Eye To The Telescope - K.T. Tunstall > Reviews > Eye To The Telescope

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Not applicable
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Shes refreshing for the most part .  .  .
Disadvantages:	.  .  . shes a bit too Norah sometimes !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Welcome to the sublime world of KT Tunstall! Not well known (yet!) she has just released ‘Eye To The Telescope’ her debut album.

Single ‘Black Horse & The Cherry Tree’ is getting lots of airplay both on radio and on MTV etc! Seeing and hearing this I thought the mix of Texas like vocals and catchy beats I would be interested in the album. Then AndyMc1976 gave me a copy (naughty I know) and I was really impressed.

The album starts with the haunting ‘Other Side Of The World’ a guitary mid tempo affair. This song is really catchy thanks to the guitar riff! Her vocals particularily whilst singing “other side” are stunning. She has a very pure voice slightly deep voice, with a hint of gravel to it making her sound quite original. A nice opener.

Claps and dark beats (with deep cello notes) start ‘Another Place To Fall’. This is quite different from the previous song… its angrier for a start! This also has a upbeat country beat in the back ground. But don’t let that put you off shes not a country whinger! The lyrics are as with all her songs deep and accesible, this song reminds me of someone else but cant think who.

Slow ‘Under the Weather’ is the next track. This song is so Norah Jones like it is untrue. Now I havent decided if that’s a good thing or not. She even sings ‘feels like home’, hmmm! Its not boring or dull but its not instantly catchy. Nice background music and may grow cos the chorus is quite pleasant.

I love ‘Black Horse & A Cherry Tree’ as its soooooo catchy. The woohoo’s make it quite instant and recognisable, as do the repeating guitar strums. Yet again theres a hint of country but this is also much more pop friendly. This is an upbeat romp that will have you tapping you feet and singing along.I’m really surprised this didn’t do better in the charts! Short but sweet.

Catchy clapping continues on ‘Miniature Disasters’. This is rawer than previous songs and is pretty much her a guitar and some sort of drum. This song isnt as instant as ‘Black Horse’ its good but it doesn’t stick in your head forever.

Another Norah like ballad with ‘Silent Sea’ only I really like this song! You get submerged in her vocals and the simplicity of the song washes over you! Its not the best ballad I’ve ever hear but I’ve added it too my favourites playlist so that says something for it.

Carrying on the ballad vibe is ‘Universe & U’ this starts with a niose I cant describe I wanna say a non annoying doorbell hahahaha! Then electric like noises are buzzing in the background before the gitars and drums start. The verses are very slow and smoothly sung, the chorus goes up a notch and the vocals go more gravelly. This is a highlight of the album.

Plinky plonky, country, rock and Norah Jones all merge to make ‘False Alarm’. This song is pleasant enough its potters along not offending anyone! I think this is possibly a grower cos its not instant but its not an album filler… none of KT’s are! Like all her songs the lyrics are great “’m trying to put this thing to bed, I drugged it in its sleep”.

Upbeat (at last) for the superb ‘Suddenly I See’. This song is dark and broody from the start with the bass guitar and drums. The clever repetition of lyrics “well her face is a map of the world, a map of the world, you can see shes a beautiful girl, shes a beautiful girl” make it stick in your head. This rocky romper reminds me of Suzanne Vega to a degree and is another highlight.

‘Stoppin The Love’ is another basic slowy. I cant decide if I like this or not. I don’t like the male ‘dull’ backing vocal kinda makes the chorus a bit of a derge! I think this is possibly the weakest song on the album.

Just a simple guitar is the lead into ‘Heal Over’. This is pleasant but I cant help feel this is a bit of a filler. Its very much her style, but lacks something. It doesn’t stand out at all, I think this is sticking a bit too much to the obvious guitar and vocals that a lot of artists are doing. It does kick off more after 3 minutes but by then theres only 50 secs left so it doesn’t quite work.

The final song ‘Through The Dark’ I wanted to be a dark stormer. Nope, Norah style slowy AGAIN! I’m not going into detail with this as is the same as several other songs on the album. You have the jist!
This is a very talented lady, and a strong debut album. I only wish she had gone for some more rip roaring numbers like the fabulous ‘Black Horse & The Cherry Tree’, ‘Suddenly I See’ or ‘Another Place to Fall’. There are some great songs but too often it’s a bit clishe! Its worth it for the great eight songs. And if you’re a Norah fan the others you’ll love too!