Crowd favorite "100 Round the Bends" made its way onto the album as the second track, and is a pleasant musical shift from the piano-driven opening track. Featuring acoustic guitar, it has a hint of reggae on the edge of the pop-rock arrangement. The chorus talks about going "100 around the bends" in a car, and I have to wonder if that is in kilometers or miles? Regardless, the implication is that there is speed involved, and that it what the protagonist will use to vent his or her frustrations.
The acoustic guitar provides the dark groove threaded throughout the song "Secret," which ends with an unexpected twist that's even darker than initially implied. Similarly, the country waltz "Angela" is about the "other woman" and ends with an unexpected twist of the protagonist ruefully wishing to be more like her competitor.
The production on On A Clear Night is subtle and highlights Higgins' voice without making it too obvious that it has done so. It's a characteristic that is common for lyrically-focused music, and in the flood of flashy unsubstantial pop tunes that seems to never stop, it's refreshing to have something that grabs the listener and demands that attention be paid to the message. Clearly I am not the only music fan that feels this way, since Higgins' fall tour in the US sold out quickly.
Currently, On A Clear Night is available in the US only at Borders stores and in the iTunes music store. It will have a wider distribution in January 2008. If you like your music to have some substance and depth, and to have a long shelf life, then pick up a copy of On A Clear Night. You won't regret it.
Article comments
1 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites and Boston.com.
2 - Rushell Tl
This album is one of my favorites, the way she can convey her emotions through her voice gets me every time. I think this album is her best by far!
3 - Julee
Her voice is sultry. It's sexy. It warms my soul and makes me want to listen. I find myself humming along now and just relaxing.
I hadn't heard of Missy Higgins until about a week ago. Now, she is all that I play while driving or just relaxing. Her "On A Clear Night" is an amazing tribute to her voice.
I can't stop listening to her! Youtube would be a great place to experience her and then give more of her music a try.