stay with you, and you will love each one."
A good start
01/15/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I'm writing this a bit backward, in that this is the first Jann Arden release, and the last one of the three I've listened to. Having said that, I'm glad to have heard and enjoyed this CD, and relish the chance to reflect vs. her more recent releases. Though it lacks the depth of the following CDs, the start of a potentially dynamite career is on display. Several selections, though not unforgettable, show her one-of-a-kind vocal qualities - range, depth & emotion, couple with insightful lyrics and moving music. Her voice is beautiful. She never seems to sing a note that she's uncomfortable with. She makes me think she can sing ANY note, and always seems to match this vocal strength with good music. In summary, this record offers several glimpses of what's to come, and the hope here is that Jann Arden, with 3 CDs on the shelf, has only just begun to show the incredible music she's capable of making."
Mercy Me! A Great Album
M. Carlisle | Deep in the Heart of Texas | 02/06/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Best Tracks: Waiting For Someone, I'm Not Your Lover, The Way Things Are Going, Over You
If I had to sum up this album in two words they would be: Quiet and Powerful
Jann's style of expressing her deepest feelings in (as noted) quiet yet powerful ways is clearly evident throughout this CD.
And while many of the songs are about thwarted love, there are many about hope as well.
This is a good CD for a quiet night, or personal time.
"
Soulful, Deep, Reflective, Moody...
Supernova | Canada | 10/12/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Of the 4 Jann Arden CDs released thus far, this one, her first remains the most intense. The depressing subject matter (fodder for music hacks in Canada who chastised Jann for the death-like lyrics ..."will you remember me when I'm gone"..."I would die for you"... - undue criticism in my opinion) works well here. All songs (including a co-write) came from the pen of Jann Arden - emotional, raw and real. The Canadian hit singles ("I Would Die For You", "Will You Remember Me" and "I'm Not Your Lover") are superb - exceptional in fact, coming from a debut album. Also key here is the achingly raw "I Just Don't Love You Anymore" - a perfect song to be heard from Jann a cappella (though here with music). The major flaw with this CD is it's unevenness. Superior sounding songs are often followed up with mediocre efforts, resulting in a lack of consistency. Her sophomore CD "Living Under June" may have been a more cohesive, hit driven effort, but this remains her most emotions-on-her-sleeve recording to date. A good introduction to a complex artist who continues to play by her rules and not by her record company's."