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Amazon.com: Amy MacDonald is that proverbial old head on young shoulders, a Scottish singer-songwriter who, despite her tender 19 years, writes songs with the grace, wisdom, and proficiency of one with a score more on the clock. As influenced by the Libertines as by any venerable old folk hand, the eleven songs on This Is the Life combine a traditional, acoustic folk-rock sound with a youthful spirit and self-assured lyrics that veer between the observational and the confessional. "Poison Prince" is a jagged guitar strut dedicated to some Doherty-like bad boy, a song every bit as pathos-laden as the Libertines at their doomed, romantic best with a closing treatise to find "An upbeat song/So we can dance the night away," while "Mr. Rock & Roll" begins as a wryly withering jibe at some perennial party animals, but by the chorus has softened into a subtle, touching tale of human coupling. MacDonald's age doesn't seem to have been an impediment--"Youth of Today," reportedly written when she was 15, is one of the better tracks here, while "Footballer's Wife" is a clear-headed attack on vapid Barbie-doll celebrity that suggests this girl is very much on the right track. "Rolling Stone, here I come, watch out everyone/I'm singing my song," she sings on "Let's Start a Band." Let that be a warning to you. --Louis Pattison Amy MacDonald Photos
Customer Reviews:
- Breezy, upbeat folk-rock from a very talented singer-songwriter: Of all the "hit" albums to come out in recent years, this one definitely qualifies as a pleasant surprise. For once, a mature young artist writes and performs music that is enjoyable for all, not simply for the ever-desirable tween audience. Macdonald's deep, sophisticated voice is unquestionably one of her biggest assets (positive comparisons to The Cranberries' Dolores O'Riordan are well-deserved), and gives the entire record a very listenable quality that should suit a wide range of moods.
Her other major asset, as displayed by her obvious writing talent, is her brain. Although it's sad that the world of popular music has descended so far that sophistication and restraint become noteworthy qualities (particularly among female artists), that's the unfortunate reality of it and will hopefully allow her to continue to stand out among the crowd. I would not qualify "This is the Life" as revolutionary; for me, all of the tracks tended to blend together without much stylistic distinction among them. But given her youth, this is still an exceptional debut for Ms. Macdonald and will no doubt lead to much greater achievements in the future. - Celtic delights.: "This Is The Life" is a very folk like Celtic album, deep with roots and blossoming with some great song writing.
People will compare Amy with KT Tunstall (and in a way, also to the never forgotten young Tanita Tikaram), that's for certain, but did KT Tunstall write an album as good as this when she was at such a tender age? I think not.
Comparisons with KT are inevitable. For a start, they're both Scottish, articulate, gorgeous, gifted singer songwriters, produce beautifully balanced pop - and ooze attitude.
The only real difference is young MacDonald appears to care little for the Tunstall leg-warmers!
As said, there is also, certainly, a striking resemblance to the young Tanita in Scotland's bright new pop hope, another serious-minded teenager with the kind of husky, world-weary voice that can make even jolly songs about dancing sound really depressing (compare Tikaram's big hit "Good Tradition" to Macdonald's song about the "Barrowland ballroom").
Given how fast Macdonald's star is currently rising, it almost seems possible that she could do what Tikaram did back in 1988 with Ancient Heart - sell millions of albums (four million, in Tikaram's case) at the tender age of 19.
And needless to say I'm struggling to pick out one standout storming track, as the are all brimming with their own individual brilliance, but I'll persevere and give it a go.
"Let's Start A Band" will surely be a crowd favourite.
Amy is rock's latest bright young thing in UK and worldwide.
After a debut album packed full of lovely little musical gems, Amy is undoubtedly destined for the big time.
Complete with menacing trumpets and eerie mellow synths, "put a ribbon around my neck and call me a Libertine", gives us another clue as to her music loves.
MacDonald shows a panache for a slowie.
Her album contains two of the best slow-burners of the year so far : "Youth of Today" and "Run".
Outside these two charmers are the delightful singles "Poison Prince" and "Mr Rock and Roll".
Glaswegian Amy's first record has a whole array of brilliant tunes : she has shown maturity way beyond her years.
"This Is The Life" is not only a very apt title for Amy's debut attempt, but also a an album that is set to fly of the shelves very quick...
Made of Bricks
Drastic Fantastic
Back to Black
The Best of Tanita Tikaram - Best CD of the year, period: of course if you are into the Pussycat Dolls, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry etc you might not agree. But for anyone into great music this is one incredibly well written, well crafted, beautiful CD. And what a voice.
- Bring the coffee house home: I would describe her voice as a mix between Natalie Merchant & The Cranberries. Every now and again it reminded me of a calmer Alanis Morissette.
It's bright and very instrumental. The CD begins with a song that sounds like waking up in the morning and ends beautifully with a sign off song "The Road to Home."
Very folk, inspirational, and you can't help but tap your toes to every song. It makes me think of the music you hear in Starbucks while drinking your coffee and chatting with your friends.
My only complaint is that all the songs sound a bit alike and the lyrics are a little difficult at times to recognize. Overall I enjoyed the Cd.
- she is amazing: Amy is a great singer, her voice is powerful and very pleasant.
I love the song This is the Life, especially the acoustic version.
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