Disco de Chantal Kreviazuk: “What If It All Means Something”

Somewhere along the line, "pop" became a dirty word for a lot of people. It wasn't ever thus. There was a time, when, say, Paul McCartney's "poppy" tendencies complemented the edgier Lennon material beautifully. Or Marty Balin's pop-soul effectively counterbalanced Grace Slick's experimentalism and Paul Kantner's bombast. I'm new to Chantal Kreviazuk's music, but I already can see (in the reviews posted below) that there are different camps even among her fan base, with some embracing this most recent album's pop sheen and others yearning for the simpler production and songwriting of her two previous albums.

Well, I am eager to hear some of the earlier stuff myself, but it's hard to believe that the gorgeous pop of her third album is somehow lacking. I understand why people want to compare her to Sarah MacLachlan and other Lilith ladies, but I keep hearkening back to a much earlier time. WHAT IF IT ALL MEANS SOMETHING reminds me of nothing so much as the Beatles circa "The White Album," a time when they were exploring the sonic possibilities of the studio and beginning to tailor their songwriting to same.

The songs are richly evocative, but still fundamenatally hooky pop. Somewhat prosaic titles ("Waiting," "Time," "In This Life," etc.) belie the intelligent lyrics and imaginative arrangements. I always try to avoid the standard critical line about there not being a "bad track on the album" (are there supposed to be?), but WHAT IF IT ALL MEANS SOMETHING? is a particularly satisfying record. Each song is not just pretty good, but heartfelt, inventive and memorable. Who could ask for more (and hope to get it)?

Interesting that some of the Amazon reviewers on this page talk about her "crystal clear soprano," while others complain about (or alternately, praise) her vocal "distortions." Can both be right? Sort of reminds me of the kind of commentary Cyndi Lauper, Kate Bush and other singers of considerable vocal and stylistic range often get. Yeah, they can sing pretty--and they also experiment with various degrees of harshness and distortion when they feel the songs call for it. Some will find Chantal Kreviazuk's vocal at least occasionally too mannered, but her affectations are honest artistic choices (agree with them or not), reflective of a thoughtful and intelligent artist.

Like Bush and Lauper, in fact, Kreviazuk is likely to develop a substantial cult following--along with a fair number of fair-weather fans who will remain reluctant to follow her wherever she chooses to go. But like Bush, Lauper--and, yes, the Beatles--hers is a restless artistic temperament. She will continue to grow and develop--that much is clear.

A music fan from Atlanta was asking where he could find "Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk. In response to his question, Chantal recorded it on the "Dawson Creek" cd as well as "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days" cd from the motion picture by the same name. Hope this helps in your search. FYI: She was also just featured on the reality show "First One To The Alter" and sang "Feels Like Home."

Chantal Kreviazuk finally released her new album WHAT IF IT ALL MEANS SOMETHING in Canada in November 2002 and later in the US just recently in April 2003. It's been a long three year wait since COLOUR MOVING AND STILL was released. Chantal fans will love this one. She opens with the inspiring song "In This Life". "Time" is my favorite song on the album, the arrangement and lyrics work well, very touching and beautiful song. "Flying Home" is a very sad, but beautiful song. "Ready For Your Love" and "Weight of the World" are a bit different for Chantal, trying new things, but very good. "Miss April" is a fun tongue in cheek song. If you are looking for the introspection found on her first album, try "Turn The Page". The title track is addictive with its chorus and "Julia" is a nice song about Julia Roberts. "Waiting" is a GREAT song featuring Michelle Branch on background vocals. I hope she breaks through to the US, she has so much talent. Give this one a try!

I've been a fan since I've heard "Surrounded" on her debut album "under these rocks and stones". All of her songs has that personal and honest quality. Although I miss the sound of her piano on this album, going to one of her concerts is totally

an other experience. She's not like any other artists on piano. We feel that she puts her heart into every song she performs. Every song is emphasized emotionally when she sings in front of you. I recommend you to buy this album and her two previous if you wanna hear real music that comes from the heart. This album, though, we feel like for the first time, she's allowing herself to really enjoy the moment and be happy. 10/10 you won't be disappointed!

What if it All Means Something totally surprised me since It's not my style of music at all, but I really loved it. Each and every song was different. I never found myself skipping through songs because they dragged on, on the same level. There was change and interest as the tracks progressed. I had initially gotten the cd because I liked "The Weight of the World". However, I was happy to find the other songs to be just as good or better. Chantal has the ability to sing different types of songs that evoke different moods. My favorite songs were "In This Life," "Time," "What if it All Means Something," and "I'm ready." the whole cd is really good though. Sometimes the lyrics were a bit repetative, but I really didn't mind, because the music was still great. I would recommend this cd to all who want to give it a try because you won't be sorry you did.