Feist – Metals (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

While some who are still hooked on “The Reminder”,  for those who value great music and to recognize Feist’s ability of capturing that fine balance of music and vocals, but to also have each track so varied and not banal, that’s what I love about “Metals”.  Each song is something different, something new and something brilliant.  This album is definitely recommended!

ARTIST: FEIST

ALBUM: Metals

LABEL: Cherrytree / Interscope

DURATION: 1:04:21

RELEASE DATE: October 4, 2011

1. The Bad in Each Other
2. Graveyard
3. Caught a Long Wind
4. How Come You Never Go There
5. A Commotion
6. The Circle Married the Line
7. Bittersweet Melodies
8. Anti-Pioneer
9. Undiscovered First
10. Cicadas and Gulls
11. Comfort Me
12. Get It Wrong, Get It Right

If there is one thing that can be said about Leslie Feist, after her activities in the band Broken Social Scene and moving on to her solo career, Feist is absolutely resilient.

With the magnificent release of Feist’s third solo album, “The Reminder” with the breakout hit “1234″ and being named in 2007 “Breakout Artist of the Year” by Spin and Blender, I’m sure with all the media attention and pressure, it wasn’t easy for the music artist.  Having taken a break in 2008 and rejoining Broken Social Scene in 2009, Feist has been keeping busy joining other bands and collaborating with other artists and many of her fans wondered if she would make another solo album.

Well, it’s 2011 and Feist’s fourth album, “Metals” is here.  Featuring collaborations with Valgeir Sigurosson (a producer/engineer known for working with Bjork), Canadian musician Chilly Gonzales, Somali-Canadian singer/producer Mocky, Vanessa Carlton and Marina & The Diamonds.

But if I had to describe this album in one word, I can easily say “beautiful”.

Let’s forget about “1234″, as many people keep asking me, “are there any songs like ’1234′?”.  Forget that song, let’s move forward and I can tell you that from the quality of music, the varied style of each song and the beautiful voice of Leslie Feist and the efficacy of “Metals” shines of brilliance.

From the melody of “Graveyard”, the tender drums in balance with her vocals on “Bittersweet Melodies”, the acoustic vibrance of “Cicadas and Gulls”, the bluesy guitars on “Anti-Pioneer”, her songs are wonderfully crafted lyrically and musically.

And the beauty of “Metals” is the fact that it’s easily accessible that anyone can listen to and enjoy.  Yes, youngsters, even mom and dad will dig it.

While some who are still hooked on “The Reminder”,  for those who value great music and to recognize Feist’s ability of capturing that fine balance of music and vocals, but to also have each track so varied and not banal, that’s what I love about “Metals”.  Each song is something different, something new and something brilliant.

Feist’s “Metals” is definitely recommended!