Imogen Heap - Ellipse (2009)

Artist: Imogen Heap
Album: Ellipse
Date Released: August 24, 2009
Genre: Electronica/Indie/Pop

Album Review:

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And Imogen Heap, in her latest masterpiece Ellipse, obeys this tasty advice. The electronic instrumentality, the unique falsetto-ey vocals, that underground yet theatrical feel, that thing she's holding in the album artwork...it all cries out "Imogen Heap". And yet I think I can safely say that since Speak For Yourself, Heap has grown and matured as an artist, even as she breaks the focus rule. And by focus rule, I refer to the rule that states that an artist should NEVER try to please all audiences. An artist should remain in one niche, not those stupid genre-blending/genre-creating bands. Those artists are cop-outs and often failures, and rarely do they get it just right to begin with.

Not so with Ellipse. Imogen Heap, while sometimes being labeled under 'pop', 'indie', and that ever-insulting 'female vocalist' (curse you Last.fm!!) tag, combines them in a way that is not disrespectful to any of the aforementioned groups of people. I feel like this album is a wonderful testimony to Heap's ability to reach out and enlighten many audiences. Definitely no sophomore slump here, with an eerie tone that draws you in and leaves you bewildered....but i'll stop rambling and let you torrent-ahem, experience it yourself.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Song-by-song:

First Train Home: This opening track, which happens to be the single off the album, has such an ethereal and warm sound that I already feel like i'm on a train going home before Imogen sings at all.

Wait it Out: I love the layered vocals in the back of this song. A slower but indeed beautiful song.

Earth: Again, awesome layering and looping by a musical genius. And I believe the whole song is simply acapella, but I could be wrong. If so, i've been hit by some truly majestic talent.

Little Bird: A quaint little song. What's funny is that Goldfrapp also has a song called Little Bird...this one is better. It's a bleak look, I believe, at the picket fence life.

Swoon: perhaps my favorite track off the album, and from the intro to the chorus, it has that spacey feel that only Imogen Heap can deliver.

Tidal: The lyrics in this song are amazingly crafted. And by now I feel that the album is a cry for someone to fall in love. (I listen to albums before I review them, but I like writing them as if i'm progressing through it the first time).

Between Sheets: "you and me between sheets, it doesn't get better than this" this is another low-key song, and fairly short, but good in its own right.

2-1: With an eerie intro, this song slowly draws you in...but I don't like its message "the gods lost 2-1" it seems to cry out our supremacy, and how "things are not always how they seem"...I think Heap is sucking divinity out of the universe in this song? I don't know, but don't like it that much.

Bad Body Double: A struggle between an alter ago. This song is really catchy, so be careful, SHE MIGHT BE A BAD BODY DOUBLE.

Aha!: I love the eerie tone of this song, almost reminiscent of a haunted carousel gone awry. A short but charming song.

The Fire: An instrumental, with a crackling fire in the background, sets the tone for closure to the album, opening to....

Canvas: This song is about not having the will or strength to save someone, a friend or relative i'm unsure. Not my favorite off the album, but still good to listen to.

Half-life: A very calm, closing song to the album. Heap knows how to end albums, with and aside from Frou Frou. I am very pleased with how the strings compliment the falsetto, and how it's very emotional, it's just perfect. Way to go Imogen Heap, you've nabbed yourself another fan.