Not bad, but vocally it's incredibly nasal, and lyrically it's a bit too much like what Say You Will (the album) had to offer. And since Stevie has already told everyone what the song is about, it makes it impossible to enjoy for your own reasons.
I think the song has potential, but I agree that Stevie is too quick to reveal the inspirations for her songs these days. Perhaps it's because she doesn't write as many as she used to...perhaps it's because social media has provided so many additional outlets for her every comment to be shared with the public whether it's intentional on her part or not. I guess the important thing is she's releasing new music!
I like it. Don't love it, but I like it. She sounds good and the music is great. I think we all just need to realize that that sweet-voiced woman we hear on The Chain demo simply doesn't exist anymore. Years on the road, decades of hard living, and age have weathered her voice. That range, that softness is gone, but she still has power and she can still convey emotions. And maybe that's enough these days.....
Her delivery is strident. Going for the "powerful vocal" like she did with Soldiers Angel, makes them the least pleasant to listen to. A more textured, softer vocal would not diminish the social issues she raises in these songs. And I believe she is still capable of delivering them. Goodbye Baby from SYW. For What It's Worth from IYD. Serious social issues do not have to be seriously and plaintively delivered.
The lyrics are so literal-minded the chorus may as well be, "Just say no." Don't like this "we" business - as if "we" knew how to do drugs and the kids today don't. And "dancing with the devil" is beyond cliche. Don't like it at all.
I'm concerned over Stevie's voice. Why doesn't she rest her voice before she embarks on this huge tour? This single is NOT her best work and she was awful singing it live. Where is her voice coach?
Love her voice as its aging. Its hard to like or dislike a 'snippet' of a song. We have not heard the whole cut. But that voice is gold. She is a rock chick. Let it crack baby. Let it emote. Everyones voice changes and deepens as they age. Joni, Marianne,etc. I love them for theirs as well.
I agree ^^ I Love this new song, raspy voice, heavy subject matter and all ... Rock is not soft, delicate or sugar-coated ... that's what the whole 'Sound City' Documentary conveys ... Stevie is a Rock Queen from the old school - from an era with legends like Janis Joplin, Led Zepplin and The Doors - and has never changed for anyone ... she is still alive and kicking, she records what she wants, she sings live no matter what and expresses herself freely ... if anyone has issue with a Rock & Roll woman being ever true to herself and her craft, well then I suppose maybe the over-produced, auto-tuned studio songs of the younger generation of today would be more the type of easy listening music style their used to... just saying. To each his own.
I always preface any comment by saying I am a huge fan of Stevie's. Seen her in concert 58 times. BUT, does her voice sound melodic or even pleasant? I don't think so.Sometimes I dream that I'll hear she found out she has one of those nodule things on her throat like Steven Tyler, John Mayer and Adele had. Then have the surgery like they did and her voice will be back to what it once was. In my dreams.
I don't think it's a matter of there being anything wrong with her voice or that she can't pull off different ranges. It's more that she just doesn't bother. She phones it in these days, sticking to the same tired notes that she's used for the past decade. She thinks it's fine because the fans proclaim it to be sensational regardless of what it actually is.
I don't care what some of the above comments say about Stevie still being "alive and kicking" or a "rock and roll woman" and all that other nonsense. None of these things should equal blind devotion if the product is poor - which it is. It's not a good vocal. We all know she can do better and there's no need for undeserved praise.
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18 comments:
Not bad, but vocally it's incredibly nasal, and lyrically it's a bit too much like what Say You Will (the album) had to offer. And since Stevie has already told everyone what the song is about, it makes it impossible to enjoy for your own reasons.
3/5 Stars on the REO Stevie Wagon
I think the song has potential, but I agree that Stevie is too quick to reveal the inspirations for her songs these days. Perhaps it's because she doesn't write as many as she used to...perhaps it's because social media has provided so many additional outlets for her every comment to be shared with the public whether it's intentional on her part or not. I guess the important thing is she's releasing new music!
I like it. Don't love it, but I like it. She sounds good and the music is great. I think we all just need to realize that that sweet-voiced woman we hear on The Chain demo simply doesn't exist anymore. Years on the road, decades of hard living, and age have weathered her voice. That range, that softness is gone, but she still has power and she can still convey emotions. And maybe that's enough these days.....
Excellent comment, John, and spot on!
I likes it.
Has a Marianne Faithful vibe to it...
Her delivery is strident. Going for the "powerful vocal" like she did with Soldiers Angel, makes them the least pleasant to listen to. A more textured, softer vocal would not diminish the social issues she raises in these songs.
And I believe she is still capable of delivering them. Goodbye Baby from SYW. For What It's Worth from IYD.
Serious social issues do not have to be seriously and plaintively delivered.
The lyrics are so literal-minded the chorus may as well be, "Just say no." Don't like this "we" business - as if "we" knew how to do drugs and the kids today don't. And "dancing with the devil" is beyond cliche. Don't like it at all.
I like it. It reminds me a little bit of Illume with the end-riff from Silver Girl. I'm sure it builds in intensity and passion.
The riff is sounding more like Stop Draggin' My Heart Around with a little bit of Rhiannon thrown in. And what a deep gravelly voice Stevie sings in!
She sounds awesome. I love this.
I'm concerned over Stevie's voice. Why doesn't she rest her voice before she embarks on this huge tour? This single is NOT her best work and she was awful singing it live. Where is her voice coach?
Love her voice as its aging. Its hard to like or dislike a 'snippet' of a song. We have not heard the whole cut. But that voice is gold. She is a rock chick. Let it crack baby. Let it emote. Everyones voice changes and deepens as they age. Joni, Marianne,etc. I love them for theirs as well.
I agree ^^ I Love this new song, raspy voice, heavy subject matter and all ... Rock is not soft, delicate or sugar-coated ... that's what the whole 'Sound City' Documentary conveys ... Stevie is a Rock Queen from the old school - from an era with legends like Janis Joplin, Led Zepplin and The Doors - and has never changed for anyone ... she is still alive and kicking, she records what she wants, she sings live no matter what and expresses herself freely ... if anyone has issue with a Rock & Roll woman being ever true to herself and her craft, well then I suppose maybe the over-produced, auto-tuned studio songs of the younger generation of today would be more the type of easy listening music style their used to... just saying. To each his own.
^^
Yeah, because if we don't like something SN does we're just mindless drones salivating over One Direction, right?
Grow up and stop being so pretentious. Her "craft"??? Are you for real? This isn't Inside The Actor's Studio, you know.
@Anonymous:
"if anyone has issue with a Rock & Roll woman being ever true to herself and her craft"
Stevie and her craft? You mean witchcraft? She is a witch, you know.
I always preface any comment by saying I am a huge fan of Stevie's. Seen her in concert 58 times. BUT, does her voice sound melodic or even pleasant? I don't think so.Sometimes I dream that I'll hear she found out she has one of those nodule things on her throat like Steven Tyler, John Mayer and Adele had. Then have the surgery like they did and her voice will be back to what it once was. In my dreams.
^^
I don't think it's a matter of there being anything wrong with her voice or that she can't pull off different ranges. It's more that she just doesn't bother. She phones it in these days, sticking to the same tired notes that she's used for the past decade. She thinks it's fine because the fans proclaim it to be sensational regardless of what it actually is.
I don't care what some of the above comments say about Stevie still being "alive and kicking" or a "rock and roll woman" and all that other nonsense. None of these things should equal blind devotion if the product is poor - which it is. It's not a good vocal. We all know she can do better and there's no need for undeserved praise.
I agree with the above post. If it isn't good, it just isn't good. Stevie can do better.
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