Reviews (page 5 of 8)
I liked this more than I expected, having never heard of the artist. She's got an emotive voice and uses it well.
Trodde ikke jeg skulle mislike denne, men.....
What Songs: Ohia is for Neil Young, Beth Orton is for Joni Mitchell. Her voice and acoustic songs are very reminiscent of Joni Mitchell especially. The Electronic touches here don't feel overbearing and seem to aid the music well. Beth Orton's voice is beautiful and the recording is very clear. Overall enjoyable, but songs sort of started blending together by the second half and becoming a bit less interesting.
Some magical songs included here. ‘sweetest decline’ evokes memories of relationships which have broken down which I’ve not even experienced. “What are regrets? - They're just lessons we haven't learned yet.” I prefer the remixes of the title track and would have liked to have heard more of that influence on a few more of the songs. Either way, utterly beautiful In parts.
Another very 90s sounding album, though not as strong as some other ones we've had in my opinion. The sound is alright, but I am having a bit of trouble really appreciating the songs. My favourite one was 'Feel To Believe', which was surprisingly good, but other than that I don't really remember anything that stood out other than it was "pretty decent".
“Stolen Car” was a pretty decent song if you can look past the very 90s production. Like a more folksy and chill Alanis Morissette. The rest felt more chill and kind of bland. Her singing is nice, the songs are nice but I can’t say much more about it. It’s music is very hard to dislike. My favorite chill song was “Pass in Time”, felt a bit like a female “Fleet Foxes” and the backing vocals was a nice addition. I can see my self putting this on as dinner music or reading music. It’s chill and nice. A very standard 3, not bad, just nothing to set it very much apart and make it memorable.
It’s decent, but not something I’d revisit.
No, this is not an album for me.
Really bad.
Meh. Not for me.
2.08
It's a really nice sound, it's a really nice mood, it just never goes anywhere. What's wrong with modern music's antipathy towards chorus?
I am admittedly biased on this album, as I've been one of her (probably few) US fans since hearing the video for Stolen Car back when it was released. I feel lucky to have seen her perform twice on the Daybreaker tour back in 2002. Her voice has a calming melancholy tone and with some interesting songwriting it works for me. Ben Harper playing guitar on two tracks doesn't hurt either. It is a welcome surprise to see this album come up on this list. I don't feel bad about throwing this one on the turntable for another listen. I think it's outstanding and is one of my favorites.
#102 - Has some decent songs, she's a sort of proto-Dido. Enjoyable. But some others are filler.
Woah! Folktronica! I'm not going to give an album 5 star just out of the genre, but if there was ever a case to, it's here. Most tracks are pretty solid, but at its best, this album absolutely rocks. The production was pretty good, although a bit inconsistent. Overall, great album! Favorite Track: Stolen Car
fabulous voice, folk/americana/folktronica (whatever), I played this a lot when it came out
Love Beth Orton!
This is good stuff. But I don't listen to stuff like this.. if I did listen to stuff like this, I would listen. Yeh 3 stars
Well, I thought I was in for a treat. A female vocalist with a folksy vibe… sign me up. I started off well enough but by the end her voice was annoying me a little. Shame! It was ok I guess
There’s some interesting moments but the songs all kind of meander along. Need some structure or something with a little more pop
Nice little album, getting exposed to a genre you've never heard of in Folktronica is what keeps you coming back to a project like this. Unfortunately I found my mind wandering way too much while listening to this album. Blame the phones.
In a genre that is not my cup of tea, it alternates between surprisingly enjoyable (to me) and irritating (the majority);
This one grew on me. There’s a nice, folky and only lightly poppy feel this album, it felt like music the artist wanted to make and definitely something of a blueprint for more “alternative” female pop singers to come. It had some interesting turns and I liked some of the more ‘western’ style elements - Devil Song sounded like it belonged as a title track to Red Dead Redemption or a similar vibe of gritty western drama. Not hugely exciting, but liked the composition and vocals.
I used to like her a lot, and some of the lyrics still resonated. However, I find her voice annoying now
"Central Reservation" is the third studio album by English singer-songwriter Beth Orton. The Wiki-listed genre is folktronica (acoustic instruments with hip hop, electronic and dance beats). Hmmmm? Multiple musicians were used including Terry Callier (vocals), Dr. John (piano), Ben Harper (guitar) and Ted Barnes (guitars, bouzouki). The album received critical acclaim and won the UK Mercury Music Prize. Commercially, it hit #17 in the UK and #110 in the US. The album opens with "Stolen Car." A melancholic mood with violin strings and an acoustic guitar. A constant drum beat. Orton with emotional vocals as she is singing about a wrong relationship . An interesting screeching and distorted guitar solo outro. I've always like this song. The next song "Sweetest Decline slows it down. Piano, strings and softer drums. A compelling song as she describes watching someone die and it's effect on her. Baroque pop for sure. A vibraphone gets added in "Pass in Time." Orton is whispering at the start and the song picks up. The great Terry Callier comes in on backing vocals giving this song some soul. Orton is just trying to get through life. Beautiful song. I wouldn't call Orton's vocals muddled but there's a murkiness to them. She totally clears that up in "Feel to Believe." Acoustic guitar and more of a straight-forward pop song. She is telling her partner to go since they someone love else. Beth Orton has a unique voice: longing, emotional, soaring, weary, sometimes rapid and sometimes let's the music play. The instrumental arrangement which are mostly acoustic are very good. There's a chill and somewhat spiritual vibe with the guitar, strings and piano. I don't know if I heard enough of the previously mention beats to call this folktronica and this album suffers a little from being too long and monotonous. But overall, this is a very good album and worth a listen.
Pretty good. Kind of a Fiona Apple rip off?
This is an artist I've not heard before and that's my loss. I love her voice, it's so expressive. This one will need a few more listens to fully appreciate all the nuances. Stolen Car, Stars All Seem to Weep and Blood Red River were the standouts.
3 1/2 Stars: I haven't listened to this album since my college days and it's still the same moody listen carried by Orton's unique vocals. The only downside is the album starts to sound "samey" after a while. To top it off it's got an hour runtime, so by the 30-minute mark I was ready to move on. Still, her sound might make a good first listen for the uninitiated.
I don't hate it but this did nothing to me.
Every song sounds like a buildup to a song that never arrives. Way too much reverb on the voice.
Good songs, almost no range. I wouldn't mind listening to this again, but I also didn't get much from the full album. Any song off this could capture what the whole album is about.
It's... Fine I guess?
She’s got a good voice and it’s all nicely arranged, with good musicianship. Just not my cup of tea
Most of this album didn't do much for me, but I did find myself enjoying the songs that skewed more electronic better than the others. "Stars All Seem to Weep" had a nice 90s groove but songs like "Devil Song" dragged the album down for me.
Ja kocham smutne kobiety z gitarą i pianinem, ale to chyba jakiś przykry wyjątek. Głos czysty i głęboki. Kompozycje sprawne. Ale nie wiem, lubię smutne piosenki, ale ta są bardziej smętne niż smutne. Bez polotu, iskry bożej i jakiegoś błysku. Doceniam, ale szybko zapomnę. 6/10
Meh
Who? I love acoustic singer-songwriter music, but this is really boring. Sounds like music that would be playing in a cafe on a Tuesday morning. Definitely easier to listen to than some of the other albums this project has thrown at me, but it's still not my favorite.
Orton's voice and lyrics set you into a unique space.
I don't like this genre very much but I gave it a bit of a go before running out of time. From what I heard, I'm giving it a 2/5 but need to come back to give this another since it's not exactly fair to rate it so low
Nice but became very samey Found myself skipping through
Great voice, couple good songs. Lot of airy filler
like a weighted blanket
6/10
6/10
Ganske dølt
Bland writing but the musicality and production is very good.
Lukewarm singer-songwriter with a couple neat instrumental additions.
Liked it a lot
Nothing new or exciting
I struggled a bit with this. It's a really good album and I did like it, but it never really excited me. It took me weeks before I finally sat the whole album out because I kept turning it off because I wasn't in the mood for it. The mood never came... I think it would make the perfect soundtrack to a tranquil rainy night sitting by the window feeling melancholic, I don't have those nights too often unfortunately.
im in the central reservation eating bugs and shit
beautiful, reminds me fi fiona apple a bit
I really enjoyed this album overall, my only complaint is that it is all really the same tempo. A little variety would have improved this album a lot for me.
This album didn't grab me after the first listen but I could tell there was something special about it and I needed to sink my ears into this one. This is an album worth marinating your ears in. Beth's poetry is deep & complex. Her groove is deceptively relaxed & chill but she starts the album off by stealing a car so buckle up, it's going to be that kind of ride. Great songwriting on Stolen Car. Powerful groove. Love the harmonies. Couldn't Cause Me Harm is a slow sensual groove with... xylophone? I like the beat on Stars All Seem to Weep & has more of a pop electro groove compared to Pass In Time which is rooted more in her acoustic folk sound. It's cool how she mixes it up and blends those styles. Love Like Laughter has a melody that makes me swoon. So at this point I'm at a 4 with the album but then we get to Feel to Believe. This is one those songs that really gets me right in the heart and makes it a 5 for me. That song gives me chills. It's so powerful. It's just her and her guitar speaking her truth. She's like... oh yeah we're at the end of the album and me & my guitar got something else to say. And then she's like oh yeah... one more thing, here's that one song from earlier but it's like the dancing club mix version. YES! awesome album.
I feel like Beth Orton is always a half inch away from pulling off some truly great songs but something always feels off to me, and I think it’s her voice. It’s a very distinctive droll delivery that pulls these songs down just a notch. But that’s just me. Don’t get me wrong…she’s a really good songwriter. Objectively there is nothing wrong with any of this. I’m just not a fan of her voice.
Another day, another artist I've never heard of but delighted to have found! Beth is a masterful lyricist, I love her beautiful reflections on life and love, and the emotions she evokes. Despite the overall gentle nature of this album, a lot of songs feel very empowering and fierce. She sings of accepting pains of the past and how fleeting it all is, living for now yet yearning for more, and in being a butterfly you can't pin down (love that line). This was a near 5 for me, I was wishing for a little more variety in the tempo though. For instance, I really enjoyed the more dancy Central Reservation Then Again Version. Would've been cool if a few more of the songs were treated that way. Still an amazing find! "You're here just a while. You might as well smile." I love simple universal truths like this, and it reminded me of another of my fave lyrics - "Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think."
This is the easiest 3-star review ever; I don't think I've encountered a more middle-of-the-road album yet. Perfectly fine but also perfectly forgettable.
Pretty Boring. Sounded like Norah Jones if she wasnt good.
4/5
Not for me. Load of ballads.
Haunting vocals, with the music to match. Beth is brilliant at creating an atmosphere across an entire album. Central Reservation keeps you interested and calm throughout.
Not bad, nice creative and personal album, not my favorite thing but had a good time.
Not a massive fan of whining folk music but I can find merits in this. When Beth avoids the mega whine she is dynamic and engaging. I can hear lots of other successful artists in her music. Clearly a model that works for which she can be acclaimed in parts. Calming little number in background. Neil young had beaten me so low I wasn't thrilled to get this but it wore me down eventually.
Perfectly pleasant music but nothing I found too exciting or likely to pull me back for a repeat listen. Unusually for me I found I preferred the more more poppy tracks like 'Stars all seems to weep'. It still had some 90's vibes and I could imagine it being played in a cool coffee shop or art gallery-come-cocktail bar.
Just one of those artistic albums by artistic persons that are just meh
Meh, was sorta like a white girl version of Sade
Pretty whatevs I guess, big Fan of the wrestler tho
This sounds like a soundtrack to a Rom-Com in the best possible way. There’s depth to the songs, the vocals sound great. “Pass in Time” is a truly amazing song. Good stuff!
Love her voice and love the range of sounds here.
She sings well but I got so bored. Stand-out: Sweetest Decline
Boooooring
Boring zzzzzzzzzz
Es como la white girl music de los 2000
She's talented, I guess. Boring as hell though and generally unremarkable.
I really liked this album.
Really enjoyed the varied musical styles here incorporating both folk and trip hop. Very mellow and perfect for winding down to after a busy day.
It should be illegal to put a song that good as the opening track and then follow it up with an hour of music that is not nearly as good and also very different in style.
This album kinda went downhill at like the end of the first song?
She has made folktronica, this particular fusion of folk and electronica, all her own, though this particular record leans much more into to a pop folk sensibility. Her voice has strong shades of an English folk version of Joni Mitchell. So Much More feels like a tribute, which I mean as a compliment because it’s still totally Beth Orton. There’s a beautifully understated intimacy to the lyrics, kitchen sink poetry, though there’s nothing homespun about the production which is competent and occasionally rich without being obtrusive. Stars Seem To Weep is the track here which justifies the folktronica label. Credit for the ultimate songwriters’ lyric on Love Like Laughter: ‘Some of the worst wrongs get righted on three chords.’ How true!
Almost put me to sleep ngl.
This was quite incredibly boring. This could be fine as background music, but honestly there's plenty of other albums that do the same thing better.
Just by looking at the cover I thought this is going to be good. Did not dissapoint.
Meh
Rather bland folky pop without surprises, and the voice tires quickly
Fine, whatever, not really remarkable either way
I don’t hate it. I don’t like it. Totally generic music. I’ve already forgotten her name.
78% Best: Stolen Car; Couldn’t Cause Me Harm; Stars All Seem to Weep Must-Hear? Not quite
Really unique voice, but I found the album pretty ho-hum.
I honestly like this more than I would have expected, I am surprised it doesn't have more accolades.
A fine album, but it feels like another album that is on here because it is British. It will always continue to confuse me why so many no-name British bands made this list, while several massive albums were excluded (I have ranted about this too many times, look at my other reviews for some examples that were excluded). I have no complaints about this album (beside the fact it could have been 15 minutes shorter), this is just a very middle-of-the-road kind of album. Nothing mind blowing, nothing terrible, and not very memorable. Mid 3.
Stolen Car shows up on my playlists with some regularity, but I don’t think I’ve sat through the whole record before. I enjoyed it.
норм.
molto rilassante , è brava..
Overall ok album Standout songs: Pass in time Devil Song
Singing is great, instrumentals are great, I love the drums. Some songs even feel like they have a little ounce of trip-hop, especially stars all seem to weep and the last one. The more emotional songs I also think are great. Favourite songs: all but the fourth and second and third last. Probably barely not 5 stars but will probably listen more and maybe update. Overall around 8/10
Kedvenc/Favourite: Feel to Believe Jó volt, bár azért kell hozzá egy hangulat. Kicsit összefolytak a számok néha, de jó volt mindegyik. Elég egyszerű volt zeneileg, de nem is kell ehhez a stílushoz több szerintem, kicsit hagyni kell a szöveget érvényesülni. A szöveg viszont jó volt, elgondolkodtató és nagyon érzelmes. It was good, although you need to be in the mood for it. The songs blurred togerher at times, but they were all good. It was pretty simple musically, but I don't think you need more for this style, you just need to let the lyrics shine a bit. The lyrics were good though, thought provoking and very emotional.
I had never heard of Beth Orton before this album popped up on this list. I was impressed with it and love her voice. My favorite tracks were "Stolen Car" and "Stars All Seem to Weep." I will return to this album and check out her other releases. It's also interesting to note that Dr. John appears on this album.
boring as shit
Hold up Dr. John is on this album? Never knew he could be so subtle.
Cool
Its ok
6.5/10. Its good, I think it definitely is typical of the time it was written and possibly isn't bringing anything ground breaking but the songwriting is pretty solid and I love the opening track 'Stolen Car', so bonus points for that. Overall it just sort of does what it does and that's alright
Beautiful voice, boring songs
loved a few tracks, but felt a bit too long and didn't connect with much of the middle section
Decent
Quite nice, not sure how often I'll go back to it
Felt a bit slow at points and lost my interest
Before today if I was asked “who is Beth Orton?” I couldn’t have told you. Thanks to 1001 Albums I listened to this very nice album that I’d otherwise wouldn’t. Of late after listening to many of the unfamiliar album offerings I’ve wondered why I torture myself. This album is an exception with an agreeable mix of melancholy, smooth vocals & a nice acoustic instrumental accompaniment.
Nothing special, but pleasant
sounds a lot like dido but 15 years earlier.
2.75
4/10
I never heard her before so I was happily surprised. A good female vocal artist. I enjoyed this album.
Really beautiful album. A semi-modern singer songwriter blend folk with some gentle electronica occasionally. Really lovely voice
Music to clean your house to in autumn. I like
Soothing. It's nothing groundbreaking, but I can listen to this and relax/chill in my room.
Central Reservation was actually a super nice surprise. This album is a very poppy folk album and i do enjoy that kind of sound when it is done well which this album does do it well. There were many songs that all had some really nice melodies to them with Beth's voice adding quite a lot to them. The songs here were a little samey but all generally had a good sound to them so that wasn't an issue that i cared about too much. I don't think i have much more to really say about this album so all i will say is that this album was a really nice surprise and it really does deserve more attention than it seems to get. Best Song: Stars All Seem to Weep Worst Song: Pass in Time
11/1001 I was looking forward to this, as Beth Orton was an artist that mostly passed me by in the 90s - I remember its predecessor, Trailer Park, being a half-decent album at the time. Sadly, this collection doesn't do anything for me. Well-worn chord progressions with less ambitious arrangements than Beth's previous effort, it runs out of steam by the second track and never really picks up momentum again, save for the trip-hop treatment of Stars All Seem To Weep just after the halfway point, by which time it is too late to lift the mid-paced, wistful mood. A mood which, of course, may have been precisely the one Beth Orton was aiming for, but it was not one which I felt I could really engage with. Beth's lyrics are poetic and mature, but there is nothing memorably melodic to hang them on, and I soon found myself zoning out. I'm sure this album has an audience, although I am equally sure I'm not it.
A very pleasant singer song writer album sounding very much from the 90's. Enjoyed it as background music for work.
# Album Name: Central Reservation # Artist: Beth Orton # Rating: 2/5 # Comments: I think i nearly died of boredom. First opening song was good. After that. pretty generic. She has a nice voice. But i didnt enjoy this album. Too long and boring. # Top Tunes: Stolen Car # Would I listen to it again? No
Очень приятная музыка и голос
Wannabe Joni Mitchell whines her way into the same discount bargain box as Dido
I’m so annoyed that my draft didn’t save. But pretty much I’m glad this was finally a female artist. It’s been like 17 albums and this is the first one. Actually except the gogos but I wasn’t a fan of that. She sounds a lot like dido at times but plus some twang. Quality music.
Central Reservation is solemn and sacred through every element of its creation. Orton’s hazy singing and soft dictation, her lonely and emotional lyrics, and her gentle guitar weeping coated in an electronic glaze all comes together to form the most gentle and yet profound work of art I have discovered so far along this musical journey. Also this is album is pretty much exactly my taste in music so there is a significant amount of bias in reviewing this. But that’s the point in preferences soooo.
This was quite a slog. A longish album in a genre that's not really my thing. Sounds like Nick Drake but with some vocal idiosyncracies I found grating. All slow and mostly boring. Not actively bad though. I feel like if I listened to this a few times it might grow on me, but life is too short for that
Solid indie rock.
Quiet and restrained. A bit reminiscent of Cat Powers in parts
Took me a minute to warm up to it. I thought this was going to be an empty bowl of oatmeal, honestly, but then I got it. Beautiful and understated album.
Me gusta
Just a solid singer songwriter record. Nothing too crazy but I enjoyed my time with central reservation got a couple of saved tracks. Nice and simple
Pretty cool when it leans into the folky, electronic side; pretty generic when it leans into the singer-songwriter side.
He escuchado este álbum dos veces y casi ni lo recuerdo, creo que dice bastante del álbum en sí. Está bien pero es muy olvidable. Canción destacada: Stolen Cars
this is an interesting listen this time around! sometimes you just suddenly get exposed to some nice singer-songwriter material, and i wanna say this album pleasantly surprised me with how it sounds. it's a very curious blend of sound, an even blend of vocal jazz, lounge pop, folk... it's very quiet and soothes the mind. if you like the soft sounds of joni mitchell, you might get a kick out of this.
Solid start, tapers off. Nice and melodic, folksy.
Actually enjoyed this more than I expected, especially since I'm not huge on singer-songwriter stuff. 4*
On first listen pleasant but unremarkable. On second listen grew on me substantially. There's quite a bit of nuance hiding in the chill vibes.
DNF, lost energy as I made my way through it.
Orton's second album has some powerful tracks, but she's obviously breaking away from the "folktronica" before she becomes "the folktronica chick". The single from the album that got major airplay in my area, "Stars All Seem to Weep," sticks out awkwardly from an otherwise solid folky album. I love me some Beth Orton, but I don't think this is her best album.
Artiste inconnue. L'instrumentation est originale pour un album classé en folk, j'aime beaucoup le violoncelle, les chorus et le rythme enlevé sur le premier morceau (Stolen car ++). Par contre ça se gâte dès le second morceau, plutôt mou, long et peu intéressant. Les suivants sont dans la même veine, et l'album est terriblement long. J'ai zappé les derniers morceaux. Je ne le ré-écouterais pas. =>2/5
Great voice, nice songs. But definitely not essential.
Folktronica is a genre I never knew I needed
Enjoyable songs with a very 90s vibe, enjoyed it a lot but not the best of the best.
Amazone voice but the Café del Mar-like easy listening muzak doesn‘t tell me anything but getting another Mojito at noon.
Liked it more than expected, but also just good as background music
Nej. Nu blev det så där Fiona Apple-aktigt. Det här är verkligen inte min kopp te. Har svårt att ta till mig. Det är medioker musik och sången är ju fin men så vansinnigt tråkig.
Det är var en kul överraskning och en riktigt bra skiva, snacka om underskattad artist. Går ut riktigt starkt med Stolen car, som jag fastnade för direkt. Även Central reservation och den trip-hopiga Stars all seem to weep är riktigt bra låtar. Däremellan är det också bra, om än inte riktigt på samma nivå. Hennes röst är fantastisk.
I hate pop because most of it just focuses on not being bad instead of trying to be good. Central Reservation is such a nothing burger, with great vocals and pretty much nothing else. Why would I choose to listen to something that's not trying to be good when there's so much music that actually tries to be exciting and succeeds? Like, being a good vocalist—and Beth Orton is a good vocalist—is not enough to make good music. You have to think about the other aspects of the composition too. But here, in the first half, everything outside of vocals is unremarkable, and in the second half, they just completely gave up, it seems.
Dull, slow singer
BEST SONGS: - Sweetest Decline - Love Like Laugther
I liked the first track and found it a bit interesting but my interest quickly dropped and it just became a bit plain and samey Standouts Stolen Car 3/5
Beth Orton's *Central Reservation* (1999) is a landmark album that bridges folk, electronic, and jazz elements, establishing her as a pioneer of the "folktronica" genre. The record is both deeply personal and sonically adventurous, showcasing Orton's ability to blend introspective songwriting with innovative production. Below is an in-depth review of its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with its strengths and weaknesses. ## **Lyrics** Orton’s lyrics on *Central Reservation* are poetic, confessional, and emotionally resonant. She often explores themes of love, loss, self-reflection, and resilience. Tracks like "Stolen Car" feature vivid imagery: “Your fingers like fuses / Your eyes were cinnamon,” creating a cinematic quality that draws listeners into her world. The album’s centerpiece, "Pass in Time," is a poignant meditation on mortality and familial bonds, with lines like “My mother told me just before she died / ‘Oh darling, don’t you be like me.’” These lyrics are raw and heartfelt, offering a window into Orton’s personal experiences. However, some critics have noted occasional lapses into cliché or overly simplistic metaphors. For instance, phrases like “She’s as deep as a well” on certain tracks feel less inspired compared to the album’s more evocative moments[7]. Despite this, Orton’s lyrical honesty and emotional depth largely compensate for these shortcomings. ## **Music** Musically, *Central Reservation* is an eclectic blend of folk melodies, electronic textures, and jazz influences. The album opens with "Stolen Car," a track driven by Ben Harper's electric guitar work and a nervous energy that sets the tone for the record. Songs like "Sweetest Decline" feature lush string arrangements and jazz piano by Dr. John, showcasing Orton's ability to craft richly layered compositions[3]. The album also experiments with different moods and styles. "Stars All Seem to Weep" incorporates trip-hop beats reminiscent of her earlier work on *Trailer Park*, while "Pass in Time" leans into soulful jazz with Terry Callier’s throaty vocals complementing Orton’s introspective delivery. Tracks like "Feel to Believe," a sparse acoustic ballad, highlight her vocal prowess in an intimate setting. One of the album's strengths is its diversity—each song feels distinct yet cohesive within the broader narrative. However, this eclecticism can occasionally feel disjointed. For example, the inclusion of the house-influenced remix of "Central Reservation" at the end has been criticized for feeling out of place[5]. ## **Production** The production on *Central Reservation* is meticulous and innovative. Collaborators like Victor Van Vugt (Nick Cave), Ben Watt (Everything but the Girl), and David Roback (Mazzy Star) bring their expertise to create a soundscape that feels both organic and modern. The use of reverb, layered instrumentation, and subtle electronic elements enhances the emotional weight of Orton’s songs. Tracks like "Couldn’t Cause Me Harm" feature vibraphone textures that add depth without overwhelming the folk core of the song[3]. Similarly, the title track employs open echo chambers to create a sense of spaciousness that complements Orton's reflective lyrics. However, some critics argue that certain production choices—like heavy reverb on acoustic tracks—can clash with the rawness of Orton’s voice and guitar work[5]. Additionally, at over an hour long, the album's length can feel excessive for some listeners. ## **Themes** Thematically, *Central Reservation* delves into personal growth, love’s complexities, grief, and existential musings. The title track captures a sense of longing and introspection as Orton sings about navigating life’s uncertainties: “I’m always walking down the escalator the up way.” This metaphor encapsulates her struggle against societal expectations and personal challenges. "Pass in Time" stands out as an exploration of mortality and legacy. It reflects on how grief shapes us while offering hope through lines like “The love that you have is stored in my soul.” Meanwhile, "Devil Song" uses religious imagery to grapple with inner demons and self-doubt. These themes resonate universally while remaining deeply personal to Orton’s experiences. Her ability to balance vulnerability with resilience makes the album emotionally compelling. ## **Influence** *Central Reservation* solidified Beth Orton’s place as a key figure in late-90s music. It earned her critical acclaim, including a Mercury Prize nomination and a BRIT Award for Best British Female Artist in 2000[2]. The album also helped popularize folktronica by blending traditional folk elements with modern production techniques. Its influence can be seen in artists who followed in Orton’s footsteps by merging acoustic songwriting with electronic experimentation. Musicians like Laura Marling and José González owe part of their stylistic lineage to Orton’s groundbreaking work. ## **Pros** - **Lyrical Depth:** Songs like "Pass in Time" and "Stolen Car" showcase Orton’s talent for storytelling through vivid imagery and emotional honesty. - **Musical Diversity:** The album seamlessly blends folk, jazz, trip-hop, and electronic elements. - **Strong Vocal Performances:** Orton’s voice conveys vulnerability and strength in equal measure. - **Innovative Production:** Collaborators like Ben Watt bring unique textures that elevate the songs. - **Timeless Quality:** Even decades later, the album feels fresh and relevant due to its carefully crafted soundscapes[3]. ## **Cons** - **Occasional Clichés:** Some lyrics lack the originality found in Orton’s best work[7]. - **Disjointed Moments:** The eclectic mix of styles can sometimes feel inconsistent or jarring[5]. - **Length:** At over an hour long, the album risks losing listener engagement toward the end. - **Out-of-Place Tracks:** Remixes like “The Then Again Version” disrupt the flow of an otherwise cohesive record[5]. ## **Conclusion** Beth Orton's *Central Reservation* remains a stunning achievement that balances artistic ambition with emotional authenticity. Its blend of folk traditions with modern production techniques helped define folktronica as a genre while showcasing Orton's unique voice as both a songwriter and performer. While not without its flaws—such as occasional lyrical missteps or uneven pacing—the album's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. For fans of introspective music that pushes boundaries without losing its emotional core, *Central Reservation* is essential listening. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect deeply with listeners while offering something new with each revisit—a hallmark of truly great art.
Pretty yet pretty unremarkable
Sounds nice. Might revisit.
Meh
First time listening to her. Nice voice, reminds me of Natalie Merchant? To me awhile to figure that out. The problem isn’t her voice, just that none of the songs seem to go anywhere. Very flat. And then the songs also don’t build on each other. It's not atmospheric enough for floating along to, but never picks up enough energy to get things moving. Meh.
This is one of those albums where I can recognize why people like it, but…I don’t. I guess it’s just not my style? There are some elements that I enjoy, but maybe there’s just something about her voice that doesn’t work for me? Still pondering this one, but for now? 2/5
Overall not my bag, but still a solid album with some nice songs. The Everything But the Girl involvement/influence is strong, also got some Dido vibes. Would come back for Sweetest Decline and Pass in Time.
Pleasant enough, but really nothing special. Didn't actively dislike it so can't give it a one.
That was very nice. Will have to listen again to decide if it’s very very nice or just nice.
I discovered this album only a couple of years ago. I absolutely adore 'Stolen Car', its such a great song, the rest of the album doesn't live up to its quality unfortunately. But it's still pretty good for a folky rock album.
I know it's kind of bland and stupid. She's just kinda whining, but whatever, she's got a great voice and I actually WANTED to listen to this a second time. I don't know why, but it was pretty solid for something I've never heard before.
Poetry backed with a simple guitar strum. Music that you expect to hear at urban coffee shop that proudly supports the feminist movement. I would, of course, love to patronize this coffee shop and support their cause, however I would not be one to ask them “what is this music you’re listening to?”
Sounds like a really lovely nap I didn’t mean to take.
I’ve liked this more than most things listened to on this journey. Stars seem to weep was probably my favorite.
It's fine. 3
This was fine. I'm not sure I like her brand of folk enough to want it for almost an hour. Through some research, I learned she went and lived with Buddhist nuns in Thailand a few years before releasing this album. I'm not sure that comes out in the music tho :/ 3.5 rounded down to 3
The term ‘Folktronic’ is a great description for this album, especially for STARS ALL SEEM TO WEEP (terrific song). Another highlight was COULDN’T CAUSE ME HARM. Ultimately, while I recognize this album was mixed really well, I feel like it was missing something to make it superb.
Aggressively medium, got boring by the end
Her voice is beautiful, lyrics poignant, and guitar calming. But I was way too sleep to make it through the chillness of this album
I like this style of music a lot and other artists all to this sound. I probably appreciate those a little more but I won’t let that be an indictment on this
Reminded me a lot of the moody songs they would put over the game of thrones season trailers. I liked it enough that I would revisit
folktronica hard to hate, hard to love. Very Beige
Standout Track: Feel to Believe
Maybe a 4. Great voice.
beautiful voice. Very 90's vibe. I liked it.
something i would listen to but that sean recommended for me. added a lot of songs to my liked
Definitely not one of the top 1001 albums. But I'll play it in my car.
Gorgeous.
This is another one that weirdly I liked less on second listen. Stolen Car is by far the best track, the rest is a bit meh. And I had Trailer Park back in the day. If this is on here then Laura Marling really should be too
Pleasant album. Would never have heard if not for the project.
"Central Reservation," Beth Orton's sophomore album, beautifully melds folk and electronic elements, creating a sound that resonates with the essence of Joni Mitchell while infusing a modern accessibility that defined the late 1990s. Orton's introspective lyrics and ethereal vocals echo Mitchell's poetic storytelling, yet her incorporation of contemporary production techniques and understated beats makes the album feel fresh and relatable for a new generation. This balance of timelessness and modernity invites listeners to connect deeply with the music, showcasing Orton's ability to bridge the gap between classic folk influences and a more current aesthetic.
Fav song: Devil's Song
Enjoyable background music while programming.
Another British artist with whom I am unfamiliar. She has a good voice but after about eight songs I began to find it slightly annoying. Overall it was not memorable, although there were a few good tunes. If the ratings were 0-10 this album would get 5. I’ll round up to 3/5.
I was excited for this (90s British lady "electro-folk"!) but it did not particularly resonate with me. Like a country-infused Alanis Morissette at times, a slightly cheerier Sarah McLachlan at others. Maybe my problem is with (a) the tempo and (b) the drums, such as they are? I dunno. Highlight: 'Couldn't Cause Me Harm' Lowlight: 'Stolen Car' (gave me a very bad first impression)
Now, I don't mean this in a negative way... this album is pleasant. Mellow to listen to, sweet voice and nice instrumentals. It's an album you could put on and no one would be offended - but the reverse of that is no one would be interested enough to say "Oh, who's this?" and that's what gets me thinking again, did I need to hear this? I'm glad I did. I like it. But did I *need* to? Best Tracks: Stolen Car; Love Like Laughter; Blood Red River
Not my preference but not crassly or poorly made. (4 known / 6 new)
Exquisite voice
Never heard this album before. I couldn't remember how I'd heard Beth Orton, as none of the songs on this album are familiar. I finally figured out that I know "She Cries Your Name" (not on this album) which is an okay song. Overall I'm pretty unimpressed by this album. I don't find her vocals particularly compelling, and she doesn't write any of the material. There are far better singers out there who also write much better songs. At least this is the only album of hers on the list. It doesn't deserve to be on the list. Soft 3 stars.
Not bad. I enjoyed it. I wish there were more female artists in this list.
The first song, Stolen Car, was so good I couldn't understand the bad reviews. Then I listened to the rest of the album. Oh. Nice voice, forgettable songs. Also don't listen to The Dark Side of the Moon the same day as rating other albums. It's unfair. Sorry Beth.
A modern Joni Mitchell, but without quite the presence of Joni or k.d. lang. Not bad, but not truly engaging. I think she's probably better experienced live, in a more intimate setting.
Not familiar with her at all. Not bad, but nothing to bring me back either.
Not for me unfortunately.
Started strong with great vocals and a driving rhythm and then plateaued to become repetitive.
While it does drag on, I found her vocals on this to be incredibly serene and relaxing. The album has this dream-like quality to it that I really enjoyed.
Si bien no conocía nada de "Beth Orton", creo que "Central Reservation" es un buen primer acercamiento a los trabajos de la británica. El sonido es prístino y ligero, mezclando con éxito las tendencias del alternativo noventero británico con composiciones de Folk más tracionales. Sin embargo, este definitivamente no es mi tipo de música. Suena como algo que escucharía en un Starbucks. Quizá es el mejor tipo de "Muzak de cafetería", ya que indudablemente es bueno; sin embargo, siento que este "neofolkrockpop" pop de artistas como Alanis Morrissette, Tracey Chapman, Sixpence None the Richer, aburre bastante rápido, razón de la porque discos de este estilo envejecen mal y no tanto así los singles. Si tuviera que decir otra crítica es que las canciones son ridículamente largas, sin necesidad o justificación; la idea se entiende fácilmente en los primeros 3 minutos. Sin embargo, la decisión de alargarlas era algo típico de la industria musical en dicho periodo de tiempo. Creo que las partes más fuertes de este album yacen en las canciones menos pop y más cercanas el country/folk. Pistas destacadas: Sweetest Decline So Much More Pass In Time Central Reservation
It was pretty good. Not really under my wheelhouse of music though.
Quiet
Decent
started off real strong and only really faltered a little. a really unique sounds and a really unique voice, i think alot of it just didnt quite gel with me in the end though.
It's nice. Reminds me of Alanis Morrisette and Jewel with a bit of trip-hop thrown in. I can see this album being very important for the music that plays in shows like Grey's Anatomy lol. However, I probably won't ever listen to it again. The lyrics aren't punchy enough on first listen, a little too vague and adolescent for my liking, and all the songs kind of fade into each other. Nice melodies, but her voice isn't as interesting to me as the other trip-hop Beth (sorry). I can imagine being comforted by this as a teenager, but it doesn't touch me much right now. I find that I can't connect emotionally as much with the British folk music I've heard. It feels like there's a detachment there I don't usually notice in folk. I liked "Pass in Time"
Her voice reminds me a little of Delores from the Cranberries and I also get Norah Jones vibes from some of the slower songs. I enjoyed this album a lot.
Until now I've never heard of Beth Orton. I enjoyed her songs - they are thoughtfully constructed.
Not my cup of tea. An extra star for use of bongos.
Nice enough but utterly forgettable.
The music is pretty, I guess, but her voice is so shrill, it makes it hard to listen to the full album. Again, deeply inessential. I had forgotten about this album completely, and, on re-listening, realized that I hadn’t missed it at all.
No está mal, pero me aburrió un poco, tendría que darle otra oportunidad
2.75
This was nice but no particular song really stood out to me on a first pass. I think i'd like to listen to more but 55 minutes of this kind of thing is bit too much of a nice thing. I kinda wish the music had a little more room to breathe, the vocals (while impressive) seem to be taking full focus 98% of the time. That's a little too vocal-forward for my tastes.
Cool, just not my age.
Her voice isn't bad and fits the music well, but I can't stand how she seems to keep adding syllables into words. It's very distracting to me and make me want to stop listening by the end of the first song. I made it halfway through before I had to listen to something else for a while. Not something I'd willingly listen to again. 1.5/5
Bland and uninspiring. Fine for background music.
Całkiem, całkiem
Fine and rather tedious late-90s singer-songwriter stuff. Insantly forgettable, I sort of feel sorry for anyone who has made this a part of their personality as it has none of its own.
Mmmeah
Lovely record. When it was tinged with more electronic elements or started to get really interesting. Likewise when it was stripped right back to just voice and guitar. If it had more of either or both them it would be a 4*. I like forward to listening again
UOOOOOHHHHHHH Was gonna rate it 5/5, but then I looked at her other photos. Guess I'll have to listen to the album after all The first song was good, the rest is significantly worse
Half-liked it and half-beared it. Some songs were really beautiful but the rest I couldnt care for so its a 3 Incredibly pretty album art. Would marry and give the princess treatment for the rest of our lives
- at times beautiful, at times pedestrian but always sincere. 3.5 but leaning towards 4 ...... -
Wow. I’d heard vaguely good things about this album before but never checked it out until now. This was absolutely beautiful, quite minimalist folky arrangements with Orton’s stellar voice shining through
Very poetical, bit repetitive with the guitar
slow and cute so far, don’t hate it and i quite like the piano and her voice.
Very enjoyable.
I vaguely remember the name Beth Orton. Surprised by how much I enjoyed this. The first track is outstanding. She has warm vocals similar to Bonnie Paine of Elephant Revival, and the melodies reminded me of the Cranberries compelling pop riffs. Ben Harper's slide just adds to the atmosphere of an expertly played backing track. The rest of the album is warm but lacking in standouts. I was fond of Sweetest Decline, Stars All Seem to Weep, and Live Like Laughter. Great for a chill, warm fireside vibe
Nice laid back atmosphere here. Nice folk/singer-song with an indie twist
I really liked it! Reminds me of Everything but the Girl, but not as electronic. Also the girl on the album cover looks like Nora
This reminds me of Natalie Merchant. I hate Natalie Merchant.
I had really high hopes 30 seconds into this album. The instrumental intro on “stolen car” is super post grunge and has a really cool tone. Unfortunately everything is way downhill from there. From then on this album is just so boring. Beth Ortons vocalizations sound to me like she’d rather be anywhere else but a recording studio. Quite the bait and switch, I would say. Nothing really stands out on this album, it’s just aggressively the same the whole way through. Not for me. 2* but only because that initial intro is cool.
Something I’ve picked up on over the course of this project so far is that if an album comes up from someone I’ve never heard of even a little bit, there’s a good chance it will fall somewhere on the spectrum of completely forgettable to actively terrible. Based on that observation I had low hopes for this album from Beth Orton, but I was pleasantly surprised. There are some interesting arrangements and a decent amount of variation without losing a feeling of cohesion. She has a nice voice and her lyrics are mostly pretty thoughtful. I’m not sure if I’d listen to the entire album again more than once (I do feel like I should give the entire thing another listen at some point), but there are some songs that I particularly like “Sweetest Decline”, “Stars All Seem to Weep” and “Blood Red River”. It’s an enjoyable listen overall. Solid 7/10 ⭐️
This really grew on me- quite haunting. Eclectic collections of style- pop, folky acoustic, electonic and country? Maybe....
A bit meh
This fills me with a warmth and comfort thats only partly explained by nostalgia. I had this on CD when it came out and played it non stop, the simple folk with a slightly more modern and urban feel felt more relevant to me. I think the songs are beautifully crafted with some excellent writing, good production and it creates a beautiful atmosphere. I think it lacks a better voice for 5 stars but this was a good day.
I really liked it and usually not the biggest fan of this style. I’ll definitely be coming back to this one in the future Rating: 4.6
Chill, easy listening that reminds me of 1990s romantic flicks.
Omg bass
I liked it but not quite a 4. Voice was nice and I liked most of the songs but some were a little too mopey for me. 3.5
Way too slow. Not my jam really. And not a fan of acoustic guitar really.
Dull 90s folk-pop
Sounds like an album I should like if I want to be taken seriously as a music fan.
Generally, just, not my thing. Good country or folk pop, I like some of the drums but I guess I have to be in a right mood to enjoy this kind of music, which I'm not in right now. I would appreciate it if it's a video soundtrack, other than that, emm well...not my thing really. Somewhere around 2.5, I guess.
5/10
Another album not returned to for 20 years or so. Doesn't quite have the effect it used to, but some of the old vibe is there, and her voice is great: haunting, dismissive, expressive and understated. 4 stars, not sure how much of that is nostalgia.
It's nice and musically accomplished, but not my vibe. A bit nostalgic for the late 90s sound.
not my vibe 2/5
Started off pretty good, then quickly became forgettable
I’ve been listening a lot to Fellowship’s new album over the past few days (triumphant-feeling power metal). This album couldn’t really be further from that, but felt like a nice reset to get me onto a somewhat neutral listening palette. It’s no secret that I seem to have found an affinity for female fronted folk music thanks to the likes of Joni Mitchell and Carole King, and this sounded very much in the same vain, although maybe more comparable to Norah Jones. It was a very cosy album, with a lovely calming vibe throughout. I quite enjoyed it.
I liked her wistful way of singing, perhaps for one song at a time. I don't love a whole album of her voice. Her songs are pretty but aside from "Stolen Car," nothing really stands out to me. 2.5⭐️
Big Joni vibes on this one. Beautiful vocals and some tasteful 90s electronic elements. I didn’t *love* it, but describing it as merely pleasant is selling it a bit short. Good stuff.
I'm not sure who she was trying to channel: Carol King, The Cranberries, Joni Mitchell, or some other coffee house half-talent. This was a bland, monotone album. This is what you play when you want to encourage your houseguests to leave and not come back.
Low key
Pretty solid. I like some of her other songs a lot and I also slept through a bit of this, but no hate she’s cool
Very nice and pretty. Really enjoyed this one. Funny music to work out to.
Had not heard this before. Like very much. Beautiful voice.
Meh? It wasn’t only okay. If this were on the list, so. Should 10,000 maniacs In My Tribe. I understand that it was a monumental feat to produce this list and update it on a regular basis…and it feels like it has an English slant. And the knowledge it took to do all this is amazing. It would be interesting. To have someone from New York or L.A. produce this. Seems that the core might be the same, but the fringe things would change.
Solid album, some very good standouts, and blood red river is a great somber song.
Classic indie mazzy star vibes
Kind of like Natalie Merchant, but more boring. It would probably be easier to relate to if I was a woman. Favorite track: Feel to Believe
Blind album and artist. Album started very strong with the opener, but a lot of the other tracks felt weaker but the same style. It was well rounded, but not something I would seek out
just too boring for me (bought a cd copy of it at the time so certainly gave it a try)
Ouch, that voice was not good. Unpleasant tone, irritating style, and simply out of tune in several places.
Strong folk album - with a twist - from start to finish, only a few weaker moments.
I find this album frustratingly inconsistent but I definitely hear the potential and it make me intrigued to listen to more of her music, here’s hoping she sticks with the trip-hop sound. Favourite track: Stars All Seem To Weep
Just can't get on with Berg Orton's voice. My fault, not hers. That said, Joan Armatrading had better be on this list somewhere...
Ooh boy. This was certainly underwhelming. A lot of moaning for no real sense of relief anywhere on the project. It is really a whatever album. Sure, I’ll listen to it. Stop it if you want. I don’t care, whatever. 3/5
Sometimes you write a long review only to step back and realize all you've said was you liked a record well enough — your criticisms are so minor they don't even seem worth posting. In short, it's a good record, but I found it to be too long by 4 songs.
Cool to see this one here, I've always thought Beth Orton was kind of underrated (especially with how fire Stolen Car is). This was a really good singer-songwriter album. Not necessarily groundbreaking, but all the tunes are good and I just love Beth Orton as a vocalist
I wanted to like this album, but her voice, lyrics, and compositional sound choices didn't move me in the least. None of these songs stood out as something I felt like I needed to hear a second time. I found the album far too long for this genre. Tempos needed more variation to give the songs a little more independence from one another. I am beginning to realize that if an album turns up on here, and it has been either nominated for a Mercury Prize, or even it won the prize, there is a very good chance that I will not enjoy that album. Too often I have found those albums to be incredibly boring, pretentious chores. As boring as a Norah Jones record. I'll take my Suzanne Vega records and let myself out.
This was pleasant 3.5 stars
good album, would like to listen some more.
Love this album. The first song pulled me in right away and I wanted to listen to more. Absolutely must listen to again as well as other of her albums. The music feels so familiar. Stolen Car is my favorite
Not bad, nothing special. late 90s background music.
High-quality beige wave is my after-one-minute review. This passed through my evening with the apologetic air of a vicar’s fart, but it did awaken a lost craving: I time for some Butthole Siurfers.
Dull. I even listened to this in a hipster coffee shop and felt nothing
Woah, that opening track is crazy good. Not what I was expecting from this album and unfortunately the rest of the tracks don't really deliver anything else like that or as good as that. Stolen Car - 4 / 5
Very pretty. I'd forgotten that this was a performer that all my lesbian friends used to listen to Back in the Day.
1/5. After many instances, I have to believe that if an album is at all associated with the Mercury Awards, there is a 90% chance it is pretentious and or not good at all. Unfortunately, this one was one of the 90%. I wanted to remain interested but it just kept dragging on for what seemed like the same 4 chords through the whole album. I wanted to like it because she has a very nice voice but it is not enough to save this one. Just so boring honestly and hard to imagine anyone can sit through the whole thing without wanting to change it or just walking away. There some okay takeaways but listening to these all the way through is not the vibe. Best Song: Feel To Believe, Stars All Seem To Weep, Stolen Car
Cool songwriting.
"Pleasant" is the most I can give this. Terribly inoffensive, to the point where I'm wondering why it's included here. Sounds like it could be played at quiet volume in hundreds of coffee shops and reception waiting areas that you might have been in and you never would have noticed. 2.5*
giti bim erste song cool. wie sie d silbe veherteihelt findi nöd so cool. bi mi etz au bi sweetest decline chli am langwiile. sehr adult contemporary. nöd min shit. couldnt cause me harm isch au hert nöd en schöne song? ischs en song? ui ich weiss nöd ob da guet chunt. pass in time isch chli besser als die letste zwei aber immerno snooozefest. kontrabass uf pass in time isch no schön aber de song nimmt mi etz nöd mit. de dude wo die zweit stimm singt passt mega nöd ine. love like laughter isch cuuuute. devil song aber nöd. nai. feel to believe wieder besser. cooli chords ich nimmsere jetz gad ab was sie singt. aber nai hey nai nöd so e guets album findi. es fühlt sich soo lang ah d songs sind lang sie hend kei hooks ich mag ihri stimm nöd meega. und etz de letst song wo en remix isch het sin charme aber jooo äh nai. weg es pasr coole teil keis 1 aber nai.
jöö sie isch ja huere cute ohh ich han gern wie sie singsangt I like it!! d strings findi chli cheesy aber isch ok ohhh aber s solo hani sehr gern, dezue s schlagzüg wo jz nöd spannend isch aber immer e pace druff het sweetest decline arschlangwilig riese liftmusig SIEBE MINUTE BRUDDDDDDER drey: "wie heisst sie?" - "beth orton" - "ich hass sie" reservation central isch na schön es isch halt iwie schad, d musig isch mrngisch voll schön und sie chan mega singe aber wenn halt eifach zu 90% ihschlafmusig ussechunnt passiert bi mier nöd vill WAS ISCH DAS PERKUSSION?????? WTF ok nochli country time blood red river findi seeehr schön ok d then again version vom lied isch na cool? aber then again (heh) halt doch auchli liftmusig??? I don't get it
It’s fine.
Peruskauraa, ei jatkoon Berthiltä.
Don’t hate, but don’t really like that much either. It’s fine. Too average, though. 2/5
Central Reservation is the second studio album by Beth Orton, originally released in 1999. Never heard of this artist before. With artists such as Terry Callier and Ben Harper being involved, I was expecting this to be a lot better than it was. A lot of the songs sound the same overall. Like they follow the same format. It's a unique sound, don't get me wrong. The whole trip-hop/folk/electronic vibe works, but not when every song follows that script. I didn't really think much of the lyrical content either. It's a beautifully produced album in that it sounds great. It's just lacking a bit of substance for me.
🥱
A relaxed album, but a bit samey towards the end
It has no sharp edges and pushes no boundaries. Except fro stolen car and the outro it was pretty boring to me. Boring Lyrics and Delivery wise
I really hate folk. This one slipped past the censors because its genre is officially "folktronica" but really only a handful of these falls under that umbrella. I liked maybe 3 of the songs and the rest were just not my thing at all.
I remember buying this album when it came out.... feels like yesterday. Oh, no, wait - it was 25 years ago! Still sounds fresh and current to my ears.
I should listen to more Orton.
Freshing and lovely
3.5
This is an absolutely top-tier singer-songwriter album in my eyes. Real feeling an emotion behind the vocals, simple but beautiful hooks, and and evokes calm with some tracks and raw vulnerability with others. I'd never heard of Beth Orton before this, but this record makes me want to research her discography much deeper. Notable Tracks: - Stolen Car - Couldn't Cause Me Harm - Pass in Time - Central Reservation - incredible song - Feel to Believe 9/10
Liking Stolen Car. Almost Sarah Harmer/McLachlan esque. Nice but again, don't really get why it's a "MUST LISTEN". Starting to get a little bored.
This album was able to evoke real emotions out of me and I like how it ended on that high note.
Charming, warm, sophisticated. This is one of her three very strong records that one played a ton for a few years early in the new millennium. Both versions of title cut are great, as are "Sweetest Decline" and "Pass In Time" and "Love Like Laughter." Her last record showed exactly what made her great but an unfortunately failing voice. Still most worth knowing.
I’ll just start this out by being as honest as I can. I didn’t enjoy this very much. You could honestly stop reading there and I wouldn’t blame you. Truthfully I don’t have a lot to say. Usually what I’m going to write naturally comes to me as I’m listening to a record. But I don’t have much today. I’m going to try my best though. Folktronica, in practice, makes sense. Of course, why wouldn’t two of the most adaptable genres of all time come together at some point? Few spaces have more room for eclecticism than electronic and folk music. But it takes a certain person to really do it right. And I don’t think this album falls into that category. There isn’t a lot going on in each song. This might be more fitting for an afternoon where you just need something to wind down. I’m well aware I make this comparison far, far too often. But I can’t help myself. Beth sounds a lot like Joni Mitchell. When I say that, I mean it in a good way. Being compared to Joni as a female folk singer is like being compared to Bob Dylan as a male folk artist. Except Beth’s voice is not nearly as clean, and there are a couple areas where I felt she sounded off. These songs also drag a lot. I don’t think this really needs to be nearly an hour long. I actually enjoy the songs that focus more on the electronic half more than the folk ones. The tracks where it is mostly just Beth and an acoustic guitar are not all that interesting, especially considering their length. Sometimes there are days where I’m not really given much to work with. So again, I tried my best. One can only hope for a more thought-provoking record tomorrow. Rating: 4/10
4 is probably too generous because there is a lot of filler in this. But I do enjoy listening to it. Some pretty cool lyrical lines here and there.
Nice voice, nice vibe. "Devil Song" might go into one of the Halloween playlists.