In Retrospect: CD Review - Begin To Hope

Genre: Alternative

Released: June 2006

I have so much catching up to do, I almost forgot about Regina Spektor and her latest album, Begin to Hope. The very first time I heard Spektor, I plugged my ears: I was used to songs where the singers followed the tune of the song with a basic verse-refrain-verse formula. But as I became used to this new style of music, I quickly fell in love. 11:11 and Soviet Kitsch were staples in my iPod, and when Begin to Hope was released, I was ecstatic; Regina didn't disappoint.

In fact, she was very, very smart. Her latest album contains a handful of songs that are easy for even non-fans to listen to, and still dish out her signature sound and lyrics. "Fidelity", the song on Grey's Anatomy that really brought her into the limelight, is a perfect example. In fact, "Fidelity" is the first track on the album, followed by "Better", "Samson" and "On the Radio", all very catchy tunes that follow the verse-refrain-verse format of mainstream success. And what's wrong with that? After all, everyone's entitled to some success, especially Spektor, and she manages to do so while maintaining her spunk and charm. The latter half of the album may be more difficult for first-time listeners, but fans will recognize Spektor on "Summer In the City", "Lady", and "Apres Moi". Perhaps the greatest surprise of the album is the track "Edit"; it isn't mainstream, and it isn't the piano of classic Regina. And it works. Really well. It's sort of an electronic/piano duet... and it immediately catches your ear. 

Regina has an amazing talent; she has a unique style of singing that is refreshing and amusing, and her piano pieces range from light and fun to verging on genius. Each track is different, and yet the album is a coherent body of work. This CD is worth having in your collection!

RATING

Melody: 5/5 Lyrics: 5/5 "Catchiness" factor: 8/10

TOTAL: 9/10