This Is the Life

by

Amy Macdonald

Edit

The most wonderful things happen when you least expect it. I was absentmindedly listening to an English radio station on the internet and suddenly I was in a happy place thinking that I was hearing a classic Fleetwood Mac or Eagles track. But it dawned on me, I hadn't heard this before. The tune was Mr. Rock and Roll. I totally flipped out, caught the name of the singer and hunted the internet to find out more. My twelve year old daughter came to my rescue got me to YouTube and we watched the video. After that I was hitting the play button again and again like a chimpanzee being rewarded with grapes. I couldn't get the tune out of my head. Then I began to feel uncomfortable. The vocals didn't give it away. Amy MacDonald was nineteen when she recorded This Is the Life. Was this the start of a mid-life crisis? Thankfully, it turned out that the album has resonated with the middle-aged, with apparently many sharing the joy with their kids. Besides Mr. Rock and Roll, the majority of the remaining tracks are just as catchy and melodic, sung with a voice that is rather hard to describe, peaches and grapefruit is about the best I can come up with. The acoustic guitar is addictive.

This is the absolutely the most enjoyable rock or popular music I have experienced in a very long time. Listening to this album certainly is the life.

I had a tough time writing this review. I think that Amy MacDonald is a very talented singer and songwriter, but the product she produces just isn't my cup of tea.

I was hoping that Amy might be a foreign version of Michelle Branch or Vanessa Carlton, giving me the same type of wonderful music with an interesting accent or flavor.

Instead, I was treated with a fantastic voice (and accent) but much more in the genre of folk than pop or adult contemporary. I couldn't imagine any of her songs airing on popular radio here in the states, at least not any of the stations I listen to.

So, if you're in the mood for a great irish folk artist with a modern flair, then I think you'll like Amy MacDonald. If you're expecting anything else, especially pop, you'll most likely be disappointed.