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The Way It Really Is (Release Date - August 10, 2004) Album Review Being one who never bought any of Lisa Loeb's previous CDs, (shame on me, you might be thinking), I have no extensive material with which to compare her latest and soon-to-be-released album, The Way It Really Is, which I was lucky enough to get my hands on ahead of time. That said, let me begin. I love it. I found the whole album cute and catchy the first time through, and now, tens of playings later, it's really grown on me. Based on "I Do" and "Stay", two songs I very much like and am familiar with from prior Loeb CDs, I would say much of this album has the same kick and likable melodies, and yet some songs, while still melodically pleasing, have a much darker feel. Some of the more poppy-sounding songs, like "I Control the Sun", "Fools Like Me" and "Probably" most follow the ilk of the two mentioned above, and are (unfortunately, only because the other songs are so great) the most likely to get radio airplay. They are upbeat and sweet with their simple, love-based lyrics. Others, like "Window Shopping" and "Now I Understand", two terrific choices as the first and last songs of the album, while still upbeat and catchy, have more clever lyrics. The first, semi-told through the point of view of clothing merchandise, alludes to a clever metaphor for dating: checking out, trying on, taking home, and bring back with some excuse, only to begin the cycle again. Plus, Loeb totally uses her voice and guitar to play up the sometimes ridiculousness of the whole scenario. "Understand" again tells about a love - both disappointment and hope - but has a slightly different take than most 'I'm over you' songs in that it doesn't refer to just one person or situation, but speaks generally about how life goes on, even after rejection. It is short, but lively and uplifting, as it takes you back to your first childhood heartbreak, and then back - heart safe and sound - to the present. On the darker side of this album, which I am particularly drawn to, partially because of the stories within, are "Hand Me Down", "Diamonds" and "Accident". The first of the three is the most intimate sounding, with Lisa's voice and acoustic guitar as the key instruments adding an edge to the already solemn tone of the piece. In the song, a woman has made a decision to leave a sour relationship, possibly one in which alcohol or other drug abuse was involved, and you can almost hear the hurt in Loeb's raw voice as she condemns the ex-partner on her way out. "Diamonds" has a much fuller sound with electric guitars and heavy percussion and is the the darkest of these three, not just in the musical tone, but in the lyrics which have a sharp, cutting bite as you're sucked into the violently dejected state of the characters. 'I can't remember when we've had such a bad time,' says it all. Finally, in "Accident", Lisa captures the less attractive side of human nature as she explores the marvel and curiosity people often take in the misfortunes of others. This song has the quietest sound on the album and the most unsteady melody which reflects the tone piece. "Try", "Will You Wander" and "Lucky Me", the remaining songs on the album, which for whatever reason didn't pull me in quite as much due to a lack of uniqueness, are still enjoyable and soothing to listen and sing along to, especially "Wander" with its more folk-like harmonies and guitar. -Sara Hamilton, July 9, 2004
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