Probably more than in any year prior, 2007 saw indie rock hipsters willfully and vociferously embrace strong female vocalists. Britney’s “comeback” with “Gimme More” notwithstanding, (No, Ms. Spears; you probably need less of whatever you’re ingesting to increase your level of crazy), it was the big-voiced, smart-writing, eye-catching women who captured our imaginations, the headlines, and the occasional commercial appearance. Ranging from Lily Allen’s snarky attitude and visa issues to Leslie Feist’s sweet pop sounds and iPod adverts, back to Amy Winehouse’s tremendous retro voice and substance abuse concerns, and then extending all the way to M.I.A’s surly, yet subtly striking snarl, women such as these held sway on as many critics’ Top Ten Lists as did their male counterparts.
Thankfully, that trend will be stretching into 2008, beginning with the beautifully poignant Some People Have Real Problems from Aussie songbird Sia. She first encroached upon the ears and hearts of pop fans in late 2005 when her song “Breathe Me” was played during the last episode of the hit HBO show Six Feet Under. And with this new release, Sia has firmly situated herself within the pantheon of female pop singers who are both critically acclaimed and popularly accessible. The record resonates with luxuriant instrumentation and sensitive, insightful lyrics, but it’s Sia’s sensual and enchanting vocals that carry each song. Standout tracks include “Day Too Soon,” “You Have Been Loved,” “Beautiful Calm Driving,” and “Academia,” which features guest vocals by Beck and the keynote lines of the album - “If I am a number, I’m infinity plus one. And if you are five words, you are afraid to be the one. If you are a number, you’re infinity plus one. And if I am four words, I am needing of your love.” Some People Have Real Problems is an album that will attract heaps of attention from fans of passionate, soulful, shudder-inducing vocals and intelligent pop songcraft.
-- Adam P. Newton
