Lisa Loeb - Hello Lisa (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

Terrific music... a nice complement CD to "Cake and Pie"

Invisiboy2001 | Chicago, IL United States | 12/27/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Basically this is a re-issue of "Cake and Pie," with a different cover and a slightly different track selection. The songs from "Cake and Pie" that appear on this album are the same versions, but they do sound slightly remixed, because it seems that Lisa Loeb's voice blends a little better with the music this time around. The production on all the songs is terrific.There are three EXCELLENT new songs on this CD: "What Am I Supposed To Say" is terrific and has an atmospheric energy to it! (It would make a great single.) "Did That" is very cool and smart, and kind of edgy for Lisa Loeb. The other new song "Take Me Back" is a song about a deteriorating friendship, a situation I think most listeners can relate to. (By the way, the "hidden" track is an acoustic version of "What Am I Supposed To Say.") Other standout tracks on this CD are "Someone You Should Know," "You Don't Know Me" and "Everyday."While this CD is not an out-and-out replacement CD for "Cake and Pie," it is very good and I recommend it. (This CD does not include "Kick Start," "We Could Still Belong Together" or "She's Falling Apart," which are all excellent songs from Lisa Loeb's previous CD.)Pick this one up if you enjoy folk music, like Tracy Chapman and Jewel. Lisa Loeb is a blossoming artist...and she just keeps getting better and better."

Welcome back, Lisa

Serenity | USA | 11/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lisa Loeb returns to the music scene after the commercial disappointment "Cake AND Pie". I use the word "return" lightly because, "Hello Lisa" is a reissue of "Cake and Pie" with several modifications made to the track list. There are now some new songs thrown in together with most of the C&P songs.This is not a bad thing. All the songs compliment each other pefectly, and the new songs are a delight to the ear. The psychadelic modern sound of "Did That" contrasts with the retro nostalgia evoked in "Take Me Back" - but at the same time both songs succeed in instilling emotions in the listener. The same applies for every song on the new album."Underdog" displays an admirable perseverance of an unrequited love; while "Someone You Should Know" demonstrates Lisa's songwriting skills once more as she preaches a message long forgotten - know who you are and be comfortable with it.All the songs on "Hello Lisa" are worthy of praise, but the one song that stands out is "Take Me Back" - a forlorn, mellow song about a gradual deterioration of a once tight friendship. Stunningly beautiful, it reminds us of all the friends that have come and gone in our lives - even the ones we thought would stay with us forever."Hello Lisa" is a remarkable effort; it is a shame that Lisa does not get the credit or recognition she deserves in the industry.Britney should take a hint or two from Miss Loeb ... maybe then radio might be a little more tolerable."

Under Appreciated Gold

vaughn Smith | Canada | 06/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although Amazon is suggesting that you purchase both Cake and Pie and Hello Lisa for a bargain, be well advised that Hello Lisa IS the Cake and Pie album with three extra tracks. Loeb's follow up to Firecracker finds her associating with Dweezil Zappa, son of the late musical genuis, who is content with contributing guitar licks, hooks and solos that actually compliment the music rather than draw attention away from it. Zappa adds a nice hint of edge to Loeb's folk inspired pop which culminates in a CD that is as fresh and appreciated as a warm summer day compared to what is infesting pop radio these days. You won't find Loeb on the radio in too many places and that's exactly what's wrong with radio today. Her songwriting in general is personal, human and easy to relate to without resorting to insulting the listeners intelligence.The 12 tracks on Hello Lisa (one hidden) ebb and flow like a well designed set list, weaving through various emotions and sentiments that may at first not make much of an impression - but will leave you craving repeat performances until you are completely familiar with every nook and cranny of the CD. Loeb's naked, up close and personal trademark voice is sweet and biting at the same time, like the cute unassuming girl in school who could kill you with a look or a word and not even know she did it. It's not the way she sings, it's what she sings that provide her with the power of her convictions. Each track is filled with vocal hooks that will haunt you (in a good way!) even when the CD isn't playing. Now that's a performance.Zappa's guitar work is edgy, but toned down enough in production to provide a foundation without overpowering the message, while the other musicians keep the music real. The one admiring aspect is the amount of space each song thrives on. At times there is only the acoustic guitar, bass, drums and Loeb's voice carrying the song and that's all it needs.Fans of Loeb's will definitely appreciate that she hasn't decided to change her sound to cash in on the latest musical trends - which have absolutely nothing in common with the music Loeb writes. Hello Lisa certainly isn't as hard edged as some of the tracks on her 1994 debut album Tails, and it's not right to call it a maturing, as Loeb has seemingly been on her game from day one. Hello Lisa is simply another step in her musical journey and a trip that you should embark on. You won't regret it."

Hello Lisa...a definite!

Loubo | Maine, USA | 10/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased "Hello Lisa" by singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb last Friday. I have her three other albums ("Tails", "Firecracker", and "Cake AND Pie"), so I thought I'd pick this one up. I'm a big fan of Lisa, and her band, Nine Stories. There is some real talent here. "Hello Lisa" is mostly made up of songs from her February release "Cake AND Pie". She was signed with A&M Records, but she claims that they were not promoting the album, so she switched to Artemis Records. Artemis is a smaller, more artist-oriented label. Why "Hello Lisa" you ask? Lisa is a long time fan of Hello Kitty, so she draped the disc and booklet with pictures of Hello Kitty, and titled the album "Hello Lisa". I personally think the cover of the album is very unique! It shows Hello Kitty holding the "Cake AND Pie" CD. One thing though, this cover shows Lisa with cat ears and a hair bow, just like Little Miss Kitty! Lisa thought of this concept, as noted in the CD. I think it's clever because the album is mostly made up of songs from "Cake AND Pie", so it's a nice little blend of both CDs. The playlist is as follows:
(* indicates a new song) 1. Did That*
2. Underdog
3. You Don't Know Me
4. Drops Me Down
5. The Way It Really Is
6. Bring Me Up
7. What Am I Supposed to Say?*
8. Everyday
9. Someone You Should Know
10. Payback
11. Take Me Back*
12. (Hidden Track) - Acoustic version of "What Am I Supposed to Say?"* 1. "Did That" (Lisa Loeb) -
I like this song. It's really catchy. The lyrics in this song are very obscure, and that is one of the reasons why I love Lisa, her songs are pensive, and make you think. 2. "Underdog" (Music by Lisa Loeb & Dweezil Zappa, Lyrics by Lisa Loeb) -
I can really relate to this song. The song is about being the underdog, the little guy, the one who's "last in line". With the combo of an orchestra and guitars, this song brings you to a place, (like many other songs on the CD) and again, makes you think about life. 3. "You Don't Know Me" (Lisa Loeb & Dweezil Zappa) -
Another fun and catchy song, with AWESOME riffs! This song is about a girl who gets a boyfriend for the first time, and lets it get to her head. Sound familiar? Oh yeah! Lisa and beau Dweezil did an excellent job of articulating this situation. 4. "Drops Me Down" (Lisa Loeb) -
"And it drops me, drops me down / And I'm not feeling so good again..." You said it, Lisa. In this song, Lisa basically points out the fact that life can really suck sometimes. The lyrics and music join forces to create this feeling that runs right through you, and once again, makes you think. Excellent song. 5. "The Way it Really Is" (Music by Lisa Loeb & Glenn Ballard, Lyrics and Melody by Lisa Loeb & Lindy Robbins) -
This is a neat song. My favorite thing about this one is the singing. Lisa's vocals and backing vocals are very different sounding, and it makes the track stand on its own. 6. "Bring Me Up" (Lisa Loeb) -
What a great song! This is one of my favorites on the album! "Bring Me Up" is very appealing, with its nifty lyrics, magnificent guitar work, and also a neat beat. 7. "What Am I Supposed to Say?" (Music by Lisa Loeb & Randy Scruggs, Lyrics by Lisa Loeb)
The lyrics in this track, again, are very obscure, but memorable, and that is VERY hard to find in songs. Scruggs brings a very country-driven sound to this song, and Lisa's fun acoustic makes for a great combo. 8. "Everyday" (Lisa Loeb & Randy Scruggs) -
"Everyday / Love turns its back and just stands in my way..." Ah yes, the difficulties with love, that I know I will soon experience! What I love most about this song are the fantastic drums, which really hit you. 9. "Someone You Should Know" (Lisa Loeb & Dave Bassett) -
The single from "Cake AND Pie", I love this song. It's a very uplifting and inspiring song. I love the chorus in this one - "What you got, isn't what you wanted / What you need, just happens to be / Someone you should know..." 10. "Payback" (Lisa Loeb) -
Another fave. This blues-like song is INCREDIBLE! Dweezil plays some amazing electric guitar in this song...listen for the, I can't even describe in words, just amazing solo at the end! 11. "Take Me Back" (Lisa Loeb & Chad Fischer) -
Wow. I would buy this CD just for "Take Me Back" (IF that was the case)! This track is unbelievable. The lyrics and music once again join to take you somewhere else. "Take me out / Make me laugh / Never say, "Now I want to go back home, all alone" / And it makes me sad / 'Cause now you won't..." Lisa and Chad are giving me a very important message - one that someone my age should really remember - friends will always come and go. I love the orchestral element in this song, as well. Lisa really outdid herself with this album. I strongly recommend buying this CD. She said it's a "collaborative effort", so she worked with many musicians and writers to create a new sound, and that sound will appeal to everyone! Visit her website, lisaloeb.com"

Five stars! Hey, it's Lisa!

JR | the Netherlands | 03/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Can a Lisa Loeb cd be bad in some way? No, of course not:1: "Did That" > Although it's not one of my favorites, it's a nice track and it has an irresistable little chorus. 8/102: "Underdog" > This song is so, so good! It's very soft and cute, and has a nice instrumentation. Certainly one of my favs. 10/103: "You Don't Know Me" > Somewhat more rock than the other songs, and direct lyrics, and this works extremely positive! Great car tune. 8/104: "Drops Me Down" > In this song, Lisa shows her dark side. Truly and outstanding performance. 10/105: "The Way It Really Is" > This song is so amazing, it has all the ingredients for a good single: slight suspense, it is catchy, and it is up-tempo! 10/106: "Bring Me Up" > Lisa calms down after the previous song. This song has great emo-power. Again a cute song with a chorus that sticks in your head. 9/107: "What Am I Supposed To Say" > This song is somewhat more country than the others, it is not as catchy as the others but it has staying power. 8/108: "Everyday" > This is a good song, I can imagine it being the favorite of many people, but strangely it doesn't work for me. But again, it's fine. 7/109: "Someone You Should Know": > This is the absolute highlight of the album, very catchy, very positive, the greatest chorus you'll ever hear, and a great message... 10/1010: "Payback" > This song is darker than the others, accompanied by a bluesy rhytm... it's just very nice. 9/1011: "Take Me Back" > This song may not be the most conspicuous of the set, but it has grown so much on me that it has become my favorite! I just adore the message (friends don't stay forever) and the backing vocals in the chorus are cool too. 11/10This record is certainly worth buying!"

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