Best Of Regina Belle, The - Regina Belle

Advantages: A wide range of unique songs.
Disadvantages: Some songs are not so favourable to me, but they may be to you!

...is a clear draw on her Eastern Europen background, Prisoners touches on the New Testament, with the lines, "for the walls to somehow come tumbling, crumbling down, for the bars to somehow, magically, break," as they are described as doing in the new testament, when an earthquake causes one of God's servants to escape. Regina's music is so experimental, it is easy for people to dismiss her as not very good, even slightly eccentric, yet it is her willingness to put herself out there that makes her so very talented, and so very amazing. The first disc features the alltime classic and widely acclaimed favourite by fans, "US," which allows the cd to showcase Regina's best with her, not worst, but less interesting songs. Although overall I would recommend this cd to everyone, I would not however deny the existence of any faults. Personally I am less... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A modern quirky genius
Disadvantages: Perhaps too quirky for some; Sometimes doesn't 'flow'

...Regina Spektor's third album, "Soviet Kitsch", is quite a listen. The Soviet-born singer/songwriter crafts sublime piano-driven pieces, baring similarities to Tori Amos and Kate Bush. In many ways, it's pop music, but with a quirky difference, and with roots in the New York anti-folk and punk scene. The album covers the usual emotional bases; the frail "Carbon Monoxide", the quirky and upbeat "Poor Little Rich Boy", the anthemic "Us", the confrontational "Your Honour". The songs are also intelligent, both in their construction and in terms of the lyrics; a voice that swings from pure emotion to childlike innocence to sarcasm. Ideally, these songs need to be heard live; the album, in many respects, seems to be like a musical soundtrack to a production that is best experienced live. That withstanding however, the album is still solid... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Each song on the C.D is different with thought-provoking lyrics and memorable songs.
Disadvantages: One song repetitive and boring - "that time"

...Since listening to Radio 2, I have noticed that Terry Wogan has a talent in finding gifted female artists such as Katie Melua and Eva Cassidy. After hiring Samson, (Regina Spektor’s first single release,) I immediately had to go and by the album- “Begin To Hope.” The album is simply beautiful. I was overwhelmed with her voice and pure effortless perfection. The lyrics are fascinating. Being originally from Moscow, the slight accent makes her voice recognisable. “Fidelity”, “Better”, “Samson” and “On The Radio,” are the best on the album. Samson is outstanding and mesmerizing. I also loved “Summer In The City,” with witty, funny lyrics: “And the castrated ones stand in the corner smoking, they want to feel, the bulges in their pants start to rise, at the site of a beautiful woman they feel nothing but, anger, her... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful