Vanessa Carlton-Heroes and Thieves

Year: 2007
Record Label: Universal
Track Listing:
01. Nolita Fairytale
02. Hands On Me
03. Spring Street
04. My Best
05. Come Undone
06. The One (Feat Stevie Nicks)
07. Heroes & Thieves
08. This Time
09. Fools Like Me
10. Home
11. More Than This

Vanessa Carlton burst onto the music scene in 2002 with her hit single, “A Thousand Miles” and debut album Be Not Anybody. With such a fresh burst of talent that was reminiscent of Michelle Branch, it was almost expected that she would be the next big thing. However, instead, she seemed to fade into obscurity barely made a dent with her second album Harmonium and its single “White Houses”.

However, despite this, there was much hope for her third album, Heroes & Thieves, with some critics, including myself, remaining optimistic. While the album is bursting with plenty of fresh melodies, more than a tinge of her classic piano hooks, and confessional lyrics there is just a feeling that something is missing, a loss of the sparkle that was evident on Be Not Anybody.

In honesty, the sparkle on her first album has turned to a very dull shine. Don’t get me wrong Carlton is a brilliant musician with many accolades behind her. If that’s not enough, she has a crystal clear voice, is a brilliant pianist and has teamed up with the talents of Stevie Nicks and Third Eye Blind’s Stephen Jenkins.
However, all this can not hide the fact that the album is still…well boring.

The lyrics may be confessional, but they are also repetitive and saccharine at their best. While Carlton may have been going for a darker feel on this album, it is hard to aim for this when each song is sung in such an up-beat manner. In fact, I found it hard to differentiate the tracks from one another.

Having said that, there was one track that did catch my attention. The album’s title track, “Heroes & Thieves” is a perfect homage to New York City, and with uplifting melodies and pure heart, it stands out from the other tracks.
Unfortunately, while Heroes & Thieves may have well written lyrics, beautiful melodies that are sung equally beautiful, it does not stand out among the many other albums released this year.
In fact, it barely manages to show on the radar and neither will Carlton if she continues release music such as this.

Rating: H
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