Having never completely recovered from the demise of cable television’s Six Feet Under, and with it, probably the best series finale ever to grace the small screen, I often listen to Sia’s haunting song “Breathe Me.” Had it not been so perfect for the final scenes of the show, I may not love it quite so much. But it was, and I do.
Having said that, it’s been over two years since fans have heard anything from Sia. But that’s because she’s been busy working on a new album, which drops January 8, 2008, in the U.S. and Canada.
Two years plus is a long time. A lot can change in two years. Luckily, things often get better with age, and Sia’s vocal stylings are no different. Her new album, Some People Have Real Problems, features more smooth sounds and interesting arrangements, a mellow listen perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Among the album’s standouts are the first track, “Little Black Sandals”, and the slow songs “Day Too Soon” and “Soon We’ll Be Found.” The album is heavy on mellow tracks, including “Lentil,” “You Have Been Loved,” “Academia,” “I Go To Sleep,” “Death by Chocolate,” “Beautiful Calm Driving,” and “Lullaby.” The album is rounded out by three upbeat tunes, “The Girl You Lost to Cocaine,” “Playground,” and “Electric Bird,” and the hidden track, “Buttons,” which is both upbeat and playful.
Sia, a native Australian, was born in December 1975, and at the age of nine performed with her father’s band, The Soda Jerx, covering the song “Shimmy Shimmy Coco Bop.” After leaving home when she was older, Sia found herself in England, where she started singing with musical outfits such as Zero 7 and making two solo records. She then moved to Los Angeles, where she completed Some People Have Real Problems, an upbeat, quirky blend of lush arrangements fronted by a unique voice.
Some People Have Real Problems may not offer a mega-hit track along the lines of “Breathe Me,” but it does offer 14 tracks that Sia fans will enjoy. Hopefully, it won’t be another two-plus years until the next album.
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