False Smiles - Amy Studt

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Mixed
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Genuine talent in song writing, catchy tunes, nice voice
Disadvantages:	can get repetative, filled with songs that could have been left out

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Amy Studt may sound like a familiar name, but I'm guessing it is one of those names that you just can't quite remember where you heard it from. Dubbed the UK's version of 'Avril Lavigne', Amy Studt is a UK singer/songwriter whose debut album 'False Smiles' was released in 2003 achieving Gold status, selling over 200,000 copies peaking at number 18 in the UK Album Chart.

Her second album 'My Paper Made Men' was released in early 2008 to some critical success, but I wanted to dig my copy of 'False Smiles' out and reminisce over this pop rock album. Can 'False Smiles' still appeal to an audience today or are new genres of Hip Hop and R&B taking over the music scene?

**WHO IS Amy Studt? **

Born in July 1986, Amy Studt grew up in Bournemouth, where she has always been a passionate and enthusiastic musician, which led her to be able to sing, play piano and guitar, whilst having the musical score to write her own songs.

This is her debut album signed by Polydor, who have also been responsible for Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Take That.

**COVER/INLAY**

The cover of 'False Smiles' isn't original as it has a close up of Studt in a laying position, but it is the expression on her face that imitates the very themes expressed in her music. One of mystery, of sadness in the eyes whilst holding a melancholic stature. The inlay reiterates this, with pictures of loneliness, seclusion and her trademark symbol of a dead shrivelled rose.

Once you have listened to her music, the inlay all makes sense and it is quite effective.

**TRACK LIST**

(2004 Re-released version)

1. Just A Little Girl
2. Misfit
3. Under The Thumb
4. All I Wanna Do
5. If Only
6. Beautiful Lie
7. Ladder In My Tights
8. Carry Me Away
9. Happy Now
10. Gonna Be Fine
11. Superior Mind
12. Going Out Of My Mind
13. Seconds Away
14. Testify
15. Nobody

Originally a 14 track album, 'All I Wanna Do' was added in to the 2004 re-released version to coincide with the release of the single. For a debut album, 15 tracks is certainly more than enough for fans to listen to and with an abundance of B-Side tracks appearing on the singles means any fan would love to have the whole Amy Studt library.

#Just A Little Girl#
(written by Studt, Y. Bondy)

* * *

As the 'Do Do Do' quietly makes its way to ears, we get the impression that
'Just A Little Girl' is something a little different than our usual commercial pop. Mix that with the quiet, melodic piano in the background and a tuned sultry voice, straight away you know that Amy Studt is far from the girly comforts of B*Witched and Britney Spears.

As the chorus looms, the synthesized guitars make an entrance and the mood of the song changes completely. Pre-Adolescence reigns supreme with a cocky attitude and a determined voice. It is clear that 'Just A Little Girl' is one of the stronger tracks on the album with a catchy girl power attitude that sings with feminism. It isn't catchy in a bubbly way, but one that brims with a realistic approach and one that mirrors the time of its release.

Lyrically, it describes a teenager. One who is longing to be herself and is feeling so underrated and misunderstood.

'Don't ever underestimate what I can do, Don't ever tell me how I'm meant to be.'

'Just A Little Girl' was the first single to be released from 'False Smiles' in July 2002 and peaked at a respectful 14 in the UK Singles chart.

#Misfit#
(written by Studt, K. Poole, D. Eriksen)

* * * *

'Misfit' is probably one of the songs you remember if you have ever heard an Amy Studt song and why not? From the very beginning it rings with that pop rock guitar sound used so heavily of recent years, but it does it with a catchy, respectful mood without the ridiculously over rhymed lyrics.

The mood is entirely different than that of 'Just A Little Girl' with a more lively rhythm and one that is more radio friendly. Its themes are similar, being oneself and not falling into crowds. It's obvious it matches the moods of teenagers across the country who are just trying to find their way, but it does it in a non conflicting way, that adds a gentle touch of sarcasm with a non judgemental view.

'I spent so long trying to fit the prototype, I kept slippin in the heels and I never got it right.'

'Misfit' was the second single to be released from 'False Smiles' in June 2003 and peaked at a chart high of 6 in the UK Singles chart, whilst achieving minimal success around the world.

#Under The Thumb#
(written by Studt, K. Poole, D. Eriksen)

* * *

'Under The Thumb' is one of the most commercially acceptable tracks on the album with a strong catchy chorus filled with similar beats matching those in 'Misfit'. Elements of the keyboard help the song add more depth to its musicality, but on the whole it's quite an average pop song. It is easy to see why critics saw this as an almost copy of her previous singles.

Lyrically, 'Under The Thumb' is reasonably well written with a scornful tone that's just a little fluffy in parts. It has a strong use of Bridge and Chorus that is responsible for its popular sound and its appeal is most definitely to those teenage girls who have been tricked by boyfriends.

'I didn't even realise, Boy that we were playing games of under the thumb.'

'Under The Thumb' was the third single to be released from 'False Smiles' in September 2003 and managed to peak at number 10 in the UK Singles chart.

#All I Wanna Do#
(written by Crow, Gilbert)

* * *

A cover of Sheryl Crow's original, 'All I Wanna Do' is fast fun filled account of a young woman's life. Studt was asked personally by Crow to cover her song, which led to the re-release of 'False Smiles' to include it.

There aren't many differences between this version and the original, except it now sounds clearer and has a little crisp sound to it. Its definitely more modern with a synthesized sound that suits Amy's voice extremely well. It has a nice beat with a steady tempo that allows you to follow the song all the way through without any disdain, but it was always obvious that the song was going to be panned simply by critics and lovers of the Crow's original. I actually prefer this version to any other.

'All I Wanna Do is have some fun, I got a feeling im not the only one'

'All I Wanna Do' was the fourth and final single to be released from 'False Smiles' in January 2004 and was her lowest chart position reaching number 21 in the UK Singles Chart.

#IF Only#
(written by Studt, R. Davis)

* * *

'If Only' is one of the more laid back, chilled songs on 'False Smiles' with a very slow beat and soft approach. You won't find any chorus fuelled moments here and that is exactly what works well for this nice archaic tune. It is very simple at its core with an overused piano tune with keyboard over the top and flows along with ease.

Studt's voice here is very careful not to make this song a chore to listen to, with soft vocals and a straightforward rhythm. It's a very relaxing melody, but one with a lonely theme. Studt procrastinates about what could be rather than what is and at 17, Studt shines through with a strong maturity.

'If only I can find somebody who'll give me a helping hand.'

#Beautiful Lie#
(written by Studt, D. Eriksen, M. Hansson)

* * * *

'Beautiful Lie' is one of those songs that appear on albums that will never be released as a single, but is in fact of the most strongest tracks that the record has to offer. With its clever tempo and gentle beat, mixed with a string effect obviously created by a keyboard, 'Beautiful Lie' is not only a catchy song, but an honest one as well.

An eerie echo and a monotone backing voice provides a strong basis for this song as it adds extra layers to the meaning, which is something that your average songs lack. At times it does rely on rhyme a little too much to make the song last that little bit extra, but its does so unknowingly.

Lyrically it tells of a story of how it can so easy for a person to tell someone who is upset and feeling down over their life that things will get better, but she knows that ultimately that this will be a lie, one that will cover up what really matters.

'You don't have nothing but pride to keep you alive, I could say it will be fine but it's a beautiful lie.'

#Ladder In My Tights#
(written by Studt, K. Poole, D. Eriksen)

* * * *

'Ladder In My Tights' is a rare gem of a song that has so many layers to it that actually at first glance it appears annoying and childish. It has a one two three beat to it in the verses that reverberates like a one of those pre teenage songs that are obviously used to capture a child's attention, but when the bridge and chorus erupt, it has the familiar pop rock tune.

Despite the lyrics, at first it Studt gives a very much innocent façade to the song, with a doubtful understated voice, but all of a sound it becomes extremely feisty and confident that she actually believes in what she is singing. The confidence really does shine through in making this song so effective especially when the lyrics are quite provocative and daring. It challenges people to be different rather than following crowds, sounding like an anecdote of how a bully make only pick on someone for the label of ones clothing simply to make themselves feel 'big' or 'clever'.

'The world feels so much better when you find you don't fit. Who gives a fuck if woops you aint shiny and perfect.'

#Carry Me Away#
(written by Studt, Y. Bondy, F. Karlsson)

* * *

What 'Carry Me Away' does is enforce the listener to suddenly realise that Amy Studt is in fact different from those generic singers who need a huge backing sound, even larger voice to enliven the end of the song and a pretty face to carry the whole thing off. Starting off with a gentle acoustic sound, the song rarely livens up and it matches her subject matter perfectly.

Describing a daydream and a sense of losing oneself inside your own thoughts, the song has a nice rhythm and a wonderfully simply rhyme to it. It is meant to sound airy like a real daydream and its lack of words inside of the chorus, filled with 'La La's' really does create an effective tune. What the song fails to do however is take off and that's its real problem. Its obviously one of those songs that fills the album to make that bit longer, but at least it's a nice melody with a light feel.

'Here the silence and what she's got to say, All your sorrows let them drift away.'

#Happy Now#
(written by Studt, Y. Bondy)

* * * *

The first song from 'False Smiles' to use an orchestral background, 'Happy Now' is a depressing melancholic song that moves along very slowly. It is also a very quiet song that Studt does extremely on in terms of vocals, creating a strong sense of belief and emotion. The way she does this is by emphasising syllables in certain words, and it is fantastic.

Not only does the string sound create a moody tinge but the entire feeling from the song is one of loneliness and despair. Unlike the message created from the previous songs about being different and yourself in life, 'Happy Now' displays the affect this has on ones self esteem and how sometimes you are alienated from the world.

'I had so much to give, but you didn't have to take it all.'

#Gonna Be Fine#
(written by Studt, S. Lewinson, P. Lewinson)

* * *

Like 'Carry Me Away', 'Gonna Be Fine' is most certainly an album track, but after the very heavy deep 'Happy Now', this song serves very much to counter that negative energy. Simply by describing that no matter what happens, everything will be ok in the end.

Musically, it is very similar to the quieter songs on the album, and it pretty much doesn't do anything very different than what we have heard before. What it does do however it give us evidence that Amy Studt can in fact sing reaching a whole plethora of notes both high and low without the help of a sound system. She also does this without sounding too stressed or unnerved and that is fantastic to hear.

'Cause at the end of the day, You're one step closer to finding your way.'

#Superior Mind#
(written by Studt, D. Eriksen)

* * *

If 'Beautiful Lie' hadn't been on the track list, 'Superior Mind' would have been a stand out track, but it just sounds to familiar with a virtually same sound, tempo and rhythm. Even though it is a very competent song, it is quite disappointing to hear simply because of the samey feel and sound.

Vocally, Studt goes back to the more pop sound, simply singing the song without really any conviction and this is what makes it quite regular and standard. Lyrically, the words move quite fast sending a very clear message that the problems we suffer from are really our own doing and to get past them we need to have strong mind. It isn't original, but at 17 it does reflect that same maturity shown earlier on, on the album.

'Every day I'm more disappointed by the world and I'm loosing my faith. We made the hell that we have live, Another universal truth.'

#Going Out Of My Mind#
(written by Studt, S. Lewison, P. Lewison)

* * *

'Going Out Of My Mind' has a nice sound to it with a faster approach than some of the later songs of 'False Smiles'. I also like the idea to the song as well as it is set very much as a speech to someone's answer machine and it tells the story of how silence can never make problems go away and the best way to handle your troubles is by opening up and sharing.

The familiar acoustic sound has returned again, but it doesn't ruin anything and it acts creates quite a delicate feel to the song, again without the need of strong powerful vocals. The backing vocals are nicely done as well and support the lead vocals rather than to disrupt them.

'Please talk to me, Whatever's wrong. You know I'd help you out, How will I know if you won't say.'

#Seconds Away#
(written by Studt, C. Dennis)

* *

Out of nowhere, 'Seconds Away' rips in the album like a plague, one of disruption and a forced sound. When things were going so smoothly without much of a rift, this song really does sound out of place with an odd piano background that seems very out of tune. To make things even worse a ridiculous string sound comes in pretty much there after.

The problem with the song is that you just can't believe what she is saying because of the awful music that accompanies her voice, which to an ever greater extent is out of place again. She sounds rather under forced here with an annoying echo and whisper as backup vocals, which only sounds like a B rate Amy Lee.

Lyrically the song describes how life can pass anyone by in a matter of minutes with everyday things such as love can always come and then go again. Unlike previous songs, Studt here tries to much to be mature and it just doesn't sound right.

'Lovers go and lovers come, It's the same for everyone.'

#Testify#
(written by Studt, C. Dennis)

* *

The plague seems to continue on here as 'Testify' really isn't much better then the previous song with a boring melody and an even more awful tone. Her voice seems to loose some control here as it doesn't sound right in places and even the music looses the plot at times as the bundle of synthesized guitar sounds creep out and children's lullaby sound from a hanging mobile skulks in.

It's at this point when you start to wonder if 15 tracks are decent as from this example; it just really didn't need to be on here. The theme of the song is quite different from the rest of the album as well stating that she has been living a lie, lying to herself about who she is and that she is afraid to show the person off to people. It's quite contradictory of the message created throughout especially from her single releases.

'I've been lying to myself for too long, Silence was my only comfort.'

#Nobody#
(written by Studt, Y. Bondy)

* *

A short lived sigh of relief can be found in the opening verse of 'Nobody' reliving that same gloomy melancholic sound from 'Happy Now', but as the chorus drums in the plague resurfaces itself and its an end game. Lyrically, 'Nobody' is right up there being honest and interesting at the same time as she describes how she feels disclosed off from everybody and that she feels nobody seems to care about her physically or emotionally.

The problem is that the music just doesn't fit the song as it sounds like it has been quickened to try and be more catchy and friendly to the listener, but this soulful account needs something much more softer and more fitting of its subject matter. It does sound odd and quite unnecessary in the grand scheme of things.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Overall, 'False Smiles' by Amy Studt is a rollercoaster ride of emotions touching on subjects of seclusion, loneliness, bullying and strife. On the most parts its an album very much underrated that slipped under the radar to most people, but one that should definitely be given a chance. It does have its weaknesses towards the end of the album, but with a vocal range to be proud of and a writing gift that could propel her career, 'False Smiles' has a variety of songs to listen to that will appeal to teenagers and adults alike. It's a shame that many of the more mature songs on here will go undetected to most unless the listener has found themselves in the same position, but with fast catchy songs like 'Misfit' and 'All I Wanna Do', the album could still be noticed today, even amongst the whirlwind of new sounds coming across from America.

**ADVICE**

You may like 'False Smiles' if you liked:

'Let Go' (Avril Lavigne)
'Jagged Little Pill' (Alanis Morissette)

*Singles Released*

Just A Little Girl
Misfit
Under The Thumb
All I Wanna Do

Price:
(as from 21/08/2008)

Play.com: £4.99
Amazon.co.uk : £4.98
ITunes: £7.99

Each song is available individually for £0.79 from ITunes

Her music videos for Just A Little Girl and Under The Thumb are also available for purchase from ITunes for £1.29 each.

Website: http://www.amystudt.com/

All of her music videos are available to watch on YouTube