With today's music becoming more of a trend dictated by the scheming strategic minds of big music producers - and artists who are shaped, packaged to become the next Mariah's, Beyonce's and Britney's amassing hits and billions of records sales - artist's statures cemented by titles and proclamations usually preceded by the phrase "the best selling...", one can tell that quality may have taken the back seat over quantity (the more you sell, the better artist you are).Worst, the perception of what "quality" is has been jaded by all these - tucked away in the dark abyss of octaves upon octaves of voice, the teasing movements in a performance, the studio's post-production magic and the hype of the media; leaving some really great artists whose music are phenomenal but unfortunately do not sell, in the small recesses of YouTube, Multiply, and countless other social sites that aid them in independently showcasing what they love to do - great music - songs created through experience, time, pain, joy - songs that resonates the artist's soul and character - songs that aim to affect and communicate.
Such artist is Paula Cole. Yes, she had her share of attention and fame, she even managed to win a Grammy, but now, she seem to be part of a distant past where truly great and thoughtful artists dominated the airwaves and earned well deserved accolades and hits. Paula reminds us how disturbing that artists like her (i.e. Sarah Mclachlan, Tori Amos) have become increasingly scarce at least in the Billboard Charts.
These songs are my most favorite among the tracks from her 1996 released This Fire album which so remarkably showcased the magnitude of her talent and artistry. This Fire, for me, is Paula Cole's best album. It is one of the best albums that i have listened to, ever. No track is dispensable. Every song takes you into a journey; her vocals, haunting, mesmerizing and powerful.
Nietzsches Eyes - Paula Cole
Hush, Hush, Hush - Paula Cole
Some tracks off her 2008 released album Courage. An album that resonates positive growth and maturity in her songwriting and vocal abilities. Really good album.
In Our Dreams - Paula Cole
And here's a video of Paula Cole singing Elsewhere with another great female artist, Sarah Mclachlan.
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