Search - Tracy Bonham :: Masts of Manhatta

Not that good. One song is good, the rest are uninspiring.

Flash | Cleveland, OH USA | 07/14/2010

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Hmmm. Tracy Bonham's previous studio release, Blink The Brightest truly ranks among one of my favorites. So much so that it made me go out in search of her back catalog to the point where I basically bought all her music. Since that time she has released a low-budget EP called In the City/In the Woods (2006), and now her latest, Masts of Manhatta (2010). Knowing that she was truly going into the studio really had my hopes up for something good, but unfortunately this one is not that good at all. Most of what I dislike is in direct contrast to what I loved so much about Blink The Brightest. It's important to note that I wasn't expecting her to do another BTB (I don't want any artist to make the same album twice). However, the primary difference is the lack of production on Masts of Manhatta (sorry Tracy, I know you self-produced this one). I truly believe Tracy Bonham has a truly wonderful singing voice, but on this effort, it just doesn't stand out. The music and overall production don't accompany her that well. So much of the music and melodies are choppy in tone and tempo and this isn't where Tracy shines. But wait, there's more. The lyrics aren't that good either. In the songs "Repricical Feelings" and "In the Moonlight" for example, I felt like I has listening to someone spout out stream of consciousness thoughts while at the same time trying to make up a melody to go along with the words. Embarrassingly, Tracy also drops in a bit of profanity to the lyrics as if this is supposed to be adult and witty, but instead the result is rather juvenile. I really liked the song "When You Laugh The World Laughs With You". On this one at least, Tracy sounds great. It has outstanding vocals, complimentary music to go along with her vocals and lyrics that go somewhere. Another song, "Big Red Heart" had potential. If it had benefitted from the same production as on Blink The Brightest (and a little more energy), I think it could have been really good. By they way, Tracy looked really good when she performed this song on the Tonight Show. I do like her. I just don't like this album. Ok. I talked about the producing of a Tracy Bonham album at lot in this review. Tracy has talent, no doubt about it. With a good producer and some accomplished studio musicians, her music could be as good as anything out there today. Read my review of Blink the Brightest. You would think her husband (Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine) could pull some strings and get her some support. Instead, my assessment of this effort is that it is dull, silly and uninspiring. Tracy needs to bring back a little pop sensibility and energy to her work. Of course, this is just my opinion. You might be more into her current vibe than I am."

Not her best work, but still quite good

Francisco Llanas | Longmont, CO. USA | 08/09/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I've been following Tracy since her breakthrough "Mother, Mother" back on "the burdens of being upright" since then I've tried to pick up everything she's released. I remember when "Down Here" came out. THAT was an amazing follow up to her previous album.

Popping the disc in this time for Masts of Manhatta was not the same this time. It starts out pretty good. I have to say the first few tracks are quite good. "Big Red Heart" is probably the strongest track on the album and my favorite so far. I was suprised she didn't credit "Sting" on this track though, the whole "you, and me, in love and misery. . ." sounds EXACTLY the same as the melody when Sting says "me with you and all the things you do. . ." back in 87 in his song: "We'll Be Together" on "Nothing Like The Sun." (take a listen; Trust me) seriously it could have been intentional because Tracy's intent with her lyrics on the melody are the opposite of Stings so it was a treat to hear that here, though I'm not sure she will say it was intentional.



ANYWAY,

After track 5, 6-11 are VERY hit or miss. (sometimes within the same song) She's got such a great unique voice, I wish she would use it more like she does on "Big Red Heart" or from before: See "Freed" "You Don't Know Me" the afor-mentioned "Mother, Mother" "Tell It To The Sky"



I don't have "blink the brightest" yet, so I can't compare "Masts" with it, but I do have "Liverpool Sessions" "The Burdens of Being Upright" and "Down Here" so I BELIEVE I have a good cross-section of what she's capable of.



All-in-all, I enjoy "Masts of Manhatta" simply because it's nice to hear from Tracy. she is a unique talent and someone who should not be missed. Is "Masts" her best submission? No. For the new listener, I recommend listening to her albums in the following order: "The Burdens of Being Upright," "Down Here," Then "Masts of Manhatta" if you need more, pick up "Liverpool Sessions" more than anything I enjoy "Liverpool Sessions" simply to listen to her roots. However, I may change my mind after listening to "Blink the Brightest" and now I think I MUST pick it up just to compare. stay tuned. . ."

Great album

will84 | 07/23/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Masts of Manhatta is a great return for Tracy Bonham. Love her voice and violin/guitar playing, and the album is filled with instantly memorable melodies and thoughtful lyrics. There's a wonderfully organic yet tight sound throughout the album. Highly recommend it."