Search - Sage, RACHAEL :: PAINTING OF A PAINTING

More gorgeousness than a gallery of paintings

Jenna | Cambridge, MA, USA | 04/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This even, effervescent album (Rachael's third) sparkles; it's creative, contagious, colorful, and complex enough to perfectly backdrop nearly every setting or situation. And, right from the soaring, infectious, bittersweet opening single "Cyanide and Cinnamon," the album is nuanced and balanced enough to suit moods ranging from sheer dejection to utter elation.Rachael's intricate, imaginative, energetic folky pop, enhanced by her own sprightly piano stylings, reflects a diversity of musical influences; it's catchy stuff with lyrical and melodic hooks and choruses that will stick with you, yet it never disintegrates into the vapid or overly repetitive. Similar to Ani DiFranco, Rachael's vocal capacities are incredibly broad-ranging and versatile; her voice, which has a unique vibrato, is generally higher, sweetly pretty, lilting, and sometimes gravelly or whispery, yet she oftens wields it more fiercely and strongly as well.Both lyrically (she's a fabulous lyricist) and vocally as well as musically, she resembles the offspring of Ani and Tori Amos, with a dash of Joni Michell (especially on the last four songs and the hidden 14th track); however, she's definitely "her own thing." A certain delicate subtlety prevents her songs from becoming overblown: she doesn't kill a fly with a laser when a flyswatter would suffice, and she roots her poetic and philosophical musings in concrete, earthly details. Above all, unlike many artists, Rachael can be tough, passionate, angry, and sorrowful, yet remains strong and hopeful throughout, never succumbing to cynicism, bitterness, or victimhood.Rachael explores our relationship and responsibilities to one another, from the vicissitudes of romance to our status as neighbors on a troubled planet. "Among All of G-d's Creatures" is a hauntingly powerful political song that calls mankind (and divinity-kind) on its less attractive tendencies. "Pictures They Took" and "Apology" rock out while honestly delving into those contradictory love/hate pre-or post-breakup feelings, while "I Guess," "Painting of a Painting" and the moving "Footsteps" are intelligent love songs dealing with the puzzling tightrope-walk of attempting to preserve self-integrity and independence while involved in a close relationship.The value of life, even in its unpleasant or unappreciated aspects or during its rough transitions, is another theme. In the lovely "Seraphim Smile," Rachael realizes in an inspiring, building chorus that the answer to our fear and solitude lies in reaching out to others. The beautiful "Satellite" is a character sketch exploring the alienation between the youthful and the aged and the resulting senses of loneliness and loss on both sides. "Undertow" is about being unwillingly mired in the "linoleum castle" of paralyzing self-pity, depression and doubt, but in general, her outlook is positive: she's a strong person unafraid of the messiness of life--in fact, she embraces it, and motivates listeners to do the same.In short, this is a totally uplifting, affirming, empowering, engaging and transcendent album that manages to be all about peace and love while remaining smart, grounded, and not sugarcoated. And it's not just intellectually and emotionally stimulating, it just plain sounds gorgeous! Overall, a truly original gem that makes other recordings seem flat. I highly recommend this to anyone, for yourself or as a gift."