Russian Red – I Love Your Glasses
The state of female singer/songwriters has changed quite a bit over the last ten or so years. Recently they have gone from being the empowered women of the nineties like Tori Amos, to being, well, Feist. I’m not sure if it is necessarily a bad thing, they are lot more relatable to anyone other than a twenty something who was recently dumped, and we certainly don’t have to deal with people like Ani Difranco and Alanis Morissette. Yet at the same time they are almost too ‘cute’ and have left themselves with no bite that actually made them popular in the first place. Well Russian Red seems to have found the best of both worlds with her Debut album I love Your Glasses.
Russian Red, the stage name of Lourdes Hernández, comes from Madrid Spain, and seems to have both the great elements of early and recent singer/songwriter. The songs have both the cuteness that is found with people today and the bite that was found ten years ago. The most impressive feat is that this Russian Red actually pulls this off without being annoying or pushy while still being, well cute.
The Songs themselves are usually very simple, even when there is more than just piano and guitar. It is all arrange in such a way as to emphasis her Beautiful voice, and amazing lyrics. Her voice may take a little getting used too, as can happen with anyone who has a unique voice, but it doesn’t take long. It is also incredibly impressive that despite English being her second language, Russian Red’s lyrics are absolutely stunning. Take for example the opening track “Cigarettes”, which is about how frustrated she is about all the time and money she spent on a guy that could have been spent on cigarettes, or “Take Me Home” which is about how a guy doesn’t realize she wants him to take her home. It is all very simple yet works very well at the same time.
Overall this album was in my list of best from last year, I honestly recommend everyone at least take a good listen to her. I was completely blown away once I heard her and the album has been on the top of my Itunes most played list since I found it.
Russian Red – Cigarettes
Russian Red – They Dont Believe
Russian Red – Take Me Home
Tags: album