MISSY HIGGINS

The Ol' Razzle Dazzle

2012-07-20

This is Australian native Missy Higgins' 3rd album after a 5 year hiatus. She burned out for awhile and enrolled in Aboriginal studies at university and volunteered. Then she discovered the fans missed her and songs began pouring out again. It's worthy to note the first track "Set Me On Fire" was co-written by tunesmith Dan Wilson (of Adele fame) and Butterfly Boucher. "Hello Hello" is an upbeat catchy tune and "Unashamed Desire" begins moody and dark but evolves into pure pop. "Everyone's Waiting" is a compelling ballad that speaks to her return to writing/touring and is the best track on the album. "Temporary Love" evokes that 80s beat and "Watering Hole" features percussive bluesy notes with harmonica. Higgins said "Cooling of the Embers" was written due to her grandmother's slide to dementia and was a deeply personal song for her to write. Twelve songs coalesce into the heartfelt expression of Missy's return to performance and the validation of her art. Not a bad track here! - Pam VandeKerkhoff

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 06/2009

    LEVON HELM
    ELECTRIC DIRT

  • reviewed 07/2007

    EILEN JEWELL
    Letters from Sinners and Strangers

  • reviewed 02/2006

    THE MAMMALS
    Departure

  • reviewed 06/2008

    ROBERT FORSTER
    The Evangelist

  • reviewed 05/2010

    KRISTY HANSON
    Into the Quiet

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Lori McKenna
    Bittertown

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.