2008 Woodie Awards
Russian-born Regina Spektor releases quirky second album
Kristin Livingstone
Issue date: 9/21/06 Section: Arts
While the name Regina Spektor may not be foreign to most Smithies, the Russian-born artist edges one step closer to mainstream success with her second major label release "Begin to Hope." With a far more accessible sound than in previous albums, "Begin to Hope" showcases both Spektor's signature quirkiness and her uncanny ability to make the oddest nuances of life universal. Loyal fans may be surprised, but ultimately, the polished and well-rounded album is undeniably excellent.
The beginning half of the album is noticeably faster than the later portion, but nonetheless contains some of the more notable tracks. "Fidelity," the first single released off of the CD and the opening number, is a delightful song that is surprisingly catchy, polished and pop. Nonetheless, Spektor's voice itself never waivers from its trademark spontaneity. Another song leaning toward the pop spectrum is "On the Radio." This song however, is truly Regina Spektor at her finest. While it is easy enough to even sing along to, the songs lyrics are subtly disarming and honest. "On the Radio" explains love as something that you "stick into someone else's heart pumping someone else's blood/ And walking arm in arm you hope it don't get harmed/ But even if it does you'll just do it all again." This matter-of-fact optimism can be heard throughout the album and it's ultimately what sets Regina Spektor apart from the largely melancholy world of indie music.
Despite having several radio-friendly cuts, it would be hard for any fan to argue that Spektor has "sold out." "Begin to Hope" is still filled with all the elements of Spektor that audiences have come to love. From exclaiming "Remember that month I only ate boxes of tangerines? So cheap and juicy!" in "That Time," to bursting into haunting Russian verses in "Après Moi," there are plenty of charming surprises in the album. At first listen, however, the latter part of the record does seem to be considerably less entertaining than the first half. Certain songs such as "20 Years of Snow" aren't particularly great as the audience has heard enough of that sound already. Like most of Spektor's previous work, this album may be an acquired taste, but nonetheless one that gets better after every listen. In her own words, Regina Spektor's "Begin to Hope" will break your heart with "Sampson" but by the final song "Summer in the City," she'll have picked up the pieces.
The beginning half of the album is noticeably faster than the later portion, but nonetheless contains some of the more notable tracks. "Fidelity," the first single released off of the CD and the opening number, is a delightful song that is surprisingly catchy, polished and pop. Nonetheless, Spektor's voice itself never waivers from its trademark spontaneity. Another song leaning toward the pop spectrum is "On the Radio." This song however, is truly Regina Spektor at her finest. While it is easy enough to even sing along to, the songs lyrics are subtly disarming and honest. "On the Radio" explains love as something that you "stick into someone else's heart pumping someone else's blood/ And walking arm in arm you hope it don't get harmed/ But even if it does you'll just do it all again." This matter-of-fact optimism can be heard throughout the album and it's ultimately what sets Regina Spektor apart from the largely melancholy world of indie music.
Despite having several radio-friendly cuts, it would be hard for any fan to argue that Spektor has "sold out." "Begin to Hope" is still filled with all the elements of Spektor that audiences have come to love. From exclaiming "Remember that month I only ate boxes of tangerines? So cheap and juicy!" in "That Time," to bursting into haunting Russian verses in "Après Moi," there are plenty of charming surprises in the album. At first listen, however, the latter part of the record does seem to be considerably less entertaining than the first half. Certain songs such as "20 Years of Snow" aren't particularly great as the audience has heard enough of that sound already. Like most of Spektor's previous work, this album may be an acquired taste, but nonetheless one that gets better after every listen. In her own words, Regina Spektor's "Begin to Hope" will break your heart with "Sampson" but by the final song "Summer in the City," she'll have picked up the pieces.
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