Courage

by

Paula Cole

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I spotted Paula in Rockport Massachusetts last week....I live there during the summer and I knew that she grew up there and still visits frequently. I "googled" her and discovered that this new album was out. I immediately bought it and can't stop listening to it. The tracks are sexy, hypnotic, jazzy, meaningful, addicting, exciting....just amazing!

I'm so glad she's back....better than before and ready for big big things to come. Paula, if you're reading this....get ready for the grammy's!!!

Please buy this record and listen to it over and over again...Play it while on the treadmill or at an itimate candlelit dinner party. Something for every music taste.

Courage is like Alanis who calmed down many albums later. It's sweet, calm, poetic, and a very safe album. If you're expected Throwing Stones or Tiger, you won't see it here. Or if you're even wanting the hooky melodies of Carmen or Hush, Hush, Hush. It's a bit sad to name all the tracks from This Fire but it was such an album of the decade. Every song was different and every song brought on a different mood and energy. Courage flows on the same wave. Every song is smooth and quiet. Her voice is beautiful as ever but one really misses the edge of her past material, the hooks, the fantastic musical arrangements. Everything kind of blends together after the 3rd song. It's nice that she's spiritual and found peace in her life but I was hoping for another masterpiece of a collection of songs that were different in every way.

She really threw us for a loop with Amen, which was completely rocky and, again, no songs that I walked away singing. I understand artists wanting to branch out but when they go so far left and loose that spark of creating memorable songs, it makes me sad. Artists like Tracy Chapman and Sade always stay true to their form and have legions of fans that appreciate that, I was SO hoping that Paula would come back with a bite and let us have it with another unique album. Yet, Courage is her "At Peace" album. It's not that I want her to be bitter and angry but give us some arrangements that aren't so relaxing and meditative. Good for her that she's happy but sad that we don't have the edgy sound from her anymore.