Amiel- Audio Out

In 1998, Amiel enjoyed 5 minutes of fame thanks to Josh Abrahams' hit single Addicted To Bass. Audio Out is her own debut album, which was released five years later.

Let's get started with some musings about profanity, artistic purity and societal norms. A big factor in my decision to buy this album was probably the prominant naughty word in the chorus of the main single, Lovesong. These days, Chris Brown, Lady Gaga, etc are dropping "f*cks" and "c*nts" at the drop of a hat, but back then, it was still quite a big deal in pop music. And, like Radiohead's Creep (apart from the sanitised radio edit), I think Lovesong's use of profanity is a valid and mature artistic expression.

As for the rest of Lovesong, the bright and bouncy- yet bittersweet- style gives nice depth to the songs. As do the lyrics, where are humble and raw, like early Jewel. Normally the chorus would be far too saccharine for me, but it is saved by the line "another fucking lovesong". Oh, and the bridge is very strange! (but that's fine, it means it joins some esteemed company like Bush's Glycerine)

The other ten songs on the album, though, are not for me. This style of jack-of-all trades pop, such as Atomic Kitten simply isn't my cup of tea. The only other song with any appeal is Obsession (I Love You), even though it's embarrassingly close to Britney Spears' style. The appeal is mostly in the "mad scientist" style for the verses (ala Kate Miller-Heidke). And although the chorus is overly saccharine, it does nicely contrast the rest of the song.

However for someone whose debut song was called "Addicted to Bass", it is perplexing how even the heavier songs on this album are devoid of any proper bass. Unacceptable!

Favourite songs

Lovesong

I diggit?

That this review is sandwiched between 3rd-wave ska and Richard Cheese perhaps suggests that I am not the target audible for the album! So that I dig the single from it is an unexpected blessing.