Brooke Fraser - Albertine Review
Posted by JR Simmang on 08.23.2008
It’s not enough that she makes trips to Rwanda and has one of the most beautiful voices of the modern era. No, no, Brooke Fraser isn’t satisfied with just making a difference. She has to make music, too.
Already a pop icon in New Zealand, Brooke Fraser is a little less than unassuming. She’s incapable of being accusatory, she’s sweet, she’s nice, she’s the girl next door with a phenomenal voice. I’ll be the first to say it, and say what you will all you “Feel Like a Virgin” -ites. Since Madonna there’s been some really crappy female vocalists out there. They hit rock bottom when the infamous “Panty- Flasher White- Trasher” Spears came out in more ways than the public was ready to accept in the early 2000’s and has not gotten any better. That’s not to say there haven’t been successes. Michelle Branch, Ingrid Michaelson, and Faust, paved the way for the next greatest thing, Brooke Fraser.
Albertine, named from a starving African child Fraser met while doing mission work, is smooth and swayable. It’s classy and reminiscent of a watered down A Fine Frenzy. It’s a romp through the one side of humanity that may either be a full- blown California wildfire in some people or just a match that’s burning your fingertips in others. Her first single, “Deciphering Me” has a certain lullaby aspect. Her vocals plumb and bob her depths of emotion. She’s obviously passionate throughout the song about what could be her greatest love ever. It’s a real chick- flick song right out of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Fraser typically writes all of her songs while she’s out in the world doing good deeds. “Love, Where is Your Fire” showcases her talent. It’s an easy- listen, crumple the love letter and toss it into the fire, curl up on a bearskin rug next to the embers waltz. But, I have this thing about waltzes. If an artist can break out of the typical 4/4 time and do it successfully, there’s nothing that should stand in their way. The breaks in tempo and cascading drumbeats and cymbal crashes build and build into a fever of passion. Fraser expresses her sincerity and allows herself to be totally defenseless. It takes a lot of trust.
The album’s title song, “Albertine,” sums up Fraser’s philosophy. The lyrics “Now that I have seen, I am responsible,” begin a story of a girl that has witnessed a thousand days of strife and dirt and feels that by spreading the word of the world, she can do her part to repair some of the inequity felt in less privileged countries. Fraser isn’t just out there to make music and pretend like she’s actually making a difference (we get it Sheryl), she is making a stand. The song is heartbreaking and tragic. It really puts that weight right on your shoulders, you know?
“C.S. Lewis Song” begins the spiral of devotion in the album. There’s not one fast-paced song in the bunch. And, it begins to start sounding like a Praise and Worship album. There are a few songs beforehand that could be suggestions that Fraser has found that special someone and is writing directly to them. Albertine becomes a full- blown analysis of the destruction of morals, rise of prejudice, and the eventual demise of mankind. She says it a lot more nicely and prettier, though. “Seed” begs the question, what kind of world will we leave for our children? “Hosea’s Wife” divulges an answer to “Seed.” She makes it very clear when she sings “we are squandering our lives.” Have no fear, listeners and readers, she succumbs to the love song.
“The Thief,” which I first thought was going to be about how we earthlings are stealing life from the planet, is actually a love song devoted to a person that has finally taken the key to her heart. It’s a pretty song, just Fraser and the guitar she plays. It’s suggested simplicity implies that she’s not trying too incredibly hard to let her walls be torn down. Brilliantly well played. The album ends with “Hymn.” I felt like I was sitting in a church pew right from the first few measures. In fact, I really didn’t feel like I ever got out of the pew. In fact, I actually knelt down with my headphones on and prayed. It’s something I’ve never done with headphones on. Other than that, I was utterly amazed at her voice.
The girl has talent. At only 24, she’s made quite a great start, claiming several awards in New Zealand and Australia. But, she’s been doing music for most her life. It seems only fitting that she make something of it. Her voice is clear and defined, and unlike most modern singer/songwriters, she has goals and purpose behind her music. She wants to make a difference in the world the one way she knows how, by making music. And the music is utterly enjoyable. She’s soft, accessible, and despite the content, never offensive, even if you despise religion. It’s great background music, or you can crank it up and irritate the neighbors.
However, do take caution. There is only one song under three minutes, “Epilogue” (which totally rocks), so you better get comfy. She speaks to a modern mentality and her moral compass points true north. It’s hard not to support someone who cares so passionately about fixing the world. All I have to say it, good luck Brooke, and with any providence may ye go far.
The 411: Albertine is a smooth album that drives a stake into the heart of the listener. For someone that sings about the plight of mankind and its ignorance to the sufferings of individuals overseas, Brooke Fraser really makes you listen without being utterly turned off. Her voice could melt a heart of stone, turn it into lava, and then erupt out of your chest before you could dial the Peace Corps and sign up. Listen to her make a difference.
