Regina Spektor has just released her fifth full length album to much anticipation. It has been three years, after all, since the breakout Begin to Hope. Far gives us more of the same and it’s doubtful that fans will be disappointed.
Regina Spektor is back in fine form with Far and the first single to be lifted from the album is Laughing With. I would have expected Spektor to go with one of the faster paced tracks to really grab our attention and let us know that she’s back. Perhaps The Calculation, which is the first song on the record would have been a good one to go with. It’s fun and catchy and sweet like only Regina Spektor can be.
For me, Regina Spektor songs roughly fit into two categories: the ballads and the more upbeat tunes. While I do like all of her work, generally, the faster songs affect me more than the slower ballads as they seem to have a bit more spirit and really display a quirkiness and individuality that can be lacking in some of Spektor’s other songs. Having said this her vocals are always outstanding and she’s not afraid to show her versatility.
So, to the highlights on Far. As mentioned earlier, the opening track, The Calculation is favourite. Folding Chair has the lovely clunking piano well known in Spektor’s work as well some interesting marine animal impersonations. Dance Anthem of the 80s is also key heavy and probably the song on the album most likely to make you dance. Machine is almost industrial sounding (keeping it in perspective-we’re not talking early Nine Inch Nails here!) and affords Spektor to show us her vocal range. Two Birds is a sweet tale with the welcome addition of a brass section.
Far is a great new edition to Regina Spektor’s discography, one which fans won’t want to miss. If you like Far and haven’t experienced Regina Spektor before, I highly recommend checking out her previous four albums. There’s no word yet of her heading Down Under to tour for the album but I shall keep an eye out for any information.
Rating: B+
