Vanessa Carlton Album: “Be Not Nobody [UK Bonus Tracks]”

Vanessa Carlton's new album, Be Not Nobody, is nothing short of incredible. From the opening chords of "Ordinary Day" to the last trailing notes of "Twilight", Be Not Nobody is an album you won't be able to turn off.

Vanessa's amazing voice, stunning lyrics, and awesome piano playing make her seem much older than her 21 years. This album promises to make Vanessa a household name, but more than that, it plainly shows that she is more than just a young female singer-songwriter. She is a talented musician and that is evidenced by every note of every song on Be Not Nobody.

This album has ten original songs written by Vanessa and one cover. The ninth track on the album is an awesome cover of the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black". "Pretty Baby" is a total fan favorite and it's easy to see why. The melody and lyrics are so incredible! Other songs like "Unsung", "Sway", and "Paradise" promise to become favorites as well. "A Thousand Miles" is already a hit, having just recently reached the top ten on the Billboard Countdown. The next single, "Ordinary Day", is sure to do the same. Each of these songs speaks to the listener in a different way. Part of the beauty of this album is the way everyone can relate to it. My personal favorites are "Rinse" and "Twilight", but honestly, I would not be able to name a song that I didn't like. In each of the songs, the combination of lyrics and music is so awesome that it's impossible not to fall in love with this album.

Be Not Nobody is a breath of fresh air in a world that is bogged down by teeny-bopper, pre-packaged pop. The music is just so much more real. You should definitely buy this album, you will not be disappointed!

This sparkling, promising debut from Vanessa Carlton is a great listen from start to finish. All of the songs, with the except of the rocking cover of "Paint It Black," were written by Vanessa herself, who lends her vocals and piano to every track. She is accompanied by a band of talented musicians, and the orchestra arrangements are simply beautiful. Four stars to this stellar album.

The first track "Ordinary Day" begins with a girl and her piano. Very simple, very basic - and then as the song progresses, as the story develops, more instruments come in and help the tune build to a full sound. "Day" is one of many songs on the album that will make you look up at the night sky with renewed appreciation.

"Unsung" is one part rock, one part jazz. This track, with piano akin to Tori Amos or Fiona Apple, is at the opposite end of the spectrum from "Day." Already we hear that Vanessa has a range of song styles.

"A Thousand Miles," the first single, has become a hit in its own right. From the catchy chorus ("If I could fall / Into the sky / Do you think time / Would pass me by?") to the emotional refrain, the song will get you hooked. It flows well into the next song, "Pretty Baby," which is the most mainstream pop song on the album. "Pretty baby / Don't you leave me / I have been saving smiles for you." It is a nice romantic ballad without being too sugary sweet.

"Rinse" may very well be my favorite song on this album. It's louder, it's rougher. The story is not a happy one, reminding us that "...everything happens for reasons that she will never understand." It could be about an unhappy relationship, confining if not abusive. It's a dark melody.

Another steadily moving piece is "Sway," a breath of fresh air, a happy time. Again, we go right into the flip side with "Paradise," about losing hope and giving in. In a word: sad.

"Prince" picks things up again. The lyrics describe running, and the quick, upbeat music lends to that motion. "Willing and able to run..." Undoubtedly another standout track. The fury continues with the cover of "Paint It Black." Rolling Stones fans will like this new take on an old classic.

Longing is expressed throughout "Wanted" -- "I am more than you will see / I am more than you will need / I am more than you will see / More than wanted." The rolling piano is beautiful; you will want to set this song on repeat for that alone.

The album ends with "Twilight," which begins with a hollow, empty feeling and turns into strength and belief. This emotional album ends with an optimistic note: "And I will never see the sky the same way / And I will learn to say good-bye to yesterday / And I will never cease to fly is held down / And I will always reach too high 'cause I've seen / 'Cause I've seen / Twilight."

I love this album. I can't stop listening to it. Here's a short summary of the songs:

"Ordinary Day"--Amazing. With her lyrics you can actually *see* her talking to the boy in the song, waking up and wondering if it's a dream... It's an inspiring, uplifting song.

"Unsung"--The opposite of Ordinary Day. She's upset, but coping well, about an unrequited love. Very fast and not your typical sad song.

"1000 Miles"--longing for a love that she can't see. Although if you're looking at her album reviews, you should know this one.

"Pretty Baby"--Not a typical song. It's a cute love song with no overdone sweetness. But there *is* a twist at the bridge...

"Rinse"--I LOVE THIS SONG. She loves someone who she can't love. Very haunting; it stays with you long after it's over.

"Sway"--Kind of arabian, kind of melodic. But nevertheless very catchy. Again, a bad love.

"Paradise"--Next to Rinse, this is my favorite also. Ever wonder how people can be sad when they seem to have "everything"? That's what this song is sort of about. "And it's one more day in paradise/One more day in paradise..."

"Prince"--Like mentioned before, this song's melody matches the lyrics about running. Addictive.

"Paint it Black"--I love this one too. It reminds me of the POV of a Goth girl that people just stereotype.

"Wanted"--Think 1000 Miles' piano was fast? Try this one. Unbelievable. Longing. Hope. Very astonishing song.

"Twilight"--Just listen. I love the chorus.

So get this album, and listen to it over and over again. It's unbelievable...

Music fans everywhere were patiently waiting for Vanessa Carlton's debut album to drop. They had no choice, because "A Thousand Miles" came out way back in January (at least), yet this album didn't come out until almost four months later. That was worrying some people because many times when a female artist pushes an album back that far, the end result isn't that outstanding. Fortunately, that's not the case here.

Be Not Nobody is an interesting album full of inventive singing, creative lyrics and, of course, Vanessa's exceptional piano work. The rhythmic "Unsung" is your basic how-do-I-tell-him-how-I-feel song, and "Twilight" is a rather emotional tale of the end result when she doesn't reveal her true feelings. "Paradise" is similar to "Twilight" except it's about another woman's lost chance, while a mellow feel-sorry-for-yourself message can be found in "Paint It Black". Also be sure not to miss the cool melody of the best track, "Pretty Baby".

The music is something else that shouldn't be ignored. Vanessa especially shines on "Wanted" (where the man thinks she's too good for him), but all instruments work well together on the catchy "Sway", where the synthesizer is rediscovered.

One thing people should keep in mind is that Vanessa's singing should not be taken lightly. Because of this, some people may argue that she can't sing. But with this style of music, you have to remember that there's a little bit of rock mixed in. With that said, you should go get this album.

Vanessa Carlton's "Be Not Nobody" proves that she is not just anybody. The 21-year-old phenom comes with hard to forget melodies and inspiring lyrics. You will quickly see that "A Thousand Miles" is not the only hit on the record. "Ordinary Day" has the potential to be even greater than her first single. It's about time we found a pop princess with genuine talent--the kind of girl that writes her own songs and plays her own instrument. Her classical piano training is evident on her record; but when she lays her catchy lyrics over the music, it's hard to quit singing. Vanessa's sweet, innocent voice gives you the chills. With such a wide variety of emotions on the album, it's incredible to think that a 21-year-old created this masterpiece. While most young adults are busy partying with college friends, Vanessa shows a gift that very few people possess. Her talents are developed years beyond her age--21 has never been so mature.