 | Jewel
0304
label: Atlantic
released: 06.03.03
our score: 3.0 out of 5.0
| While
many Jewel fans are busy debating the merits and losses of the
regressive move the singer made from alt-folk hero to bubble-gum
pop singer, on its own accord 0304 is a solid, fun pop-album
in line with the best works of Britney, Shakira, and the modern
Madonna. 0304 provides fourteen ample pop/dance tracks
laden with traditional feminine subject matter: love, heartbreak,
and strength, as seen through a teenybopper’s eyes. The
album does not reach the spiritual depth of Jewel’s previous
work, as this album has her metamorphosing into a more simple,
surface level diva.
0304
is produced by Shakira’s producer Lester Mendez, which tells
you all you need to know about the album’s direction. Most
of the tracks, like “Stand” and “2 Become 1,”
serve up pleasant dance beats with catchy lyrics that move the
songs along smoothly, and fans will be pleased to see her display
the rich lyrical strength that has become her trademark on “2
Find U.” However, while I don’t want to start any
conspiracy theories, the chorus of the lead radio track “Intuition”
sounds an awful lot like Siouxsie & the Banshees’ “Peek-a-boo”.
Just throwing it out there, you be the judge.
The album delivers punchy entertainment
but fails to provide much musical depth or artistic creativity.
For an artistic change in direction, Jewel chose the safest, most
traveled route. If you were captivated by Jewel’s previous
soulful work, leave this one on the shelf, but if you happen to
own the soundtrack from Dawson’s Creek, this is a perfect
fit for your collection.
23-Jun-2003
9:07 AM
If you
liked 0304... |
Tracklist:
1.
Stand
2. Run 2 U
3. Intuition
4. Leave The Lights On
5. 2 Find U
6. Fragile Heart
7. Doin' Fine
8. 2 Become 1
9. Haunted
10. Sweet Temptation
11. Yes U Can
12. U & Me = Love
13. America
14. Becoming |
|
