Meredith Brooks named her album Deconstruction, but I’d say she seems to be feeling pretty good about life. After becoming a star for being a “Bitch”, she is back sounding sharp and spunky. The first track, “Shout”, is an anthem that will tickle you with its relevance. The anthems don’t stop there. “Lay Down [Candles In The Rain]” is a wound in the process of healing. Queen Latifah makes a guest appearance, but I could have done without her presence. Really, you hardly even notice her, so I guess I can say no harm, no foul. But you will notice the Crenshaw High School Choir perfectly backing Brooks as the song climaxes.
“Cosmic Woo Woo” has a great message, but the chorus sounds too silly. I mean, what on earth is a “cosmic woo woo” anyway? I like the message, “Be who you really are/ let everybody deal/ speak with your own voice/ just get real.” Perfect, right? Well, almost. Just as you are feeling it, the “cosmic woo woo” thing comes in and I’ve left the building.
“All For Nothing” is a nice rock ‘n’ roll track. Honest. “Bored With Myself” finds Brooks singing about something I know we can all relate to. “Careful What You Wish For” is just as good. It might not become a staple in your thoughts, but it is enjoyable nonetheless.
“Sin City” is as warm as the sunrise, while “Back To Nowhere” winds us down like a sunset. This is one of those albums I wouldn’t have spent my own money on if I’d had to choose, but that would have been my loss. Good music is good music, no matter your taste. The emotion throughout Deconstruction is living and breathing, but I think the name says a lot. We all reexamine our lives, but not all of us can say exactly what we find, as Brooks does.
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