Finally Woken
Album DescriptionThough the downbeat electronica and laconic vocals of Cardiff-born Jem Griffiths find her lumbered with a “Dido-wannabe” tag, she’s actually much more adventurous than that. On the whole, Finally Woken sounds like someone finally told Beth Orton to cheer up, and at its best the album finds Jem reveling in all the studio tricks available to her. The opener, “They,” loops a nonsensical children’s chorus to create a mood of Danny Elfmanesque creepiness, while “Come On Closer” and “24” manage to use crunching electric guitars and strings while avoiding any comparison to Evanescence. The title track combines a loping beat with a jazzy vocal delivery that’s reminiscent of Portishead, and “Save Me” is a better-than-average R&B track that’s sure to be covered for years to come. Unfortunately, too much of the album’s latter half sinks into a slow-paced Didoesque electronic slurry, though Jem’s to be applauded for at least trying to liven things up with the cod-reggae of “Wish I.” Sony. 2005.From Amazon.co.uk
Though the downbeat electronica and laconic vocals of Cardiff-born Jem Griffiths find her lumbered with a “Dido-wannabe” tag, she’s actually much more adventurous than that. On the whole, Finally Woken sounds like someone finally told Beth Orton to cheer up, and at its best the album finds Jem reveling in all the studio tricks available to her. The opener, “They,” loops a nonsensical children’s chorus to create a mood of Danny Elfmanesque creepiness, while “Come On Closer” and “24” manage to use crunching electric guitars and strings while avoiding any comparison to Evanescence. The title track combines a loping beat with a jazzy vocal delivery that’s reminiscent of Portishead, and “Save Me” is a better-than-average R&B track that’s sure to be covered for years to come. Unfortunately, too much of the album’s latter half sinks into a slow-paced Didoesque electronic slurry, though Jem’s to be applauded for at least trying to liven things up with the cod-reggae of “Wish I.” — Robert Burrow Finally Woken
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This is my first review, and I’m mostly doing it for Miss Gemma Griffiths, aka Jem. I want to get some word out on her behalf, because this is a solid debut album.
I read a review that said this music is “trip-pop,” and while I hate stereotypical categories, I am going to have to agree. I am also going to say that Jem will not be able to avoid comparisons to Dido. These two do sound quite similar, athough I find Jem much more palatable for my electronica/alternative tastes.
Jem’s voice is so smooth, even ethereal at times, that she could easily be fronting the helm of trip-hop acts like Morcheeba or Massive Attack. The music itself, including the lyrics, is very uptempo and poppy, and I could easily see her being the next big pop star if this had been produced by the Matrix or whoever crappy pop producer is hot these days. There are electronic blips throughout. The beat often has a real hip-hop vibe to it.
“Come On Closer” has a dark string sample and heavy bassline to accompany a backbeat that I’ve heard in a Cypress Hill song, before the grimy guitar jars in on the chorus. “They,” the first single, features a somewhat eerie choral sample throughout the track, providing an interesting backdrop when the drum machine shuffles a quickening beat. “Save Me” uses a reggae-esque guitar and beat over Jem’s wailing vocals and beautiful harmonies. These three songs are the ones that stuck with me after only two listens.
I urge you to give Jem a chance if you are a fan of interesting new music. This CD sounds like one that will be good for pumping this Summer.
Rating: 4 / 5
Just as Kate Bush did in early rock and Bjork remains a master of, many artists are branching out with a common rock and roll root: To break of all tradition and not be afraid of experimenting, for it is the essence of modern art.
Back in the ninties when artists such as Enya and Yanni offered calming approaches that are nowhere near classical music, they all got crammed into the now-fizzled out category New Age, for the lack of a category one was made to accomodate the ‘others.’ However, after the gushing of many such artists from Air to Tori Amos, music fans started to notice that this upheaval of new sounds is only the byproduct of the rebeliousness that is rock and pop.
Jem, an up-and-coming modern pop artist, has delivered an EP earlier titled It All Starts Here that showcased far less than what her complete effort, Finally Woken, does. This debut from the Welsh artist, is of no category but borrows heavily from popular genres. A tribute to folk on the lullaby “Flying High” and trip-hop on “Come On Closer.” Jem also plays with urban beats with “They” and the reggae-tinted “Save Me.”
The fusion of genres is so unique that one song, “24,” starts out borrowing from Ani DiFranco strummings then meandering into heavy theatrical instrumentation and then, all of a sudden, right before the chorus sharp guitars bring in edgy rock. All without sounding a tad bit overboard.
Of course Jem’s voice plays a big part by delivering an angelic yet quiet tone to the whole album without sounding unexcitingly bland like Dido’s. Instead the meloncholy is delivered with consistancy on “Missing You” and “Falling For You,” while the giddy is given a kindergarten innocence on the highlight track “Wish I.”
“Stay Now” is a masterpiece in its own right, reminiscent of Beth Orton’s past victories.
Finally Woken is a complete effort with an assortment of defiant tunes for everbody. Jem (no relation to the fabulous cartoon superhero)is a promising new artist. Skip the EP sampler by Jem and grab a copy of the album and enjoy the many pleasures of the underdog.
Rating: 4 / 5
heard the 24 song and liked it so I picked up the cd. I was exprecting a whole CD like the 24 track, it’s not at all. The hard rock sound of 24 is an abberation compared to the rest of the CD.
Normally getting a cd based on hearing one song that i liked only to find out the rest of the cd sounds nothing like the song that got me to buy it would irritate the hell out of me.
In this case, I am pleasantly surprised. Kind of hard to describe the sound, but it’s damn good. Very eclectic. Kind of reminds me of Portishead without the crushing darkness.
Good find
Rating: 5 / 5
Well, the short and simple is that this is very cool downtempo stuff and an exceptionally good cd. It also serves as an example of what can help the recording industry. It’s not prevalent downloading of music that’s causing their financial problems, it’s the lack of really good cds; cds that have more than just a couple good tracks and are worth the money record companies charge for them. This cd is an exception. Tracks on it are consistently well written, performed, and produced. There are catchy melody hooks, original and creative structures, and a unique sound for the album. The producers are also aware that unique sounds can get tiresome, but they are experimental enough to keep this from being a problem. One of the earlier reviews criticized the use of a loud guitar riff within one of the tracks, but I argue that it works well and helps cut the possibility of monotony. More than the production, though, the songs themselves are well written and interesting. They could work in a variety of genres, and that is the mark of a well written song. Jem also has a wonderfully seductive voice and delivery style. For what it’s worth, some of my favorite tracks are They, Come on Closer, Finally Woken, 24, Wish I, Just a Ride, and Falling for You. It’s been a long time since I could list that many favorites on any cd.
Rating: 5 / 5
I’ve not been able to stop listening to this CD since I got it. Keep in mind, that “cool music” and the “next big thing” don’t typically appeal to me. This CD from Jem is my nominee for album of the year.
When I hear descriptions of trip-hop and comparisons to Dido, I worry that it might be a little mellow for my tastes. But, this offering does not disappoint and several of the tracks rock. There is good production and even a “wall of sound” and layering that builds up through several of the songs.
Six of the tracks, “They”, “Come on Closer”, “Save Me”, “24”, “Missing You”, and “Falling for You” are all 5/5, and the others are close behind.
“Missing You” reminds me of “Gloomy Sunday” from Heather Nova. “Falling for You” starts off slow, but builds a powerful wall of sound. “24” is practically a rock song that captures the frenetic energy of the TV show. The other songs are mid-tempo, using infectious phrases and melodies that I can’t get out of my head.
No matter the tempo or instrumentation, the voice of Jem sounds great throughout !! She has a smooth, sultry quality. Yet it strong enough so that she is not drowned out by the instruments. Basically, she is just enjoyable to listen to.
I hope this CD does well in the States and I wish Jem good luck.
Buy this CD now.
Rating: 5 / 5