This is the first time I have done a review for a music album, so it is rather scary. I have come to realise that I have a lot to say actually.

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ABOUT JEWEL KILCHER
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Jewel was born in Payson in Utah, USA on 23rd May 1974 to Nedra Carroll and Atz Kilcher. She was bought up in a very musical family, as her father taught music in schools and is a folk singer. Her mother, Nedra was an artist and also became Jewel's personal manager. Her father is of Swiss - German decent whereas, her mother of Irish.

Jewel was brought up in Homer, Alaska, living with her father. They used to earn their living singing in bars. It was this, which perhaps enhanced her yodelling techniques, which is still often evident in her music to date.

I was surprised to find out that Jewel only took up the guitar at a late age of 16. Bearing in mind that a year later, she was writing songs accompaniment with it. I thought she would have played it for a lot longer. Jewel managed to get a scholarship at the very prestigious 'Interlochen Arts Academy' in Michigan and studied operatic voice. She began committing to song writing at the age of 17. Jewel is also a poet and has released books, as well as an actress. One very impressive lady.

Due to her outstanding talent, she has received 3 'Grammy Awards' nominations and her first album; 'Pieces of You' became one of the biggest selling albums of all time - by going platinum 12 times!

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ALBUMS
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1. 1995: Pieces of You
2. 1998: Spirit
3. 1999: Joy: A Holiday Collection
4. 2001: This Way
5. 2003: 0304
6. 2006: Goodbye Alice in Wonderland

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GOODBYE ALICE IN WONDERLAND
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This is indeed, her 6th album, which is not bad for an artist whose career expands a decade. Bearing in mind, she does all the hard work of writing her own songs! That does require some brain cells and I loved the fact that she does not rely on music 'given' to her to perform. This album was released in May 2006.

I was very sad to hear that this album didn't do too well and was full of mixed reviews. What should have been her most personal work, it didn't even achieve a gold certificate after 7 months in the sale. Her first single 'Again and again' reached only at number 16 in the chart, and the second, 'Good Day' failed the radio chart.

Jewel quoted in the album, ' Goodbye Alice in Wonderland is the story of my life and is the most autobiographical album I have made since "Pieces of You". I spent a lot of time sequencing it, so each song sets up next, like a novel with a beginning, middle and an end.' This is the sentence of an artist who is passionate about her work and there are reasons behind her doings. Yet some reason, I feel this is not her best album. There are some fantastic songs, some okay songs and some 'I'm going to skip to the next' songs.

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(1) Again and Again (3:58)
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"Walk down the street, staring a lot of things. That pass in steady streams, again and again and again and again."

Lyric and music by Jewel Kilcher. This is the first song and released single. I have to admit it did not take my liking at the very first time that I heard it. However, as I listen more closely to it, I find the music and lyric to be beautiful. It's a rather sad song as it describes a mundane lifestyle and wanting to give the relationship another attempt. Some nice range of octave in her singing and yodelling. This song has a soft melody that will stick in your head all day long. There is also a lovely bass vocalist by herself, which added extra harmony into the whole song. This is interesting as the song is not necessarily country, yet the guitar certainly was - some very clever musical arrangement of drums and piano I say.

Verdict - 9 / 10

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(2) Long Slow Slide (3:48)
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"You are still nobodies bride, while Bukowski's widow haunts each empty seat on the Ferris wheel."

Lyric and music by Jewel Kilcher. This is more like her older materials, in terms of great harmony (like Hands in 'Spirit' album). Very easy listening, yet with sophisticated and haunting lyrics - the juxtaposition seems to be working in her favour. Definitely a song for the fans of her older music. You will not be disappointed with the passion within her voice.

Verdict - 7/10

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(3) Goodbye Alice in Wonderland (5:56)
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"Fame is filled with spoiled children, we grow fat on fantasy."

Lyric and music by Jewel Kilcher. A good old traditional country style with a quiet beginning, leading to a more up-tempo orchestral chorus. There is a lovely theme to this song, as it is about saying goodbye to fantasy, hence Alice in Wonderland. Get back into reality even though it can seem stranger than fictions. It's about growing up and face your responsibility and reality. A rather long son though.

Verdict - 7/10

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(4) Good Day (3:46)
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"But as it is I might watch TV, cause it's nice to see people can be more messed up than me."

Lyric and music by Jewel Kilcher. This was released as the second single and I love this song, as it is rather fun and optimistic. It's something to listen to when you are down, as it is going to be a good day. It has an uplifting beat, but not necessary a fast tempo song. It creates an atmosphere of sunshine and lollipops and makes you feel positive about yourself. If not, then you ought to after the song. Not necessary the most beautiful verse in terms of melody, but definitely has a wonderful chorus. Oh…and there is swearing in the song!

Verdict - 8/10

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(5) Satellite (5:06)
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"She's trying to fix her dreams, with sushi and facials and carrot juice."

Lyric and music by Jewel Kilcher. A good pop beat at the beginning of the song, but singing is more country and folk - a nice combination. Not my favourite song, but lyrically fantastic. It's about the superficial lifestyle in the celebrity world via the satellite television. I guess there is a lot of 'talking - singing' style, which is not my personal favourite preference.

Verdict - 4/10

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(6) Only One Too (3:05)
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"So I push and you pull, and I don't know which way to go."

Lyric and music by Jewel Kilcher and John Shanks. I really like this song as it have a rock element due to some great guitar rifts, especially at the beginning. An up tempo piece which represent the frustration to the theme I guess - which is a break up of a relationship but wanting to win the partner back…a lot of pleading and analysing. The rock feeling does not make the song sad, but a powerful channelling of emotions.

Verdict - 8/10

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(7) Words Get in the Way (3:59)
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"Tell your boss you're dead, and let's go back to bed."

Lyric and music by Jewel Kilcher. A sweet and cute song that you just has to love. It's about trying to say what you really mean, but it ways comes out wrong. It's another more up beat song, which enlightens you as a listener. However, she sang this entire song in her very high octave, which can be a big turn off after several listens. It's like a cat screeching. Yet it is a lovely song nevertheless.

Verdict - 7/10

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(8) Drive To You (4:15)
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"Tonight I have the strangest feeling, search for answers on the hotel ceiling."

Lyric and music by Jewel Kilcher and Lester Mendez. This is my favourite, favourite, favourite song out of many from her albums. It's a rockier piece, with a fantastic guitar solo intro that makes you tap to the beat. It reminds me a cross between Lucie Silvas' "Breathe In" and Belinda Carlisle's "Leave The Light On". The lyric in this is

Pictures of Goodbye Alice In Wonderland - Jewel

Jewel Kilcher

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so romantic, yet sorrowful at the same time. The melody of the chorus runs smoothly from line to line. It's a 'must hear' song - One powerful ballad".

Verdict - 10 / 10

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(9) Last Dance Rodeo (6:16)
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"Don't wander too far, my one constant star, darkness exists."

Lyric and music by Jewel Kilcher. Back more into her traditional slow folky style with a soft rock beginning. As usual, another powerful chorus that fills up the room. This song is slightly filled with lecture and advice - don't judge a book by its cover and that self-appearance is not everything. Yet again, it is rather long which appears to be dragging on at times.

Verdict - 6/10

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(10) Fragile Heart (3:21)
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"Only fools believe, nothing changes, nothing leaves."
Lyric and music by Jewel Kilcher and Anthony Bell. I was really surprised to see this song in the album as it was in her last on "0304". Did they put it in by mistake? The accompaniment has been revamp to a more up beat, yet more country element. It's a nice change, but I prefer the original version, as it was a lot sweeter and more innocent. I did like the altering of some of the notes she pitches, as it was more passionate. I am very interested in the guitar solo in the middles of the song - why? It spoils the song I am afraid to say. I am slightly confused as it sounds rather country - ish, then developed into a rock / pop item.

Verdict - 5/10

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(11) Stephenville TX (3:57)
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"Now he teaches music to kids, he taught music to me. And this Alaskan girl has been living in Stephenville, TX."

Lyric and music by Jewel Kilcher. Oh my gosh, this is a proper Dolly Parton country style, which I am not a fan of. I liked reading the lyric though, as it is her autobiography, which was cleverly written and placed. Not a lot to say apart from the fact that it is my cup of tea. Nice guitar playing though.

Verdict - 2/10

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(12) Where You Are (3:28)
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"I'm trying to write messages on the wind, god how I just want to belong."

Lyric and music by Jewel Kilcher. It has a very 'Tango / Spanish' feel to the music, which is very interesting for her. A lovely sang piece, yet not much real climax - it didn't really go anywhere. It's just a nice song to listen to with a nice unusual musical arrangement.

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(13) 1000 Miles Away (3:49)
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"The sun shines golden and I feel like my car, a little run down, a little beat up."

Lyric and music by Jewel Kilcher. Reminds me a lot of "Don't from her first album "Pieces of Me". Some impressive long note holding…or yodelling for Jewel. A lovely, calm piece to finish off the album. Those fans of Jewel will not be disappointed with this piece and probably can relate to the theme - life goes on even when it's hard at times.

Verdict - 7/10

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VERDICT
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The packaging and cover design is lovely, as it has a floral motif throughout it. It has also has a woodland theme pictured throughout the leaflets, which relates to her deeply. A yes, there are lyrics printed, but a tad bit small.

I would recommend you trying out the tracks that I gave higher ratings too. It is nice that she has gone back more to her traditional folky route, but I sort of liked her '0304' more modernised and funkier style. If you are a Jewel's fan, you will not be disappointed, but it is not for an everyday chart lover audience.

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INFO
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Genre - Rock & Pop
Release Date - 05/06/2006
Label / Distributor - Atlantic / Cinram Logistics
Producer - Jewel Kilcher and Rob Cavallo
EAN: 75678379925
Catalogue Number: 7567837992